A/N: This is a COMPANION series of ficlets, deleted scenes, and one-shots to accompany my Phoenix Call story and the possible sequeal. Don't gripe about not knowing what's being referenced unless you actually read Phoenix Call.

DISCLAIMER: Don't own TMNT (T_T)

Phoenix Feathers

The Pet Store

"Oh, wow, look Miss Amber, look!"

Six year old April O'Neil grabbed her babysitters hand and dragged her all over the pet store, clearly excited about everything she was seeing. Amber couldn't help but laugh at the child's enthusiasm. After a few minutes, Amber squatted down to April's ear and playfully whispered.

"April, we're on a top secret mission for your Daddy, to help him with the lab. Do you want to be super secret turtle pickers with me?" Wide blue eyes met sparkling hazel and April nodded.

"Yeah," April whispered back loudly, making the pet shop clerk chuckle quietly. Amber smiled and shot the clerk a silent glance. Understanding the quiet communication, the young man stepped forward.

"Ladies," he began, "I have special turtles in the back of the shop. If you'll please follow me?"

April's face was solemn as she looked over the baby turtles the clerk showed them. Her seriousness made the clerk laugh again.

"Your daughter's adorable, Mrs..?"

Amber chortled. "MISS Jaquard, but please call me Amber. I babysit April here for a friend of the family."

The young man offered his hand. "Aaron Jennings, at your service. I think I've seen you in one of my evening college classes, Business Systems 304 right?"

Amber smiled. "With Professor Jackson, yes. I thought you looked familiar. I'm taking business as my major, with science on the side. You?"

Aaron gently fished out a small turtle that April declared a super secret awesome turtle before turning to answer. "I'm studying law as a major, but I kind of like business too. I think it may be due in part to working here. I really enjoy helping people."

Amber watched as Aaron knelt to talk a little to April about the turtles, and helped her pick out three more 'super secret awesome' turtles. She smiled. He was really good with kids, most guys her age were too impatient or worried about their own agenda. April came running back over to Amber as Aaron carefully put the turtles in a small container so they could be carried easier.

"Miss Amber, can we come back sometime and see the animals again, pleeeeeease?"

Glancing at Aaron, the older girl hid a small smile. "I'm sure we will, April."

As Amber paid for the turtles, she smirked and slipped Aaron her phone number on a slip of paper and said, "Just in case you ever want a study buddy." The young man seemed stunned and didn't move from his spot behind the counter until after the pair left.