Work Text:
Title: A Good Day to Remember
Fandom: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Summary: Saving the day alongside the Justice Force is nothing new for Turtle Titan. What happens next, however, catches the unsung superhero by surprise.
"Hey, mister?"
Mikey looks down at the blond boy half his size, a Justice Force comic book and pen in hand. Another fan wanting an autograph, it looks like.
The first thing he does is throw a quick glance over his own shoulder, expecting one of the Justice Force to step up because who wouldn't ask them for an autograph.
He sees Metal Head signing multiple autographs at once with his powers of hair manipulation. Beside him, Tsunami puts on an incredible bubble show for the children via hydrokinesis. Even Silver Sentry aims to please his adoring fans, giving everyone high-fives as he flies around freely.
They're all preoccupied in their acts of showmanship, entertaining the loud cheers through superpowers he could only dream to have.
Mikey turns back to the child, smiling. "Don't you worry, little dude. The Justice Force never lets anyone down. You'll get an autograph from them soon."
"Huh?" the boy blinks. "You talking about those guys over there? Cause I don't really want an autograph from them."
Bemused, he raises a brow. "Then who do you want an autograph from?"
"From you, Turtle Titan!" chirps the boy.
It takes a moment for him to fully process those words, though once he realizes what was said, he does a double take.
"Me?" Mikey points to himself. "You want my autograph?"
"Yup!" the boy nods, nonchalant in his response.
He finds himself at a loss for words.
Him. Not Silver Sentry, not Ananda, not Metal Head or any other member from the Justice Force, but him. The last time anyone asked him for an autograph was… never. A guy wielding a shell-like shield and grappling hook isn't as appealing as heroes with radical superpowers.
There's no denying that, sad as it sounds. It's a truth that he's long since had to accept, which makes this moment all the more surprising.
"Seriously? You mean it?" he can't help asking.
Another nod from the boy. "Sure do! Nothing would make me happier than getting my comic book signed by the Turtle Titan. I always love seeing you in action, and seeing what you did today was the coolest thing!"
Mike cradles his chin in thought. Escorting injured civilians out of a burning building is cooler than using water snakes and super breath to quench fire? And didn't Metal Head rescue several people at a time?
"Dunno 'bout that, kid. I'm worlds apart from the Justice Force in the coolness factor."
"No way! You're way more of an inspiration to me, Turtle Titan!"
Now he's really curious. "How so?"
"You can't fly, can't shoot lasers out your eyes," the boy gestures to Mikey. "Look at you. You're just some guy!"
Ouch. Hit below the belt.
Mikey deflates at that remark. "Yeah, I know. I'm nothing like Silver Sentry–"
"And that is exactly what I like about you! When people are in danger, you still do everything you can to help them, even without superpowers or fancy gadgets. You let nothing stop you from being a hero and doing the right thing," the boy gushes.
A thoughtful look settles on his face as he ponders those words. "Wow… I had no idea you felt that way. Am I really that big of a deal to you?"
"Yeah!" the blond chirps instantly, "When I look at you, Turtle Titan, I'm reminded of how anyone can be a hero. You showed me how heroes are defined, not by powers but by heart and courage. I wanna be like that, the kind of guy who can help people, and I've you to thank for showing me that it's possible, so thank you!"
Right there and then, something flashes across those eyes, to which he takes notice of with great interest. The sight of it makes him tear up slightly.
That gleam of admiration from a fan who actually exists outside of his imagination.
"Hey, are you all right?" asks the boy, who now looks concerned. "You seem like you're about to cry."
Sniffling, Mikey wipes the corner of his eye. "Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it. Now how about I give you that autograph?"
"Sweet!" the boy cheers, handing him the pen and comic book.
"Kay, um, who am I making this out to by the way?"
"Zack!"
"Alright then," Mikey holds the pen in one hand, while using the other as a makeshift clipboard for the Justice Force comic. The black tip of the pen remains poised above the cover page.
A fan! His very first fan, and he has no clue on how to go about this. Simply writing his superhero name isn't good enough, certainly not for a momentous occasion such as this.
It's gotta be something special, he thinks. Something that'll leave a good, lasting impression. A way to show Zack his appreciation.
Mikey starts writing on the cover. His cursive isn't the greatest, but he's writing it out as neatly and conscientiously as he can, trying to not screw up somehow. He wants this autograph to be just right, if not flawless, for the boy.
When he's finally finished, Mikey hands back the pen and comic book to Zack, who gives his writing a once-over.
"To Zack! Thank you! Turtle Titan," the blond reads aloud, blinking in confusion. "Huh? What for?"
Mikey gives Zack a warm smile, pleased with the result. "For making my day, little guy. You gave me something good to remember, so it's only right I return the favor. Hope ya enjoy it. It's the first autograph I have ever done."
"Whoa, for real?! Sweet, I'm gonna show this to my mom! Thanks so much for this, Turtle Titan!"
Zack happily runs off with the autograph in hand.
Mikey stays behind, waving goodbye while also taking the time to enjoy his own souvenir.
Something to keep in mind.