I'm Listening

Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related characters belong to Nickelodeon and its creators. I make no monetary profit from this work it is only for entertainment.

Author's Note: 2014 Movie-Verse - Rated M for a reason! This work contains sexual content, violence, and at times dark themes that will become more developed as the story continues- you have been warned. Also, I have messed with the timetable the story is set in current time, but the guys are in their mid twenties- so the events of the movie would have happened around 2004.

Author's Note: Heads up this chapter is a collection of short stories and drabbles, and may be followed by a second chapter of drabbles and such just to give some depth to the multitude of interactions that happen in this little universe. This way you can see a little bit of everything and everyone as they brothers get to know "the family".

"I don't know how it is you are so familiar to me-

Or why it feels less like I am getting to know you

And more as though I am remembering who you are.

How every smile, every whisper bring me closer

To the impossible conclusion that I have known you before

In another time, a distant place

Some other existence.

~Lang Leav

Chapter 10: Life of the Rich & Nefarious The Vexing Victoria:

The eldest Hamato brother pulled a slow breath into his lungs with purpose. His fingertips worked at his temples. He knew it was going to be difficult coping with Emma's family. He had not however, accounted for this kind of behavior. Now, even at home he was struggling to finish his kata.

It had to be the third time that they had gone along with Don to see the girls. He could admit that he enjoyed Emma and Roxy. It had taken time, but the newness was wearing off. Emma was playful and impossibly clever while somehow maintaining a soothing calm that had an infectious quality. Roxy was hyper, sweet and a little shy. The sisters were painfully intelligent and loving, which considering the family they came from only brought up more questions than answers for the ninja.

It was the cousin, Victoria that was the problem. Victoria was an arduous juxtaposition. Victoria was a pediatric surgeon, and according to everything he read she was one of the rising stars in her field. Victoria also made all his years with Raphael seem like a training process. Her policy was simple. She hated everyone equally until proven otherwise. They had not been proven otherwise yet. Victoria also really didn't seem to care that they were reptiles, males, or even that they were in the room.

Last night had been the fourth time he had seen that woman naked! The petite redhead had at least five freckles that he had no business knowing about. Not to mention, thanks to his highly sensitive nose, he knew that three of the four times a man had taken her clothing off before doing a number of other things he had no business knowing about. Now, why she felt the need to prance about in the nude at all still baffled him, especially when her guest was often long gone. Emma had been rather embarrassed and upset at each of these instances. Victoria only seemed to delight in the brother's bashful attempts to not view her more, and only added a shimmy if Emma demanded that she get dressed.

Roxy had tried to soothe the very startled brothers by explaining that the naked redhead drinking juice and asking them about their night while totally nude was kind of their normal. Once the beautiful doctor had been shooed back into her own room Roxy had told the blushing brood of reptiles that Victoria had lost the love of her life. Some young brit who she had dated since their school years and was a beloved member of the family by the name of Aden. He had been shot in a robbery gone wrong. Victoria had always been a hard ass, but apparently ever since she had come to terms with the love of her life's death she had become a bit of a vamp. This was not to say that he didn't approve of a woman having a healthy sex life, hell someone should be enjoying themselves. It was more the rather literal issue of having his nose rubbed in it.

It was difficult to process. Victoria was a woman who saved children's' lives for a living. She was also a ball buster. She had issues with boundaries and totally lacking in modesty. She was protective of her two younger cousins, and made no bones about her opinion of them. Not to mention her opinion of love which was a very simple, you have it or you don't, and you'll only get it once so don't fuck it up. Victoria was in no way interested in anyone other than for a night of fun, and quickly explained that the Hamatos were off limits since one of them was chasing after her cousin. Though by the looks of it Mikey was chomping at the bit to spend a single moment alone with Roxy.

So, here he was trying to do his kata, but all he could think about was Victoria. It wasn't that he desired her in particular. It was more that he knew that woman saved children, babies even everyday, and he knew about those five freckles. He was male and a beautiful woman had pranced around in front of him repeatedly. She was in no way his type and when she opened her mouth she virtually reversed any physical effect she had on him. However, his detail oriented mind just kept pulling stills of that one little freckle in the center of her cleavage.

He heaved a sigh and forced himself into stance while swapping those images of freckles with the face of the girls' grumpy iguana.

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Love Hurts:

It had only been a week or so since Emma had met Master Splinter, and the brothers were still getting used to the idea of letting themselves into the towering home of the Dalton clan. The high ceilings of the home meant that there were only about 7 floors and a basement that functioned as a garage. The basement held particular interest for Donnie since it had access to a tunnel, and he was eager to see if he could utilize that.

It was still strange to roam about someone else's home. Especially since only the two top floors were used by Emma and Roxy for their space, and the main floor they had just finished as "family space". Which left the other floors as empty and unfinished space. Mikey dubbed them "creeptastic", and the girls avoided them. A security system scanned them and kept watch, so to speak, which was good for their safety, but also meant that the brothers could not pass between floors without the elevator.

Hence, when they ended up at an empty main floor Don was nominated to go in search of the girls on the higher floors. The doors rolled open on the top floor which housed Emma's room and study. He followed his nose and the sound of the blasting music to her bedroom door. He paused… he had never just let himself into Emma's bedroom before. It was a bit of a rush in itself, to just casually wander into his girlfriend's most private space. He swept a hand over the back of his head to calm his nerves and summon some measure of cool.

XxX

Emma grumbled as Roxy unzipped the black gown. She had been harangued into attending a gala that evening. Since it was an art-based event she had dragged both Roxy and Victoria along to liven up the event. However, with her stitches just about ready to be removed her fashion options had been limited. She had chosen to wear a simple black and shimmer strapless gown and draped a silver scarf about her shoulders. This meant the wound was hidden from view while she also didn't have to wear a bra with straps. Straps scrapped over the now itchy stitches, and made wearing them unbarable. The downside was that due to the size of her bust strapless bras slowly cut into her and made her ribs ache.

Roxy had already pulled her hair down from it's updo and thrown on a pair of comic book inspired panties and a t-shirt. Emma envied her. In an effort to be a little more comfortable she had worn a corset bustier beneath her dress. It had taken some of the pressure off of her ribs, but it was not so easily removed without a helping hand. The TV before her bed flipped from channel to channel as Victoria cruised for something decent to watch. Roxy was having a ball loosening all of the ribbons of the black lingerie, as Emma only sighed while clutching the loosening bustier to her chest. It didn't help that Victoria had also chosen to relax and stripped down to her thong and a oversized college T-shirt.

Emma was still in her full lingerie of stockings, garters, and now loose corset. Roxy who was still quite tipsy from the event happily giggled once it was fully loosened and made a showy deep bow. The heiress rolled her eyes, but her sister was already crawling up onto the bed arguing with Victoria about what to watch. Emma sighed at the pair who were mid-wrestle over the remote, but just as she was about to say something the door swung open.

"Emma?" The woman in question turned at her name and a deep blush began to stain her cheeks as she found a gaping Donatello in her doorway.

For a moment, Donatello seemed to be frozen in place, watching Emma try to find a more refined way to clutch the fabric to her chest. Emma was left in those stagnant seconds to watch as his eyes began to dilate. It wasn't until a giggle from the pair on the bed caught his ear that he ever so subtly shifted his gaze. The pair only fell into sputtering laughter when his mute gaze shifted to horror.

"I'M SO SORRY!" He yelped, and raising his hands in surrender before he spun. "I'LL JUST GO!"

Unfortunately, the very large ninja overestimated the turn and the speed of his exit. The result was a very loud crash and grunt as he walked straight into the door frame. The shear force of the impact seemed to shake the room, and sent drywall dust fluttering about the area. Emma let loose a cry, and even in his likely concussed state the turtle spun to check for danger. This only crashed his tough shell into the door smashing it off it's hinges.

"Donnie! Are you ok?!" Emma rushed towards him.

The genius made a slurred, "ShhhShh, Mm-figne", before he sank to his knees.

By now all three girls had gotten to his side, and urged him to lay on his shell. The two medical professionals went about a quick exam while Emma glanced worriedly from his dazed state to the Donnie shaped hole in her wall. This was only further thrown into chaos as the other Hamato brothers came to investigate the noise.

"What the hell is going on?!" Leo barked looking at the scantily clad women gathered around his fallen brother.

Victoria gave him a leering smile and tossed her vermillion locks over her shoulder. "Well, Donnie didn't knock, and was subsequently blinded by Emma's cleavage. Then, he seemed to pick a fight with the door. There were obvious casualties."

Leo looked at the remains of the door and heaved a sigh. "Why aren't any of you wearing pants?!" It was more comment than question, but his temper was exacerbated by the situation.

"Pillow fighting is strictly a no-pants only sport, sir", Roxy giggled eyeing the blush dusting Mikey's cheeks.

It only encourage the youngest, "I play winner!"

"You take your pants off and I swear to god!" Raph snarled.

"No Mikey", Don grunted with a hand pressed to his head.

The family doctor was treated to a taste of his own medicine as Victoria forced him through a few visual tests to ensure he didn't have a concussion. Once cleared the redhead tossed the highly embarrassed terrapin a wink. She then stood, and began to rant and rave about how Donnie needed some quiet. Despite her petite size she managed to shoo everyone else out of the room.

Don averted his eyes as Emma shifted closer, "I'm so sorry… I can fix the door. I can fix it tomorrow!"

Emma only giggled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. She slipped away to her closet to dress in PJs. It gave him a moment to gather himself. Sitting up drew a dizzy spell, but it was better than laying on his back watching the ceiling fan spin. Emma returned in a set of silky PJs, and knelt at his side. She tugged him into an embrace enjoying the way he rested his head on her shoulder. Her fingers lazily drew patterns over the scales of his neck and skull. The touch was soft and welcomed, and he relished when she pulled back to flutter kisses to his injured forehead.

"You aren't allowed to scare me like that. I thought you had really hurt yourself", she chided half heartedly.

He gave a snorted chuckle, but before he could express to her that it was minor Emma pressed a single finger to the already forming knot on his forehead. The result was a particularly nasal, "Ow! Ok, ok point taken."

Emma shook her head, and rose to her feet. "Come on to bed with you."

Donnie rolled his eyes, glancing at the open doorway with a dry wall cloud floating about the space. Carefully, he crawled onto the bed as Emma explained her evening in gentle tones. Including the fact that the girls had been preparing to have a movie night. She propped him up with plush pillows, and proceeded to fuss over him while Mythbusters played in the background.

It was nice to be the patient for once. Emma was also an exceptional nurse. Plus, the image of her nearly stripped in black lingerie was something his rattled brain had managed to save away for later. After an hour or so of basking in the attention Leo cautiously signaled him from the doorway that it was time to go. Emma fretted and made him swear that he would let her know when they got home safe. He was all smiles until they were home and Mikey excitedly told their father exactly how the genius got a bump on the head.

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Big Brother:

Shortly after Donatello recovered from being ambushed by a door Raph received an injury of his own. He slipped on a spill left by Mikey and slid out of the kitchen and down a set of stairs. Thanks to the mutagen in their blood Raphael's broken arm was healing nicely and would be on his feet in three to four days. The downside was that April had a project that she needed help with around day two. The big lug had mentioned that he could make it to the Dalton's place. He claimed that then he could at least be fed and pampered while they got to go out.

The girls were more than excited to host the red banded brother for the evening. When they dropped him off Roxy and Emma were hard at work cooking breakfast for dinner. Mikey whined most of the way to their destination about how they had been ripped off. Raphael was torturing the youngest brother with photos of his gourmet brinner. Mikey had taken particular offence at the chocolate covered bacon.

Meanwhile, Raph was relaxing with a full stomach and the girls' choice in movie playing. He hadn't thought there was a TV on the main floor. He was technically correct. They did however have a projector screen that could be remotely controlled when they did want to enjoy it. Mikey was gonna pass out when he saw it- it was always good to have something to look forward to.

Now, one thing he did indulge in was the pile the girls made around him. Emma was leaning against him with Roxy curled over her lap while Victoria was nestled into his other side. His wounded arm lay in his lap and the other was slung over the back of the couch. It was warm and they certainly smelled better than a turtle pile. Plus, the girls had a sense of irony and insisted on watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

What he was not prepared for though were the glances at him. It was unlike the girls to stare at him. Yet, despite their attempt at stealth he caught each peek. His temper began to rise. His hands drew to tight fists, and he attempted to count to ten. However in the middle of it he caught Roxy making another peep.

"What!" He thundered sitting up and jostling his keep.

The girls blanched and seemed to glance between each other for a moment. Victoria gave a huff and a roll of her eyes. "You do things that remind them of their dad. He was a grumpy asshole like you too."

The hulking mutant found himself looking at the sisters who began to rattle off the laundry list of things. The way he smirked. The tone of his voice. His temper and the ways he tried to keep it in check. Even specific one liners. There was also something about crinkling his nose when he was trying to ignore something. It left him blinking as they continued to rattle of the things they had each noticed.

He tried to cover his shock with a grunt, "Thought you were just … you know staring at the freak."

Victoria snorted, "Nope, they are just weirdos. Now can you lean back? I was comfortable."

"Yah yah, quit your yapping and come 'ere", he grunted, hauling them back to him.

The brothers came to collect their hot headed brother only to find him snuggled with all the Dalton ladies. It took a considerable amount of his trained stealth to detach himself from them without waking the young women. He got a considerable amount of questions when Roxy in particular clung to his neck and called him big brother. He redirected her affection to her sister who happily snuggled, but she also mumbled a goodbye to "Raphie".

Needless to say his brothers had their share of questions and comments. He didn't seem to mind though. Perhaps it was his nap or his full stomach, but the teasing was barely noticed. Not that he was remembering the way Emma had preened over him or the way the smallest Dalton had dubbed him big brother with those sparkling hazel eyes. Though he couldn't resist turning the conversation back to the blueberry pancakes, chocolate bacon, and grilled cheese monstrosities that Roxy made that featured sausage and a whole fried egg in the center. It was more than enough to shut Mikey up.

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Touch-y-feel-y:

There were certain things that his brothers simply missed, or perhaps they just didn't see them as important. For Michelangelo they were very important. It was also something he had personally dreamed about for most of his life, even in childhood. He had his brothers, and they were certainly physically affectionate especially when they were younger. However, there was something different about having someone else show affection.

Life with the girls was full of affection. They welcomed them with hugs, and not just mediocre quick embraces. Emma made no bones about touches, and after a few weeks it was clear that her whole family was pulled him tightly and made these low perfect murmurs when they did it. Roxy would tug him along by the hand to the kitchen where she insisted that he try whatever delicious thing she had made or found.

The only thing better than receiving the affection personally was seeing it happening to all of his brothers. Even Raph relented to their embraces, and once Victoria actually had clothes on she was prone to leaning into them with no intention to move away and squirmed her way under their arms. When the seemingly coarse woman did pull away from them she often paired a clipped insult with a peck to their cheek. The family doctor also liked to double check any injures and in general showed concern over them. Raph tended to pick the girls up when they reached for him, and they were happily toted around by the goliath.

Finally, it was the taboo interactions. Emma often traced Don's scales, especially those on the back of his head which seemed to sooth him when he was already wound up from a night on patrol. They were constantly touching their shells. A part of them that they had always assumed would always be taboo. Instead these girls knocked on them when they wanted past, patted them, and sometimes climbed them. It was just so nice to be touched.

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The X factor:

It was a boy's night out, or rather the closest they got to it. The brothers were gathered around Casey's big screen to watch the game. Large and slightly sloppy trays of wings and pizza littered the coffee table. Donatello chuckled as Mikey did the voiceover for the current play. He took another swig of the cheap beer which seemed to be less terrible the more he drank. He was unwinding until Casey cleared his throat loudly and made a dramatic show of pointing at the tallest brother.

"So when do I get to meet the little lady?" Casey chose to bellow over the sound of the tv even though he was holding the remote, specifically he was brandishing it for his pointing purposes.

All of this would have normally annoyed him, but today was different. Today Casey was asking him about his girlfriend. His beautiful and brilliant girlfriend. Before he could choke down a nervous chuckle Mikey had already piped up to inform Casey that Emma was a "hottie". Raph was kind enough to yank Mikey into a headlock.

The oldest leaned in to refill his plate and give his two cents, "He's been talking to her for nearly a year and we just met her. Don't be too offended."

Don sputtered, "Hey! It's only been romantic for six months, give or take… and I didn't know that she wouldn't run for the hills when she saw me even under the guise that I was in a costume."

"Wait, she didn't freak at all?!" Casey finally muted the tv now that he was fully invested in the topic.

"Nope! Babe got straight on the first turtle express", Mikey had managed to squirm free and created an unsettling gesture to go with his announcement.

The tallest brother dragged a hand down his face with low grumbles. Meanwhile Mikey continued while avoiding Raph with an assortment of kissing noises and moans. Again, Leo chose that moment to get honest.

"He's not wrong. She was in a Jessica Rabbit costume and happily across his lap", Leo added nonchalantly before setting to work on his plate of wings.

"Dude! How am I just now hearing about all of this?" Casey chuckled as Mikey hid behind his chair.

"Here have a look at my future sister", Mikey chirped showing Casey a photo on his T-Phone of Emma. She was in her kitchen holding a cup of coffee and had struck a sailor scout pose when Mikey had announced that he wanted a photo. Casey seemed to study the image for a while before a wolfish grin pulled his lips upwards. "That is a hot nerd, and she's holding coffee. Isn't that a mating display for a Donnie?"

Donatello glared but he could feel his cheeks darken. He glanced at Mikey and gave his beer his focus for a moment, "I wonder what Emma's going to do to you once she learns about this."

Mikey blanched, "No!"

Raph gave a smirk as he sat back down on the couch, "Dollface is an artist at revenge. Last time Mikey ran off at the mouth she locked him in a bathroom with his orange crush stash, mentos, and a small amount of fireworks."

Leo began to laugh nearly choking on the hot sauce from the wings, "That was a good one."

Don innocently opened another beer, "There were a lot of tears that evening."

"Don, it's just guy talk… please don't tell her", Mikey pleaded sinking to his knees.

"Seriously, April has stopped hinting all together about this. If we don't meet her soon she's gonna be the one punishing us." Casey took a more serious tone.

"We just got through her meeting father. Maybe we can delay a week or so before another important introduction?" Donnie offered sincerely.

"So, did Splinter approve?" Casey perked up at the mention of their father.

"Father is quite taken with her and her sister", Leo gave a genuine smile.

"Sister?" Casey smirked.

Mikey gave a wistful sigh, "Roxy."

"So, it's going to be a double wedding?" Casey laughed for a moment as Mikey whined before he grasped his point again. "So, seriously how long until we meet the future in laws?"

"I will talk to her about meeting you both the next time I see her, I promise", Don smiled. He observed the room for a moment before he leaned forward to take a more serious note, "Thank you all so much for rolling with this. I know it hasn't been the smoothest of changes."

Leo reassured him, "Don you are normally the one unwinding and fixing our chaos… you get to take a swing at it once in a while."

Raph snickered, "It's not been that bad. I like Emma plenty. Plus, it's not like we need to be worried about any jealous ex-boyfriends or anything?"

Donnie snorted, and shook his head, "Emma only has one ex, and that was back in high school. Some dude named Rexy, and they are still good friends."

"Oh, she's still friends with the mystery ex?" Mikey asked in a sing song tone.

"The romantic relationship was only a few months. Emma made it sound more like a friends with benefits situation. The benefits fizzled out, and the friendship remained. She offered to introduce us over the winter holidays, but due to our mutation situation that's probably not such a good idea."

"So wait, she's down with you and had a friends with benefits in high school?" Casey smirked.

Don rolled his eyes, and ignored Casey's attempted celebratory fist bump. Instead he snatched the remote and un-muted the game. It was nice in a way to divert from the stereotypical manly chat about his "hot new girlfriend".

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Rocky Road:

It had been an innocent question. Mikey had a habit of putting his foot in his mouth, but this was a new one. He had been told that Roxy was adopted. So, there was a lull one evening when the smallest of the Dalton family had been making a roast. She had made some joke about their mutt being a stray. It was a playful jibe before she fed the huge dog a bite of the tender meat from the polished silver fork she had been sampling with.

"So, how did you end up a Dalton anyway?" The youngest had joked.

Her hazel eyes had widened at the question, and he could feel all of his brothers glaring daggers at his shell. Yet, the petite young woman recovered with a bright smile. Her hands returning to seasoning the large pot of herbs, vegetables, and the string tied pork. The sweet curve to her lips remained as she stepped back to allow Raph to move the heavy pot back into the oven.

Her small hand smoothed over his largest brother's rough and raised shell in a gentle thank you as she moved across to the glass door refrigerator. The brothers enjoyed their time in this large kitchen. They gathered around the bar and lent a hand. Roxy seemed to be excited just to have a group to cook for, and happily ensured that none of them left hungry. They were also often sent home with a serving for their father. Tonight it was just Roxy. Victoria was a the hospital and Emma's flight had been delayed, but the later was expect to land any moment.

She turned towards them with a giggle, "You know no one has ever asked me that."

Her cheeks were flushed, making her freckles seem to dance. She was very fawn-like when they weren't breaking into her home. She was often quiet for long periods of time, but would then burst out with excited babbling about animals, news, science, or a new recipe. Her level of weird and geek often even left Donnie scrambling to keep up. Interestingly, outside of her family she was very shy and didn't socialize much. She obviously prefered the company of animals to that of the general public. It was a wonderful little cocktail for a temperament.

Roxy washed her hands and hummed as she toweled them off before she began. "I think I was destined to be Emma's sister… we even share a birthday. Only Emma was born in an expensive private room, and I was born in a nunnery in a poor town. My mother had been cast out by her family when she was found to be pregnant and the father had dipped as soon as he heard the news. The nuns took her in, and I was born there. Unfortunately, my mother didn't exactly take to motherhood. After a few weeks she left… without me. The nuns raised me, and named me Rochelle."

The petite woman seemed to feel the weight of their concern and found a task to distract herself before she continued. "I was spoiled because the cloister was a very well educated group, and made no bones about ensuring that I was well cared for. It was pretty obvious even then that I was a classic ADD child, but they picked up on my ability to hyperfocus when I wanted to. They all worked to help me learn at my natural pace, and encouraged anything I attempted. I was a gifted dancer though, and by the time I was seven I had earned a scholarship to a school for ballet in Paris. It was a difficult change for me. My home was a humble little village and I had a dozen mother figures. Paris was beautiful, but I had no one and the crowds terrified me. I was a very good dancer though, so I kept to the school building and dorms. Well, until the day I met Emma."

Her delicate hand paused on the knife handle from her steady chopping. Her lips pulled into a tender smile, and her chopping resumed with a giggle. "Now, that was a funny story. I was eight, and I had only been told that the headmistress wanted to talk to me. It happened to be the day that my scholarship was to be renewed, and my first thought was that it must have been dropped. So rather than go to the office I hid. I went to the park a few streets away and sat on a bench in the cold trying to figure out how I would break it to the sisters back home. My rational thinking was clearly not fully loaded at eight."

Roxy had been hoping to earn a giggle, but only caught them each trying to hide their sympathy. She sighed and gave a wave of her hand which earned a smirk as all of them were suddenly focused on where the large knife in that hand might be going. "Then, Emma came wandering up to me. I remember that is was grey and cold, but that she stood out and caught my eye. She was in hello kitty rainboots, and an expensive looking coat. I was most surprised because she made a beeline for me. Later, Emma pointed out that I had the school uniform on and no coat. At the moment though it was like something out of a movie. She came straight up to me with that "I know the secrets of the universe" smile and said, "Hi, I'm Emma and I have been looking for you all day!"

Roxy began to move the chopped ingredients into the salad bowl with her grin widening, "I just blinked a few times before Emma began explain. She was a visiting student, and was supposed to be assigned to a girl named Rochelle for a tour, but she never showed up. All the while she began pulling off her coat and scarf to swaddle me in them. She scootched in next to me and for the first time looked slightly unsure. She asked me if I didn't like her, and I felt so guilty that I rattled off the whole story to her. Emma giggled and hauled us both onto our feet. We played 21 questions on the walk back to the school. We spent the rest of the day hand in hand. Emma never left my side, and claimed that she had wondered off and I had found her at the park."

"The next evening Emma's mother and Grandmother came to pick her up for the weekend. Meeting Vivian and Georgiana for the first time was an experience all in itself. Once you saw those two women you suddenly saw exactly where Emma got her confidence from. They were beautiful, elegant and had this power about them. They offered to have me out to dinner, and that turned into me spending the next weekend with them at Georgiana's townhouse in Paris. Which was surprisingly crowded with the whole immediate family. Emma's cousins, aunt, uncle, parent, and grandparents all seemed happy to squish into the 3 bedroom home. The children slept in the den which had been converted to an impressive pillow fort. Even then, I knew this family was a little different, and that Emma had a lot of clearly not biological uncles floating in and out of dinners. But it felt so warm and alive. I was instantly welcomed in particular by Daddy." The rose blonde happily motioned for Leo to take over mixing the large salad.

"Daddy was just so warm and playful. He could instantly tell someone's strengths and weaknesses. He was also quick to pick up on my anxiety, and he found ingenious ways to help. He knew when to give a hug and when to let me figure it out on my own. The uncles spoiled us, but they also were eager to read for bedtime, and help with homework. I felt safe, truly safe for the first time. I somehow didn't pick up on the discussion going on about me and this big messy family that summer, so I was unprepared for when Emma gave me that smile again." Roxy gave a little grumble.

"She told me that she had always wanted a sister, but that her mother couldn't have children. Emma herself had been an unexpected and dangerous accident, and with Vivian's heart condition it could have killed them both. She also point blank stated that her family was difficult at times, that they had gotten into trouble before, and sometimes got into trouble still. Emma rolled over in a pillow fort and calmly asked me if I wanted to be her sister- if I wanted I could be Rochelle Dalton. The rest is history."

"So, you got to chose?" Raph noted out of the silence of his brothers before he stepped forward to pull the roast out for one last time.

Roxy nodded sweetly, "I think it was the best decision of my life."

"So, what happened to the nuns?" Mikey asked pulling down plates.

Roxy grinned again, "The nuns are still in contact and I use some of my share to fund their interests and care. We do skype calls once a month, and when I am in France we usually go see them."

Further questioning was interrupted by a loud chirped ringing coming from the pocket of Roxy's apron. Emma had finally landed and would be home soon. While the sisters chatted away the brothers went about setting out the plates and utensils for the food. Donatello had remained quiet until Emma arrived. For him the learning about Roxy was beyond interesting, but it also confirmed his suspicions. Emma had always been Emma- blunt, clever, and just a little bit magic. He watched as Roxy locked onto her taller sister in a sweet embrace. Those mercury and emerald eyes glanced about the kitchen before one manicured brow lifted in question.

"What have all of you been up to tonight?"

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Love Hate Relationship:

The brothers were late, that should be noted. However, they had been assured by the girls that they intended to stay up for a scary movie marathon. So, when they heard a telltale creepy soundtrack playing they invoked their top ninja skills to creep as close as possible. Which appeared to be over looking the main staircase giving them a perfect view of their prey. Yet, they paused at a sudden outburst.

Unknown to the brothers, Victoria had not been paying much attention to the old thriller that was playing. Instead, she had been focused on Emma. While her darling cousin appeared to be over the moon about Donatello there had been a noticeable drop in her mood ever since he and the Hamato brothers had entered their lives.

The redhead snatched up the remote to pause the program and snapped, "What is wrong with you?!"

Emma baulked at the unexpected outburst. It didn't help that Victoria had managed to bark at her right as the climactic murder was set to commence. She managed to blink, and press a hand to her racing heart, "Ummm?"

Victoria slinked up to the couch and jabbed a finger into Emma's shoulder, "You are my cousin and I love you. But, you are an annoyingly confident. It's normally like living with Wonder woman with the way you stomp around with all the secrets of the universe. Yet, the past few days you have been more Wednesday Addams than Wonder Woman. WHY?"

"I hate to agree with Victoria, but you have been a little blue", Roxy snuggled into her sister's side from where she had been peeking through her fingers to watch the movie.

Emma looked between them, and heaved a sigh. "It's petty', she mumbled.

The other two lock on either side of her.

"It shouldn't bother me. I shouldn't let him bother me, but it does."

"It's stupid honor boy isn't it!" Victoria snaps crossing the room for the bar and grabbed a handle of scotch with tumblers.

"Yes, lubricant! Lubricant makes everything better", Roxy cheered taking her glass.

"Go on", Victoria urged pressing a glass into Emma's hand.

Emma pondered the liquid a moment before downing it in a single chug. Despite the confident move she sputtered a moment before answering, "Yup, that is the peat smoked whiskey, isn't it?"

"What's the matter, you lost your taste for it?" Victoria teased.

Emma shook her head and held out her glass for another short pour, "No. Just warn me next time!"

They all giggle as they pour her another oblivious to the brother who watched them. Emma curled her legs under her. "He hasn't done anything… it's just how he looks at me. He has these beautiful blue eyes and they make me feel like scum."

Emma took another gulp and gave a growl. "And what's worse even when I can feel his judgement with every fiber of my being I can't hate him. I adore the bastard. He is good, kind, and a literal hero. Plus, even if I could materialize a real insult out of it I can't just take a shot at him. He is the leader and the eldest brother. I'd lose Donnie… I can't lose Donnie."

"Honor boy can suck it!" Roxy cheered downing her own tumbler.

"He has an impressively minimal view of the world. Things are black or white to him. We live in color. He just needs to taste the rainbow", Victoria snickered.

Emma giggles, "There is a dirty joke in there somewhere."

"Well, Vicky's dirty everywhere, so who's surprised?" Roxy giggled topping them all off.

"Stupid pretty blue eyes", Emma twirled her now empty glass.

Above them Donatello fell back, and paid no mind to his brothers following him. Once safely back on the rooftop he heaved a sigh. His hands gripped at the wall of the terrace and he gazed over it to watch traffic move below.

"Come one Don… It wasn't all bad! Leo has pretty eyes", Mikey gave his best attempt but it obviously fell flat.

"Don, I really- I really haven't tried to make her feel uncomfortable", the eldest murmured. Guilt twisted his gut, but he had been unaware that Emma had noticed anything. He certainly didn't like the situation, but he had no ill will against the woman herself at all.

"She's perceptive and sensitive", Don spoke softly.

"Hey, from someone who regularly earns those looks from our fearless leader- give it time. Even Leo can admit that Emma and her family just grow on you whether you like it or not." Raph's heavy grip encased Donatello's shoulder.

"I'll try harder Donnie", the leader's voice was sincere and resolute.

"I know... it's just that I feel like I should have known. I should have been paying more attention. She is afraid to come to me about it, and I didn't notice." Raph's iron grip shook him.

"Dude, it's cool. She has her squad down there, and they will help her out tonight. She'll come to you about it when she's ready. In the meantime, as your wingman I have to remind you that your girl is down there getting hammered in her PJ's without you", Mikey smirked.

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Author's note-

So, first thank you so much to EVERYONE who has reviewed, commented, followed, favorited, left kudos, etc! You mean the world to me, and the constructive reviews have been so helpful! I am so incredibly grateful, and I can't believe how many reviews this is getting. You are all wonderful!

This has now been put through it's paces by my darling Dragon!

Reviews are incredibly important to me because they are my only real way to gauge the audience. I welcome all feedback, so please let me know how I did! Thank you so much for reading!

I thought the short stories would be a nice change of pace, so I may do something similar again later in this story.

Love,

Violet Blak