A/N: I'm not sure what kind of tree is actually growing in the dojo, but for the sake of this fic, it's become a flowering tree, even though it probably isn't. Anyways, this little idea popped into my head, and I just loved it. I'm not sure it will really fit into the story much, but it makes for a great bonding scene.

Hanami

Laura knocked on the wooden frame of the Japanese style paper door before sliding it open. Hamato Yoshi sat under the tree that grew through the ground. It always amazed Laura that such a magnificent thing could grow in a place like a sewer. But then she reminded herself of the beautiful family that surrounded it every day. If she were a tree, she wouldn't mind growing among friends.

It was spring time, and the tree's blossoms had just opened, blooming big white flowers.

"Miss Whitten," Splinter greeted Laura as she entered the dojo. "What brings you around at this time? The boys are all out on patrol."

"I know, can't really enjoy this with the youngsters around," Laura held up a narrow paper bag with Japanese writing, and pulled out a bottle of alcohol. "I don't know too much about sake, but the guy at the store said this one was a classic." She handed the bottle over to him and he inspected the label.

"Hmmm, honjozo. It has been long since I last enjoyed a drink, even longer since I did so with company," he smiled at her. "Tell me, for what occasion do we drink?"

"I was thinking hanami," Laura said, sitting down on the mats as Yoshi fetched two choko, small sake cups.

"Flower viewing," Yoshi translated, placing the choko cups on a small wooden table and taking a seat beside Laura, "It's appropriate." He gazed up at the large flowers on the tree.

"I know they're not cherry blossoms," Laura said, pouring the sake into each cup, "but who can pass up a chance to drink in good company?"

"A statement hard to argue with," Yoshi picked up his choko and held it up. Laura mimicked his movements, and they drank.

They both enjoyed the flowers and company in silence for a few minutes, letting the alcohol work its way into their systems.

"Tell me Laura," Yoshi said after studying the young lady, "what are your plans after you restore your brother?"

Laura heaved a sigh and emptied her cup, "Honestly, I'm not planning on sticking around."

"Is that so?" Yoshi filled her cup again.

"This whole thing with ninjas and giant mutants and alien robots trying to take over the world . . . I just feel like I'm in way over my head here. Don't get me wrong, you guys are all great, but I don't think I could stand doing this sort of thing all the time."

"I believe I understand. These are our problems and we will deal with them. I'm just sorry that you got mixed up in all this to begin with."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Yoshi," Laura reassured him, "Tim's the idiot. And it's my fault for drawing too much attention to myself when I was looking for him. But it's what you do for family."

"Indeed. Family is a thing to be protected and cherished. It's not something to be taken for granted." Yoshi's eyes drifted to the display in the back of the dojo. Laura looked over and saw the old black and white picture of a human family. Laura got his meaning as he drained his choko. Laura smiled and refilled his cup.
"You can say that again. After we figure out how to fix Tim, I'm gonna go home and convince mom to move to Baltimore with me. I'm sure I can ask around and get her a job at the university. I'd feel better knowing her and Tim are away from the madness that encompasses New York."

"You will be missed," Yoshi watched as a flower petal fluttered to the found, "You may not have noticed, but you have been a good influence on the boys. And you and April have become good friends as well."

"Have I?"

"You certainly know how to put them in their places."

"Huh . . ." Laura thought about the times she would break up fights and send the guys packing with her ever present ruler. "Well, a little fear never hurt any. Boys need to be slapped around a bit anyways, teaches them to be tough. I've seen you do it more than a few times."

"Yes, there are many lessons that can be taught with the aid of a little beating," Yoshi thought of the long training sessions, and how his sons were never able to truly best him. Not yet anyways.

"I'm sure Tim could benefit from some of those lessons. But he's rather hopeless."
"Yes, I've gleaned that much. But his heart is in the right place."

"Good intentions don't always lead to good results. Look where Tim ended up. A pile of frozen guts in a jar and a mound of work on my desk."

"Hmm."

"But I can't help but admire his determination. If only he'd get some brains, he'd be set."

Yoshi chucked at her comment. "In any case, I wish you luck in your future endeavours, and safe passage from this life of excitement."

"Thanks," Laura filled his cup one last time as the sake ran out, "I'm sure I'll pop in every now and then. Who knows, maybe I'll get assigned to a project in the city."

"I look forward to the day," Splinter said.

Another petal fell from the tree, landing in Laura's cup. She smiled at the good omen and hoped for a bright future.