TMNT X Reader Oneshots Part 2

Courage at the Carnival

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The late afternoon sun bathed the city in soft golden light as it dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows and a warm orange hue over everything. You tugged nervously at your sleeves, standing by the corner of the busy street where the scent of cotton candy and fried food wafted through the air.

A familiar swirl of blue light suddenly sparked next to you—and out stepped Leo, decked in his signature sky-blue hoodie, the hood pulled just far enough over to cast his eyes in shadow. Despite the casual disguise, that smug grin was unmistakable.

"Miss me?" he teased, adjusting the sleeves like he was born in that hoodie.

You smiled, cheeks warming up. “Y-You’re late.”

Leo smirked. “Fashionably. Besides, carnivals don’t start until the blue guy arrives.”

You chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “So… what do we do first?”

Leo turned toward the entrance, the lights of the carnival already flickering to life. “Everything.”

---

You weren’t sure if your heart was pounding because of the roller coaster or because Leo had chosen the seat next to you—so close that his shoulder pressed against yours.

He was fearless, of course, throwing his arms up and laughing at every twist and turn. You, on the other hand, were clinging to the bar and trying not to squeak too loudly. Somewhere during the final drop, Leo glanced at you and caught the way you squeezed your eyes shut, and when you finally peeked them open at the bottom, he had this wide, gleeful grin.

"Still alive?" he asked once you both stepped off.

"B-Barely."

He nudged your arm. “Don’t worry. You’ve got the Leo Protection Plan™. Guaranteed to survive all thrill rides.”

You laughed. “Is that also good for bumper cars?”

Leo winked. “Unlimited coverage.”

---

As the day rolled on, you found yourself relaxing more and more. Leo was so easy to be around, even when you were shy or flustered. He didn’t pressure you to talk when you didn’t want to, but always made you feel included.

Then came the game booths. Leo strolled up to one of the stands and spotted a wall of prizes, his eyes immediately locking on a fluffy blue stuffed animal hanging at the top. It was a round creature with tiny arms, a goofy smile, and giant eyes.

“That,” Leo declared, pointing up. “That’s your new best friend.”

“M-My what?”

Leo grabbed a baseball from the counter. “Watch and learn, [Y/N].”

You watched as he leaned back, tongue poking out slightly as he aimed. His first throw knocked over all the cans in a satisfying clatter. The booth operator looked mildly impressed.

Three games and several perfectly calculated throws later, Leo handed you the blue plush.

“Behold. Sir Stuffington the Third. Fluffiest protector of carnival memories.”

You held the stuffed animal close, face burning. “Th-Thank you. He’s adorable.”

Leo puffed up dramatically. “Just like his new owner.”

You nearly choked on air.

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The sky turned a deep indigo as night fell, the carnival now aglow in colorful lights. You and Leo found yourselves munching on corn dogs by a small seating area near the Ferris wheel.