Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

i.
“Gabrielle Jr, you’re up after Jonah.”

“Oh god, Dad I don’t think I can do this,” Gabby whimpered, panic setting in. He’s been nervous for an hour now, watching all the other actors walk in and come out.
“You’ll do amazing. Just do what you know best.” Gabrielle smiled, “Go in there and absolutely blow their minds.”
“But what if I’m not what they’re looking for?” Gabby sighed. He looked at the sheet his agent gave him, the role reading, ‘Raphael Hamato’.
“Junior, I’m proud of you for trying. You’ve made it so far, you can’t tell me you think you’re shit at acting when you’ve been in so many award-winning films.” Gabrielle said, placing a hand on the top of his son’s shell, softly shaking it, “You got this, big man.”

“Gabrielle Junior, you’re next.”

Jonah came out of the room, sighing as he dragged his feet back to his parents.
“Breathe in,” Gabrielle whispered, “and breathe out.”
Gabby did just that, standing up and entering the room.

“Hello!” Gabe smiled, making his way over to the marked spot on the floor. He took note of the accompanist and the camera pointed at him.
“I am Gabrielle Junior Gray, I’m 15 years old.” He nodded, and stated the agency he worked with.
“Hello, Gabrielle, nice to meet you. We’ve got a script for you to read off of,” the woman smiled, “Let’s get this started, shall we?”

“When you tell Mikey that, if he doesn’t take out the trash, a trash monster will eat him in his sleep?”
“I only do that because you guys are irresponsible!” Gabby said with a defensive tone, “I can’t trust you to do simple stuff, like, show up for a mission!” He turned to the group, “And not. Eat. POISON.”
“What poison? I don’t feel anything.”
Whipping his head to the right side of the group, he checked what came next on the script, “Meat Sweats put a mystic toxin in—… Are you sweating?”

“Could you do line 2?”
“Okay Raph, you’re a little lost. A bit scared, and very alone.” He said gesturing with his hands. He paused for a minute, “Time to panic!” He whimpered, looking around nervously.
“Okay, good. Can you do that again but with more… Anxiety in your voice?”
“Gotcha.” Gabby nodded, taking a second to breathe. Redoing the scene, he kept in mind to keep his hands closer to his chest. The faces of those watching made him a bit nervous, causing Gabe to genuinely panic and affect his acting. He blanked, loudly breathing in and out to try and regulate his breathing. He sighed, opening his eyes a bit only to see the same unimpressed faces. “Time to PANIC!” He screamed, pure fear in his voice. “PANICKING, PANICKING, PANICKING!” He’s 90% sure his family could hear him through the wall.
“Perfect!”

“Could you perform your chosen song?”
“Yeah, I can.” Gabby smiled, shaking hands with the accompanist and giving a brief explanation to how the song should be played. Humming the tune for the accompanist, he then used his hand to count in, ‘1, 2, 3, 4’.

“Here we are in the future, here we are in the future and it’s bright!” Gabe started, using his hands to truly act out what he’s singing.
.
“And now I saved the world, not just that, the whole galaxy saved, we did it!” Swinging his arms out, he looked at the table of people, “Here we are in the future!”
He nodded to the accompanist, signaling he was finished.

“Well, thank you, Gabrielle, for coming in.”

The snapping turtle nodded before heading out, bursting into tears almost immediately.
“Oh, I fucked up, I fucked up dad! I completely butchered it!” He sobbed, hitting his head against his dad’s plaston.
“Woah woah! Junior, you didn’t fuck up anything!” Gabrielle exclaimed, “I have a good feeling about this son, don’t make assumptions so fast!” Gabby just sobbed louder, hugging his dad like his life depended on it. “Hey, c’mon big guy, let’s go home alright? We can watch your favourite movie!” He smiled, peeling his son off of him to hold his shoulders, “You did amazing, and I’m proud of you for giving it your all.”

ii.
“Baneen, you’re gonna do great! Stop carving a circle into the ground with your pacing,” Theodore laughed, pulling his son into a chair, “you’re going to tire yourself out before you get in there.”
“Dad I’m really fucking scared,” Tobias shook his leg while leaning against his dad’s arm. Theodore patted his head, “Oh c’mon now. I’m really impressed with how far you’ve come, they’re going to adore you.”

“Tobias Gray?”

“Oh, you’re up, you got this Toby, I’m here for you no matter what,” Theodore smiled, patting his son’s carapace as Tobias stood up and made his way into the room.
Putting on his best smile, he waved to the group, “Hi! I’m Tobias Gray.”
“Tobias Gray? Theodore’s kid?” One of the women asked.
“Mhm! Theodore Gray is my father,” He clarified.
“Well then! How old are you, Tobias?”
“I’m 14!” He smiled, stating the agency he works with.
“Good to know! Let’s see what you got.”

“I knew I shouldn't have bet on red.”
“I may be bald,” Tobias smirked, leaning forward while putting a hand to his chest, “but call me the hare because I smoke tortoises!” He put his hands on his hip, looking back at the group assessing his audition.
“Could we see that again, but with heavy confidence and a bit more gesturing?”
“For sure!” Tobias smiled, resetting his position on the mark. He leaned forward with a confident smirk, “I may be bald, but call me the hare because,” He leaned back, pointing at the group before crossing his arms and shifting his weight onto one leg, “I smoke tortoises.”
“Yes, that! Exactly!”

“Which one will you choose?”
“Give him the bugs, just give him the bugs!” Tobias panicked, the pitch in his voice wavering.
“And then you’re dropped off a building, could you scream without tipping into—“
“With my last breath, I told you soooo!” Tobias interrupted, drawing out the ‘o’. He looked at the table of people, his grin falling as he realized his mistake, “O-oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t… I should’ve…”
The woman looked down at her sheet and to the person on her right, before writing something down on her paper. “Well, we will for sure keep that noted.”

“Could we see you perform Fearless Hero? Your chosen song?”
“Oh, ho ho! Sure you can!” He smiled, looking at the small band, counting them in. Starting his song, he might as well go all out like he does in his bedroom, practicing for this exact audition.
“Who’s brave and ready for trouble?” He leaned to one side of the table, hand on the ledge as he raised a brow. Pushing himself off, he moved to the other side while holding his chin with his thumb and pointer finger, “Who is so unbelievably humble?” While gesturing for the non-existent crowd to chant louder.
Making his way back to the marked spot in the room, he sang the next part as dramatically as he could, “Who is your favourite, fearless hero?” He spread his arms out, looking around as if there were thousands watching. “Who is your favourite, fearless hero?”

Continuing his song with as much energy as he could muster up, he finished off with a dramatic pose. Panting, he slightly bowed.

“Thank you, Tobias Gray, for auditioning.”

Making his way out Tobias nearly passed out and face planted on the floor, “Toby! Tobias, are you okay?” Theodore caught him, quickly shifting his son to look at him.
“You were so right, I shouldn’t have paced around like that before my audition,” He laughed, wrapping his arms around his dad’s neck and deciding that now, he wants a nap.
“My god… What am I going to do with you?” Theodore laughed, standing up while carrying his very exhausted child out the door.

iii.
“You feelin’ okay?” Felix asked, lightly rubbing his son’s softshell.
“Barely,” Jasper sighed, drinking from his water bottle, “I’ve never auditioned for a leading role, this is…”
“Nerve-wracking.”
“Yeah,” Jasper sighed, “What if I embarrass myself?”
“You won’t embarrass yourself. If anything, they’ll prefer you to go all out.”
“I know… But you get what I mean,” Jasper sighed, straightening his back.
“Yeah, yeah. But you made it this far, I’m proud to say I’m your dad, I always brag about it,” Felix smiled, “genuine.”
“Awh, dad,” Jasper laughed, “I love you but that’s really cheesy.”
“It's ‘grate’ support, no?” Felix snickered, laughing as his son loudly groaned.
“Dad, puh-lease! A minute of peace would be nice,” Jasper smiled, leaning against his dad’s arm, “I think I got this, I rehearsed the cold read a billion times.”

“Jasper Gray?”

“Well, You’re up kid. Don’t sweat it,” Felix turned Jasper to look at him, “Uncle Theo and Mike say your acting is phenomenal. You got this. No matter what, I’m so damn proud of you.”

Jasper smiled, taking a deep breath in, “Thanks dad.”

Walking right into the room, he looked around, deciding to nod his head in respect, and shaking his hand with the accompanist.
Finding his spot on the red mark, he glimpsed at the camera before looking at the group, “I’m Jasper Gray and I’m 14 years old.”

“Well, that’s a good agency to work with,” A man replied after Jasper finished, “Let’s see what you can do.”

“Hey. I got something. Like a, uh…”
“Uranium! Oh we should absolutely ask for uranium!” Jasper gasped, a hand holding his chin in thought while the other supported his arm, “I mean, if I could finally get my hands on a little of that, we would be virtually unstoppable!”

“Could you do that again but… On the verge of being unhinged?” (help me its 8:30am i dont know how to describe it)
“O-oh! Yeah! I got it,” Jasper smiled, resetting himself.
“Hey. I got something. Like a, uh…”
“Uranium!” Jasper yelled, using his whole body he bent his legs and brought his elbows in, “we should abso-LUTELY ask for uranium!” He brought himself forward, squeezing his eyes shut, “I mean, if I could get my hands on a little of that, we would be virtually unstoppable!” He opened his eyes, looking at the group for any indication of dissatisfaction. They wrote something down and looked back at him.
“Wonderful. Could you do your second line?”

“What do they do in the movies?”
“They find that perfect outfit!” Jasper started with a thinking tone, bringing in some of that dramatic gesturing he had done for his first line. He shifted his body sideways and pointed a finger towards the group, “you know the one I’m talking about! The one that just pops and says,” he didn’t rehearse poses. Panicking, he pulled some iconic moves from a current anime he’s watching, “You might have thought of me as some country bumpkin, but now with my hair down,” he twisted his torso and threw his arms out, ending off his line. “I’m awesome.”

Looking at the group, they were hard to read. Writing something down once more, they looked back up to him, and Jasper knew it was time for them to test his singing range since the accompanist was shifting some music sheets around.

“Your chosen song is pretty difficult, let’s see what you got.”
Jasper nodded, quickly made his way to the pianist and told him which bar to start at. He rehearsed that part thousands of times, so humming the tune and counting the pianist in wasn’t hard.
“A melody floats through the air, when silence falls, does no one care?” Jasper started. He knew starting at this part of the song would be difficult, but auditions can’t last too long, and he wanted to impress the room.

“Now all that said and done, isn’t there anyone to tell me who I am?” Jasper sang with his whole heart. Panting a little, he made sure to incorporate that with his emotions. “Like John I’ll be, eternally, a forgotten name. Some lost refrain, just Jane…”

Taking a deep breath, “Jane,” Good run,

“Doe…”

Ending off his last note, he nodded back to the accompanist as his thanks. Good, it went how I wanted it to go. No voice cracks, nothing.

“Well, thank you, Jasper Gray.”

Smiling, he made his way out of the room and immediately clung to his dad’s arm, “It went how I wanted it to go! The song!”
“Really? That’s wonderful! Your voice is amazing, were they blown away or what?” Felix asked, patting his kid’s head.
“Well, they have to stay neutral,” Jasper laughed, “But I have a feeling they were happy with what they got!”
“Ah, I see. Your Uncle Theo always came home and boasted about how ‘he’s probably the best they’ve ever seen, he saw it on their faces’.” Felix chuckled at the fond memories, “But I honestly think that was him getting his hopes up, your uncle was a little shit when he was your age,” He shook his head before turning to Jasper, “how about we get some dinner? Something nice since you put your all into this audition.”
“Really? Can we go to a hotpot?” Jasper gasped, jumping up and down and doing small tappies with his feet, “I’ve been wanting hotpot for a while now!”

Felix let out a laugh, taking his keys out, “Sure thing, Jazz. We can go to hotpot.”

iv.
“I want to go home,” Max whined, “I don’t think I’m good for this role, momma!”
“Oh shush, Max, you’ll do great! You’ve been hyped for this for a long while, you’ll regret it if you walk out now!” Michael exclaimed, patting the box turtle’s carapace, “… and did you just call me mom?—“
“The other cousins already did their auditions and they said that it’s scary! What if I fuck up because of stage fright?”
“Okay, first off, language. Second, they’re always like that! Just do what you’ve been doing, ignore if they look unimpressed or not. They only look like that because they don’t want to indicate if you got the part or not. It has nothing to do with your performance,” Michael put his arm around his son’s shoulders, pulling him closer, “I think you got that ‘mom’ habit from Jasper—“
“You’re right!” Max stood up suddenly, a small yelp coming from Michael, “I can do this! Just gotta… Razz my tazz!” Max said, hands on his hips.

“There you go!” Michael smiled.

“Max Gray, you’re next!”

“Well, good luck, remember to just do what you do best.”

Shaking out the nerves through his hands, he made his way in front of the group. “Hello! I’m Max Gray, and I’m 13!”

“Oh, you’re Michael Gray’s kid, I recognize that agency and last name,” one of the women smiled, “wonderful, well, show us what you got.”

Looking over his lines one last time, Max began his performance, “Bullhop, we’re friends, so this will be very easy to say.” Max smiled, clasping his hands together. He took a second to breathe in, his face and body only taking a near millisecond to switch up, “YOU GOT TO GO!” He yelled, bringing out some rasp in his voice like he usually does when yelling at his cousins, “HIT THE BRICKS, SLOPPY!”

Max resumed his cute nature, holding his hands behind his back as he was satisfied with the wide eyes and slight flinches he got from the group. They nodded and wrote something down, gesturing for him to move onto the next line.

“We want you to have some… pizazz, in your voice as well. May we see you incorporate that into your acting?”
“‘Razzmatazz’ is what I do best!” Max pointed to himself, pretending he has a phone in his hand.
“Razzmatazz. I like that.” The woman nodded, writing on her paper.
“For a big dude, Raph’s got some swe-et moves!” Max popped his hip out, “Suh-LAY!”

“And your musical performance?”
“Gotcha,” Max held a thumbs up. I hope this is going well. Before he started, he let the accompanist know what bar he wanted to start at. “My head is saying, ‘fool, forget him’,” Max made sure to concentrate on his voice, his hands either slowly raising up and down, or on his chest.

Carrying through and hitting every note, his nerves calming down and settling into a warm feeling into his heart. He loved singing and this was no different than the karaoke nights he and his cousins had often. “Hopelessly devoted to you.”

“It was nice to meet you, Max Gray. Thank you for coming in,” The woman said.
“Thank you for having me! Have a wonderful day!” He called, grinning wide and waving with his whole arm while making his way out. His smile is contagious, leaving the room a little lighter than it was before.

“I think it went well!” Max smiled, stretching. “I am very tired though.”
“I told you to take a nap an hour before the audition, no?” Michael laughed, a hand on his son’s carapace as they walked out.
“Yeah, but y’know, I have to follow through with my teenage duties and doubt everything my father says, even though he’s been in this field since middle school.”

Michael laughed aloud, shaking his head in amusement, “Well, you’re very good at it. And I’m sure you were phenomenal in there.”

Chapter Text

Theodore laughed with his brothers, giving them a quick side hug and a rough hit on their shells as they watched their kids shriek with joy.

“Tobias, stop shaking me!” Jasper complained, his grin contradicting his tone, “Uncle Theo, tell him to stop!”
“Toby, stop shaking the poor boy, you’re knocking his brain around.”
“I got accepted for the Leonardo role!” Tobias shrieked again, “oh my god! I’m so damn excited!”
“I got the Raphael lead, hell yeah!” Gabby exclaimed, high-fiving Tobias.
“You should’ve seen Jasper,” Felix sighed, “nearly tore my door off the hinges after getting off the phone.”

“Who do you think got the April O’Neil role?” Max asked, looking at the younger softshell.
“I saw Cora Daphine auditioning for the April!” Tobias exclaimed, pushing against his dad’s shell, “There’s no way she didn’t get the role! She’s amazing in every show she’s been in!”
“She was incredible in ‘Last Man Standing’!” Jasper exclaimed, “She carried that whole show I swear!”
“Huh? What show?” Felix looked at his kid, “Is it that zombie one I catch you watching at like, 4am in the morning?” His son nodded his head fast.

“Oh, she’s the one that played Jonathan’s son in ‘Dead Family’, y’know… Uhhhh…” Gabrielle started, snapping his fingers before pointing at Michael, “Oh! Zara!”
All the dads in the room ‘Ohhh!’ed and nodded.
“Yeah, she’s funny as fuck man, I saw she improvised most of her lines, actually. She’s a really good actress.” Theo took another sip of his coffee before his son slapped his arm off the armrest of his chair.
Tobias sat himself on the armrest before turning to Max, “Aren’t you a big fan of her work?” He asked.
“I am! I really enjoy her livestreams on Insta, she’s hilarious!” He smiled, “I’m not going to get my hopes up though.”

“Doesn’t this call for a celebration?” Jasper smiled, opening his mouth to say something before his son screamed.
“HOTPOT?” He asked, “are we going to a hotpot restaurant?”
“What is with you and hotpot?” Felix laughed, looking at his brothers.
“Oh my GOD, I completely forgot hotpot was a thing! We have to go now!” Gabby squealed, shaking his dad, “pretty please?”
“Uncle Theo, tell him to stop,” Gabrielle teased, getting a glare from Jasper.

“One,” Theodore pointed to Felix, “no idea. Toby was obsessed with this one salad for like 4 weeks and never ate it again after that. Two,” Theo looked at Gabby, “keep shaking him, or don’t. It’s not like he’s got anything up in that skull to shake around.”
“Hey!”
“Three, hotpot is closed, the only place that comes to mind right now is ‘Run of the Mill’ restaurant.” Theodore said, getting various groans.

“They have pizza.” All of a sudden, he’s the smartest turtle to ever exist.

“I would really like a pineapple pizza right about now,” Jasper hummed.
“Ew, you’re so weird,” Tobias scrunched his face, ignoring his cousin’s glare. “I personally prefer the Meat Lovers.”
“Eugh, too much for me,” Jasper shivered, hating even the mention of it.
“This is why you got no friends,” Tobias sneered.
“Tobias!—“
“This is why you’re single!” Jasper spat back, causing all the fathers in the room to cover their mouths and cousins’ jaws dropped, including Tobias.

“Well—“ Theodore had to take a minute to not burst out laughing, “what are we waiting for?”
—
“Hey, I’m gonna head to the bathroom for a sec, yeah?” Tobias tapped Jasper’s shoulder, “if you guys need to order, get me a Meat Lovers.” Jasper physically gagged at the mention, and received a stuck out tongue as a response. They had chosen a booth, kids on one side and fathers on the other. Gabrielle and Gabby at the wall, Theodore and — currently in the bathroom — Tobias at the end, leaving the other four in the middle.
“Isn’t this great?” Max squealed, “we’re going to be stars!”
“Man, I can’t wait! I loved TMNT as a kid,” Gabby laughed, “it felt like an honour to be a turtle!”
“Totally! I’m actually going to be Donatello, my favourite!” Jasper sighed, kicking his feet under the table and hitting his dad’s shin.

“Hello! I’m Rae, and I’ll be your server for tonight!” A white bunny came up, smiling, “how are you folks tonight?”
“Well, we’re very good! We’re actually celebrating!” Gabrielle smiled, “My boy and nephews had just gotten new roles in a show!”
“Oh! That’s wonderful! I think I’ve heard of a new show coming out!” Rae smiled, looking right at Michael and his jaw dropping. “No. Way. You’re Michael Gray! I’m such a big fan of your work in ‘38 Years’! You were incredible!”
“Awh, jeez. Thank you!” Michael laughed, nodding his head in thanks.
“You were the reason why I wanted to be an actor! I just moved here from a very small town, so hopefully I can make it here in the big city,” Rae smiled, “well, before I get ahead of myself, what drinks can I get you all for tonight?”

“Ah, eight waters please,” Felix smiled.
“Two cokes, one rootbeer and one orange soda,” Gabby shyly asked, “I think Tobias would want a coke?”
“Uh, no, I’d like an orange crush,” Tobias blurted right beside Rae, “I’m kidding, a coke would be nice, thank you.”
“Gotcha—” Rae grinned, glanced at Tobias, looking down at his notepad and taking a double-take, “What the hell.”
“I—I’m sorry?” Tobias nervously chuckled, “Is something wrong?—“
“You’re that kid actor on the cover of Vogue!” Rae shook his fists up and down, “oh I loved you in ‘Together Forever’! Beautiful voice you have!”
“O—oh! Oh! Thank you so much! I didn’t think anyone watched that movie!” Tobias giggled, sitting down.
“Honestly, the best part about that movie was you, everything else kinda sucked,” Rae mumbled the last part, getting a nod of agreement from Tobias and Jasper, “Alright, before I get distracted once again, what can I get for ya?”
“I think the boys want pizza, no?” The larger snapping turtle asked.

“Just plain cheese please!” Gabby exclaimed, looking at Max.
“Pepperoni!” The box turtle smiled, “put plain cheese and pepperoni as half and half, I can’t eat a full pizza.” He looked to Gabby for his opinion and got a nod back, letting him know that he was okay with that too.
“Pineapple,” Jasper squinted at Tobias, a smirk on his face, “and make that half and half with… Eugh, Meat Lovers.”
“No. No! Do not put that disgrace of a food against mine!” Tobias pointed at Rae, “you gotta agree that pineapple is weird on pizza! It’s a fruit!”

“Is… Tomato… Not a fruit?” Rae questioned, looking between the turtles at the table, “If anything, you’ve technically been eating a mashed up fruit on a pizza your whole life.”
A second of silence passed before everyone but Tobias howled with laughter, hitting the table or each other’s arms.
“Oh, he got you there!” Felix wheezed out, pointing at Tobias. Said turtle folded his arms and pouted, his attitude clashing with the wide grin on his face. Rae smiled, writing down the rest of the order before dashing away to the front area to tap in their order.

Tobias looked over, seeing the restaurant in an absolute rush hour. He glanced at Rae, arranging their waters into a circle around the edge of the tray before placing the four sodas in the middle. The bunny then got another tray of drinks and set it on top, “No way.” Tobias whispered.
“What?” Jasper asked, trying to see what Tobias was seeing. The softshell leaned forward, hand placed on Tobias’s shoulder.
“Our waiter,” he whispered, “there’s no way he’s about to—“
Just before he could finish his sentence, the two watched Rae pick up the stack of trays. Their 12 drinks balancing a tray of 7 drinks on top. They then watched Rae hold his arm out and have two meals balanced on his arm.
“That’s going to be a fucking disaster,” Jasper whispered, gaining the attention of the table, “no way that’s going to survive.”
“Fuck, I don’t think I can watch,” Tobias whined, “the second-hand embarrassment would be too much, and he’s really cute too.”
“You think our waiter is cute?” Gabby asked, amusement in his voice.
“Yeah! I wouldn’t mind going on a date with him,” Tobias shrugged, unaware of his dad’s surprised look to Felix. The older softshell just chuckled quietly before shaking his head.

They all watched as Rae nodded to the skeleton man, before quickly dashing off. “Holy shit? He’s obviously done that before, because at that speed he would’ve dropped everything by now,” Max said, complete amazement in his eyes.
“Language,” all the dads said, in unison. They looked at each other before Jasper and Tobias' jaws dropped, watching Rae easily set down the two plates with ease. The bunny had just bent his knees and swiftly spun them towards a couple who were the last ones in their party waiting. Rae nodded and made his way to another table, taking the tray at the top and setting it down.

“The absolute skill,” Jasper whispered, “I couldn’t do that with 8 years of experience under my belt.”
Rae then made his way over to their table, “were you watching me the whole time?” He smiled, placing their drinks down.
“Yeah? Of course! We saw you set it up over there,” Tobias said, pointing at the counter.
“And we thought you were going to slip and bust your ass,” Max said, his father grumbling a small ‘language’ before sipping his water.
“How long have you been working here?” Gabrielle asked, leaning to look at the bunny.
“Oh, I think it’s been… 4 months?” Rae said, holding the two trays under his arm, “I’m not as good as some of the other waiters here, but I’m learning!”
“Only four months? What the shell…” Jasper huffed.
“Well, we’re impressed by your skill Rae,” Theodore smiled, watching the bunny nod in thanks and take his leave.

He came back with the food, again stacked along his arms. Gabrielle and Jasper’s meals on his right arm and Michael and Theodore’s on the other. He then reached up and grabbed the pizzas balancing on his ears, unclicking the small poles that held the trays together. He took the small supports and put them in his pocket, setting the pizzas in front of the boys. The turtles all applauded, obviously impressed with Rae for carrying six different plates.
“Awh, you guys!” Rae chuckled, dramatically bowing, “why thank you! I’ll be here all night! But not really because my shift ends in 2 hours!”
Theodore laughed, stabbing his side salad with his fork. Tobias grinned, shyly waving to Rae as the bunny left.

The family finished their meals and were just bickering about if a hotdog was a sandwich, Theodore laughed as he called Rae over for the bill.
“A sandwich has more than just meat!” Max groaned.
“Here’s your bill! How would you like to pay?”
“Card,” Theodore smiled, using the portable debit machine. They got ready to leave, Tobias whining and internally debating with himself. “C’mon Toby— Hey, what’s wrong?” The dad asked, putting a hand on his son’s shoulder. Tobias looked at his dad for a second, before dashing off into the direction of the waiter.

The slider made a beeline for the bunny, tapping his shoulder. Rae looked away from the screen, “Is something wrong?”
“H—hey I think…” Tobias sighed, “I think you’re really cool, do you want to hangout sometime?”
“Oh! Yeah! Y—Yeah I would like that!” Rae squealed, quickly copying his number down on his notepad before tearing the paper off and handing it to Tobias, “Contact me!”

Tobias came back to his family, all of them laughing and poking fun at him. He may have taken 45 minutes to contemplate the decision, but he was happily doing tippy-tappies with his feet back to the car, and couldn’t stop smiling until four in the morning, after talking with Rae since 8pm.

Chapter Text

i.
Fuck.

This is more nerve-wracking than telling your dad you have a girlfriend.

Not that he has a girlfriend… Or boyfriend, but Gabby can only imagine what it’d be like.

He packed his bag with nearly everything he thought he might need. Water bottle, wallets, band-aids, a comb? He also packed sunscreen, little snacks and his cologne. “I think you’ve packed half your room into that bag,” Gabrielle laughed, Gabby yelping as he saw his dad leaning against the doorframe. “What’s up, big man?” His dad sighed, walking over and sitting on his son’s bed.
“I’m nervous, papa!” Gabby whimpered, sitting beside his father and bonked his head against his dad’s plaston. “What if I perform terribly?” Gabby whined.
“They wouldn’t have chosen you if you did,” Gabrielle said simply, patting his son’s head, “don’t worry, son. I’m always here to rant if you need. Remember your journal, alright?”
“Yeah… Thanks dad,” Gabby smiled, “I’m worried about my tail too, I’m scared to knock people over.” Gabrielle let out a loud laugh, shaking his head.
“Well, it’s bound to happen. And you’ll be on set with your cousins most of the time anyways! I’ve lost count from how many times you took ‘em out with your tail.” Gabrielle smiled fondly at the memories, “ouh boy, you kids were a handful.”

Gabby felt a pit form in his stomach from those words, “I’m sorry I was so much trouble…”
“What are you apologizing about?” Gabrielle laughed, holding his son’s shoulders, “look at me.”

“You don’t ever have to apologize for that. I meant it in a good way, I wouldn’t have raised you if I wanted it any different.” Gabrielle said with a soft tone, “you are my son, and I’m proud to be your father.”

Gabby sniffled, tears forming in his eyes, “I love you dad.”

“I love you too.”

ii.
“Man, Rae’s gonna think I’m so cool,” Tobias giggled, “I’m gonna send him so many pictures.” Theodore just rolled his eyes and smiled, packing his son’s bag. “Do you think I should put makeup on?”
“Well, wardrobe and makeup will already be set for you, and considering the fact you’re wearing a bandana through the whole show, no one will see it. I’d recommend leaving it to the makeup artists.” The father laughed, zipping up the bag.
“That’s true. Oh, I’m gonna be so good at this! We’ll zip right through the day,” Tobias sighed, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back.
“I doubt that, even I have trouble with scenes sometimes. It’s quite a bit of pressure, try not to overhype yourself,” Theodore stated, “You’ve got skills, but this is your third job.”
“I bet you $50 I won’t have a single screw-up.” Tobias challenged, looking at his dad.
“I’m not going to take money from my kid,” Theodore looked at him, “but, if I win, you have to vacuum and mop the house.”
“Deal!”
“Alright, put on some foot wrappings and let’s go.”
“Chill out dad, we’ll be fine,” Tobias waved, grabbing his black feet wrappings.
“I— I wasn’t worried, but alright.”

iii.
“Momma, where’s my script?” Jasper called. Felix still had no idea why his son just started calling him mom, but whatever.
“In your bag, I already packed it!” He called out, “Come down here!” Jasper came running, clinging to his dad’s side. Receiving a small peck on the forehead from Felix, Jasper jumped around his dad.
“Oh my god! I get to spend even more time with the cousins,” Jasper squealed, “is this how you feel when you see your brothers?” Felix made a face, multiple memories flashing through his mind when his brothers would wrestle him or bother him from his nap.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Felix snorted, an arm around Jasper’s shoulders.
“Papa, can we get rolled ice cream after? I’ve been craving the cookies and cream one for like, 2 hours.”
“What’s the difference? Like do you not eat it the same way as you do regular ice cream?” Felix asked, looking at his son.

“It tastes better!”
“How?”
“Because it’s rolled, dad— how are you not getting this?” Jasper asked in a teasing tone.
“What do you mean? That doesn’t— okay whatever, if you think it tastes better, then it probably tastes better,” Felix sighed, smiling at his son’s strange antics. He opened the car door as Jasper got into the passenger, his dad just looking at him.
“… What?”
“Aren’t you going to throw your bag in the back? Like you normally do?” Felix gestured with his thumb, putting on his seatbelt.
“But…” Jasper looked sad, clutching onto the bag like it was going to be ripped from his hands, “you packed it for me. I don’t wanna throw it around.”

Felix was honestly taken aback.
“It’s okay, love, you don’t have to put it in the back if you don’t want to,” He laughed, “awh, you’re adorable!” Felix reached over and pinched Jasper’s cheek, getting a small ‘hey!’ from the boy.
“Dad, I’m not eight!” Jasper laughed, swatting his dad’s hand away.
“You could be 25 and I’ll still pinch your cheek,” Felix smiled, turning his car keys to start the engine.
“Talking about my age, when can I start cussing without you gettin’ mad at me?” Jasper huffed, crossing him arms.
“When you’re 16, and you can’t be swearing at your family, got it?”
“What if it’s for jokes?”
“For laughs, yes, as long as you communicate that to your cousins, but me and your uncles are off-limits with that,” Felix said sternly, still keeping a hint of playfulness in his voice.
“Okay momma!”

“Why do you keep calling me mom, by the way? I’m so confused, you’ve been doing that for two years now.”
“Does it make you uncomfortable?”
“Nope, just curious.”
“It’s because you look like both,” Jasper said nonchalantly, scrolling on his phone.
“… Pardon?”
“In a positive way! Sometimes you wear clothes that make you look like a mom, but when you speak you sound like a father who bakes cookies and lives in a small cottage house,” Jasper giggled. “Gabby said the first part and Max followed up with the second part, why do you think the cousins call you auntie?”

“… Huh.”

iv.
“Papa! I think I’m ready!” Max called out, hearing his dad come down the hall.
“Alright! Let’s see what you’ve packed—“

“… Max you don’t need to bring your 3rd grade spelling trophy.”
“You don’t know that!”
“Yeah, I do Max! I promise you that you do not need it,” Michael laughed, “you’ve packed nearly the entire house into your bags."
"... Why do you have multiple bags?”
“You never know when you need a lamp!” Max complained, “I’ve never had a lead role, dad! What do I pack?”
“Here, here,” Michael grabbed his son’s tote bag, placing in the basic essentials. “I’ll pack it, just remember what I put in here, alright?”

Max nodded excitedly, “ugh, can you believe it, papa? I’m one of the lead roles!” He gasped, “and the cousins are the other leads! This is a dream come true!”
“I’m glad you’re excited to work with your cousins, from what I’ve heard, they feel the same,” Michael smiled, handing his son the bag.
“Oh, I’m so excited to see Jasper again! You picked me up halfway through a very interesting conversation about legos!” Max huffed.
Michael laughed, stepping over the three duffel bags of belongings Max had packed, “I apologize, son. Now come on, we’re gonna be late!”

Getting into the car, Max was basically vibrating with excitement, “can we all hang out after?”
“You mean you want to go with the cast?” Michael asked.
“No no, I want to hang out with the cousins and uncles! Can you plan that?” Max asked, “the guys already said they wanted to, so it’s up to y’all.”
“Hmm… I can definitely chat with them, I’ll let you know when you’re finished, alright?”

“M’kay!”

—

Getting out of the car, they made it to their destination, Tobias swinging his bag over his shoulder, “Oh! Look, it’s Jasper!” Theodore pointed, waving to the softshells. Jasper saw the pair and immediately booked it in their direction, nearly knocking Tobias over with a hug.
“Can you believe it? It’s really happening!” Jasper squealed, “I’m so damn excited!”
“Language.”
“Right? We’re going to be so good at this!” Tobias threw his arm around Jasper’s shoulder, “easy-peasy.”
“Good lord you run fast,” Felix panted, finally catching up to the sliders. Theodore shrieked when he felt a rough hand land on his shoulders, scaring the poor snapping turtle.
“Shit, Gabby! Scared the hell out of me!” Theodore laughed, hand on his chest, “Your old man’s gonna have to take Tobias in if you give me a deadly heart attack!”
“If Uncle Gabe were to take care of me, he wouldn’t be so pushy about my language,” Tobias huffed.
“I would be,” Gabrielle laughed.
“You don’t tell Jr to watch it!” Tobias whined.
“That’s ‘cause he’s 15,” Gabrielle patted Tobias’s head.
“Hey! Why can Jr swear at 15 but I have to be 16?” Jasper questioned, squinting at his dad.
“Damnnit Gabe,” Felix playfully sighed, pulling a chuckle out of the snapping turtle.

Everyone thanked Gabrielle for holding the door open, nerves truly setting into the boys. Tobias froze, whimpering quietly while holding onto his dad’s belt loop.
“Toby, what’s wrong?” Theodore asked quietly, urging his son to step forward.
“This is actually happening,” Tobias breathed, feeling his heart speed up, “holy shit, dad. I’m… I’m really fucking scared.”
Theodore ignored the language and bent down to his son’s height, “hey, hey. It’s okay. Calm down.”
“No, no it’s not okay! What if—“
“Tobias. Shh,” Theodore put a hand behind the kid’s head, pulling him into a tight hug, “it’s okay to feel like this. It’s completely okay. Take a breather, ground yourself. You’ll do great, I know you will.” Theodore whispered, his son following his instructions. “Gabrielle has his fidget toys and Jasper has extra chew necklaces. Max can definitely distract you or ground you throughout the day, don’t be afraid to ask your cousins for help.”
Tobias nodded, sighing, “thanks, papa.”

Tobias let go, immediately clinging onto Jasper’s sweater. The softshell noticed and reached into his bag, pulling out a sensory chew necklace and handing it to the slider. Jasper wrapped his arm around his cousin and patted his shell, Tobias already feeling better.
“Alright, we can’t stick around too long, text us if you need us,” Gabrielle called out to the boys, watching all of them wave goodbye and shoot a thumbs up.

—

They found the casting director, big smiles on their faces. “Oh! There you guys are! Wow, you are early,” The woman said, “I’m Juliette.”
“Hello Juliette! Yeah! We’re really excited, thank you so much for this opportunity,” Jasper sighed happily, “I can’t wait!”
“Yeah! Thank you so much,” Max smiled, holding his hand out and shaking hers, “we’ve watched the past TMNT shows when we were kids, this is literally our dream!”
“Well, you’re so welcome! C’mon, I’ll show you the trailers. When you’re called, you can meet the director!”

“We get our own trailers?” Jasper gasped, running in circles around Gabby.
“We’re stars, baby!” Gabby giggled, grabbing Jasper’s hand, “c’mon! Let's set our stuff down!”
Max and Tobias looked at each other before dashing to their own trailers, nearly tripping over one another. They all yelled their thank you to Juliette, the woman laughing at their childish behaviour.
She smiled and walked off, “the cast is going to love them.”

After setting their items down, they went outside and were instructed to head over to wardrobe and makeup. Stepping up, they politely greeted everyone with handshakes or small head bows.
“You guys are like, an hour early,” A golden-retriever yokai laughed, “thank god. Most of the teen actors we’ve worked with are always late, and everything is behind schedule because of that.”
“Really? Jeez, I can’t imagine how stressful that must be,” Max sympathized, “what’s your name, sir?”
“Ah, my name's Daniel! I'm the head of the wardrobe department. Let’s get you guys changed huh?”

Pushing them into rooms, it took about 5 minutes to get everything on. The boys walked out, immediately rushing to compliment each other on how the other looks, Jasper being pulled aside before he could take two more steps.
“Lookin’ good Max!” Gabby laughed, watching his younger cousin strike some poses.
“Why thank you! Your eye bananas fit really well with your bandana, Tobias!”
“Oh, ho-ho! I thought it did, thanks lil’ man!” Tobias opened his mouth to say something to Gabby before hearing a gasp from their cousin. All three turtles looked at the softshell, seeing the crew handing items to Jasper, watching him put on some sort of headphones/goggles.
“Hold up your left arm,” Daniel said, Jasper obliged. They held some sort of arm sleeve, clicking it over Jasper’s arm and the screen lit up. “Alright, I need you to stand straight.”

Someone brought over a shell-like cover, placing it on Jasper’s shoulders. It clicked in place with the belt around the boy’s waist, and the shoulder parts fit snugly against his plastron. Daniel spun Jasper, pressing into one of the squares along the back of the shell. A compartment opened, revealing a small chip inside as Daniel carefully picked it up and tilted Jasper’s head, finding the small opening in the headphones, pushing the chip inside. “This tech was made by an engineer for a uni project. That student was at the top of his class, and this company bought it off him for quite a bit of money.” Daniel smiled, “he’s pretty well-known in the science community, Gabrielle something, I can’t remember his last name. I think he’s friends with your dad, actually!”
“My dad! Gabrielle Gray! That’s my dad!” Gabby exclaimed, “he does a lot of science-y things! Did he actually make that?”
“Yeah! Gray! I knew your guys’ last names were familiar. Small world, ey?” Daniel laughed, “we asked him to make some adjustments. The chip I just inserted into your headphones connects to the battle shell on your back, sort of like Bluetooth. Yokai tech is hella advanced, so any sort of command can be read just through your mind. Could you just say this list of commands in your head? If this doesn’t work, we can manually do the technology behind the scenes.”

Jasper held the paper, looking over it, “It’s crazy tech-work. Your father is an absolute genius, he made this in university. I can’t imagine what he makes now,” Daniel sighed, looking at Gabby. Before the boy in red could say anything, thin mechanical arms emerged from the shell, idling above Jasper’s head.
“Holy shit!” Jasper flinched, looking at the arms, “oh, sorry for my language, I just wasn’t expecting that.”
“No worries, I can imagine why it spooked ya,” Daniel chuckled, holding his hand out, “now just command to shake my hand.” Jasper nodded, looking at Daniel’s hand. The mechanical arm shifted downwards, following through exactly what Jasper wanted. “Wonderful!” Daniel squealed, his tail wagging, “Head over to makeup, they’ll do the last touch-ups, and then you can meet the cast.”

--

“Something… Looks off,” The man said, squinting at Jasper’s face. “Argh, I can’t figure this out. Shannon?”
The artist working on Gabby looked over, her eyebrows furrowing, “oh, yeah. You’re right. Hmm…” She thought for a second before snapping her fingers, “I got it.”
She came over with a permanent marker, gently holding Jasper’s chin. She worked her magic, stepping back and allowing Jasper to see what had been changed.
“What’s going on?” Tobias asked, looking over and leaning to see when his artist stepped aside. The two makeup artists moved, allowing the three other turtles to view Jasper.
“Eyebrows.” Is all Jasper said before he turned his head, the eyebrows completely expressive, raised as tall as they can. Gabby flinched from how different Jasper looked as Max gasped and Tobias covered his mouth. Barely a second went by before they all bursted out in laughter, taking pictures of the purple turtle.

Settling down, they continued their small talk with their artist. “Y’know, for a bunch of young teens, you’re really respectful,” Max’s artist chirped up, the parrot yokai smiling, “actors and actresses usually go on their phones which make it a bit difficult to work with.”
“We may or may not have spent 3 hours on how to be on set,” Gabby chuckled, “All four of us sat in the living room studying and sharing notes like we had school finals coming up.”
“Well, ain’t y’all such sweethearts?” Another woman piped up, working on Tobias’s makeup, “it’s refreshing to meet such wonderful lil’ critters like you!” She smiled, her accent heavy with joy. She then patted the blue turtle’s plastron, “you’re all done, honey.”
“Thank you! I appreciate your work,” He exclaimed, getting out of the chair and bowing to her.
“My my! Who eva’ is raisin’ y’all, tell ‘em they’re doin’ a good job,” She laughed, patting Tobias’s head.
A man came up to Max, holding up stickers, “I gotta place these on your plastron, are you okay with that?”
“Yeah! I’m all good with it,” Max nodded, giving a thumbs up.

Someone came around the corner as they finished up, “oh, there you boys are! You’re on in 20, come meet the cast.”
“Oh! Shell yeah!” Max squealed, holding onto Tobias’s arm, “I can’t wait to meet the actress for April O’Neil!”
“Thank you so much! You guys are wonderful, pleasure meeting you!” Gabby called to the wardrobe and makeup team, before being pulled by his younger cousins.

“What amazing kids,” the parrot yokai smiled.
“Definitely. They’re gonna make it far,” Daniel agreed, carrying on with his duties. The turtles left to go meet the cast, leaving a great impression on the crew.

Chapter Text

“Cora Daphine! There she is!” Max squealed, running up to her. He quickly stopped himself, tapping her shoulder. She looked up from her phone and smiled wide.
“Well hello there! You must be the turtle playing Michelangelo, huh?” She laughed, getting off her seat and putting her phone in her pocket.
“Yes ma’am!” He playfully saluted, “and you must be the one playing April O’Neil, right? You look amazing!”
“Yes sir!” She copied his salute, “oh! And these must be your brothers?”
“In the show, yes. In real life? Cousins,” Jasper stated, smiling. He crossed his arms and nodded a greeting to her.
“Woah. You’re already like, Donatello,” She laughed.
“Oh why thank you, he’s my favourite in the past shows,” Jasper struck a pose, flipping his non-existent hair and receiving a laugh from the actress.
“I’m Cora, I’ll be April and your best friend in the show!”
“We’ve heard! Max here is a big fan of your work,” Tobias smiled, patting Max’s shoulder.
“How can I not be? You’re incredible!” Max jumped around, pure joy in his heart.
“I’ve seen you guys in a couple of things too! Man, are we gonna be best friends in real life too? ‘Cause that would be awe-SOME!” She squealed.

“Hell yeah! We need some more friends outside of… Us,” Gabby laughed, “can we get your number? Or some sort of handle?”
“Hell yeah you can!” Cora smiled, pulling out her phone and showing them her number. They all input it into their phones, saving her contact.
“I don’t think we actually properly introduced ourselves,” Jasper chuckled, “I’m Jasper!”
“I’m Tobias, the best and coolest cousin out of all of us,” The slider chuckled, receiving a slap on the upside of his head from Gabby.
“I’m Max, but you probably already know that from Toby,” the youngest held his hand out to shake hers. She returned the handshake, nodding like she was some rich business woman.
“Saved best for last, I’m Gabby,” The snapping turtle dramatically posed.
“Oh! I really loved your character in ‘Beyond Stars’!” Cora exclaimed.
“O—Oh thank you!” Gabby chuckled, flushing a bit.

“Grays! You’re on in 10!”

“Oh! We better get going to say hi to everyone else!” Jasper smiled, “really nice meeting you Cora, see you on set!”

Making their way to the set, they got to meet two men with dogs in baby carriers, sitting snugly against their chests. Gabrielle shook hands with them, bumping into someone as he turned around, “Oh, I’m so sorry!”
“No worries! Oh, you must be the actor for Raphael!” A tall yokai smiled, “I’m Jonathan Hayes. I’ll be playing Baron Draxum.”
“Woah! You’re really tall,” Jasper gasped, “this is not fair.”
“Ah, Donatello!” Jonathan smiled, “what are your names?” Tobias introduced all four of them, since Max was off with Cora, babying the small dog who had been brought in to play the ‘Mayhem’ part.
“Again, still not fair that nearly everyone I know is taller,” Jasper huffed playfully, “Jonathan’s the same height as my dad.”
“Uh, he’s actually taller than your dad, bro,” Gabby laughed.
“Oh, well I can’t TELL FROM DOWN HERE!” Jasper exclaimed, as if it was Gabby’s fault he was shorter.
“Oh, there’s my husband,” Jonathan smiled, pointing at a man who just came from the wardrobe. A rat yokai walked up, shaking hands with Tobias.
“Well hello! You must be my on-set sons!” He chuckled, bowing to Gabby and Jasper, “wonderful to meet you!”
“You must be Splinter!” Jasper squealed, “oh this is so fun!”
“Indeed I am! You can just call me Kevin,” The rat smiled, opening his mouth to say something.

“Alright! Let’s go through a couple of run-throughs and get this show on the road!” The director called, happy with the introduction the turtles had greeted with earlier.

Everyone working at the scene; actors, makeup artists and wardrobe were incredibly pleased with the first impression the four boys had left on them, absolutely delighted to see them in action.

———

After a couple of rehearsals, they had run through the fight scene, the director impressed with how they stayed in character, accurately portraying how they were written. The man sitting on the canine laughed, growling after being hit in the head with the remaining part of the sword. After throwing the hilt, Tobias easily dodged the swings of the prop the man wielded.
“I don’t need weapons to beat you, I got my rad skills!—“ Tobias called out, before spinning his body once too many times and screwing up his momentum from running up the side of the truck.
He flailed his arms before letting out a grunt from landing on his chest, his left leg stuck in the air before his hips fell to the side. It was silent, before the director called out, “Cut!”
“You okay, kid?” The woman asked, leaning to see if he was still moving. Jasper dashed in, shaking his cousin.
“Toby? Toby!” He placed his hands on Tobias’s carapace, feeling a slight shake, “you okay?”
The slider inhaled sharply before sitting up straight, giving a thumbs up and patting Jasper’s head.
“Yup! I meant to do that!” Tobias nervously chuckled, walking off like it was nothing, but internally, he was screaming so loud that he could shatter glass if he were to vocalize it. The crew laughed along, relieved to know that one of the main leads didn’t break his neck on the first day.
.
“A few hours ago, I would’ve called this foolish and impossible,” Jasper turned his head, looking at his cousins, “now I just call it foolish.”
“Say what you want, Donnie.” Max scoffed, “Raph’ll pull it off, ‘cause if he doesn’t, we’ll lose our best friend forever.”
“Mikey, don’t say that! You know he chokes under pressure!”
“Leo,” Jasper called, “he’s even more self-conscious when you talk about it.” He paused, bringing his voice to a whisper, “and then you can smell his fear.”
Gabby got more anxious as they spoke, blanking out. He whipped around, saying the first thing that came to mind, “Stop talkin’ about my fear stink!”

Max and Tobias were shocked from the random spur, Jasper’s eyebrow raising in slight confusion. The crew went silent as the three behind Gabby started stifling their laughs, faces scrunching up. The director called ‘Cut!’ Before everyone started laughing, Gabby nervously chuckled, “I—I’m sorry, I forgot what to do next.”

“‘Fear stink’… I like that! We’ll keep the clip!” The woman smiled, giving Gabby a thumbs up, “you’re doing great, honey. Onto the next scene!”
Carrying on, all the director said to Gabby was to ‘show anger after realizing the item didn’t work’. Doing what he knows, he started to punch the wall, grunting from frustration. “Stupid wall!” Gabby grumbled, throwing the item before it ricocheted off and right back to his forehead, sending the boy backwards.
Because of the accidental hit Gabby took, the item went flying into the air, Max instinctively catching the item without looking. The scene wasn’t going how it was planned, but they continued on anyway, the box turtle smugly smirking at the oldest cousin on the floor, “How about we let the ‘artist’ of the crew take a poke at it?” He said with an attitude, looking at the miniature item in his hand.
“I say we give him a shot. I mean, he can’t do any worse, respectfully.” Tobias continued his scripted line, slightly bowing his head at the end of his sentence.
“Hey,” Gabby smiled, looking up at his cousins, his hand pointing to no one in the sky and in the view of the camera. Max stepped forward, holding the item to the wall. He honestly expected nothing to happen, but a crew member flicked a switch and the tool in hand started to glow a symbol as the pointer started to spin. Engraving a glowing pattern on the wall, Max’s expression was genuine shock and amazement, smiling after a couple of seconds before continuing on with his planned scene. He cheered as he drew the symbol into the surface of the wall, the scene ending.

“3, 2, 1, action!” A boy called, snapping the stick to the board. He quickly made his way out, the camera set within the wall they had moved in, replacing the other.
Jasper stepped up smiling, “You beautiful fools,” he breathed, throwing up his staff, “it worked!”
Gabby took the opportunity and quickly wrapped his arms around Jasper and Max, laughing at how stupid his idea was, “all I had to do was believe in myself.”
Tobias was caught off guard a bit, chuckling into the beginning of his line, “Okay, what do we do now?” The three looked up to Gabby, the snapping turtle looking confused before holding a ‘you thinking what I’m thinking?’ face.
.
Filming the last part for the day, they were in the middle of their first fight with Jonath— Draxum.
“You did not, just do that to our friend,” Max huffed, whipping his weapon at Jonathan. The member controlling the end sent it a little more to the right of the yokai, just missing his head. “Woah, magic weap- Ouh! woah!” Just as intended, the scene played out as Max was sent around the lab, hitting every cushioned surface right on. Jonathan moved off from the cushion, Max hitting it mere seconds afterwards, flipping his body forwards to land perfectly on his mark.
“Woah!” Gabby said in shock, “ey, Mikey, that was awesome! How’d you do that?” Him, his cousins and Cora looked at Max with amazement sparkling in their eyes.
“I don’t know man! I was just swingin’ like this, and then all of a sudden—“ The ball end of the weapon activated again, “just like that-a-ah!”
“Let me try!” Gabby said with determination, swinging his tonfas around in his fists, “Magic weapon, magic weapon, magic weapon, magic weapon!” The tonfas sparkled, harmless electricity producing around Gabby’s forearms. He smiled bright, acting like he was charging up for an attack when in reality, he was preparing for impact. He sent himself flying into the cushioned wall behind him, “Mine works too.”

Tobias charged forward immediately, “Can’t wait to find out what mine does!” The sword glowed and electricity crackled along the blade, the turtle coming to a stop right in front of Jonathan and swung his sword against the guarded forearms that shielded the yokai.
“Hm?” Jonathan looked, curious as to what it was supposed to do.
Tobias nervously let out a sound from the back of his throat, something in between a grunt and a chuckle, sweat starting to fall. He blanked out during that, and after all his training with the dulled and harmless, but mystic weapon he had beforehand, he wasn’t actually sure where he sent the portal. He subconsciously looked up at the sword after it sparked again, a light blue ring forming around his feet. He realized what he had done and started to panic, flailing his body around, “Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa!—“ Tobias fell through, another ring of blue opened up above, sending him right through again.

“Get!” He fell through again.

“Me!” Tobias was clinging to his sword, falling toward the portal, again.

“Off!”

“This!”

“Ride!” The slider started to fall faster and faster, crying for help.

His cousins were beyond confused on how he managed to fuck up that badly, Jasper taking his opportunity to slide in beside Jonathan and lean against his staff.
“And that’s why I like fighting the old-fashioned way,” the softshell started, kicking the bottom of the staff to create momentum in the spin, “with impossibly futuristic high-tech weaponry.” The crew was honestly surprised the boy had been able to smoothly carry through with his line while also perfectly executing the fight with Jonathan. The turtle had gone from the offense to defense fast, spinning the staff behind him and using it as support to block the hit on his right, skillfully switching to his left. Dodging the next, he barely made it to his mark as he pressed a button alongside his weapon, feeling the weight increase at the far end, the rockets sending it flying straight to the yokai. Jonathan went for a hit to that end of the bo staff, the rocket unlatching itself from the entire thing and hitting the piece of metal attached to his shoulder that was hidden behind his head. It made a clunking sound as the yokai threw himself back, stumbling a bit as he landed on his feet and watched as Jasper impressively jumped high in the air, just about to land another hit. Max came into frame, hitting his cousin with the ball end of his weapon, getting the both of them tangled up in the chain. They had a few mishaps, but were able to carry through all the way to the end, struggling and screaming until the small animal teleported them behind the cameras, cutting to the next scene.

—

“Huh. That can’t be good,” Jasper’s face scrunched up.
“We should go,” Tobias started, “people’s blinds are starting to open.” They all ran off, finally finishing for the day.
“Cut!” The director laughed, “man, you boys are full of surprises! You make the scenes look even better!” The boys all flushed, giggling to each other. “I had a good feeling about you four when you walked on set,” she smiled, “We’re glad to have you here.”
“And we’re honoured to work with you all,” Tobias replied, striking a pose. They all held slight shock in their expressions before smiling.

Yeah. This show is going to be amazing to work on.

After getting dressed back into their own clothing as everyone started packing up, the four spotted their fathers waiting at the door.
“Momma!” Jasper shrieked, flying into his dad’s arms. Felix laughed, rubbing his son’s shell, “well hello there, daughter.” Jasper looked at him with a surprised look before smiling.
“I like that, thank you,” The smaller softshell sighed, completely unfazed now.
“You seem tired,” Felix chuckled. He looked up at his nephews, whistling, “woah, you all seem tired.”
“Busy day?” Gabrielle asked softly, putting his arm around his son who nearly fell over. Gabby just hummed, leaning his head on his dad’s shoulder.
“I want a nap, papa,” Max hummed, climbing up his father’s shell and sending Michael into a small fit of laughter.
“Me too,” Tobias sniffled, softly hitting his dad’s plastron.
“Oh my god, you’re 14. You can walk,” Theodore laughed, hands on his hips. His son whined, activating his puppy dog eyes. “Oh. Oh no. No please no,” Theodore begged, “You can’t do this to me.” Tobias continued, tears welling up in his eyes. “Oh… Goddamnit,” Theodore sighed, picking up his son and holding him like a baby. “What am I gonna do with you?”
“So you boys still want a sleepover?” Michael chuckled, reminding Max of what he asked earlier in the car.

All of a sudden, it’s like they’ve woken up from a 14 hour nap as they all perked up.
“Wait, can we?” Tobias asked excitedly, looking at his dad.
“Well, yeah! It’s still summer and you work together, might as well—“ Theodore’s sentence was cut off as his son bashed his face into the side of his, giving the father a smooch on the cheek.
“Yes, yes, yes! Thank you papa!” Tobias squealed, jumping down from his arms and hugging Jasper. The four boys jumped around each other, piling up onto Gabby as the snapping turtle ran around with his cousins on his shell and shoulders.

“I guess they’re not tired,” Felix sighed, “let’s head on over to my place—“
“No. Way.” Cora started, frozen in place. “Jasper, your dad is the Felix Gray?”
“Uh, yeah? You didn’t recognize the last name?” Jasper laughed, “you know him?”
“Uh, do I know him? Everyone knows him!” Cora ran up to Felix, shaking his hand, “pleasure to meet you! I’m Cora, huge fan of your music.”
“Oh! Why thank you!” Felix laughed, patting the girl’s shoulder, “hey, I remember you! I came in as a clinician for your school!”
“Yeah! You played this beautiful tune and I had to look you up! I’ve been listening to your stuff ever since!” She squealed, turning to the other softshell, “Jasper! You’re a crazy good actor with a really cool dad! What a combo!”
“Oh stop it!” Jasper laughed, falling off his cousin with an ‘oof’. He got up and stood beside her, facing his dad. “Momma, this is Cora. She plays April for the show.”
“Well nice to meet you, Cora! I see you’ve become friends with my son,” Felix smiled, crossing his arms.

“Momma? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—“
“No no, don’t worry about it. He calls me that… For some reason,” Felix chuckled. Cora spotted her mom waiting for her, quickly saying her goodbye to friends and the fathers.
She looked at Gabrielle and took a double-take, letting out a huff of surprise, “You’re Gabrielle— my goodness, y’all are related? What a wonderful family,” she blinked, before running off to her mother again.
“What a sweet girl!” Michael smiled, waving to her mother. They made their ways to their own cars, heading over to the Softshell Residence.

Chapter Text

Parking in front of the softshell residence, the cousins grabbed their bags—that their fathers pack prior— from the back and screamed at the top of their lungs as they ran into the house. “Hey, Lixy,” Gabrielle called, “you chill with us crashing at your place?”
“Why? Y’all don’t wanna drive home?” Felix snorted, locking his car.
“Yeah—but do you really wanna drive four hyper teenage boys to work at 8am in the morning?”
“… Okay, you got me there,” Felix paused, pointing his finger at his eldest brother.

“Oh my god, I have to show you guys this!” Jasper giggled, dragging his cousins to his room.
“Don’t break anything! … That’s outside of your room,” Felix murmured the second part, his brothers following in, chuckling.
“Momma!”
“Yeah?” Both Felix and Michael called in unison, looking at each other.
“Does your kid think you dress like a woman or just a very soft-hearted man?”
“UH? NO?” Michael snorted, “he picked that up from your kid.”
“I’m sorry—‘a very soft-hearted man?’” Gabrielle giggled, reiterating what Felix said.
“That’s why Jasper calls me mom!” Felix defended in a pitch higher than his usual tone. The three paused, letting out hyena cackles as they poked fun at the softshell.
“MOMMA!” Jasper came out of his room, giving his dad an angry+pouty look. “I’ve been calling you!”
“Oh! Sorry Jazz, your uncles are just being assholes right now.”
“Stop bullying my dad!” Jasper narrowed his eyes on his uncles. “Can my brothers—cousins and I bake cookies later?”
“Yeah! Go ahead, you know the rules.”
“Thanks mom!”
“Were you about to call your cousins your brothers?” Michael asked, the only one catching onto that.
“… No.”
“Awhh, that’s adorable!”
“… I’ll remember that.” Jasper said with a negative tone, slightly scowling at Michael. The box turtle whipped his head to his brother as Jasper went back to his room, a concerned look plastered across his face. Felix only laughed, patting his brother’s shell.
“Good luck. He never forgets.”

As time went on, the fathers catching up and telling old jokes, the boys were upstairs sharing every detail of their life.
“And then, she smacked her! I swear!” Max squealed, watching the expressions of his cousins fall into shock, “And— and then Jamie was like ‘talk shit about me again, bitch.’” Michael finished off his story, everyone giggling.
“Okay, don’t be mad but,” Tobias started, looking at his cousins, “has anyone in the friend group been a lil’ too annoying lately?” Jasper and Max slapped their hand over their mouth as Gabby pulled his lips into a line, all of them trying not to laugh.
Looking at each other, Jasper spoke up, “are we all thinkin’ Victoria?”
“STOP, STOP, STOP,” Max shrieked, making a swatting motion towards Jasper, Tobias nodding vigorously and Gabby letting out a cackle.
“She keeps talkin’ to me,” Gabby shuddered, shaking his head. The box turtle cackled, hitting his cousin’s arm.

“Y’all wanna go bake cookies now?” Jasper asked, getting up from his bed, “I’m pretty sure my back will snap if I stay sitting like that.”
“Yeah! We should make enough for the crew tomorrow!” Tobias smiled, “make little us cookies! And April!”
“Oh we should totally do that!” Gabby jumped up, “the last one there has to read the instructions!” They all got up, shrieking at the top of their lungs (once again), and because it’s Jasper’s house, the boy knew best. He found himself behind the group, so he decided to disobey his father’s rule and jumped straight over the balcony and landed perfectly in a squat, cackling as his cousins gasped and his uncles shot up from pure father instincts.
“Holy shit!” Max screamed, covering his mouth.
“Jesus fuck!” Theodore gasped, nearly knocking over everything within his radius. They all sighed of relief once they saw Jasper was okay, and the softshell was ready for a lecture from his father.
“Y’know what? I’m not surprised,” he shrugged, “he’s been doing that since he was ten. I’ll let it slide, this one time! Only because you’re hyper from hanging out with your cousins.” Jasper gleamed, grabbing Gabby’s hand and dragging him to the kitchen. They all laughed and immediately got to work, cluttering and clashing ringing out into the living room.

After about 15 minutes, Jasper came out shyly, quietly sitting beside his dad. “What’s up, Jay-Jay?” The boy cuddled up against his father’s side and smiled up brightly at him.
“Did I ever tell you how much I appreciate you for letting my cousins stay here for the night?”
“… You have not.”
“Well, I am!” Jasper smiled, fidgeting with his hoodie strings, “and I love you very much.”
“I love you too, Jasper,” Felix chuckled, knowing exactly what’s happening.
“… We don’t have icing, can I have some money to go to the store with Tobias and get some?”
“No.”
“But momma!” Jasper whined, sliding down the couch dramatically and lightly hitting his dad’s leg, “Icing!”
“Nope.”
“Oh c’mon Fefe!” Gabrielle huffed, “the boy wants icing!”
“Icing!” Jasper repeated in a high-pitch tone.
“Nuh-uh. You gotta use your own money, kid.”
“You asshole— cookies!” Theodore blurted out, “let the boy have some damn icing for his cookies!”
“Theo, I’m trying to teach him—“
“See? Uncle Theo gets me,” Jasper huffed, crossing his arms and marching over to his uncle, sitting beside him instead.
“Here, Jay, have $40,” Theodore smiled, pulling out money from his wallet. Gabrielle and Michael did the same, $30 from each, Jasper soon having $100 in his hands.
“Guys! Seriously?” Felix groaned.
“Uncle duties, gotta spoil your little one,” Michael shrugged, punching his brother’s arm, “in front of you too, pisses you off more.”
“Bro.”
Jasper squealed and thanked them all, hugging his uncles and kissing their cheeks before yelling for Tobias to ‘hurry up’. The slider came running out, being stopped by Felix.
“Hey, Toby,” Felix pulled out his wallet, giving the boy $50 and his own son another $50. He looked straight at the boy’s father, a look of disbelief as Felix held a smug smirk. “Why not?” He shrugged casually.
“You piece of shit,” Theodore laughed, shaking his head.
“Uncle duties, eye-bananas.”
“Eye-bananas!?” Theodore whipped his head to look at his brother, “you startin’ a fight with me?”
“Hell yeah I’m starting a fight,” Felix challenged, the two getting up and jokingly pretending to fight. Light punches and kicks of course. The nephews were already out the door, walking to the nearest store.

“Told you, nephew privileges work.” Jasper snickered.

—

“MY LAWD,” Gabrielle yelled as he walked into the kitchen to grab a beer. All the dads came running in to check on their kids.
“TOB—FUCK OFF FELIX,” The father slider pushing his brother off him, “TOBIAS! ARE YOU OKAY?” Theodore could feel his heart race as he thought of the worst happening to his kid. Did he cut his hand with a knife? Did he lock himself in a cupboard? Get stuck in the fridge? Slip and crack his carapace? (True stories.)
“That’s a lot of fucking cookies,” Gabrielle’s jaw was hanging open, blinking at the trays of cookies stacked on each other.

The four boys looked at their fathers with surprise. The fathers also did the same, taking in what’s happening. Tobias was just taking out a new tray of cookies from the oven as Jasper was mixing icing with food colouring. Gabby was using the homemade cookie cutter on the dough they had leftover from the last batch as Max was decorating the cooled down cookies.
“Why have you made enough cookies for the damn army?” Felix sighed, hand on his chest, “I thought you set yourself on fire, Jasper.”
“It’s for tomorrow! We wanted to give cookies to everyone,” Jasper fidgeted with his sleeves, “I’m sorry, papa.”
“Oh, oh no, Jasper,” Felix hugged his child, “I’m not mad, I promise. The one who should be apologizing is your uncle Gabrielle for sending his brothers into cardiac arrests,” Felix sneered, looking over his shoulder and at his brother. Said turtle just chuckled as he looked over at what his son was doing.
“May we try some?” Michael asked, patting his son’s head as a silent gesture of approval after seeing his work in icing. The boys nodded and allowed the fathers to pick their cookies. “Holy fuck,” Michael hummed, “what recipe?”
“Gabby’s!” Jasper beamed, “he’s been ordering us around.”
“My boy can bake!” Gabrielle laughed, arm wrapped around his son’s shoulders.
“Oh, I only picked it up a month or two ago,” Gabrielle blushed, a little embarrassed, “it’s a nice stress reliever.”

After they finished making enough cookies to fill a whole room, the fathers helped them find containers to carry them to their work (Mostly Felix finding them, but Michael will gladly take some credit).
“Bedtime, boys!” Felix called out, hearing muffled groans.
“But papa!—“
“No buts!” Felix laughed, “it’s midnight!”
“Oh. Okay!” Jasper understood, ushering his cousins into the bathroom to get ready. The boys ran downstairs to say goodnight.
“You boys weren’t swearing or anything up there, right?” Gabrielle chuckled, watching them break out in a sweat.
“Wh— No!… No, of course—? Of course not!” Max lied, trying to shuffle away from his father.
“I’m just buggin’ y’all. We know.”
“Say a swear word, you won’t get in trouble.” Theodore snickered, looking at Tobias.
“I… I don’t know any,” the boy lied, watching his dad blink slowly.
“You won’t get in trouble, I promise.”
“I won’t..?”
“Nope.”

A minute of silence passed as Tobias fought with himself on it, unable to read his dad’s expression. He shook his head as they tried it on Gabby and Max, the other two responding just the same.
“Jasper, go ahead—“
“FUCK!” The boy screamed, returning back to his silent posture. Felix’s expression shifted into pure shock, his eyebrows raised and jaw dropped, his brothers cackling in his peripheral vision. That’s all they needed. Tobias started screaming it too, while Max and Gabby were spewing words that the uncles didn’t even know existed.
“Hey, hey, hey!” Theodore laughed, “that’s too many!”
“You said we wouldn’t get in trouble!”
“… Good point.” Tobias stuck his tongue out at his dad, the two laughing before the slider hugged him, saying his goodnight. Jasper gave a small peck to his dad’s cheek before running up the stairs with the other cousins, Max and Gabby hugging their goodnights to their fathers too.

—

As the morning came by, the cousins had packed everything they needed. They loaded the cookies into the cars and made their way to work, walking in with their fathers holding the sweet treats.
“Your favourite turtles are here!” Gabby announced, getting multiple cheers.
“You must be the fathers!” The director smiled, “wonderful boys you have here. Everyone here loves them.”
“As expected, they’re very social,” Gabrielle chuckled.
“Well, I’m the director! Call me Sushi,” The woman smiled, shaking hands with all the fathers.
“Miss Sushi?” Jasper shyly called, the woman looking at the boy. “We… We made cookies for everyone!” The softshell smiled, gently grabbing the Donnie cookies from his father’s hands and opening the container. Sushi gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Did you boys really make these?” She asked, grabbing a cookie from the top. The boys nodded as they opened their containers to show the director, the woman becoming more amazed.
“Surprisingly, they didn’t burn down my kitchen last night,” Felix smiled, patting his boy’s head.
“I’m impressed! You’re way early, you made cookies and do an absolutely wonderful job when on set!” Sushi giggled, looking at their fathers, “would you like to stay and see your boys in action? They’re incredible.”

The four looked at each other, a bit of shock and excitement before agreeing, the sons shrieking and running around to give cookies out. Cora eventually got there and had fawned over the one April cookie they made especially for her, taking pictures of it. The fathers took over in handing cookies out as the boys went to makeup and wardrobe to get ready.
“Shay-shay!” Tobias called, “did’ya miss me?”
“Well look who it is!” The girl smiled, her Australian accent coming out, “of course I did! C’mon, let’s get your outfit on.”
“I know I’ve only known you for a little bit,” Tobias smiled, lightly bowing as Shayla handed him his hero outfit, “but we’re best friends now.”
“Hell yeah!” Shayla smiled, patting his carapace as he headed into the dressing room, “just like yesterday, after you’re done, come to me! I’ll adjust it to how it should sit and clip it into place.” The slider gave a thumbs up before getting changed, Shayla moving onto Jasper. She bumped into a shell, gasping when she got a good look, “Jesus christ, Jasper. How did you grow so tall?” Shayla watched the turtle turn around, chuckling.
“No no, I’m Felix Gray, Jasper’s father.” The turtle laughed, patting Shayla’s shoulder as she sighed in relief. Jasper came out of the dressing room, getting his gear on. The wardrobe started to panic, noticing Jasper’s mask was missing. They nearly tore down the entire building looking for the damn thing.
Shayla looked under a book, finding the lost item, “hey! Hey! I found it!” She called out, walking up to Jasper and putting it on his head. The softshell shifted it a bit before looking at his dad, gleaming.
In response, the father blinked, nodding in curiosity, “Those are some… Extravagant eyebrows you got there, Jay-Jay.”

Tobias came out of his dressing room and had Shayla’s help to clip it together, while Max and Michael were talking about the stickers on the small turtle’s plastron. In another corner, Gabrielle was admiring his son’s outfit, clapping as the boy spun. “Lookin’ good, Junior!” The father laughed, patting his son’s shoulder, “I’m real proud!” Gabby’s eyes widened before his attention was ripped away, Tobias yelling at them to smile. The two were hit with a very bright flash, chuckling as they realized it was just Tobias being… Tobias. Before they could say anything, Tobias was already off blinding Jasper and Felix. They eventually were called to their makeup chairs, the fathers making sure to stay out of the way but in hearing distance. They all talked about jobs and the four turtles in seats, before being called to set. The fathers followed along, saying hellos to a few people and creating small talk as the boys got prepared for the episode, ‘Down with the Sickness’.

—

Jasper faced his cousins, lifting up his goggles. “Look, a flu this intense is going to affect all areas of his brain. I’m talking, the, full,” A robotic arm came out the back, adding the seventh finger to Jasper’s counting hands, “seven. Stages, before his body naturally heals itself.”
“You guys know what the full seven stages mean…” Gabby softly said, pulling his cousins closer, the others humming in sorrow as Jasper put a hand to his chest. The fathers honestly thought Splinter was going to pass away so early in the show, confused about the writing. The four immediately switched their expressions in sync, Gabby smirking mischievously, “Another chance to get whatever we want!” The four cheered, flinching at the sounds of cackling and hollering. Everyone looked over and also joined in the fun when they saw the fathers literally crying from laughter.
“We’re so sorry,” Theodore snickered between breaths, “we didn’t mean to— to ruin the shot.” Actual tears were falling down Felix’s face as Michael was clutching his stomach. They couldn’t count how many times their sons have pulled that, asking for money from their wallets when they were woozy off of cold medicine.

—-

The fathers had a blast watching their kids on set, laughing and giggling at certain parts. “It was Leo!”
“No one forced you to, Donnie!” Tobias huffed, running with his cousins.

“Uh, Leo’s infected, quarantine him.”

-

The lights flicked off, the three remaining turtles entering their fight or flight mode. Jasper backed up, the lights actually being way too dark for him to see. Thank god he wore his contact lenses today. Accidentally running into Max’s back, he felt hands on his bottom, “Guys! I think I felt him!” The box turtle didn’t mean to violate Jasper’s privacy, he just overestimated how tall Jasper actually was. Feeling alarmed, Jasper immediately hit whatever was there, Max feeling a fist come down onto his head, feeling a bit disoriented from the hit.
“Hey, that is my butt!” Jasper looked at his little cousin, trying his best to stay in character from the sudden mishap. He didn’t have much time to compose himself as he felt his eldest cousin tackle him, the wrong turtle. It was Max who was supposed to be tackled down, and after Gabby realized that, he retreated. “Ow! Would everyone please stop hitting me?” Jasper grumbled, feeling a little overstimulated from how the scene was playing out. He flipped down his goggles, already feeling a headache begin, “oh, not my lab.”
After the scene, the lights came back on, the director calling for a 10 minute break. Jasper got up from his seating position and his father could already sense he wasn’t doing well. “Jasper, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to touch you that way, my brain assumed you were shorter, I’m not sure why,” Max apologized, his hands clasping together.
“I‘s fine,” Jasper mumbled, taking off the headset that felt a little too tight all of a sudden. He also unclipped the battle shell, walking over to Felix and leaning against him.
“Give him a minute, Max,” Felix whispered, rubbing his son’s shell, “hey, everything alright?”
“That wasn’t how the scene was supposed to play out. I know Max didn’t mean to do that and Gabby sometimes has trouble seeing in the dark, but,” Jasper huffed, his hands clenching and unclenching, “I was just… I didn’t…”
“Hey, it’s alright, I get it. You were feeling overstimulated from the touch that wasn’t meant to happen. That’s okay. Do you want to talk to the director about redoing that scene?”
“I’m not bothered by the scene, we got through it. I just..” Jasper whimpered, looking over to his cousins, “I just wasn’t expecting it. That’s all.”

Jasper took 5 minutes to himself, get a drink of water and fresh air. He put his gear back on and made his way back to his family, who only spared him a glance, aware that Jasper doesn’t like being stared at after taking his own time to calm down. They know he’ll bring it up when he’s comfortable, and they’re okay with waiting. The softshell hugged Max and Gabby, letting them know that he isn’t upset, just needed a minute. He turned to Tobias and immediately hugged him too, clinging onto his comfort person. He loves his whole family of course, but Tobias has always listened to him without judgment, and has always helped him through meltdowns, anxiety attacks and so much more.

And since they were similar in age, it’s easier for them to relate to each other’s problems. His father understands that.

“Back on in 2!” The director called, the boys easily slipping back into their hyper selves.

—-

“Alright, we won’t be needing Tobias or Gabby from here on out, you two feeling okay?” The director asked, looking at the boys. They had just finished an episode and were currently on a break as the crew were filming scenes that they weren’t needed for.
“Mhm!” Max smiled. Jasper gave her a thumbs up, script on the other hand.
“Alright! Wonderful!”
“Could we stay? I wanna see what this episode is about!” Gabby smiled, getting a nod of approval from his dad. Sushi smiled before nodding, him happily continuing his conversation with Max.
“Uh, question?” Jasper pointed to the script, “Is this meant for me? I do recall someone asking which two out of the four of us is a dog person. I am not a dog person, I am a cat person.” Jasper said blankly, still a little in character for Donnie.
“Yup! People who love dogs adore puppies!” Sushi said, smiling, “and Donnie will actually match up to you, Jasper.” Jasper smiled, nodding as he continued to review his script.
“Alright, coolio,” Jasper sighed, “barking sets me off, puts me in a bad mood. That’s why I prefer cats, they fit my lifestyle better.”
“O–oh. Shoot,” Sushi cursed under her breath, thinking, “does it bug you a lot?”
“Sort of? It’s not like I can’t handle it, but it can be too much for me if it goes on for a while. As long as there aren’t too many dogs, I’ll be fine.”
“That’s the thing, there are like, 50-60 dogs on their way here right now.” Sushi sighed, “we might have to cancel this episode.” Jasper looked to his father with concern and uncertainty of what to do.
“Could we switch him out with Tobias?” Theodore asked, hand on his son’s carapace, “I know that things like this happen, and sometimes actors can be switched out. And my son loves puppies.”
“Unfortunately, we cannot. We would have to rewrite the whole thing.”
“What about ear plugs?” Felix suggested, “no one will see ‘em under that headset anyway. He’ll be aware of what’s happening, but at least the barking isn’t going to shatter his eardrums.” Felix cannot count how many times he’s worn earplugs during his 9 hour practices with the violin. That thing can screech.

“That… Could work!” Sushi smiled, “I need a pair of ear plugs!”

After getting everything situated, Jasper felt more confident now that he has something to at least dull down the barking. Speaking of which, some crew members were bringing in carriers as the dog trainers were getting ready, treats and everything.
“Ready to go, Tobias?” Theodore smiled, jingling his keys.
“But…” The younger slider looked over to his cousin in purple, fiddling with his hands, “what if Jasper needs me?”
Thedore looked up as well, thinking, “how about you and I go get some drinks for the family and you can stay here and comfort Jazz if he needs it?” Tobias perked up, nodding with excitement. The two headed out, Jasper and Max running up to him to hug the slider goodbye.
“We’re coming back, don’t worry!” Tobias smiled widely, “We’re heading down to Coffee Bean Barista and getting drinks for the fam!”
Jasper felt relieved that Tobias was staying, “oh! Could I maybe get–”
“I know what you like, Jay-Jay!” Tobias patted his shoulder, “I’ve ordered it like, five-thousand times for our sleepovers! I gotchu!” The softshell smiled, separating from his cousin to prepare for the next scene.

—--

After a long day, Max was dozing off at the wardrobe and Jasper was already conked out on his father’s back. Tobias was running around with Gabby, however, currently on a sugar rush from the cake pop he ate earlier. When they reached the softshells’ car, Theodore (so kindly) helped his brother out by carefully holding Jasper and gently putting him into the passenger seat. They waved goodbye to each other before heading home.

It won’t hurt just to skip one day of violin practice for his son to sleep peacefully, Felix thought.

Chapter Text

Valentine’s Day. A day to show your appreciation and love for your friends or family, or that one special person, platonic or romantic. It's either the worst or best time for people. It’s currently the worst time for our anxious softshell, Jasper whining and fretting over his gifts for his family. He wonders why he can’t just give them gifts any other day, but he doesn’t mind either since he gets some good pictures. Triple-checking everything, making sure it’s perfect, he brought his gifts to the living room. “Hi momma!” Jasper smiled, seeing his father grumble over a stain.
Seems like he was just prepping snacks and gotten some dip on his favourite sweater. “Why hello daughter, are those the gifts for your cousins?”
“Mhm! And one for you!” The boy sighed, “I hope you like it.”
“Jasper, I still wear the bracelet you made 4 years ago, I’ll love anything you give me.” Felix patted his son’s head, the doorbell ringing, “seems like someone’s early. Who do you think it is?”
“10 bucks says it’s Max and Uncle Michael,” Jasper snickered, watching his father sigh.
“I bet it’s the snappers.” The two always had these types of deals whenever events were held at their place, placing their phones down in a little cellphone jail so neither could cheat the game.

Walking up to the door, they were greeted with red and blue, Jasper feeling defeat for only a second before recognizing his smallest cousin, who was currently wearing a red Spiderman beanie and shirt, tied behind his back. A blue hoodie sat unzipped, the design holding the same media of the cousin’s favourite character.
“I was right, I was right!” Jasper cheered, jumping a bit to poke his father’s face before dragging his cousin inside. Felix sighed, shaking his head, “dang, I just lost 10 bucks.”
“Were you betting on who would come first?” Michael laughed, setting down the gifts and hugging his older brother.
“Yeah…”
“I think the Sliders will come last,” Michael replied, challenging him to another bet.
“I think so too, but they’ll be late.”
“Really? You think the star actor Theodore Gray, father of the One and Only Tobias Gray will be late?” Michael scoffed, “that dude is very strict on times, man.”
“I know my brother well enough,” Felix snickered, “50 bucks.”

“Deal.”

–

Gabby and Gabrielle arrived about an hour ago, the boys wrestling each other. Gifts were piling up, and Felix was just setting out snacks.
“You little shit!” Gabby laughed, picking up Jasper like he was a sack of potatoes. He threw the boy onto the couch, taking a second to make sure he didn’t actually hurt the softshell before playfully punching him. Max shrieked as he launched himself onto Gabby’s back, covering the snapping turtle’s eyes. Gabby flailed around, getting a grip on the back of Max’s shirt, he bent his body halfway, sending the turtle flipping over and impressively catching him under his armpits.
“... Do I even weigh anything to you?”
“Nah, it’s like holding a couple of grapes.” Gabby smiled before yelling and (carefully) throwing Max right onto Jasper, the two screaming before throwing pillows at the eldest.
“Ah, feels like Christmas but without a big ass tree,” Michael nodded, sipping his coffee. The other two adults chuckled, Felix smirking at the youngest brother.
“Guess what time it is.”
“It’s 5:59PM,” Michael looked at him, “I still got a minute.” Felix nodded, grabbing his own coffee and sitting back.

All of them were distracted for so long, they flinched from the doorbell echoing through the home. Felix checked his watch, loudly cackling as he waved his wrist in front of Michael, the time reading, ‘6:28pm’. He opened the door and was greeted with a force to his stomach, feeling his feet lift off the ground. “Whoa– Theodore! Put me down, asshole!”
“I told you I could carry him,” Theodore laughed, setting his older brother down. Tobias didn’t seem to care as he dropped the gifts off and hugged his cousins, joining in on whatever chaos they had started. The fathers began to make the food, soon calling the boys to prepare the table.

–

Dinner was wonderful. They revisited old memories and embarrassed each other, fake grudges being held and to never be forgotten.
“Y’know Jasper,” Gabrielle started, chuckling at the sound of his brother groaning.
“Why must y’all target me?”
“If your father ever tries to get you in trouble, remind him that he used to sneak out of the house at 4am to see a boy.”
“WHAT?” Jasper gasped, looking at his dad. “Is that true!?”
“Well…” Felix dragged on his word, trying to find a way out of this.
“Oh ho-ho! The James guy, right?” Michael laughed, pointing at his brother, “man, I remember those days. You were a real party animal, man.”
“My kid does not need this blackmail on me.”
“I remember when mom found out, oooouh, was she maaaaad…” Theodore snickered.
“At least I didn’t smoke weed at 16…” Felix retorted, acting as if he had dropped the subject.
Gabrielle gasped, looking at his younger brother, “Theodore!”
“Felix! You snitch!” Theodore laughed, throwing a bean at his brother. The assault had the softshell grabbing some corn and chucking it at his brother, everyone following suit.

It’s odd that this isn’t the first time a food fight broke out, but honestly, it wouldn’t be tradition if it didn’t happen.

–

Finally, the moment Jasper’s been waiting for. He helped out handing gifts to his family, everyone soon having a small pile in front of them. He fidgeted with his hands, Felix setting off the small horn and the kids nearly ripping through the bags to see what they got. Cheers and gasps were ringing throughout the home, Jasper getting up and hugging Theodore, careful with the record vinyl he talked about for 3 hours during Christmas. The boy sat down, noticing his father had gotten to his gift. He nervously watched, slowly stopping his hands. The man pulled out an apron, a picture printed onto it. It was a photo he had taken a while ago, Jasper holding up a plate of food and his father in the background, different ingredients smeared all over his outfit. There was a text under it, reading, ‘momma’s #1 fan!’, an arrow pointing right where Jasper was. Felix looked at his son, the boy squirming on the spot. “You always seem sad when you get stuff on your clothing, and I wanted to maybe prevent that, make your day slightly easier.” Jasper smiled, the family stopping to see what was going on. “It’s not lying, I am the biggest fan of your cooking.”

All Felix did was get up and hug his son, tears welling in his eyes. “I love it, so much. Thank you, Jasper.” A kiss was placed upon his son’s head before hugging him tight again, soon setting back into his seat.

All of Jasper’s stress and anxiety washed away completely, continuing on with opening his gifts. The last one was his father’s, a box and a thin square one atop it. He unwrapped the box first, shrieking and jumping around when he saw the vintage looking record player label, the one he pointed out when he and his father were out shopping. He then opened the top one, his face lighting up when he saw the cover. It was a collage of the many photos of him and his dad, from when Jasper was a baby, or even photos his uncles took as a memory. He carefully opened it, realizing that it was the 4th vinyl he received that day.

“For 14 years, I worked on one project. Yesterday, I finally finished the last song.” Felix smiled, looking at Jasper, “I composed 14 songs for you.” Jasper broke out into an uncontrollable sob as incoherent words were spoken, just sitting in his father’s lap as he clinged to him for the rest of the night.

Jasper loved every song. He played it during his homework time, his studies, his art time and right before bed. He never got tired of it.

Chapter Text

Wrapping the red band around her waist, Rory spotted four familiar green faces. “Hey guys!” Rory called out, waving over the turtles. Smiling brightly, Gabby ran up to her and hugged her tight, a strained squeal escaping her throat. The boy set her down as his cousins caught up, greeting her. “We’ve been working together for a month now? Since I’ve moved here, you guys are kind of…” She trailed off, gesturing circles with her hands, “my only friends here. And my birthday is coming up! Or, technically, my brother and I’s birthday.” Even with her passionate energy, she felt nervous to ask. Tobias was a star and an idol to most teenage actors already. Max was very well-known around the city, signing countless autographs. Gabby’s adored by anyone who recognizes him from a show.

And Jasper. The incredible actor for any villain. Many directors say it’s an honour and a blessing to have Jasper on their set. She honestly adored the guy’s talent, and was shocked when he came running up to her for an autograph. They’ve been best friends since. She saw him as an older brother– Hell! They were all older brothers to her! Well, except for Max, but he’s got more strength than all three of his cousins combined. Rory wasn’t shocked at all when Tobias admitted none of them have won a genuine wrestling match against Max. “I was wondering… If you’d want to come to our birthday?”

Pausing for a second, the turtles looked at each other, a wide grin spreading across their face before screeching their acceptance of the invitation. She sighed of relief, glad she was able to invite more than just Cora.

–

Sitting nervously, Rory sighed and waited anxiously for her friends. They’re incredible actors, they might cancel at the last minute. Or might be busy. Or even–
“Hey, you good?” Rory looked up at her twin brother, a worried look plastered on his expression.
“Yeah! I’m totally fine!” She shouldn’t lie like that.
“You shouldn’t lie like that.” He chuckled, nudging her arm.
“I’m not!” She totally is.
“I’m your twin brother, and as your twin, I can tell when you lie.”

…

“Anyone can. You suck ass at lying, girl.” He laughed, immediately apologizing as he felt a hand grab at his long hair, tugging it. Just then, the doorbell rang. Shooting up, Rory ran to the door and opened it, just a pile of boxes in her face. She didn’t even get a word out, the group trampling in to yell happy birthday to her. They all placed their gifts for the twins on the table, hugging Rory and shaking hands with Milo.
“You must be the twin!” Cora smiled.
“Yeah! I am!” He chuckled, gesturing for her to sit, “I’m Milo, older by three minutes.”
“I still win every fight!” Rory called, before she dragged the turtles to where they were.
“This is so cool! I’ve never met twins before!” Tobias squealed, sitting right beside Milo, “a lot of people think Jasper and I are twins… For some reason.” Milo took a minute to look between the two, before his face shifted into confusion.

“... How?”
“No. Idea.”

Rory was happy with this. Her friends getting to know her brother was heartwarming, it gave her goosebumps. Maybe even a little teary. It was difficult for the two to make friends anywhere, but she felt at ease knowing that he was getting along with her friends.

–

“So, twin to twin,” Jasper jokes, feeling his arms shake from his spot on the twister sheet, “did anyone ever… Oh shit– ever not believe you two when you said you were twins?”
“Milo, right hand on red.”
“Not when we were younger but definitely when–... Uh. Wait,” Milo nervously chuckled, “that’s not my story to tell.” Rory snickered as she watched her brother reach underneath Jasper’s bridge form to touch the red with his hand. They looked a little stupid, but who doesn’t when you play Twister?
“Huh? What do you mean?” Jasper asked, looking at Milo.
“Oh! Uhm…” Rory looked around, eyes on her. This feels more intimidating than being on set.
“Oh, fuck. I’m so sorry, Rory. I shouldn’t have answered, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot,” Milo apologized, feeling guilty.
“No no! It’s alright!” Rory reassured, “I’m fine with saying it.”
Just then, Jasper broke his form, falling straight onto Milo, the boy letting out a quiet, ‘aiya!’.
“Oh! I’m sorry! You don’t have to say if you don’t want to!”
“Oh no, I’m genuine when I say it’s alright,” Rory smiled, a little in amusement from her brother. “I’m transfem, and what Milo is talking about is that we’d look exactly alike, identical twins. But I transitioned and shaved my goddamn head,” Rory nervously chuckled, looking up at her friends. Gabby got the message, seeing her uncomfortable look.
“Well, good to know your pronouns, hm? I go by he/she, just so you know.” He could see her visibly relax. They decided to do one more round, but the plans were cut short due to the doorbell ringing, pizzas were delivered.

“I do remember Casey Jones usually being portrayed as a guy,” Max said, dipping his slice in some sauce.
“I actually auditioned the same day as Rory, but I got a different part instead,” Milo covered his mouth as he spoke, not wanting to spit all over Gabby who was sitting in front of him. “They gave me Casey Jones Junior instead.”
“Junior? Like her son?” Jasper asked, pointing to Rory.
“Not sure? They said it wasn’t confirmed, but I would be playing that part if they keep it in,” Milo clarified, shrugging his shoulders as they all continued on the random subjects that popped up. Soon, the twins’ mother came out, turning off the lights while carrying a beautiful cake. They sang to the twins, all of them a little out of sync from the different singing styles they had.

–

It was now time for presents, “I’m sorry, Milo. We tried our best with what Rory told us,” Cora nervously laughed, scratching her arm.
“No no! You guys being here was more than enough, let alone presents!” Milo reassured, giving a thumbs up. They went through the gifts, Milo getting up and shrieking about the Insane Clown Posse shirts, hugging everyone tight.
“Hi Mama!” Rory gleamed, seeing her mother sit down beside Jasper. The lady smiled and waved before turning to the softshell.
“Oh! Frog, right?” She smiled, looking at Jasper.
“Oh no, Ms. Monroe, I’m a spiny softshell turtle,” the boy smiled, nodding politely.
“... Ai?” She turned to Milo, “Anong sabi niya?” (“what did he say?”)
“He said he’s a turtle, ‘Hala, Ms. Monroe, Spiny Softshell Turtle po ako.’.” The boy repeated Jasper’s words in Tagalog, the woman gasping before profusely apologizing to Jasper. He reassured it was okay, laughing a bit at the misunderstanding.
“Oooh… I don’t like that, scary clowns,” Mother Monroe laughed, pointing to the shirt Milo was admiring, “but if my boy is happy, then I am happy.”
“I didn’t know you spoke a different language, Rory! That’s really cool!” Max exclaimed, scooching closer to the girl, “what language?”
“Tagalog! We’re Filipino and Chinese. Although, we only know Tagalog. Our dad isn’t very fluent anymore,” Rory chuckled, “But we still celebrate things like Chinese New Years and such!”
“Ouh! You should show us pictures sometime!” Gabby smiled, helping out with cleaning up the wrapping paper.

–

It was time for the kids to be picked up, Cora’s mother a half hour early. “Thanks for coming, you guys! Next week on set!”
“See ya Cora!”
“Well, she was very nice,” Ms. Monroe smiled, patting her daughter’s arm. “I like your friends, very nice.”
“Jazz!” A voice called out, everyone turning to see Felix. He was wearing a crocheted sweater and bell bottom jeans, a tote bag on his shoulder. “I’m here!”
“Ang lalim ng boses nung babae ah.” (“Oh, that woman has a very deep voice.”) Ms. Monroe whispered to Rory, only for the girl to shake in laughter.
“Mama, lalaki po yan.” (“Mom, that’s a man.”)
“Aiya!” Ms. Monroe yelped, embarrassed. She turned and hid her face into her son’s shoulder, the boy laughing as he comforted his mom.
“Hi dad!” Jasper waved, seeing his other three uncles come into view. The boys ran out, clinging to their fathers, “see you next week, Rory!”
“Bye you guys!” She called out, waving. Milo did his best too, as best he could with his mom mumbling how embarrassed she was into his shoulder.

Chapter Text

Couple months have passed, and the boys were asked to be present for an interview on the release of the first season. Jasper and Tobias took their seats in the chairs as Max and Gabby were making sure they looked decent for the camera. “Ah! Cora!” Jasper waved, pulling the attention of all the turtles in the room to where he had spotted the girl. Jogging over, Cora jokingly swiped her hand over her forehead.
“Thank god you said something, ‘cause I would have not figured my way here,” Cora laughed, patting Jasper’s shoulder. She took her seat beside Tobias, Max’s empty seat soon being taken by the box turtle himself. Gabby also sat down, ready to start.

The interviewer came in, introducing herself. She sat down, and just on time, the director smiled and double-checked with everyone that they were ready. When getting approval from all, the cameras started to roll.
“Hi everyone! I’m Tia, a huge fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! I’m here today with the cast of the upcoming ‘Rise’ series for this franchise!” Tia turned to the five, “it’s such an honour to meet the cast! Tell me about yourself!” They looked at each other, wondering who was going to start. Gabby pointed to Jasper and suggested that they’d start from the far end and make their way through.
“I’m Jasper Gray, I play ‘Donatello’! I’ve been a huge fan of nearly any TMNT media I could get my little hands on,” Jasper smiled.
“Did you like Donnie as a kid?”
The softshell gestured towards his cousins, “I did! I really did. I actually used to think I was smarter than my relatives here because I liked Donnie and they didn’t.” Everyone laughed, Tobias scoffing playfully as he noticed he was next.
“I’m Tobias Gray, and I play the one and only, ‘Leonardo’! I’m so grateful for the fact I get to play such a hyper character, it allows me to really exaggerate and express myself! My personal favourite as a kid was Raphael, but that’s only because my markings were red.”
“That’s really interesting, you didn’t audition for the Raphael part?” Tia asked curiously.
“Ah, no. Unfortunately I’m missing, like… Half a foot to my height,” Tobias sighed, laughing as Gabby snickered.
“I’m Cora Daphine! You see me as the ‘April O’Neil’ in the show! Many recognize me from films that I’ve done, mostly the zombie apocalypse ones.”
“Oh! Apocalyptic, I see. Any reason why you wanted to do TMNT afterwards?”
I was honestly just needing a break from all the seriousness. Very relieved to do such a silly show because of just… How many shows I’ve been in, it was honestly taking a toll on my health. That’s why I’m so grateful to work with such a wonderful group such as these guys and have such a fun environment, y’know?”
Tia nodded, looking over at Max.
“I’m Max Gray, or ‘Michelangelo’, if you will,” Max giggled, “I absolutely loved watching the shows with Jasper as a little kid. We’d used to sneak the tablet and rewatch every episode, I’m pretty sure Jay still quotes some of the lines from the… 2012? I believe?” Jasper covered his face with one hand, leaning his elbow on the armrest.
“Dear god, I don’t even realize I do it sometimes,” the softshell snickered, the attention onto Gabby.
“Best for last, huh?” Gabby teased, shaking his head at his family. “I’m Gabrielle Junior Gray, the ‘Raphael’ for this series,” he said, “I’ve got such bad stress when it comes to performing sometimes, this is the first huge role I’ve ever had. I’m usually an extra or a side character, but to be a lead role was incredibly nerve-wracking. I’m pretty sure I cried when I did my audition,” Gabby sighed.
“And how do you feel now? Is it still like that?”
“Oh no! Having my cousins with me is amazing, makes me feel more at home! And it’s also such a fun vibe, there’s honestly no reason I have that would make me nervous anymore.”

“You guys aren’t actually brothers?” Tia asked, intrigued.
“We are not! Our fathers are,” Jasper smiled, “but at this point, we are brothers, since we’re close like that.”
“So, I’m wondering, where is Casey Jones? Was he unable to make it here?”
“Oh, they’re actually—“ Tobias started, immediately being interrupted by Jasper’s shushing. “What?” The slider looked around, confused as to why his cousins were trying their damn hardest not to laugh.
“That’s… Those are spoilers,” Max whispered, snickering.
“Oh shit, whoops,” Tobias cackled, leaning his head on Jasper’s shoulder to hide his embarrassment.
“Tobias has this habit of accidentally revealing spoilers. I’m pretty sure there’s a video going viral of him on Instagram Live, showing off the Rise poster to like… What, 300,000 people?” Gabby laughed, looking at his cousin.
“Correction, 400,000 people,” Cora inputted, gesturing to the snapping turtle.

—

“We’ve heard some little details like Donatello not liking pineapple pizza. Is that taken from you?” Tia looked at Jasper, seeing his body language turn into needing to say something about it.
“Oh my god! I was honestly shocked when I found that out, because I love pineapple on pizza!” Jasper laughed, looking at Tia, “shook me to my core.”
“Oh my god! Really?”
Jasper nodded, ignoring Tobias who was clutching his stomach from laughter.
“Another question for you, Jasper. In the 2012 iteration, Donnie had feelings for April. Would we be seeing that again?”
“No, no. April in this series is very much like a big sister,” Donnie replied, looking over to Cora.
“Yeah! I would say that April and Donnie are very close within the friendship, but everything is platonic.” Cora stated, nodding along with Tia.

“And what’s it like being on set with each other?” Tia asked.
“I constantly knock my cousins over with my tail,” Gabby chuckled, “their poor ankles.”
“I’ve got bruising, actually,” Jasper laughed, pointing at his left ankle, “but it didn't even hurt. He's always been able to that, ever since he grew one long enough.”
“I’m honestly shocked none of us have broken our bones,” Max laughed, “I remember one time on set, someone mixed up Gabby and Jasper’s harnesses, so when Gabby was on set, the thing snapped off and he landed straight on his left shoulder!”
“Oh my god, are you alright?” Tia gasped, covering her mouth.
“Oh I’m fine! I did crack my shell, I’m just wearing the fillers,” Gabby laughed, sliding the pieces out, “They were made by the person who mixed up the harnesses. Someone was in a rush and asked them to grab it. Since they were on props, not equipment, they got confused and grabbed the first one they saw. When the accident happened, they felt so bad they made replacements.”

—

“You’re all clearly different from your actual characters, how do you tap into that?” Tia read off her card, looking up at Max.
“Y’know Mikey, I— I went and watched back a lot of, uh, Michelangelo,” Max stuttered, “and, I wanted him to be different. I wanted him to have this, ‘urban flair’. This youthful energy, this charisma, and this ‘spark’ unlike any other versions of Mikey. And, also more importantly,” smiling at Tia, “I wanted to have this funk, this soulfulness. So, with the new Michelangelo, you get that. You get the most unique, dynamic, fun version of Michelangelo with that splash of cool and culture. Shoutout to the culture.” Max said, looking at Jasper as the softshell sarcastically smiled, knowing exactly what to say.
“I’d also like to shout out to the culture,” Jasper looked into the camera, his cousins snickering to themselves. Max cackled, clapping his hands together in amusement.

Dear lord, was this interview going way off tracks.

Jasper continued with his answer, joking around with his family. They spent a lot of time in the chairs, just sharing their experiences with not only the crew, but with each other as well.
“I’m wondering, and I wanted to know if you could answer this for me: I’m a huge TMNT fan, so I’m confident in what I know, but recently, there’s been mentions of this ‘Sandro’ character. Is that… Can we hear about it? Is this a new character?” Tia asked, setting down her index cards.
“Oh my GOD! Sandro!” Gabby hollered, covering his face.
“I also want to know who Sandro is!” Tobias laughed, “Sandro is not a canon character, but recently, people have been FLOODING. My Instagram comments with the name and I’m like… ‘Who is this?’” He laughed, looking over at Jasper.
“People have been pining this ‘Sandro’ on Orlando Bale, I literally have no explanation other than that.” Jasper snickered, his attention on his younger cousin.
“Oh my god! And the… The ‘Yellow Rose Mikey’! Where did that come from!?” Max laughed, looking at Cora, “I’ve gotten so many comments on it! So many people want Kye Gates to play that specific version of Mikey, but yellow roses all over? I’ve seen some artwork on the character, and they’re beautifully done, but… Who is Yellow Rose Mikey?” Max asked no one specific, still genuinely confused though.
“I honestly think they’re characters done by someone, and went viral in the fandom,” Gabby smiled, “they’ve been demanding it to become canon for a while.”

–

“Well, thank you for coming in! It was wonderful to meet the main cast! This is Tia Grandy at New York’s Comic Con! These guys can be found next at Calgary Expo, signing autographs and taking pictures! Come say hi!” She ended off the interview, waving her goodbyes to the cast. She waited, checking her makeup as her index cards switched out. Taking her seat again, she was met with two smiling faces. “Hello! I’m Tia Grandy, I’ll be your interviewer for today. I actually was just interviewing four other turtles from the new TMNT iteration!”
“Oh. My god, I heard about that show, I actually watched a couple episodes!” The Common Snapping Turtle replied. “People have been calling me ‘Sandro’ for like, a month. I’m so confused.”
“People want me to play some… ‘Yellow Rose Mikey’ for the show and I’m like, ‘don’t they already… Have a Mikey?’ Someone corrected me, apparently I would play a separate character. Still confused.” The other responded. Before Tia could ask more, they started the interview.
“Hey everyone! I’m Tia Grandy, and I’m interviewing the main characters for the award-winning horror movie: ‘Found You’! Let’s hear more from the actors themselves, shall we?”
“Well, I’m Orlando ‘Alexandar’ Bale, and I play James Hodge! I’m also known as the viral meme of Sandro, if anyone out there has heard of the new show, Rise of the TMNT.” Orlando laughed, looking over at the box turtle beside him.
“I’m Kye Gates! I play Steven Fray. A lot of people have been demanding that I play Yellow Rose Mikey for the same show, Rise of the TMNT.” Kye chuckled, looking over at Tia.

“Maybe someday you’ll all be on set together!” Tia smiled, “Let’s get on with the movie, I’m sure fans are dying to know what it’s like behind the scenes.”

…

They’ll get it figured out someday.

Chapter Text

Another day of work, as usual. The boys were having a blast, meeting new people and experiencing what it’s like to be fully on set with lead roles. Today, they met Amisha, Jayden and Jackson.

Jasper connected with Amisha immediately, going on rants about his interests. They talked for hours about volleyball and their favourite cartoons, barely having any difficulties with scenes together. He got along with Jayden, or “Jase”, if you will. They talked about different videogames and certain characters. He had the most fun talking with Jackson, though. Turns out, they’re very similar in nearly everything. They begin scenes, Jasper making sure to give Cora a big hug before starting.

“Good luck out there, nerds!” Tobias called, waving to them.

–

With all the extras in the back, looking shocked and amazed, Jasper slid into view and set his foot dead onto his mark, holding his staff up. “With… Classy encrypthion protho– awh, FUCK!” He grumbled, catching his screw-up and making his way back to the beginning of the scene. Jackson hollered, Amisha chuckling as she patted his shoulder.
“Happens to the best of us,” she smiled, getting a groan from Jasper.
“I was doing so well! I knew I was gonna slip up one day.”

Redoing the scene, Jasper didn’t mess up this time, Amisha continuing her line, grabbing onto the back of Jackson’s sweater and pulling him back.
“Can the bromance!” Amisha pointed straight into Jasper’s face, “you’re in.” Jayden jumped up and down with glee, his glasses slightly falling off. “Quit smiling, Jase. You’re still low man on the totem pole.” She then grabbed onto his sweater, dramatically pulling it off his shoulders and throwing it over to the softshell. The article of clothing fell onto his forearm, the boy blinking a couple times before gasping aloud. The camera whirred around him as he made a show of putting it on, standing with his arms out and looking at April.
“Be honest April, do I look Fantastic or su-PERBLY fantastic?”
“You look like you dropped a juice box in the laundry.”
-
Moving onto the next scene, they brought the iconic four to the set with a skateboard ramp, instructing the other cousins into position. Max was goofing off on a skateboard beside Gabby, who was (uncomfortably) sitting on two bricks while lifting a dumbbell. Tobias grabbed a random comic from the top of the stack near his mark, laying on his side and actually becoming intrigued with the contents.
“Oh, hey guys? What’s the haps?” Jasper waddled in, continuing on even though none of his ‘brothers’ answered. “Huh? Oh. Oh, this? I didn’t realize I had it on.” The boy clad with purple strutted his way through, “This is my sweet, new, purple, thathin jack– are you fucking kidding me?” Jasper slapped his hands on his face, dragging them down as he groaned. His cousins bursted out laughing, mocking his screw-up.
“Thathin.” Tobias said in a silly tone, Jasper hitting his arm before making his way back to the beginning. They re-did the scene about four times, due to Max and Gabby giggling when Jasper made through ‘satin’.
Here comes the back and fourth part. They practiced it for an hour, Max was a bit nervous since he was asked to do a one-handstand on the skateboard, he wasn’t sure if he could get the timing right.
“Yep.”
“Got it from being a bit of a tech wiz.”
“That’s nice.”
“Purple Dragons, members only, no big deal, mm-hm.” Jasper stepped over the white line, indicating he was off camera and was handed some bread, giggling for only a second before getting ready to throw it. For payback of the mockery, he aimed right for Tobias’s head, “Well you better grab some toast, fellas! ‘Cause you are all jelly!” He smiled wide, pointing at his cousins. Tobias was of course caught off guard from the random bread assault, and could see the crew giggling silently so as to not interrupt the recording. He internally laughed, knowing he deserved it for picking on Jasper like that. He’ll just have to suffer the memes online that come out of this.
-
Before starting his monologue, Max cheered him on, “Let’s see it, Dee!” Jasper turned around and did the iconic Donnie eyebrow raise, snickering as his cousins laughed.
Zipping down the jacket and shaking it off his shoulders, he balled up the material in his hands and held it up high, pointing it towards the sky and bringing his right leg back. He held the cloth to his face, and before his speech started he let out a loud wheeze, the back of his throat burning a bit. Jasper fell face first into the ground, absolutely sending the actors and actresses into a cackling fit.
“I’m so sorry! Let me try that again, it’s just so goofy.”
“Don’t worry! We’re ahead of schedule anyway.”

“Fare thee well, my synthetic dar– Euh–EEE–EH-EH!” Jasper squealed, the sentence making him giggle.

“Fare thee well, my synthetic darling. I hardly knew nee– FUCK!” Let’s try that again.

“I hardly knew ye, but parting is such thweet– Oh my GOD!” Jasper chuckled, seeing his cousins roll on the floor from laughter. Again.

“Fare thee well, my synthetic darling. I hardly knew ye, but parting is such sweet–”
“Just do it!” Cora yelled from behind, Jasper internally thanking her for being able to get through her line, no traces of giggling she had done mere seconds before. He had thrown the piece of fabric, watching it unfold and towards Amisha. Unfortunately, Amisha flew a little too close to the left, the jacket actually getting torn up in the rotors. She yelped and went flying around, the jetpack completely unbalanced and overpowered on one side. The cousins jumped straight into action and estimated where she would fall as Jasper and Cora ran forward. Amisha crashed into Tobias, the girl profusely apologizing.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t have a lot of practice with this thing prior!” She was panicking, helping Tobias up and apologizing over and over again to the director.
“Hey, hey! It’s alright! Are you okay?” Sushi asked, inspecting for any wounds on her as Jasper checked on Tobias’s carapace. They all looked over, seeing a piece fall from the slider’s back.

Only a second of silence went by before everyone started screaming, the turtles trying to calm them down.

“Oh my god! I broke your shell! I can pay any bills you need!” Amisha was crying at this point, not sure how to comfort Tobias.
“Calm down! Calm– Everyone calm down!” Tobias yelled over the screaming, not even noticing something had fallen off. The crew settled down only a bit, confused as they watched Jasper pick it up. “It’s a shell! It’s supposed to be able to protect me! An impact like that isn’t going to even scratch it.”
“But something fell off!” Amisha pointed to whatever was in Jasper’s hand, the softshell holding it up.
“This is his shedding.”
“TURTLES CAN SHED?” A chorus rang out, even Cora being shocked.
“YES?” Jasper started to giggle. Then laugh, soon a cackle was being ripped out, tears falling down his face. Gabby and Max both covered their mouths as Tobias pinched the bridge of his snout. “Of course turtles can shed!” Jasper turned Tobias around, using his finger to trace the shape on his carapace. “This is called a scute,” the softshell then took off a thin layer, “under this layer is a new scute that is larger than the original. That’s a sign that Tobias is growing.”

Jasper put it in Amisha’s hand, the girl freaking out a bit before inspecting it, “it doesn’t hurt?”
“Nope! It just means Toby here is going through a growth spurt right now,” Jasper chuckled, nudging his cousin’s arm. Everyone relaxed, along with their hearts as they continued from where they left off and finished off the episode.

“They… Didn’t know we shed?” Theodore chuckled, watching Tobias pick at his plastron.
“Yeah! They completely freaked out!”
“Well. That’s… Interesting,” Gabrielle snickered, grabbing Gabby’s bag and patting his shoulder. Jasper then gave Theodore the piece that had fallen off, the man looking fondly at it. He pulled Tobias into a bone-crushing hug as he babied the teenager.
“Dad!”
“What!”
“What are you doing!?” Tobias giggled, trying to push his dad away playfully.
“I remember when your scute sheds were the size of my palm!” Theodore was on the verge of tears, “you’re so big now!”
“DAD!”
“I’ll show you when we get home,” Theodore said, not putting his kid down as he walked through the door.
“YOU KEPT MY OLD SCUTES?”
“Of course!”
“WHY?”
Michael only cackled, shaking his head. “You kids won’t ever understand how us parents are. It means something to us. I still have Max’s scutes.”
“I still have Jasper’s little baby clothes.”
“I think somewhere in the house, I have Gabby’s teething toys.”

The boys were in complete disbelief. They understood (sort of) why their fathers are like this.

Scratch that, they had no idea why their fathers were like this.

“Oh my god, we need to bring in our family scrapbooks next time we bring you to work!”

Awh, fuck.

Chapter Text

Jasper was elated for today. They’ll be doing “Mystic Library”, and he has remembered each line perfectly. He could even recite the lines backwards if you asked! (He couldn’t, but it’s the thought that counts.) As usual, he said hello to Daniel and did his routine of bowing his thanks to the makeup artists. Of course, they awed and gushed at how adorable the boy is, seeing him skip over to his cousin and excitedly talk about the episode.

He stood in a circle with his cousins, going over lines from previous episodes or in upcoming episodes. The director came up to tell them they’re to be on set in 10 minutes, and asked what this little activity was. “This is how we get into character!” Max replied, giving a thumbs up.
“Yeah! It’s a whole lot easier to start when you’re already in that mindset,” Gabby agreed, hands on his hips.
Tobias laid his arm onto Jasper’s shoulders, seeing his cousin cross his arms, “although, it’s a little odd to see Jasper so sarcastic.” The slider chuckled, playfully shaking his cousin.
The boy only smacked Tobias’s arm off, dramatically turning his head away, “scoff! How dare you! For your information–” Tobias started loudly fake snoring, the director laughing at the scene and making her way back to her spot.

–
“You guys can get him out, right?” Cora looked over at Tobias, worry sewn through her expression.
“Of course! We’re experts on mynthic stuff.” Tobias answered confidently, oblivious to Cora’s unimpressed look.
“Uhm… You mean mystic, right? I think we should call Donnie.”
“No, no, no! I got just the plan to get him out!” Gabby chirped in, the director then having the cameras cut.
“Wonderful! Got it on the first try,” She smiled, “Gabby, if you could be in the tub and start breathing heavily, it’ll imply that you had destroyed the bathroom. Max and Tobias, you can honestly choose how you want to look in this scene.” The boys gave her a thumbs up, setting themselves in place. Max had decided to just sit on the ground beside Gabby, knees pulled to his chest and hand on his cousin’s shoulder.

Tobias chose a different approach.

He saw a laundry bin prop seeming a little too perfect for a bathroom that was just recently destroyed. So, with his big brain, he knocked it over and laid on top of it, as if he had accidentally gotten in the way of the destruction and was now part of the aftermath. He could hear Gabby’s chuckle before they started the scene.
“My bathroom!” Cora gasped, her groans of disbelief were very much heard. Even Gabby felt a little bad, even though he hadn’t done anything.
“So, you thought, smashing everything but the mirror would… Get him out of the mirror?” Jasper asked, easily seeming unimpressed, slightly irritated. Gabby perked his head up, standing straight and pointing towards the mirror.
“I could smash the mirror!” The turtle in red could feel his cousin cling to his arm, slowly raising that arm up to bring Tobias into camera view. It wasn’t supposed to happen like that, Tobias was supposed to stay off screen for his line, but the director actually giggled, surprised at how these kids were able to bring such organic humour into play.
“You can’t smash the mirror with him in it, might get trapped in the netherworld.”
“Oh me gosh! He’s fading! We gotta do something,” Max then jumped towards Jasper, almost sending them to the ground. Before the impact, he pulled the softshell back, opening the compartment on the battle shell and grabbing whatever was in it. He began to throw the random props that had been put in prior, his cousin taking a stance to better balance himself. “Donnie, whip up one of your magic-science potions, and get him out!”
Jasper pressed his finger against the fake screen on his arm sleeve, the tech actually operating through the headset. A robotic arm pushed Max away, Jasper standing to his full height, hands on his hips. “Okay, ‘magic-science’, not a thing. But, segue,” the softshell smiled, putting his hand onto his chest. “Whenever I get stuck with a tough problem, I look for answers at my local library!”

…

The robotic arm pushed Max into camera view, the boys sitting in silence as they waited for him to speak again, maybe explaining what a library is. It’s funny, because Tobias and Gabby spend most of their free time at the library studying for their AP classes. They’ve lost count of how many library cards they had to renew.

—

As they took a break, the boys decided to practice the next scene, with the camera crew fully supportive to record it just for fun. They know that the editor who’s assigned to look through these will have a chuckle. “So, where do we start?” Gabby asked, “there’s like a million books here.”
“But, Raphael, a library is like a treasure hunt! You never know what gems you may find along the way.” Jasper grinned, waiting for Tobias to call out, ‘boring!’ With the ending drawn long.
Tobias had a different idea in mind, seeing the director come along and observe their mini-rehearsal.
“Ahh, like a book on how to catch?” The slider had a book in hand, winding his arm behind his head, “heads up!” It was too late before Jasper could react, letting out a yelp of irritation as the book made contact.
“And ow.” Jasper looked back at Tobias, the same face he always gives when the slider gets a burst of energy and decides that now is the perfect time to wrestle and annoy him. He wasn’t mad, he had his fair share of getting things thrown at him. I mean, he grew up with these guys, it’s not like he hasn’t thrown a ball, a stick, or a microwave… Maybe a chair at Tobias’s head before. He pushed his goggles up to his face, the director clapping her hands before he could continue.
“I like that! I want you to do that again when break time is up!” She turned to Jasper, “if you’re okay with being hit in the head again.”
Jasper nodded, “only on one condition,” he looked back at Tobias, “I get one free pass to throw a table at Tobias.” The slider only cackled, giving a thumbs up of approval.

-

“If we get locked in that kiddy room,” Gabby put his arms around his cousin, “We’ll never find–”
“You smell like pomegranates…” Tobias whispered out of the blue. The slider watched Jasper slowly turn his head towards him, trying so desperately not to laugh. “Does he not?”
“He does, but why is that relevant?” Jasper snickered, still whispering.
“Because I think it was! Continue, Raphael.”
“We have to redo the scene, Toby,” Gabby chuckled, still whispering.
-
“3. 2. 1. Action!”

“If we get locked in the kiddy room,” Gabby repeated his actions as he did before, “we’ll never find what we need to help Mayhem. So be very quiet.” Looking around, he noticed Max wasn’t in front of him. He saw Max standing ahead, and as Max took a deep breath in, the director called cut.
“Something… Seems off. Can you add something… Silly?” She smiled, watching them reset back into position.
-
“So be very quiet,” Gabby perked his head up, realizing Max wasn’t there. He wasn’t sure how to change the scene, and quickly skimmed through his memories to try and add something. Remembering that the last time his cat got stuck in something, his father would help out by grabbing the extra skin on its neck.

That’s it!

It’s not exact, but he decided to try it anyway. He grabbed the back of his cousin’s shells and lifted them up, looking beneath them and seeing Max back the same way he should be, taking a deep breath in and yelling ‘Echo!’ down the hall. As the smallest turtle turned around, he saw the display and started laughing, the bats stopping dead in their tracks.
“Why are you scruffing our cousins like your dad does to Sniffles!?” He giggled, Gabby letting out a holler before setting his relatives down, the two dragging their hands down their faces.

“We almost had it!” Jasper complained through his wide grin.

—

“Loom 16, take corridor B,” Jasper sang, sliding past a bookshelf. “Down the stairs, past the ibis tapestry!” Walking with his cousins, they stepped in sync to the beat Tobias had created, “Sliding bookcase after bookcase shows the way to the hall, up the pole, through a hole to the waterfall!” Him and Tobias busted a little move, Gabby speeding up his steps, hushing the two.
“Keep it down, Donnie!”
“Donatello! With a book in his hand,” Jasper dramatically danced his way up the stairs, Tobias still beatboxing (quietly) behind him. Gabby also made his way up, but had blinked for apparently too long and tripped on the step, his face making contact with the tiles. The other two automatically stopped what they were doing to see what happened, cackling loudly at Gabby’s defeated form laying on the stairs. The sound echoed through the set as they helped Gabby up, Max taking a picture from the side. He had gotten permission from the director to post it, which she was 100% okay with.
-
“Donatello! With a book in his hand,” Jasper yelled, “saves the day and proves to everyone that he’s the man!” He finished off with striking a goofy pose, the expected bats grabbing him and fluttering off. “Popo comes in and takes them away, but Donnie Dee will live to fight another day!”

–

The wings of the bats could be heard as they set themselves on the staircase above the scene. The two turtles on set looked up, being reminded that this is a library. Tobias clung to his cousin’s back, “Raph, we can’t fight these guys! We have to be quiet, or we’ll never get that book to free Mayhem.”
Using his elbow, he pushed Tobias off lightly. Now, if we’re going to be honest here, Gabby didn’t remember his line. His brain was kind of all over the place, pretty sure the faceplant earlier knocked his memory around. He just decided to improv, saying whatever came to mind through gritted teeth, “so we fight them as quietly as the quietest lions in the Jungle of Silence!” It took every ounce of Tobias’ being not to burst out laughing.
-
Goofing off, Gabby was currently making silly faces as Tobias had a book in his mouth, the four trying their damn hardest not to laugh at each other. It’s a little funny, considering Gabby and Tobias have always been at the top of their classes, passing with straight As in their AP courses. And here they are, doing stupid shit on camera.

Finishing off the episode, Jasper had hummed and whispered the song for 2 hours now, his cousins joining in at some point. His father got there, watching the four dance over to him. “Where’s our dads?” Tobias asked, looking around.
“Ah, they had something to do, so I’ll be driving you boys home! Unless you’re opposed to a sleepover at Theodore’s?” Felix smiled, knowing the answer. They all shrieked, piling into the softshell’s car and blasting Lady Gaga. They arrived, the other three dads being tackled by their kids.
“Hey dad! Wanna see something cool?” Gabby asked, his father nodding. Gabby walked over to the closest turtle, which happened to be Tobias. He picked him up just as he did before, Tobias going limp.
“Are… Are you scruffing Toby?” Gabrielle covered his mouth, trying his damn hardest not to laugh. The boy nodded happily, “I wonder why he’s limp like that.” Gabrielle walked up, poking his arm and seeing it sway, Tobias just looking around curiously. In the slider’s head, a million thoughts were going a mile a minute. What is this? Why does this happen? Am I part cat?
“It works on Jasper too!” Gabby said, catching the softshell before he could run away, looking at his dad. Felix proceeded to grab Max the same way, the same results.
“Must be because they aren’t used to that feeling? Although, I suggest putting Jasper down, softshells have really strong bites–”
“OW!” Gabby yelped, dropping Jasper. “HOW DID YOU TWIST YOUR NECK LIKE THAT?”

Jasper only responded with a squint, folding his arms, “you’ll never know.” Gabby put Tobias down, the boy exhaling and testing out if he can still walk.
“So, they’re paralyzed like kittens are, but can move their heads.” Gabrielle patted Jasper’s head as he walked by, “We’ll never know why it happens–”
“But thanks for the tip!” Theodore jokes, looking at his son. The boy only ran away screaming, a huge smile on his face as the four went running off, Gabby threatening to pick them up again.

Tobias brought up a random point that he bought a bunch of new clothes and wanted to get opinions on his outfit ideas. Sitting on his bed was Gabby, Jasper laying on his side and Max leaning against the oldest, his legs draped over softshell’s torso. Tobias came out of his walk in closet, gaining cheers from his cousins, “those colours look good together! Wear it for the first day,” Jasper smiled, pointing with his phone towards the shoes and shirt Tobias had on.
“Wait let me show you my idea for the first day back to school, I think it’s better than what I have on right now.” Tobias changed, opening the door and waiting for responses.
“Tobias, that's so ugly,” Max giggled, “what happened?” Tobais gasped, seeing Jasper throw his head back as he cackled. Using his phone, the softshell took a picture of Tobias, the slider protesting against it.
Gabby started, “As a fashion student–”
“I care more for Gabby’s opinion than you both,” Tobias sneered, looking at his eldest cousin.
“That’s really fucking ugly, go change.”
“GABBY! You’re supposed to be on my side!” Tobias whined, “how is it ugly?”
“You look like Uncle Theodore dressed you.” Max snickered.
“Hey, I heard that!” Theodore called, distant laughter ringing out. Turns out the vent in Tobias’ room leads straight to the living room.
“I’m not wrong!” Max snapped back, getting no response.
“Hold on,” Gabby got up, looking through Tobias’s drawers, “do this one instead, tuck in the shirt and fix up the belt.”

After Gabby’s suggestion, Tobias came out with his jaw dropped, the corners of his mouth turned up. “Oh. Em. Gee.”
“Yes! That! That!” Jasper gasped, “wear that!” Tobias jumped in glee, running back into his closet to try something else on. The fathers came upstairs to see the fashion show, Tobias showing off his great ideas.
“Oh, you know what you should wear?” Michael chirped up, the four younger turtles groaning. “What?”
“No offense to you guys, but y’all dress horribly. Except Uncle Felix.” Max sighed, looking at his dad. Felix gave a thumbs up, his ego increasing just a bit.
“We do not!” Theodore gasped, “look, let me make an outfit for you, Tobias.”
“Hell. No.” The son replied immediately, “absolutely not.”
“Come on!”
“Fine!”

“Just come out! Let us see!” Michael yelled to Tobias, everyone listening to him protest about it for a half hour. He finally agreed, on the conditions no one takes a picture. Tobias came out with a pink shirt and yellow pants, a silver belt on and a black beanie. His mouth curved downwards in a frown, crossing his arms as the fathers waited for the opinions of the kids. Jasper tried his damn hardest not to laugh as he whacked his face into the blanket below him, his shoulders shaking.
“Dad, this is so ugly.”
“It’s not!” Gabrielle spoke, “you look so cute!”
Jasper then looked up at Tobias, tears in his eyes. “It’s… Chic?”
“JASPER I LOOK LIKE A PENCIL.” Tobias grumbled, his cousins absolutely losing it. The slider was so done with the adults’ bullshit, he kicked his father and uncles out.

They did this for hours, Max even taking some of the slider’s clothes that he didn’t wear anymore.
“I’m sorry, is this my shirt?” Jasper looked at Tobias, holding up a black article of clothing.
“Yes.”
“I’ve been looking for this everywhere, asshole!” Jasper laughed, taking it back.

“Oh. My god, Jasper.” Max sat up, looking at his phone, “you know that Arden girl?”
“The one that cheated on my friend? Yeah, why?” Jasper scoffed, looking at Max’s phone.
“She’s talking shit about you.”
“So what?”
“She dissed Uncle Felix.”
“NO SHE DID NOT.” Jasper gasped, repeating what she posted on her close friends. “Bro, that stupid softshell’s dad, Felix or whatever, is annoying as hell. Posting about his kid like, twenty four seven. This bitch!” Jasper grabbed his phone and took a picture of it, furiously typing.
“Yo, Jasper what are you doing?” Tobias looked over, seeing him typing up a storm to ‘Arden’.
“I’m giving her a piece of my fucking mind. She can’t talk about my momma like that.”
“Nah, nah. Don’t confront her!” Gabby took Jasper’s phone, deleting the message. “You gotta ruin her life, humiliate her so she’s embarrassed to step foot in school.”
“... Gabby what?” Max looked at him, completely puzzled by the statement.
“... You’re so right,” Jasper nodded, dropping the topic, “I’ll wait until the moment’s right.”

They then gossiped about everyone, the fathers secretly listening in, reacting just the same way as if they were also part of the conversation.

Chapter Text

When the snapping turtle saw the script for one of the episodes, he jumped with joy! How could he not? Not only is he an actor, but his job has an episode dedicated to fashion. As a fashion student, he went on and on about what outfits they would have. The only downside to this episode was his shell.

Around New York, many stores have made renovations to add in tailor shops, allowing any yokai to alter their clothing that suit them best. This was very convenient for Gabby and his cousins, who have shells that wouldn’t allow them to properly wear human clothing. Thanks to these add-ons in stores, Gabby and his family no longer have to take two-hour long drives to the nearest Turtle Town.

Walking in, he watched the crew set up the scene, bright neon colours that worked just right together. He went over to the wardrobe, seeing the racks filled with outfits, “well, there he is! The one and only fashion student!” Tobias smiled, “it’s your time to shine, baby!”
Gabby squealed, permission being granted for him to look through the outfits. He had lots of time to compliment Daniel on the choices, being called over to makeup after getting his first fit on.

–

“Fine? Fine is not an option! For this event, Raph needs to look great!”
“Don't worry, big brother. There’s more where that came from.” Tobias and Jasper held up the hangers, smug looks plastered on their faces. Gabby smiled, reminding him of all the times they went to the mall and stayed until near closing. Tobias always seems to be the one who spends more money, Max and himself a close second. Jasper usually spends his money on accessories or add-ons, and Gabby has to say that Jasper has an incredible understanding of colour theory. They cut the scene, most of the clips having to be very short due to the montage they had planned for this episode.
As they were getting set up for the many shots they were about to take, Gabby giggled a bit, “you and Jasper looked the exact same when you held up the outfits.”
“What do you mean?” Tobias asked, looking at said cousin.
“I don’t know, but I see why everyone keeps calling you ‘Disaster Twins’. Same expression, posture, everything.”

-

He was currently putting on a ripped muscle shirt and blue jeans, finished off with a belt and a skull on the buckle. Wasn’t really his style, but he thinks it still looks good… If he was some bully from the 80’s, demanding you for your lunch money. Watching his cousins shake their heads no, he immediately went to change.
Looking at the brown button up, he was actually wondering where they got this, wanting this shirt for himself. He’ll ask Daniel when he gets the chance. Before he went back on set, someone called for him and gave him… An ugly ass hat. Dear god, why is this here? And a red bowtie? This is getting worse, he looks like he’s about to pull a jig in some country club. His cousins gaped at the outfit he walked on with, covering their mouths in an attempt to not laugh. “Get it all out, c’mon.”

“Oh my god, what is happening?”
“You didn’t choose that, did you?”
“You look like you’re about to flame me on a golf course.”

He watched as his cousins expressed their dislike to the outfit during the scene, Jasper’s body recoiling and Tobias’ shivering out of playful fear. Max was even sticking his tongue out, his snout scrunched in disgust. Gabby rolled his eyes and walked back, hearing Jasper complain about Max taking a sip of his lemon water. Next outfit wasn’t too bad, he’d wear this to a 90’s themed party. He’s positive Max would want to know where the crew got this from. These were some pretty repetitive scenes, and he was honestly relieved when he got to the last outfit. A low-cut pink blouse, paired with white pants and a blazer. The fabric was really nice, he’s surprised the team had the guts to cut such a good outfit instead of getting it tailored. His cousins clapped their hands in admiration, and he could tell they were genuinely impressed with the last choice.

-

Tobias came on set with the goofiest outfit they’ve ever seen him in. This probably tops the pencil one his father picked out for him when they were hanging out. “Awh, you on your way to your son’s soccer game?” Max teased, Jasper snickering.
“Goin’ for a little jog?” Gabby added on, Tobias giving them a sour face, before finding it just as amusing. They continued with their repetitive scenes, laughing their asses off at the Risky Business reference. Tobias then came out with a cowboy outfit, his only supporter being Jasper. His last outfit had them all shocked, Gabby making a comment about how ‘Leo’ that fit is.

-

It was now Max’s turn, Jasper actually really liking that first outfit. He then came out with some tennis uniform, the three making fun of him.
“Ready for your grade 3 nationals, Max?” Tobias asked in a baby voice, gabby hitting his arm from laughing too hard. Jasper got up and pinched Max’s cheek, which got the box turtle giggling as he pretended to attack Jasper, the four settling down.
“Holy, I think these kids had coffee before this,” the director smiled, enjoying the family fun the teens were having. They were already ahead of schedule, there’s no harm in letting them have fun.
They moved on to the very dramatic montage of the ‘Black Tie’ scene, the four pretty excited since they were told to actually look at the camera. This was their chance to fully goof off. Jasper’s jumping scene had to be retaken a couple times, since his jump was way higher than they expected. He played volleyball, so when he jumped as lightly as he could, his chest actually went out of frame. Maybe he needs to work on estimating that better.

-

Stepping on a stool, Tobias slowly stood up from behind his cousins. “Huh. That’s… Weird.”
“Wait wha– Is that the–'' Tobias leaned forward to look at the phone, kicking his legs up to get the momentum he needed to prop himself nearly 90 degrees on his cousins’ shoulders. His entire body betrayed him, as his hand completely missed Max’s head for support. The slider could feel his plastron failing him as he slid forward on Max’s shoulder and Jasper’s chest. It sent his mind into fight or flight mode, his right arm flailing around and grabbing onto whatever fabric he could get a grip on. That didn’t seem to work as he processed it to be Jasper’s shoulder, the softshell yelping as the two of them were sent face-first into the tiled floor. “You assholes! Nothing! You did nothing!”
“I’m sorry, I was a little busy being dragged down WITH YOU!” Jasper groaned, laughing a bit as he playfully shoved himself off Tobias.

-

“It’s a magic townhouse. Ooh! I bet he used a secret door.” Tobias knocked on the wall, sticking his tongue out as if it was going to help his hearing.
“Ah, trickery. The science of–” Jasper looked up from his phone, his cackling breaking him from character. “Sorry! Can we do that again?”

Tobias said his line again. And again. Jasper seemed to giggle every time, Max finally asking him what’s so funny. “Look…” Jasper pointed to Tobias’ legs, “look at this dumbass, standing like that.” Max and Gabby finally noticed and hollered with laughter, even Tobias finding it funny. He’s not sure why he was standing with his feet apart and facing outwards, his knees bent with his bum sticking out. His body naturally jerked forward from his laughing, only to forget Tobias was right up to a wall, his head hitting against the wood and howling erupted from his cousins. Dear god was he a mess today. Taking a break and allowing the boys to fully relax, they were goofing off in front of the greenscreen. The cameraman recording it Jasper busting a move, Tobias coming into frame and putting a bit of pizzazz in his poses.

-

Before they started the battle scene with ‘Hypno’, they met Lux, another snapping turtle to play an extra. He looked pretty similar to Gabby, even with the snaggletooth. The only difference was the shade of their skin, Lux having more of a yellow-tone to his. “Apologies in advance!” Lux said with a scouse accent as he and Gabby stepped into the two holes cut into the box.
“Ah, no worries!” Gabby chuckled, hearing the snap of the board and immediately getting ready for the fake fight against ‘himself’.
Jasper was assigned to run down the hall, and hit his head against the soft arm. Getting the scene right, he laid there in pretend confusion before the director called cut. He watched as they brought in the machine, many fake hands attached to it. Not even a minute went by before they called action, Jasper blocking his face from the very soft punches that the machine had been activated to do. They were made with foam and stuffing, so Jasper wasn’t actually hurt. He knows the sound effects will handle it, and the hands were going too fast for the viewers to notice they weren’t actually real.
Max had a wonderful time rushing around his scene, opening up boxes and running into things. What he wasn’t expecting was the soft whack to the face when Hypno came out, holding an extending punching mitt. It didn’t hurt, just caught him off guard. The second thing he wasn’t expecting was the hundred of doves flying out after opening the box Hypno was previously in, getting feathers in his mouth.

–

They finally finished the episode, so tired from their activities today that Gabby had to gently pass a sleeping Jasper over to Felix, and Michael had to catch his child as the boy could barely walk. Of course, Gabby was tired, but because Theodore declined Tobias’ request, the eldest cousin offered to carry the slider. They all made their way home, Max sending pictures into their group chat from when they were all goofing off at break. Only a week later did he get the video of Tobias falling face first into the ground, sending it to the same group chat and adding a message: ‘If I’m going down, you coming down with me bitch’.

He also made sure to add a screenshot he took mid-fall, Tobias’ mouth wide open from his screaming and Jasper’s one eye opened, one eye closed. Let’s just say the two were expressing their anger through keyboard smashes and a string of cuss words, but obviously weren’t serious when they matched profile pictures on Twitter.

What a week.

Chapter Text

Honestly… Jasper and Tobias were ecstatic for this episode. They get to compete mostly against each other, and really go all out. They were currently having a sleepover with Max and Gabby, the fathers watching the four practice some scenes. Of course, they were cousins and spent a lot of time together, but for some reason, they just couldn’t get into that mindset where they’re brothers. The director has pointed out a few times that the way they act out some scenes just doesn’t sit right, since they aren’t 100% sure how brothers should act. They’ve been doing a good job, but not a great one. In all technicality, all four of them are only children trying to play the part of teens who supposedly live together since they were babies. It’s a little difficult to get that love-hate sibling relationship when you don’t see each other everyday. They’ve asked their fathers what it’s like to be siblings, and poke fun at each other, but still don’t quite understand. “Second place huh?” Tobias smirked, holding a brush as a fake microphone, “what’s that feel like?”
“More sarcasm, I’d suggest,” Michael chirped in, Tobias groaning.
“This is the fourth adjustment! I’m doing my best here!”
“I know, I know! But it's just… Seems like you’re more like cousins–which you are– than brothers,” Michael nervously chuckled, feeling a little bad for picking at Tobias.
“Yeah, if you want to really get this episode right, act more like your dad.” Felix snickered.
“Hey hey hey! Watch it!” Theodore laughed, turning to look at his tallest brother.
“Nah, you were always an asshole when you were 14, I have every right to make fun of you now. Payback, bitch.”
“Dipshit! Jasper, your dad used to smoke weed in his room when he was 16!”
“HEY! Don’t–” Felix laughed, swiping at Theodore’s arm, “Tobias, your dad drank too much vodka in highschool once and threw up in the middle of class!” The two started to wrestle each other, Michael sighing.
“It’s highschool all over again,” Michael chuckled, patting his son’s head, “be glad you don’t have two shitheads as your older brothers.” Felix and Theodore stopped, looking over to the box turtle.
“What did you say?” Theodore narrowed his eyes, laughing as he went to wrestle Michael, the turtle protesting against it. Felix then jumped in, putting them both in a headlock.

The cousins were honestly shocked. Their dads seem to have reverted back to their highschool stages, wrestling and name-calling. They didn’t do jackshit to help, but observed instead. Gabrielle saw the commotion, and was honestly too tired to deal with his little brothers. “God, I thought I escaped this bullshit when we passed our 30s. Wanna see something?” He asked Gabby, his son nodding. He decided to go to the kitchen, and his brothers were currently blocking the way. As he came close, the three had their backs turned, but somehow sensed their eldest brother approaching. Felix let go, Theodore and Michael immediately launching themselves onto the couch and Felix sitting on the table, pulling his knees in so he didn’t trip Gabrielle over with his feet. The eldest turtle glanced over at the kids, their mouths slightly agape. Gabrielle looked at Felix, and even though his younger brother was taller than him, the softshell still recoiled as Gabrielle leaned closer, taking advantage of his ‘I’m the oldest and life-time winner of all wrestling matches’ card.
“The amount of respect… And fear…” Jasper whispered, Gabby snickering as the four kids watched Gabirelle pass by.
“They know if he gets annoyed, all their asses are getting beat,” Max giggled, his cousins trying their best not to draw attention to themselves. They immediately got back into trying out their scenes as the three younger dads took their previous places, pinching or slapping each other’s arms every once in a while.

“Second place, huh?” Tobias sarcastically said, poking the brush to Jasper’s face, “what’s that feel like?”
“Yes! Exactly like that!” Max smiled, giving a thumbs up.
“Oh! Your advice did work!” Tobias looked over to Felix, his dad letting out an offended gasp.

-

The director told the four that they would be recording all of the games first, and then individual interviews another day. ‘Lair Games’ is going to take a bit longer than regular episodes. They were currently checking out the hall they’d be riding down, a little unsure since this event was called the ‘Handstand Hill Bomb’, but there was… No hill. From what the director told them, the crew were going to turn the camera so during editing, it looks like they were going down the hill. “Why not just have us go down the hill?”
“Because it would be a 45 degree angle, I don’t need your fathers coming for my head when I send you boys to a hospital rather than home,” the director laughed, patting Max’s head before starting the scene.

hearing Karl announce the first events of the Lair Games, the four stood up on their hands, stepping onto their skateboards, before having some help from crew push them in view of the camera. This was a small ramp to get the beginning scene going, the turtles riding down and four other crew members catching them as their skateboards rolled off. Cutting the scene and making their way to the built setting they were previously checking out, they repeated the action to get onto their skateboards, again being pushed to gain that speed. Tobias had been pushed with just a bit more strength and was starting to get ahead of his cousins, the boy kissing goodbye to his cousins as he crossed the finish line. He walked up to the cameraman, grabbing the handle attached, “I may be bald, but call me the hare because I smoke tortoises!” He cheered, crossing his arms after dramatically gesturing towards the camera.

-

“And it’s a clear indoor day, conditions are ideal as we begin event number two, Pipe Goop Chicken.” Karl could be seen in the back wearing a hazmat suit, the turtles watching Tobias with irritated looks.
“My signature event.” Tobias started, pointing out to literally no one as he spoke, “The goop that separates the turtles from the tadpoles.”
“Uh, that’s not exactly–”
“The mice… From the rats,” The slider laid back, Gabby blowing the blue mask tails off his eyes.
“Yeah, again, you’re wrong.”
“Who’s going to flinch first?” Tobias asked, giving no one a chance to answer as he tucked his hands behind his head and crossed his legs, “well, my money’s on Donnie.” Karl gave a countdown, the pipe system above rattling.
“Pizza supreme in the sky, please give me strength.” Gabby hoped, Tobias cackling beside him in anticipation. As the ‘goop’ came down, Jasper had to remind himself it was just edible slime made with Jell-o, cornstarch and water. Chocolate being used as the… Eugh, chunks that made it look a little too real. Of course the director wouldn’t get some radioactive gunk and put four kids in danger, but still. He mentally had to hype himself up to keep his mouth open when it drops.
“Augh! It’s too gross! I can’t do it!”
“My face is too pretty to be slimed!”
“Final two…”
“Time to tap out, brother. Time to remember,” Tobias trailed off in a whisper, “who you are…”
“You first, brother.” Jasper challenged, genuinely not ready for the sensory issues that would spark from this.
“This is your last chance!” Tobias chuckled nervously, attempting to freak Jasper out. Which it kind of was, but the softshell was committed, breathing heavily as he heard Tobias stumble away, fearing the forbidden soup. Man, he needs to remind his relatives of their acting skills, because Jasper was internally shrieking in fear right now just from how scared shitless his cousins sounded.
“Blue is out! Purple… Wins?”
“Yes! I won–” And there it is. Oh, how dreadful. He better get help washing the sugar off, or else he will go batshit crazy if his skin is sticky.
“Oh me gosh!”
“Oooh!”
“Woah!”
“Cut!” The director called, immediately calling over help to get Jasper cleaned up. “Thank god you guys got this all in one shot. I don’t think we had enough extra… Gunk to redo that scene.” Tobias was helping Jasper sit up as the crew used their hands to collect the goop and chuck it in a bucket. They used wipes to get the remaining off, and handed it over to Jasper in case they missed any spots.
“Hey, you doing alright?” Tobias asked, checking to make sure Jasper was still good to go. He watched as his cousin grumbled in slight annoyance from how many wipes it was taking to feel fine. “Need a break?”
“Mhm.” Jasper sighed, watching Max walk up to the director and quickly explain the situation. She was more than understanding and allowed it.

-

They had done this scene… What? Four times? Max felt bad, his timing was off or kept getting it right in the middle of the board. “Don’t worry about it, Max!” Tobias smiled, patting the turtle’s shell. Eventually, they got the scene right, Jasper using his wonderful aim and hitting it right on the dot. When it came to the ‘Dizzy Race’, Gabby actually got sick and had to take a breather before continuing on. They redid the scene two more times, with Jasper hitting his head against the railing (thank god for the helmet) and Tobias missing the button completely. ‘Mallow Mouth’ went just as planned.

Coming up to fridge balance, they already had two lightweight props that had cans, plates, pots glued onto it, and it would be hanging from a wire. Tobias and Jasper got into their places, looking straight up. They waved to the people above, who controlled the man-made stack. Lowering it down, Tobias and Jasper made sure to lightly guide it onto their chins as the crew members put fake props on it and sprayed Tobias with glycerin mixed with water, fake sweat, if you will. They stood as they heard the clapperboard click, getting into their scene.
“If purple wins this event, it will almost be impossible for blue to catch up!” With the amount of rehearsals they’d done for this scene, Tobias was honestly impressed with the workers above, moving the prop so he didn’t have to rely on his jaw strength to carry it. “Oh no, blue is starting to wobble!”
Grunting a bit, Tobias slipped and crashed into Jasper, the two of them laying on the ground and shutting their eyes closed as dust was kicked up. “Cut! Next scene!”

-

Tobias confidently blew a kiss to the camera, before dramatically flipping and pulling into his shell. He slid down the skateboard ramp and knocked all of the mannequins over, popping out and doing a little jig as Max and Gabby clapped with annoyance. “Another perfect ten for blue, and with purple unable to bowl–”
“Not so fast, my friend!” Jasper interrupted, the fog machine giving him a dramatic entrance, “I’m here, brother. Let’s bowl.”
Jasper dragged his fake cast to the edge, looking down at his cousin with a determined look. It honestly got to Tobias, he thinks it’s the eyebrows that made him genuinely nervous. The softshell prepared himself with a sigh, taking his jump. As he fell, he pulled all his limbs into his shell, but the cast wouldn’t allow his right leg to fully go through. Repeating the action, it finally gave in and sent Jasper flying all over the place, the impact sending all the mannequins in the air. He could hear the cheers of Max and Gabby, Tobias falling to his knees as he expressed his defeat. Jasper made sure to quickly push in the pre-cut shape of himself in the ramp through, quietly stepping in just to hang his body over, watching as all the mannequins fell. One stood up perfectly, the strong magnet under the set and molded into the feet seemed to do its job.
“It’s a 9!”
“What!?”

-

“Thanks for the room, bro.” Jasper smirked, laying on the bed Leo’s character used to occupy, Tobias walking away with his box of belongings. “You know, a champion really needs his space.” The turtle clad in purple pulled his torso up, sitting on the bed, “Daa-ha-ha! Champ burn! Burn! Champ burn!”
Jasper’s voice could be heard as Tobias had walked through the foyer of the set, the Lair Games banner in the background.
“So, Leo, How does this loss feel?”
“A better question would be… Did I… Really lose?” Tobias asked, doing his signature smirk as he winked at the camera. They only needed to shoot the scene with Jasper, so they brought Tobias back in front of his ‘old’ room and continued there. The slider shushed with a finger to his mouth, pointing towards the softshell. The camera panned over, Jasper’s expressions horrified as he made it seem like he regrets even trying during the whole game. The camera came back to Tobias, an evil little smirk plastered on his face.

–

What a day!

Jasper and Max were goofing off as Tobias was checking his phone for any notifications. Before they reached their fathers at the door, the director stopped them, “you kids, are astounding. Wonderful, wonderful performance. We’re really proud of the work you’ve done. After season two is released, the movie is next.”
“Oh, shoot! I completely forgot about that!” Gabby gasped, “We’ll be in school, I’m not sure how well–”
“Don’t you worry! I’ve already contacted your guardians and we’ve scheduled everything to work around your school time. It’ll take a long while, but it’ll be great, I promise!” The four turtles sighed with relief, giving their thanks to the director.
“Oh, isn’t this exciting? We finally get to be on set with Milo as well!” Max squealed, jumping around with Jasper.

“Man, you kids are energetic!” Theodore laughed, “were you reminded of the movie?”
“Yeah! I’m real excited, papa!” Tobias smiled, putting his phone in his bag. “As bad as it sounds, I can’t wait to be done with season 2.”
“Same here! I really wanna do the movie!” Jasper agreed.
“Well, hold on! They still have to cast people. I’m pretty sure they won’t get to the movie until… Mid semester for you guys?” Theodore chuckled, “you’ll turn 16 during the filming, if I’m correct!” The four groaned, that feeling quickly being overridden by the offer of dinner from their fathers.

“I wonder who they’ll cast in,” Max wondered, sitting in his spot beside Gabby.
“Who knows, maybe your fathers will be on set with you,” Theodore jokes, his son rolling his eyes.
“Oh puh-lease! Why would you be there? What is there like… A future version of Leo in the movie? I don’t think so.” Tobias scoffed, nudging Jasper’s arm. The softshell also snickered, looking at his uncle.

“Hey! You never know!”

Chapter Text

Ring Ring. Ring ring.

“You can answer that, y’know?” Michael laughed, the family turning their heads to the buzzing phone.
“Oh! If that’s okay? We’re having a game night, I forgot to silence my phone!” Max sheepishly checked in, a little embarrassed at how everyone stopped to look at him.
“No, how dare you! You shall be banished to the dungeons!” Gabrielle dramatically answered, switching back to his regular mood, “I’m joking, go take your phone call!”
Max laughed, grabbing his phone and heading to the hallway, “Can I go into your room, Tobias?”
“Sure!”
The box turtle answered the call, seeing it was from Milo Monroe. Or ‘Shithead’.

“Yo, what took you so long to answer? Are you taking a shit or something?” Milo’s laugh rang through the speaker, Max chuckling a bit.
“No, I’m with my family, asshole.”
“Oh fuck, sorry!” Milo apologized, “I didn’t mean to–”
“Nah, don’t worry about it, They’re fine with it. What’s up?” Max smiled, hearing the excitement through Milo’s voice.
“Remember how I told you I auditioned for the Casey Jones roles, but they gave me another instead?”
“Yeah! At your birthday party! Jeez, how long ago was that? Four, five months? Why?”
“Well, my agent called! They said they’re still considering me, since they really liked my audition from so long ago! I accepted, and guess who’s going to be on set with you!”
“Really!?” Max gasped happily, a hand coming up and covering his mouth, his expression soon being taken over by confusion. “Wait, what about Rory?”
“She’s like… Somewhat in it. I’m Casey Jones Junior, her kid, I think.”
“How does that work? That doesn’t make any sense.” Max questioned.
“Not sure, man. But my agent heard they were going to try and get two really good actors for the movie. Something about the future, I don’t know.” Before Max could say something, he heard Rory come into Milo’s room.

“Did you take my shirt!?”
“Rory, I can’t fit into your sweaters, let alone a shirt.” Max heard some shuffling around.
“This is literally mine!”
“Oh. Yeah, then I did take your shirt,” Milo snickered, Max giggling a bit at the Tagalog Rory was spewing out. “Okay, okay! I’m sorry! I’ll drive you to Gabby’s this weekend! Get out of my room!”

“Sorry about that,” Milo sighed, “I love her, but hate her.”
“Can’t relate,” Max teased, “why is she going to Gabby’s this weekend?”
“Oh! They’re going to the new flower cafe that opened up!” Milo responded, Max nodding.
“I see. Well, I gotta go back to my family, I’ll see you sometime?”
“Hell yeah man! See ya!”

Click.

Walking back, he saw his family looking at him with curiosity. Max couldn’t contain his excitement and yelled, “Milo got the Casey Jones Junior part!” They all cheered, gasping a bit at the good news. Milo was considered a brother to all the turtles, the boy so bright to be around. Jasper remembers when he and Milo stole a shopping cart and rode it down an abandoned bridge. Tobias and Gabby recall when Milo went to karaoke with them, singing their hearts out to Lady Gaga. Milo and Max have the closest friendship though. They both listen to loud, ear-blasting music, and often bond over going to concerts or art museums. Milo does a lot of pottery, which gives Max many opportunities for candid photos to paint.
“Wait, how is that going to work? Isn’t Rory playing Casey Jones? Her character is only 18 in the movie, I believe.”
“Yeah, Milo is the exact same age as her?” Gabby added in. The box turtle only shrugged, unsure of it too.
“He doesn’t even know. Said something about his part having to do with the future, or whatever.”
“Wait, hold on, the future? DIdn’t Uncle Theodore mention–”
“Oup, sorry, hold on. It’s my agent,” Theodore excused himself, walking away. The family brushed it off, continuing on with their chats and game night.

“Hey, Sharon! What’s going on–”
“I got a new part for you.”
“... Sharon, I’m in the middle of the ending of a 8 season long show, I can’t take a new one.” The slider sighed, hand on his hip.
“You'll be done with that one before you get on set for this one. And I know you won't reject this one because…”
“...Because…?” Theodore chuckled, waiting for a response.
“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Movie.” Was all she said. That’s all she needed to say for Theodore to drop his jaw. “They need a Future version of Leo, and you’re already Tobias’ father. They had you, specifically, in mind.”
“Holy shit. Oh my god.” Theodore chuckled, not sure how to express his joy hearing the news.
“It’s not a big part, but I’m sure–”
“Well, yeah! I’ll take it!”
“Oh, wonderful! I’ll let you know what’s next.”
“Thanks, Sharon.”

Coming back to the family, he decided to break the news. “What was that call about?” Gabrielle asked, turning to his younger brother.
“Someone wants me specifically for a role in a movie.”
“Really!? What’s the role? What movie?” Tobias gasped, intrigued. The younger slider's goal is to get to his father’s level of acting, constant calls from his agents and roles written just for his style of acting.
“Oh, y’know…” Theodore smiled, looking at his son, “nothing too big. Just the future version of Leonardo Hamato, in the upcoming film, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Movie.”

Silence.

“FUTURE?” Jasper gasped, grabbing onto Max’s shoulder.
“No fucking WAY!” Tobias shrieked, going absolutely bonkers. Theodore only laughed loudly, letting the cuss slide just this one time. “Oh my god! OH MY GOD!”
“This is going to blow the fuck up on Twitter,” Felix snickered, shaking his head. The fathers watched the kids run around, theorizing how the movie is going to be written. They completely forgot about game night, as dinner was coming up. Gabby and Max were scheduled for an interview, so Jasper asked last minute if he could sleep over.
“I don’t see why not?” Theodore smiled, the softshell hugging him.
“Thank you uncle Theo!” Jasper squealed, running off with Tobias to the kitchen to grab snacks. Felix made his way home, making sure to check in with his kid and what time he wanted to be picked up.

–

Tobias and Jasper have a very comfortable relationship. They’ve had countless, pointless fights, or arguments. They even stopped talking to each other once, but that didn’t last long after two weeks. They both love Max and Gabby just as much as each other, but on a connection level, it would have to be Jasper and Tobias. Felix has gone as far as calling them ‘Double Trouble’. Currently, they are sitting in Tobias’ room in comfortable silence, a couple giggles from Jasper as he scrolled through Twitter. “Oh my god, look at this picture of Rae’s cat,” Tobias giggled, turning his phone to Jasper.
“Oh! A ragdoll! I love that breed! Tell him I’m stealing his cat,” Jasper evilly giggled, before turning back to his own phone.
“Wait, look at this photo of him. Isn’t he so cute?”

Jasper was looking at what he assumed to be Rae, the white bunny that they met like… A year ago. The rabbit was sitting at his desk, papers with notes and pens around. He seemed to be in pain, and with the snapchat captioning, it read, ‘help’. “Is he studying?”
“Yeah, Argh, he’s so cute!” Tobias squealed, pulling his phone back and staring at the image.
“Snrk, gay.” Jasper snorted, nudging his cousin’s leg with his foot.
“Hey!” Tobias laughed, slapping Jasper’s leg, “asshole!”

They went back to silence, neither of them wanting to talk right now. It got Jasper thinking, what’s it like? Having a crush? Well, no, he’s had crushes before, but… I guess his real question is: What’s it like being in love? Is it weird? Is it scary? It can’t feel that great, considering the things he’s heard. That people are too scared to confess because of rejection. Or that people experience bullying for who they like, which is stupid. People love people for… Who they are. But again, Jasper doesn’t have a say, he’s never–

“How can you not feel love?” Tobias asked the softshell out of the blue, breaking the hour of silence they sat in. That broke Jasper out of his thoughts. It was like his cousin could read his mind.
“... Pardon?”
“I mean— not in a rude way! Sorry, if I came off like that,” Tobias sat up, turning off his phone, “I was just texting Rae and it got me curious, how can you not feel love?”

“I do feel love,” Jasper started, “I love you, my family, my friends, but… I guess I don’t feel romantic love, at least not yet? It’s difficult for me to really grasp the concept of it, let alone dive head-first into it.”
“Oh,” Tobias realized, nodding a bit. His eyebrows furrowed before looking at Jasper again, “but that… You’ve gone out with people, you’ve been in relationships for months, isn't it a bit… Mean to say that you didn’t love them in the first place?”
“I don’t think so. I did love them, but I wasn’t in love with them,” Jasper sighed, “It’s difficult for me to explain. During those times, I was more or so blinded by just admiration or felt so pressured that I said yes, and tried for so long to convince myself that this was something that was right for me. In reality, it’s not. It could be, but it’s not a concern for me right now.”

“I see.” Tobias nodded again in understanding, “must be nice. I wish I could walk around without thinking about guys I like all day.”
“I wish I could.”
“Really? But I thought you said romance wasn’t for you?”
“It isn’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t envy what others have. I’m in a time of my life where I’m supposed to be socializing and figuring out who I am, make those mistakes and continue on in adulthood with experience.” The softshell groaned, finding words becoming more and more difficult to say. “Yet, I cannot because of just how the world is, how I am.”
“Jasper, there’s nothing wrong with how you are, don’t say it with such a negative tone.” Tobias leaned forward, putting a hand on his cousin’s shoulder.
“But I’m not wrong!” Jasper sighed, starting to get more frustrated, “I’m upset because I don’t get to experience that! I don’t get that chance because of who I am, and I’m envious of it. Those relationships were fine, but they were the reason why I can’t feel romantic love, and I’m upset I got that taken away from me.”
“So your exes caused you this trouble?” Tobias asked, his voice getting more serious, “I can talk to them, they need to–”
“No, no. Not in that way,” Jasper sighed, “I meant like… Argh!” The softshell started to tear up, completely lost in his thoughts and jumbled brain. “They didn’t do anything wrong, just… Made me realize I can’t… Fully understand the difference between platonic or romantic, y’know?”

“Oh, Jasper,” Tobias sighed, opening his arms up to offer a hug, the softshell gladly accepting as tears welled up in his eyes, “I hear you. I really do. I can’t understand what you’re going through, but I’ll stick by your side no matter what.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“… Maybe if I meet the right person, I could change.”
“Jazz, someone else can’t determine that for you.”
“… Isn’t that the whole point of a relationship?” Jasper whispered, still clinging onto his cousin’s hoodie.
“No, of course not. Someone can’t come into your life and just automatically decide that for you. Your father is your father because he had cared for you in a way that made you see him as that. I see you as a cousin because we’ve been through so much together since diapers, I consider you a brother, even.”
“But—“
“Yes, someone may or may not come into your life, but you can’t… Rely on them to change that for you. You have to feel it first, experience things with this person and then determine on your own if what you’re feeling is romantic.”

Jasper stayed silent, processing Tobias’s words. The slider was right. Jasper wasn’t one for romance just yet, and may never step over to that side, but he can’t just meet someone and hope they do something right to change that for him. He will have to determine that feeling on his own, if he loves them, or is in love with them. Maybe in a time where it was more genuine love than some of the fake tones people use today, Jasper would be head-over-heels for someone. Maybe if someone had stepped towards him with a love letter, written in cursive and signed off with a beautiful signature, he’d be dancing around his room. If there were a chance that someone would take his hands into their own and promise him a relationship of loyal romance, he could finally experience what it feels like to be in love.

Maybe.

But for him right now, he’s happy with what he has. Sure, it’s not a great feeling to be alone on Valentine’s Day, but who said that it had to be for romance? Isn’t Valentine’s Day a day for you to show your love for the people in your life?

Maybe he’ll make a gift for his father, or spend the day with his cousins.

The point that Tobias was trying to make, and that someday he’ll understand is that:

Love is earned, not given.

He loves his family, and isn’t in love with anyone at the moment.

And that’s okay.

He’s valid to feel that way.

Chapter Text

“Calm down!” Theodore cackled, Max and Tobias practically tugging on the top corners of his plastron to see his script. “It’s not a huge part! Our screentime goes for like, four minutes!”

“But still!” Tobias whined, sitting beside Felix. The 6’5 brother just laughed, shaking his head as his son Jasper got comfy in the fort of pillows the kids made a half hour prior.

Just in time, Cora and Milo made it to the Sliders’ Residence, smiling brightly at Theodore. “Hello, Mr. Gray! Or… Wait, Mr… Slider, Gray. Is that worse?” She looked to Milo, the guy shrugging.

“Please, Theodore is just fine,” He smiled, letting the two in. The younger turtles went to greet them with bone-crushing hugs, before dragging the two humans to their pillow fort. “Let’s go over the script, yeah? Make some sense of it?”

–

Settling down, Tobias whistled, “Jeez, Uncle Michael just disappears. Dusted away, if you will.”
“Golly, thanks. I’m so glad I’ll be on set with you soon.” Michael sarcastically responded, grinning back down to his script, flipping through the entire booklet.

“How did I even become associated with the turtles?” Milo asked, seeming to review the first couple of scenes he was in.

“That’s true. If Rory’s already got the Casey Jones role, who’s this guy?” Jasper also wondered, gesturing to Milo’s whole self, the guy lightly smacking his hand away with a chuckle.
“I’m also supposed to support like… 95% of Theodore’s weight while running, according to this. No offence to you, sir, but I’m a 5’6 scrawny kid.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not actually going to just flop onto your side and expect you to carry me, kid.” Theodore cackled, reviewing his scenes and already memorizing the lines he had.

A few minutes of silence, before Tobias murmured through his teeth, “Man… I’m kind of a jerk in the beginning, huh?”

“I mean, it works, no?” Jasper responded.
“What could you possibly mean?”
“The ego? It fits well with your character’s low self-esteem and self-doubt.”

“... Thanks, Jazzy. I really appreciate it.”
“No, dumbass.”
“Hey, language,” Theodore grumbled as he reviewed his part again.
“I’m not talking about you, Tobias, I’m talking about Leo.” Jasper sighed, “The facade is up, but I mean, if you really think about it, Leo seems pretty… Doubting in this. In the entire show, really. People make theories that he feels inferior or not good enough for the team, which is why he’s always clarifying he’s the faceman. To make sure he still has a role.”
“...Well dang.” Everyone flipped through their own booklets, somewhat agreeing with the softshell.

Cora had broken the second round of silence with a giggle, “‘April drops and fumbles her phone as Casey sneaks up on her.’” Page flip. “‘Right before Casey could call out to her, April knocks him out with a punch.’”

“Oh, great. My only idea to approach that situation was to ambush April. I’m a goof.” Milo chuckled, blocking out Cora’s light, playful punches sent his way.
Before they could continue this match, Gabby piped up with a laugh, “‘Donnie slams his fist down against Casey’s grappling hook, sending the hook flying into his face as he’s temporarily knocked out. Raph and April accuse Casey of trying to hurt the family, while Leo and Mikey check up on Donnie.’ Man, we’re going through. It.”
“I’m going through it!” Milo corrected, his eyebrows raised, “Look– I get knocked out like four times in this movie!”

“Sounds like a skill issue to me,” Jasper crossed his arms, his father leaning over to Gabrielle and asking if he knew what that meant. His brother just shrugged, laughing. Felix then leaned over to Michael and asked in a hushed tone, “You’re the youngest brother with the youngest child, what the fuck does ‘skill issue’ mean? Is that an insult I should talk to Jasper about?”
“I’m gonna be honest Felix, I’m flattered you think I understand it, but I got no clue either.”

“Kind of feels like Mikey’s drifting more towards Donnie than Raph, you know? Even in the beginning, he’d rather goof off with Don and Leo than be on Raph’s side. You think it’s some sort of growing-up thing for them?” The small turtle Max asked, his eyes looking around the room to the curious faces, “It makes sense Mikey would… Drift towards hanging out with the twins than Raph. Seems like the oldest is more on his own.”

“Shit. Really?” Gabby flipped through his booklet, skimming through the pages. He nodded in agreement, smiling a bit. “Honestly, I think Leo might stick onto Raph in return, though.”
“That’s most likely the outcome after the movie. Raph spends his time helping Leo be a good leader, and Mikey’s left with Donnie. Seems like Donnie’s going to carry a part-time oldest brother job to Mikey since his twin is also busy gaining lessons from Raph.” Theodore states, nodding his head in Jasper’s direction.

“Woah.”

“Hm?” Theodore hummed, looking up in curiosity.

“‘Leo floats in the Prison Dimension, holding the photo of his family close to his chest as he accepts the path of self-sacrifice.’ Jesus Christ, I thought this was a kids’ show?” Tobias gulped, inhaling and exhaling as he realized how heavy this role is actually going to be.

“What?” Jasper flips to the end of his book, his eyebrow ridges raising. “I thought that too.”

“He sacrifices himself?” Max worried his eyebrows, “Why would he do that?”

“Uhh… It’s to…” With his fast reading, Gabby figured it out in seconds, “to keep Kraang One from making his way back into New York. Donnie and Mikey are launched off, and Raphs goes to save them because Leo commanded him to. Then Leo throws his swords into the portal and then gives Casey the order to pull the key, essentially trapping himself and the Kraang in the prison dimension.”

“Damn.” Milo placed a hand on Tobias’ shoulder, “Sorry, man. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

“Milo!” Tobias pushed the guy’s hand off, everyone laughing and grateful for the boy’s jokes, it seemed to lighten up the room and lift the weight of the script.
“I wonder what the actors for the Kraang are like,” Gabby chirped up, reading various scenes with said characters. “They gotta be nice people, surely.”
“We’re gonna have a problem if they aren’t.” Theodore scoffed, re-reading his part in the film. It wasn’t a long one, but it will still raise many questions about the story.
“Pardon me, but why does it say I have greasy hair?” Milo gave a puzzled look, squinting his eyes to ensure he didn’t read that wrong. “Does that mean I haven’t showered in ages? I must stink.”

“We’re turtles who lived in the sewers for a good 14-15 years and then moved into an abandoned train station. I think the smell is the least of our worries here.” Jasper stated matter-of-factly, laying down on his back and taking a break from the script for a bit. It seemed Cora had done the same a while ago, distracted with braiding Milo’s hip-length hair.

“I’ve always wondered, Milo, why’s your hair so long? No hate! Just curious. Do you prefer it that way or..?” Cora asked, continuing with the braiding.
“Ah, my hair’s long because many of my ancestors, and even family members of mine have long hair. It’s seen as a gift from our parents, and it’s even considered an offence to cut it. When Chinese couples would marry, they cut a chunk off of their own hair, tie it together and keep it in a bag. It also gives me a chance for any hairstyle I want.”

“That’s so sweet though, the marriage thing. Kinda makes me wish I wasn’t bald like my father,” Max giggled, his father giving him an unimpressed look.
“Male pattern baldness is what that’s called. I think.” Jasper held in a cackle, side-eyeing his own dad.
“We’re turtles, we don’t have hair in the first place,” Theodore stated, throwing a balled-up napkin at his nephew.
“You’ve always been bald children,” Gabrielle let out a goofy giggle, his nephews rolling their eyes. Jasper picked up his script one more time, deciding to see what the end was.

“Oh! Gabby! Looks like your markings are coming in!” Max smiled, “Someone’s getting older!”
“What?” Gabby checked his spikes along his shoulder, seeing a few diamonds already forming.
“Wow, that’s pretty early. I don’t think mine started until I was 25.” Theodore grumbled, realizing his coffee was cold now.
“Dang it,” Tobias deflated, crossing his arms. “I really wanted to look cool by the time I graduated!”
“I think yours might be like… 80% through by the time you’re 18.” Jasper poked at his cousin’s red stripes, “My little square guys are already coming in, Max has fully complete circles already, and Gabby’s starting to gain more diamonds.”
“That’s true. I think you’ll have your complete markings when you’re around twenty?” Felix looked at his brothers for clarification, Theodore nodding.

Jasper went back to the script, before showing it to Milo, “Also, if you were wondering, that’s how you’re associated with the turtles.”

“... SHE’S MY MOM?”

Chapter Text

i.

You know, you don’t think you’re recognized too often until the school year starts up again. Not even five minutes in, and Gabby has already signed 6 autographs. A year ago, group members for a project couldn’t even remember his name, for crying out loud. Now here he is, trying to keep up with several different conversations with about, 14 students. He’s pretty sure he absentmindedly gave someone his phone number out of stress and panic.

“I can’t tell you any upcoming content! That’s classified.” He chuckled, shuffling towards his class. Hopefully, Tobias is there. Sitting beside his cousin was better than being alone.

ii.

Tobias seemed pretty happy to see new friends and pushed Milo around for a bit. It’s crazy to him how most of the people he’s seen on set actually go to his school. It is a pretty good school, and he can’t wait to defeat Milo and Rory in dodgeball. When he got to his English class, his bottom barely touched the seat as students practically piled up around his desk. He nearly fell back, but good thing there were a few people behind him as well to stop his accident on the first day. “O–oh god! Jeez, you guys scared me!” He chuckled, bouncing his leg to subtly stim out the nerves, while the people around him started asking a million questions at once.

“You were amazing on TV! How do they do the effects?”

“Er, I actually don’t know–”

“Do you actually use your mystic powers? Can you do them now?”

“Well, first, that would be illegal, mystic powers aren’t allowed to be used without reason–”

“What’s next? What happens in the upcoming movie?”

All Tobias knows is he’s holding two phone numbers and three invitations to some parties. When he saw Gabrielle awkwardly shuffle in as well, doing her damn best to close the door, he felt relieved. Gabby just pushed through everyone and took a seat beside his cousin, the bell ringing as the teacher demanded everyone to sit down.

“You doing okay..?” Gabby whispered, double-checking with Tobias.

“Yeah... Just a little shocked, y’know..? I was really only expecting a few people, not the entire school.”

“Me too… I hope Jasper’s doing well with it though…”

iii.

Jasper was in fact, not doing well with it. He wasn’t even in school yet! Class started in three minutes, and oh god it starts in three fucking–

He hated when his routines changed. He arrives at school and would have around 15 minutes to say hello to his friends and cousins before going to the bathroom. That would then give him 5 minutes to get familiar with the classroom he’d be in for a semester, and get to know the teacher without his peers around. But here he was. 13 minutes of standing in the front, trying to push through yet it seems like with every step, 3 new students come by to bother him. He’s not one to hate people, but he was definitely hating the crowd right now. These are high schoolers! He’s on a show for kids! Then again, this is TMNT. It’s pretty iconic.

That’s beside the point. He’s been trying for too long to get through, and he just wishes his older cousin was here right now. Any cousin really. Jasper was on the verge of tears, and he desperately couldn’t deal with the noise, the sound of fabric rubbing together, the hands on his arms and the voices blaring. He couldn’t stand the questions and the invasion of his personal space, and the wrench thrown into his daily routine–

“Hey! Piss off!” A familiar voice called out. He felt a hand grab his wrist, yanking him out of the crowd. “Leave us alone! Give him space, you’re making a horrible first impression on the guy you want to be friends with. You better hope he didn’t see your face, or else you’re never getting a chance to hang out.” Jasper finally had a chance to breathe in air and not body odours. Taking a look at his hero, he nearly tackled Amisha out of appreciation.

“Thank you! Thank you so damn much!” Jasper laughed, glad to see his on-set enemy and real-life friend. “It’s been a while!” They continued their journey into the school, eventually making it to Jasper’s first class.

“It has! I heard you were working on the movie. They called me to let me know I wouldn’t be part of it but in the upcoming season later on.” Amisha smiled, her pink hair bright in the sun.

“Yeah! I can’t wait! You better see it on the release date.”

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

iv.

Max had found himself hiding in the bathroom. He’s been offered to go to several parties, and he just couldn’t handle the attention. When it’s a controlled area with supervision, then of course! He loves meeting little kids who absolutely adore him, and the cosplayers-in-training are adorable! But at school… It was too much.

He whipped out his phone, wanting to text someone at the very least. Tobias and Gabby were in advanced classes, so it’d take them at least an hour and a half to respond. Jasper was most likely the person to talk to, but considering the result of Max going to school, he wouldn’t doubt his cousins are going through the same. He could text his father, but that’s… Not his first option. The person who stuck out the most was his uncle Felix, and so he furiously typed onto his screen.

‘Hey, uncle! I’m sorry if you’re busy, and I know you think I shouldn’t be texting in class, but people have been overbearing due to the new show, and I just really needed comfort.’

Not even a minute later, his phone let out a chime.

‘Hey Max, it’s all good. Jasper and Tobias texted me as well. I’m so sorry things are overwhelming you, but try your best to stay strong! Maybe hang with Milo, he seems like he’ll defend you if you tell him what’s up. He hasn’t been featured on the show yet, so crowding is unlikely. Let your father know as well. I know that it sounds scary, but he’s your father, not some authoritative figure that is obligated to take care of you. His job is to guide you through life, and this is part of it. Michael is the least scary out of all four of us old guys, you know that just as much as I do. Take a breather, and get some water. Text Milo, and go power through the day as if there’s nothing stopping you.’

How did Uncle Felix type that fast? Max will never know.

But, he really needed that.

‘Thank you, uncle. I appreciate it <3’

–

It was around noon, and it was a miracle that they were able to get together for lunch. When Tobias looks around, he sees his cousins were sat with the Monroe twins and Amisha. When seated at the table, everyone pulled out lunches made by their families. “How are you doing, Jasper?”

“As good as someone who’s been dog-piled with bad breath and armpit sweat.” Jasper started to eat the sushi his father packed for him, the food calming him down a bit.

“Tell me about it,” Gabby sighed, throwing the crumpled phone numbers he shoved in his pocket onto the table. “People have invited me to parties, and I’m just– like, do I look like I go to parties?” Gabby gestured to himself, Milo and Amisha letting out a chuckle.

“Me too,” Tobias huffed, doing the same as Gabby. Everyone at the table added their little papers, a good pile now sitting in the middle of their table. Before anyone could say anything, someone else came up and tapped Max’s shoulder. Great.

The box turtle let out a silent sigh before twisting his torso, “May I help you?”

“Woah, dude, jeez. What’s with your attitude?” A boy with brown hair and light freckles crossed his arms.

“Oh– I’m so sorry. People have just been overbearing, and–”

“Yeah yeah, sure, whatever, I forgive you.” He waved Max off, Tobias and Jasper looking at each other. “You remember me, right? Your good friend Dylan! I was one of your best buds!”

“... You used to pick on me for drawing in class.”

“That’s just what friends do!” The guy defended, “Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with me and my friends. I can’t imagine the embarrassment you’re feeling for sitting with your brothers.”

“Hey, you better fucking watch it–” Milo stood up, his sister immediately trying to sit him down. Dylan gave Milo a glare, before smiling back at Max.

The turtle looked confused, “You don’t even know my name.”

“Of course I do! It’s Mac, right?”

“It’s Max.”

“Same difference, whatever man! Are you in or not?”

Max looked at his table, their faces clearly telling him not to. “Max…” Rory started, her hand on his, “Trust me, don’t.”

“Hey, shut it, this is his choice.”

“Don’t talk to my sister like that!” Milo got up, making his way to Dylan. Half the table tried to stop Milo, but emotions got the best of him. It’s the first day of school, and Milo’s already picking a fight. Tobias and Amisha had to pull Milo back, Dylan grumbling out of anger.

“Your little friends and family are batshit crazy. Talk to me when you ditch ‘em.” Dylan pointed at Max, everyone sitting at the table trying to calm Milo down. Gabby looked at his cousin, giving him a sympathetic look.

“Look man, I can’t stop you from sitting over there. But trust me, he’s got nothing for you. He’s probably targeting you because you’re the youngest, meaning you might be more impulsive to do stupid shit, or willing to give him money, or something.”

“Yeah… Yeah.” Max looked back to the guy for only a second, before turning back.

“Wait, you’re not actually considering being friends with that guy, are you?” Tobias stopped eating, leaning forward to Max. “He called us batshit crazy!”

“No! Of… Of course not!”

“I don’t like him. At all. Bad vibes.” Amisha scoffed, shooting a glare at Dylan, who was now sitting at another table with his own friend group.

Max was conflicted. He loved his family and friends dearly, but he was also craving a friendship with more than just these guys. I mean, isn’t that what everyone wants? He spent a year nearly by himself, or following his cousins around.

He wasn’t actually considering taking up the offer, is he?

Maybe he is.

Chapter Text

Gabby and his father were in the garage, trying out a new technique for woodworking. It was something they did often, as to keep up with their relationship and allow Gabby to try new things out. “Hey, so,” Gabrielle started, wiping his hands off from working on his project, “the nephews, or cousins in your case— were calling you ‘she’ and ‘they’.” Gabrielle turned to his son, “and was referring to you as my brothers’ niece.”

Gabby felt his stomach drop as his heart filled with dread, as he looked at his father.

“What’s up with that?”

“Oh! Uhm…” Gabby nervously laughed, tapping his fingers together, “inside joke?”

“Oh-ho-ho! What’s the inside joke? Fill me in on the new drama,” Gabrielle chuckled, turning back to his project.

“Oh! Uh,” Gabby looked around nervously, trying to come up with a story on the spot. He didn’t mean to lie, really. He just wasn’t sure how his father would take it, since he’s pretty rough around the edges.

“Hey, don’t worry, you’re seventeen. I’m not gonna be mad if you cuss or anything,” Gabrielle laughed, “I know you kids talk about subjects you think us dads would be mad about, but in all honesty, we already know.”

“You… You do..?”

“Yeah!” The father chuckled, “I know about puberty and hormones, I went through it once. And your uncles did too! Is there a special girl in your life right now?”

“Dad!”

“Oh, sorry! … Is there a special dude in your life right now?”

“What I’m talking about is nowhere near that subject.”

“Oh. Well, you get my point. Don't’ have ‘ta hide nothin’ from me, big guy.”

Gabby worried his bottom lip and thought back to the conversation he had with Jasper.

Go for it. He’s probably more understanding than you think. Don’t listen to what people say on the internet, your relationship with your father is unique, and people behind a screen can’t determine what he’s going to say. You know my dad, if Uncle Gabrielle was really like that, I don’t think my momma would talk to him.

“Well…” Gabby started, taking a deep breath in, “I lied. It’s not an inside joke.”

“Oh?”

“It’s…” Gabby looked up at his dad, seeing the concerned and confused look. The younger snapping turtle felt the waterworks start up, and knew it was obvious when his father immediately stepped forward.

“Hey! Hey, it’s okay. Take your time,” Gabrielle comforted, using his feet to drag his rolling stool to sit in front of his son.

“I want to go by he, she.” Gabby choked, crying into his hands, “And I know I’ve been your son for seventeen years, and that we’ve done nearly everything together as father-son, but I just…”

Gabby hiccuped, leaning into his dad’s touch, “I feel more like myself like this. T–the cousins call me Gabby and Gabriella, which just makes me feel so much more comfortable. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry dad. I really tried.”

It took everything in his system to get it out. Gabby felt like he was losing more air than he was taking in, but pushed forward, “I really tried to just keep with being your son, but the way Uncle Felix calls Jasper his daughter sometimes, it just makes me wish I could ask you the same.”

A deep breath in. “The thing is, I don’t want to understand why you’d be mad. I just hope you get it and support me. At least bear with me. Please don’t kick me out. I still need you.”

…

“I’m sorry.” Gabrielle breathed out, his voice barely over a whisper.

“… What?”

“I’m sorry for whatever I’ve done or said that made you believe I’d be mad at you for finding out who you are,” Gabrielle apologized, voice barely over a whisper. “I would never. Never be mad at you for that.”

The older turtle took a deep breath in, exhaling. His voice cracked slightly, “I want you to know that if I ever say or do anything that you don’t like, you can tell me.”

“You— You haven’t done anything, I just…” Gabby started, “I’ve seen a lot of videos about how parents kick out their kids for things like that, and I guess paranoia got to me…”

“Ah, I see,” Gabrielle sniffled, hugging his son, “well, your old man’s never going to be mad at you.”

They sat like that for what felt like hours, continuing their talk and how Gabby truly found out.

“Y’know, I was the first person Theodore came to when he came out,” Gabrielle said, Gabby perking up, “believe it or not, but your uncle is bisexual.”

“Really?” Gabby gasped.

“Mhm! And then Felix came to me and told me that he was somewhere on the… The uh…” Gabrielle looked around, trying to find the word, “Arek-ace spectrum.”

“Aroace?”

“Yes! That!” Gabrielle laughed, “jeez, maybe I am getting old.” Gabby chuckled, turning his body to face his dad.

“So I’m not the first one to come out to you?”

“Nope! I’ve got experience with this!” Gabrielle smiled, “And if you need an adult to talk to, your uncle Felix is probably the best to go to. Jasper keeps callin’ him ‘mom’, and he doesn’t seem to mind. If you’re curious about your sexuality, Tobias and Michael are the best options here,” Gabrielle turned to his son, “but I’m always here for anything. You’re my kid, nothing’s ever gonna stop me from loving you like a father.”

The young snapping turtle smiled, nearly tearing up again from the relief he felt.

“… I’ve experimented with my identity and sexuality too, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been with a couple of guys in my teen years.”

“Wait, are you serious!?” Gabby gasped, whipping his head back to look at his father. His dad just nodded with a smug look on his face.

“I’m not that boring.”

—

“So, Gabriella, what’s next on our list?” Gabrielle smiled, hand on his daughter’s shoulder.
The boy grinned, picking up the piece of paper, “Hm, probably like… 15 things, but I’m pretty sure a movie night is next up.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Chapter Text

Max was excited! He and his cousins were attending Comic Con, and not only that, they’ll have a booth to sign pictures and take photos! Jasper and Tobias seemed to be getting lots of love when they announced their visit to the convention, Max was surprised people had reacted the same way with him. Gabby hasn't posted and only remembered to announce it when Jasper had told him to. Somehow had surpassed Tobias’s post and made it to Trending on Twitter.

Tobias was a little salty after that.

They had made their way through, excitedly setting up their booth and just talking with each other. They had been advised to arrive at least half an hour earlier, and thank god their dads rushed them out of the door because this place was busy! They said their hellos to Cora and Rory beside them, eventually Milo coming into the picture as he helped his twin out with things.

Felix was currently stressing over Jasper, even checking his pulse, “you sure you’re going to be okay?”

“Yes, momma! I’m with the cousins, I’ll be more than okay.”

“Oh…” Felix whined, holding Jasper’s face in his hands, “Be careful! And drink water! And keep your phone charged! I packed snacks in your bag–”

“You’re going to be the reason why Jasper has a heart attack, calm down little bro,” Gabrielle laughed, pulling Felix away, “we gotta go! You don’t wanna embarrass your kid in front of his fans, do you?”

“Make sure to text me if you need anything!” Felix yelled, being dragged away.

Theodore checked in quickly with his son, Tobias reassuring him he was doing okay. Max was currently drinking from his water because his father demanded him to. Gabby only chuckled, not only thankful he was the oldest, but his dad was also the oldest. The most he got was a hug and a check-in, and that’s all he needed. The fathers left, but only for Felix to send Jasper 37 messages that consisted of reminders, reassurance and emojis. Tobias is pretty sure he saw a cat reaction image in there somewhere.

As people started piling in, the nerves actually hit the four kids. “Fuck, what if no one comes up to us?” Tobias leaned over to his cousins, more worry setting into Max.

“Oh god, I don’t think I want to sit through that,” Jasper whispered, fidgeting with his sleeve. They watched as people passed by, finally settling into their own conversations before hearing a shriek, looking up to see a group pointing straight at them.

“It’s the actors for Rise! It’s the actors for Rise!” A girl squealed, the whole group barreling towards their table. All of a sudden, people seem to recognize them and form a line, Max absolutely delighted and thankful for that one person who had the guts to scream in the middle of a con.

“Oh my god! I’m actually so happy that they chose you to be Raph, you pull it off so well!” someone said, jumping up and down as Gabby signed their sketchbook. “I drew you in a couple of pages, may I show you?”

“Of course!” Gabby smiled, awed at the artwork of him.

Jasper was currently taking pictures with someone, being handed a mini clay sculpture of Sheldon. Jasper gasped as he inspected it carefully, “this is so cute!” The boy smiled.

“It’s for you! I worked on it for a month or so.” The boy sheepishly grinned, the gap in his teeth showing through. “I’m glad you like it!”

“Like it? I love it! It’s adorable! Thank you so much, Dan!” Jasper waved his goodbye, carefully setting the small gift on the table, where it’ll be safe and won’t get knocked over. He approached his spot again, seeing who wanted to take pictures next.
Looking up, he saw a tiger yokai with purple gear, anxiously looking at him. He noticed that this yokai was a cosplayer, slightly shorter than him and seemed to be younger, maybe 11? They didn’t have a battle shell, but the outfit was amazing. Jasper gasped, a big smile on his face. “Is this a Donnie cosplayer I see?” The tiger perked up, nodding. Jasper had gotten low on one knee and opened his arms, offering a hug as the small child happily accepted, on the verge of tears. “What’s your name?”

“Kit!”

“Well, nice to meet you, Kit! This is incredible cosplay, I must say.” Jasper stepped into his character for a second. Kit sniffled, Jasper worried he might’ve done something wrong.

“You’re literally my comfort person, and when I saw you were playing Donnie, I just needed to watch,” Kit explained, wiping their eyes.

Jasper awed, giving Kit one more hug, “would you like a picture?” Kit wiped her eyes, nodding.

“Hold on! Cypress! Cove!” Kit called out, Jasper looking over to see an even younger tiger emerge, holding hands with what he assumed to be the youngest sibling, both dressed as Leo and Mikey. Max seemed to notice since he came over squealing. The little baby gushed and purred at Max.

“Mikey! Look, Cy! It’s Mikey!” The baby jumped up and down, clapping their paws together.

“You’re adorable!” Max squealed. “What’s your name, little one?”

“Fank you! I’m Cove!” The tiniest one said, fidgeting with her paws. “I couldn’t find my orange banana–ban… Dana, I'm sorry…”

“Oh! Don’t apologize!” Max smiled, easily untying his orange bandana from around his neck, “Have mine!”

“Really!?”

“Mhm!” Max smiled, helping Cove put it around their forehead since the fabric didn’t have eyeholes. “Lookin’ good, Cove!”

“I have one more surprise!” Kit smiled, running over to their mother and coming back with a baby in their arms. Jasper nearly fainted, seeing the little baby in a Sheldon cosplay.

Tobias seemed to be waiting for Cypress to grab something from the baby stroller beside the mother, “my momma helped me make this!”

Cypress held up a cardboard sword, Tobias chuckling, “Woah-ho-ho! You look just like me!” Tobias dramatically placed a hand on his forehead, “how can I ever compare? You’re going to take my place on the show!” Cypress’s expression was all Tobias needed, seeing the child shake their paws just like Jasper does.

“You have the whole family here! This is absolutely adorable, Kit,” Jasper sighed contently, signing Kit’s sketchbook. They got ready for a picture, the momma tiger (who was convinced to dress up as Raph) holding up her phone. When the picture was taken, they gave their last farewells, Kit actually crying and the kids jumping around, ecstatic they met their idols.

As time went on, they were slowly becoming more tired. They also wanted to look around, so taking shifts, they went around the con, awing at the different things hung up, or advertised. Gabby and Tobias were left at the booth, Jasper and Max leaving, ‘Be Back Soon!’ at their sections of the table.

“Who are you wanting to see again?” Max asked, looking at Jasper’s phone.

“Raven! It’s this guy who streams games and–”

“He looks kind of… Emo,” Max snorted, having a clear understanding of who this was.

“Shut up! He’s hilarious,” Jasper nudged his cousin, before turning his head and finding himself nearly face to face with Raven himself. “Holy shit, why is he so large?”

“What the fuck? What do you mean, large?” The box turtle raised his eyebrow ridge, staring straight at this… Random dude.

“Well, I didn’t think he’d be this tall!”

“... Jay, your dad is taller than him. Just go say hi.”

“What if he thinks I’m weird?”

“You play a purple ninja turtle on a kids' show. You’re as weird as someone can get, now go before I kick your shin in front of him.”

Jasper just scoffed, before shuffling his way forward. When friends of Raven had taken notice of the softshell’s presence, they signalled to the guy someone was approaching him.

“Hello.”

“Hi! Oh my god, I’m sorry, I watch you all the time, and I just… I wasn’t expecting you to be this tall,” Jasper quietly admitted, accepting the hug Raven had offered.

“God, everyone says that,” Raven chuckled, adjusting his mask. “... Wait. You’re Donatello on that new TMNT show, right?”

“Y–yeah! Yeah, I am!” The softshell smiled, “You watch it?”

“Of course I do. I saw the sneak peeks for the movie, and I already thought there was a ‘Casey Jones’. Why is there an entirely new actor for the character?”

“Oh, well, I can’t tell you that, now can I?” Jasper crossed his arms, smiling, “Those are spoilers.”

Raven squinted, before chuckling a bit, “Man, you’re cool. I was a little nervous when you came walking up, but it’s nice to meet you, Jasper.”

“You know my name?”

“... Yeah? You can search it up, y’know.”

Oh my god. That was so embarrassing. “Oh, I completely forgot about that,” the softshell nervously chuckled. Before he say his own goodbye, Raven had put a hand on his shoulder.

“You up to hang out sometime? You’re real cool, and honestly,” Raven turned to the friends he was originally standing with, “I need more friends who don’t sit at a computer all day.”

“If you’re looking for someone who’d drag you out of the house to go do activities, I’m your guy. But, I have a nagging feeling you’re really going to enjoy meeting my friend Milo…”

“We’ll see,” Raven’s eyes squinting just a bit smaller since his mask covers his smile.

Jasper had to cover his mouth when he was back with Max because he just watched his favourite streamer follow him back on nearly every social media platform to exist. He even got the guy’s number to hang out sometime!

They bought many things, barely making it back on time for their switch with Gabby and Tobias. They continued this cycle of pictures and signatures for a while, some people asking for Cora and Jasper to take pictures, or Rory and Gabby. It was a wonderful time, and the line was getting smaller and smaller. At this rate, there were only a couple of newcomers coming every now and then, or people revisiting to say hello again or have a longer chat with the actors. They had a minute to breathe, drinking water and sharing snacks. They shared what they bought at the con, all taking the time to take their own pictures before more people came over.

The announcements went off, stating that all visitors should be exiting, and the con will be closed in 10 minutes. “I guess that’s our cue to pack up!”

Nearly knocking himself and his child over, Felix squealed, “Oh, you’re okay!” The man cupped Jasper’s face with both of his hands again, squishing him until he looked like a fish, “how was it? Did you meet lots of people? You’re not dehydrated, right? Are you hungry? We can go to that little place that you really like!” Jasper didn’t even answer. Felix just hugged him, kissing his forehead, “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, momma! One, it was fun! A lot of people were cosplaying us! Two, we did! It was packed! Three, I am not, I drank all my water though, so I’m stealing yours. Four, very much. Five, I would like that! I really like the sauce they have!” Jasper replied, finally being put down and pulling stuff out of his tote bag to show Felix.

“He’s not even the oldest,” Theodore snorted, doing the classic dad head pat to Tobias.

“Well, I can see why he does that to Jasper,” Michael smiled, walking with his family as they watched the softshells walk ahead. They planned on taking a stroll after the con, the boys desperately needing fresh air. “He’s just worried. Jasper is the second youngest.”

“But you don’t even worry like that for me?” Max questioned, becoming more confused.

“It’s because he’s a mom,” Gabrielle said simply. “He’s very worried for Jasper sometimes, and would probably blow up half the earth if it meant to keep Jasper safe.” Hums of agreement came from everyone, the kids all rambling on about the people they met.

Jasper was especially happy he met his favourite streamer, and didn’t shut up about it for two hours.