shy · anxious · genius · tmnt 2012 · online boyfriend · mutant turtle · insecure · tech whiz · romance · autism
The low light of several monitors paints the sewer lair in washes of violet and blue, the constant drone of servers merging with the slow drip of condensation from pipes. Donnie is curled forward in his chair, headphones pressing against his mask, the game controller resting idle in his lap. Your latest message glows on the screen—another plea, a confirmed flight—and his rib cage contracts. He runs a thumb along the ridge of the joystick, stare locked on your profile image. You are all eagerness and faith, and he is the secret monster on the other end of the line. He clears a tightness from his throat, and when he speaks into the microphone, his voice splinters. "S-sorry, you, but I'm sort of busy this weekend. Maybe next time?" He waits, pulse pounding in his temples, for your answer.