"So, tell me why we're leaving New York again?" Raph asked, he and his brother's poking their heads out from the back of the Party Wagon sitting along with the luggage.

"We're gonna visit my aunt. Now that Shredder and Kraang are gone we actually have time to do stuff other than beat up people." Kara turned around, looking at them from the front seat.

"What's more fun than that?!"

"Quite a few things, actually, Raph." Dragan glanced at them from the driver's seat through the rearview mirror with a raised brow. "It's been weeks since anythin' has happened. Ye guys are bound tae geit bored soon enough. Besides, it'll be a nice change o' pace."
"Fresh, clean air for starters." Kara grinned but blinked noticing Leo still seemed nervous. "Hey, you shouldn't worry about New York, you guys have the Mighty Mutanimals staying behind. They'll watch over our home."

"It's not that; What if she's scared of us?" Leo looked at the two, his brother's all looking at each other now with worry on their faces.

"She won't be, I promise. She's different, kinda like me." Giving them a reassuring smile Kara reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You trust me, right?"

"Of course, it's other people we have to be wary of." Leo turned away, leaning against the side.

"If Kara says she's different then I believe her. She's never proven us wrong before." Donnie smiled her way making her grin happily.
"You'd say anything to make her happy." Raph muttered making Donnie's face fall.
"Looks like it's up to Mikey's seventh sense to get us out of this pickle." Mikey stood up, pointing proudly to himself recalling how he was always right when his gut told him something.

"See? Mikey will be the guinea pig. There." Kara turned back around to watch the scenery go by.

The trip took several days due to constantly stopping to take photos, stretch, and use the restroom but when they arrived in Kara's old hometown, she gave Dragan the directions to her aunt's place. Kara watched her hometown pass by and had a fond smile on her face, memories of her childhood days walking around with her aunt filled her mind.

Arriving at the entrance, Dragan and the others mouths were agape at her home. Wide pastures were filled with pigs, cows, and horses, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables. A two story house stood in the center with a large barn barely visible behind it.
Kara climbed out to open the gate while calling her aunt's number to let her know she had arrived. When no one answered she climbed into the van once they drove past the gate and closed it, hanging up the phone. "She must be out with the animals. Alrighty, guys, this is it. You ready?" She smiled at them all only for them to give her nervous smiles in return.

Reaching the house there was a large tree beside it with a swinging bench hanging from a large, sturdy branch. Kara was the first to climb out while Dragan turned off the van and looked around noticing a chicken coop off the to left side of the house with it's own little barn. She smiled some beginning to reminisce about her own childhood when she heard a loud, high pitched squeal along with another loud yell seconds after it. Not even a moment later a piglet came zooming around the corner, past Kara, squealing in a panic when Kara's aunt, Emma; a 6'2 woman with black hair that was tied in a messy bun and pulled back with a green bandana wearing a brown shirt,dirt covered overall jeans, and black, rubber rain boots slid from behind the side of the house her bright blue eyes burning with determination; focused soley on the piglet and the piglet alone, it running around the side of the van.
"No matter how long you run, I will chase you down and catch you, Hammond!" She shouted with a slight country accent, continuing her chase til she heard something hit the ground and Hammond squeal louder, sounding like he was struggling. "I got 'em!" She heard and smiled in relief, rounding the van only to blink in surprise to see a humanoid turtle with freckles and an orange mask holding the panicking Hammond. Staring down at the creature before her, her instincts kicked in when she saw the piglet crying out and struggling. Clenching her fists tight and ready to fight for her animals til she noticed it had gone quiet. She blinked in surprise to see the creature was calming Hammond down with pets and talking to him in the 'pet talk' and it was actually working. "What in-"
"Auntie!" Kara came around the corner to see her aunt staring down at Mikey in confusion. It seemed he hadn't noticed her, his attention on the baby pig til he heard Kara's voice and blinked back to reality staring up at the now noticeably muscular, older woman in front of him. Thinking he did something wrong he hunched his shoulders nervously and held the piglet out for her, giving her a nervous smile. "Heh, I caught your baby pig for you."

The tension around them seemed to grow thicker til Emma took Hammond from him and bent down to his level, staring at him curiously. "What are you?" She questioned softly, adjusting Hammond in one arm while reaching the other to Mikey, touching his face as gently as she could despite her rough, calloused hands. She lifted his chin up, inspecting him, noticing he looked healthy with a bit of muscle on him. It wasn't til she noticed the weapons at his sides that her eyes narrowed. When she opened her mouth to speak she came face to face with Kara.

Wait a minute.

"Kara? Kara, you're here?!" She jumped to her feet, almost dropping Hammond but quickly caught him before he could touch the ground and pulled her into hug, squeezing her tight. "It's great to see you! I've missed you so so much! It's been way too long!"

"Auntie..I missed you too." Kara wrapped her arms around her aunt, giving her a squeeze as well not minding the dirt and grind that she was getting on her clothes.
"You've gotten stronger too. Oh, I can't believe you've grown up so much." Emma chuckled, giving her another squeeze til she remembered the creature behind her. "Kara, I want you to go inside and get Charlie." She whispered to her but blinked when Kara suddenly pulled away from her, seeming to panic.
"No, no! That won't be necessary! He's a friend of mine!" Kara frantically waved her arms while Mikey moved to his feet. "Listen, remember those friends I told you about in my letters?" Getting a nod in response she continued. "Well, they're mutants." She turned around to the back of the van. "Come out guys."
One by one three more humanoid turtles revealed themselves; each one wearing a different colored mask and weapon. Dragan popped out too, giving her a wave. "I'm here too. I'm just a person, though."
Emma stared, mouth opened, dropping Hammond and he ran away with a squeal but her mind was focused on the mutants in front of her.
Kara began to grow nervous when her aunt didn't move nor say anything til she suddenly sliced her arms out to the side, scaring her and everyone else, and inhaled sharply through her nose with her eyes closed.
"Everyone. Living room. Now." Emma turned around and walked towards the house, taking long strides. "Now." She said with a more stern voice, able to tell no one had moved til she could hear them scrambling to catch up. Once everyone had sat themselves down, Kara explained everything to her in detail; Dragan helping as well.

Emma slumped backwards on the couch, releasing her hair from it's bun to show medium length hair that reached just past her shoulder blades, letting out a huff. "Kara, this is a lot to take in at once. You were keeping quite a bit of details out of your letters."
"They're suppose to be kept secret as you can see why but they're good mutants and have helped protect not only Dragan and I but New York and the whole world. I know it's hard to believe but you have to trust me." Kara stared pleadingly at her aunt.

Emma sighed again and began to look closely at the mutants and person she brought a long with her.
Dragan, she remembered her in the letters, which were accurate on her smiled at her.
She looked to the turtles. From hearing their names she expected them to be foreiners not mutants. Shaking the thought out she inspected them; each turtle was quite unique but for now the only thing appearance wise she could use was the colors of their masks, which Kara explained were their favorite colors.
Leonardo, the one in blue. He was the oldest. He looked calm and collected on the surface but she could see the tension in his shoulders.
Raphael, the red one. Second oldest. He had a bored look on his face, arms crossed. She could instantly tell he would be the trouble making teen.
Donatello, the purple one. Middle child. He seemed nervous, tapping his fingers together in his lap while his eyes wandered the room, a trinkle of sweat slide down the side of his face.
Michelangelo, the orange one. Youngest child. He openly stared at her, smiling, with his hands in his lap while idly swinging his feet back and forth.

She leaned forward, placing her arms in her lap and stared at them with hard eyes. "Is everything Kara said true?"

"Yes, ma'am." Leo and Donnie said.
"Uh-huh." Raph nodded.
"Yup! Wait...yeah!" Mikey smiled.

Emma stood to her feet, staring down at the brothers before smiling, letting out a sigh of relief. "Then I guess thank you's are in order as well as introductions. My name is Emma McClain; Kara's aunt and I thank you for being there for my niece." She gave them all a sheepish grin that looked all to similar to Kara's making them shake their heads from Emma to Kara then back again. "You all can stay here as long as you want. I'll show you all to your rooms. I only have two guest bedrooms aside from Kara's so you boys will have to share two to a room. Dragan can share Kara's room." She began walking towards the door, tying her hair back up. "I'll start on dinner once I finish feeding the animals."
"Oh! Can I help?!" Mikey asked, jumping off the couch and running to her side, making her blink in surprise. "Oh, of course. Thank you." She smiled down at him as she walked out with him. "Show the others around, Kara!" She shouted before closing the door.

"Well, that went better than expected." Leo looked over at Kara with a small smile on his face.

"And you guys doubted me. Except you, Donnie." Kara smiled at Donnie, walking past him to get to the door while sliding her hand over his shoulders making him blush.

Dragan ran after her, smiling excitedly. "It's beautiful here, almost feels like back home."

A couple days had gone by and the guys were growing on Emma and vice versa.

Leo and Raph would help her with the heavy lifting, Kara joining in from time to time whenever needed.
Mikey and Dragan would help take care of and feed the animals.
Kara and Donnie would help tend the gardens/pick the food as well as gather eggs from the chickens.
Everyone had a part and was kept busy but no one seemed to mind it at all.

At the end of the day, everyone was in the living room relaxing after a long day of work. Mikey was laying on the floor in front of the TV with his feet kicking back and forth in the air, the others sitting on the couch watching the show he put on. Emma was sitting on her recliner peeling an orange while Kara got up to make everyone something to drink.

"You know, there's something I always wanted to do if Kara ever brought friends over." Emma began to say as she set her orange and peelings on the side table and got up, walking towards a bookshelf, wiping the orange peelings on her jeans, and pulled out a wide book. "I always wanted to embarrass her." She grinned while turning around showing them a photo album that said "Kara Sharper".

Mikey's eyes had stars in them, sitting up with a gasp. "We get to see baby Kara?!"
"Oh, this is gonna be good." Raph smirked figuring he was going to get a ton of black mail material out of this.
"I bet she's adorable." Dragan giggled as Emma sat down, everyone gathering around her and opened the first page to see her newborn photos as well as some from her ultrasound. There were tons of pictures on each page of her as a baby from her opening her eyes, growing her hair, to playing with her toys and making a mess with her food; all of it going everywhere but in her mouth.
"Oh ma gosh, I knew it. She's so adorable!" Dragan squealed at a photo of her gummy smile while her father was playing with her feet in her onsie.
"She's so cute!" Mikey had hearts float around him at how tiny and precious she looked and it seemed everyone was in agreement.

Donnie smiled as Emma explained each photo from her first days of school to the projects they had to playtime with friends she had made, chores around the house and whenever her parents and Sara would visit with each page popping out with different colors and shapes to brighten the moments. They were reaching the end of the album when one of the pages stuck and he saw a glimpse of a lone photo. "Wait, what's this one?" He went to move the page but stopped when Emma grabbed his hand.
"That. That one you don't want to see."
"Why? Can't be more embarrassing than her mid fall in the mud pit as a kid." Raph chuckled, saving that one in his memory for later.

Emma stared at each one then closed her eyes. Figuring they were all pretty close to one another she slowly turned to the last page.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

There were three photos, the pages being blank.
The first photo was of Kara, wearing school clothes from her first week of school, crying. Emma's hand was reached out, holding Kara's bangs back to reveal a circle drawn around her purple eye with the word "FReEk" written poorly on her forehead in permanent marker. The second was of the area around her eye reddened from trying to scrub it off but there was still visible marker stains. The last was of Kara wearing an eyepatch to cover it up with her head lowered trying to hold back the tears.

"I took these photos to show the school and try to get some justice for her but she wouldn't tell me who did it and of course none of the kids admitted fault and since none of the teachers saw it happen there was nothing they could do. After that incident she never brought anyone over anymore due to the bullying. Kids can be so cruel." Emma looked up just as Kara entered the room with a tray of tea for them all. She stared down at the page seeing nothing and immediately slammed the tray down on the coffee table and stormed up to her room.
Donnie and Dragan ran after her, calling out her name, while Emma only sighed and closed the book, the day little Kara came running into the house crying her eyes out and seeing why still haunts her memories.

Kara was hugging her pillow close to her when Donnie gently knocked on the door, slowly opening it as he and Dragan entered.
"Kara?" He called out to her softly but she only hugged the pillow tighter. He walked to one side, Dragan the other, and sat down with her. "We don't think of you any less because of the photos."
"He's right, lass. None o' us may hae had such a happy beginnin' but that didn't define us as we are now." Dragan put her arm around her shoulder and brought her into a hug, giving her a gentle squeeze.
Donnie nodded in agreement, taking her hand in his. "She's right. You've done things that no other person could even imagine! And there's not a single thing that I would change about you."

Kara gave a soft sniff looking from Donnie to Dragan, a small smile forming on her face. "Thanks, guys." She rubbed away tears that were unwillingly forming in her eyes before looking back to see her door open to the others coming in to check on her. She gave them her trademark grin as they all group hugged.

That night Dragan woke up to her phone blaring it's bright light in her face and vibrating the whole table. With a groan she forced herself to sit up, rubbing the dried crust around her eyes while grabbing her phone and opening the screen. It was a text from her parents wishing her a Happy Birthday. Narrowing her eyes, she text back and dropped the phone on the bed leaving to the restroom.
The sudden movement caused Kara to stir in her sleep and lift her head up, looking around at what had disturbed her slumber. Through sleep filled eyes she noticed that Dragan wasn't in bed but her phone was in her place. She picked it up to see what time it was and saw she had left her dad's message box open.
"Happy Birthday. Sorry we can't come see you." It read.
"It's ok, and it's not til Saturday but thanks anyways." Dragan responded.
She blinked in surprise to see that her message had been read but no reply.

WAIT.

Kara did a double take, rereading the messages and her eyes widened when her brain turned on. DRAGAN'S BIRTHDAY WAS IN THREE DAYS.

Hearing the flush of the guest bathroom she immediately dropped the phone and went back to lay down, pretending to be asleep.
Dragan yawned tiredly, blinking when the light of her phone still shone and she lifted it up to read it one more time before closing it and setting it back on the bedside table and climbed back into bed. She glanced at Kara hearing her light snoring and smiled, shaking her head at how a heavy sleeper she is before wrapping the blanket close to her and closing her eyes to sleep.
Kara laid still, her eyes wide awake repeating a sentence in her mind, "Ohmygosh."

That morning Mikey was helping Emma make breakfast while Leo and Raph were setting the table, Donnie making coffee and drinks for everyone. Kara slid into the doorway, staring at them with the same wide eyes. "Guys! I have some news!" Dragan was getting ready upstairs.

"You stayed up all night?" Leo questioned, noting the tired look in her eyes.
"That's unlike her though."
"Yeah, usually she falls asleep the second her face hits a pillow." Raph grinned, agreeing with Donnie.
"And she drools too!"
"You still do that, Kara? Thought you would of grown out of that by now." Emma smirked, flipping pancakes hearing Kara fuming while Mikey laughed and the others chuckled.
"It's not about me!" Kara moved closer, making sure Dragan was out of earshot and placed her hand to the side of her mouth, whispering, "Dragan's birthday is in three days. Did anyone else know?"

Looking at all the collective shaking heads Kara sighed and slumped her shoulders. "How can none of us know? How can you not know?!" She pointed accusingly at Leo making him blink in surprise, looking offended before pointing back at her. "You're her best friend! How do you not know?!"
"I don't know! Why didn't she tell us!" Kara grabbed her hair in a panic.

"Maybe she doesn't want to make a big deal out of it." Emma began to bring the plates of food to the table. "Why don't you ask her?"
"Ask me what?" Dragan stood behind Kara making her jump out of her skin in surprise, almost falling to the floor. Dragan raised a brow at her reaction but shrugged it off, figuring she isn't as awake as everyone else.

"We uh..heard it was your birthday and we were wondering why you never told us?" Leo rubbed the back of his head hoping he wasn't prying too much in her business.
Dragan shrugged, walking over to the table, eyeing the food. "Because it's just another day. It was never really celebrated growin' up so why make a fuss o' it now?" She snuck a slice of bacon, chewing on it to see her friends just staring at her. "What? I'm happy just tae hang out wi ya guys, really." She smiled brightly at them.

"Food is ready. Eat it while it's hot. We've got a big day ahead of us." Emma grinned down at her family and friends as they all gathered to the table to eat a hearty breakfast.

While the others were helping Emma with the chores, Kara snuck back inside the house and to her room where Dragan's phone was charging. She took a quick look around to make sure she was alone and picked up the phone, plopping down on her bed. Turning the phone on she mentally cheered when Dragan didn't have a passcode to unlock her phone and opened to her homepage. She pulled up her contacts, scrolling through til she found Hubert's name and photo with him sitting in his rocking chair and Trisha, his wife, standing by his side with her arm over his shoulder, both of them smiling at the camera.
Kara smiled softly before closing her eyes remembering when they went into her mind and seeing them much younger than how they looked now.
"What are you doing?"
Kara tensed up, clutching the phone and jumped to her feet in a panic to see Leo leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, staring at her. She sighed in relief when it was just him and loosened her grip on the phone. "If you must know, I'm going to call Dragan's grandparents to find a way to cheer Dragan up for her birthday. I know she says it's just another day but when-"
Mikey popped in beside him."Oooh! I wanna talk to them!" He shoved past Leo and sat down next to her fixing to snatch the phone from her hands but she was quicker, pulling it away from him. "Nu-uh. I'm the best friend and this was my idea."
Leo rolled his eyes, walking into the room and sat on her other side and blinked, noticing the pictures. Recalling a memory he had seen during their time in space a smile crossed his face and he started to get a little excited.
"I know you guys aren't leaving Donnie and I to handle the chores on our own." Raph walked in seeing all of them in her room and crossed his arms, eyes narrowed at the thought of them being lazy and hiding from the rest of the work.
"This isn't a very good hiding spot if you are." Donnie blinked when he saw them gathered around Dragan's phone. "What's going o-"
"Shh! It's ringing!" Kara interrupted him staring nervously down at the phone.

Wait a minute, what time was i-

"Hello, little lass."

A smile crossed everyone's face hearing his voice, it sounding tired but full of energy at the same time. Kara took a low breath and opened her mouth.

Today was the day. Kara, Dragan, and Emma were in town grocery shopping while the boys stayed behind to look after the farm.

"So, Dragan, are there any recipes or foods you miss from home? I can make you a birthday dinner and cake."
"Really? Ye don't hae tae I'm happy wi whatever ye make, your cookin' is amazing!"
"Aw, thanks, sweetie, but it's no problem. Your part of the family now so we're gonna do things differently from what you're use to. So," Emma stopped the cart and smiled, her full attention on her. "What is your favorite dish and cake?"
Dragan blushed at the attention and averted her eyes shyly, rubbing her arm gently. She was beginning to feel like a child under her stare but answered truthfully. "Um, ye may not like it. It's called Haggis. It's made from sheep stomach, liver, heart, an tongue."
While Dragan was explaining the ingredients and how to make it, Kara's eyes were widening, sticking her tongue out, and pretending to gag in the background.
Emma stared at her niece, unamused, before looking back at Dragan. "Well, I'm not one to back out of a challenge, and this definitely sounds like one. We're gonna have to make a few more stops to get what we need but by golly, it will be done." Emma smiled brightly down at Dragan causing her blush to darken but a wide smile to appear on her face. "R-really? Ya mean it?! Ma grandparents an I use tae make it aw the time. I can show ye how!" Dragan was beginning to beam with excitement which caused both Kara and Emma to smile happily. "Lead the way, darlin'." Emma grinned as Dragan brought them to what they needed first.
"Oh, an ma favorite cake is Red Velvet."
"Now that is something I can eat." Kara grinned while Emma and Dragan laughed.
All the while, Kara was texting Leo on the update of their trip, letting them know they'll be out a little longer.

"Can you please pick up the speed?" Kara asked through her hands covering her mouth and nose. She was regretting letting Dragan sit in the front and while she sat in between the groceries to keep them from falling, the stench of the ingredients for her Haggis taunting her every minute they were in the truck.
"It smells bad now but once ya make it the right way, it's goin' tae smell great!"
"I'm having a hard time believing you." Kara grumbled but smiled in relief to see their home up ahead.

"You guys go ahead and take the groceries inside. I have a few more errands to run then we can start on your birthday dinner, ok?" Emma pulled up to the front of the house, sneakily making sure they weren't able to see the back, and parked the truck.

Both girls had their arms full of bags and watched as Emma left, waving bye to them.

"Ok, let's get this stuff inside before I puke." Kara was the first to head inside, Dragan right behind her as they began to put away the groceries. When they were just about finished Mikey strolled in acting nonchalant but the huge smile on his face clearly pointed out he had something to show them. Dragan turned around and blinked in surprise. Not at Mikey's huge smile but the skirt that he was parading around in. "Uh, Mikey? Why are ya wearin' a skirt? One o' Ms. Emma's skirts, might I add."

"Oh? This old thing? I just thought I'd get into character." Mikey had his arms behind his back as he sauntered over to her. Before she could question anything he suddenly got behind her, covering her eyes with a blindfold.
"What the? Mikey?! What're ya doin'?"
"Can't have a surprise without it being a surprise, dre-dre." A coy smile crossed his lips as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Now, just follow my voice." He whispered trying to act mysterious but blinked when she wouldn't budge.
"How can I follow your voice if it's behind me?"
Kara snickered and took her hand. "Follow me then. "
"You're part o' this? Och, pullin' a fast one on me, eh? Clever girl." Dragan chuckled but followed anyways.

Kara and Mikey lead Dragan to the backyard and when they reached the end of the porch they stopped her, having her stand above the steps. Mikey removed his hands, throwing them in the air in excitement. "Ta-dah!" He shouted.
Dragan opened her eyes, staring in surprise to see the corral was made to look like a jousting arena: Donatello's staff placed in the center between two chairs and two of Emma's horses on opposite sides with different colored blankets over their saddles. She stared at Leo, Donnie, and Raph who were putting together make shift styrofoam lance's and shields.
"Happy Birthday, Dragan!" Mikey and Kara shouted in unison both of them popping in front of her, arms spread out wide and smiles just as wide.
Dragan stared at the two then to the other brother's before busting out in laughter to the point there were tears in her eyes. "Guys, ye didn't hae tae do this for me but this is awesome!" She hugged them both tight before running down the steps to hug the other brothers before climbing onto one of the horses. "Who wants tae go first?"

"I will take the challenge." Leo called out, climbing onto his own horse.
Donnie handed him his 'weapons' while Kara did the same for Dragan.

"Ok, you know the rules, first one to knock their opponent off their horse wins. If both fall then winner will be settled through sword fight. Are you guys ready?" Donnie asked, moving off to the side.

"I was born ready." Leo turned to Dragan a grin on his face.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Leo." Dragan grinned in return.

"How's a bunch of styrofoam toys going to knock someone off a horse?" Raph muttered to Mikey and Kara, watching from the sidelines.
"Guess we're about to find out." Kara nodded her head as Donnie chopped his hand down for them to start.

Both Dragan and Leo commanded their horses to charge forward, inching closer to the center til both of them made contact but neither fell. They turned their horses around for round two and charged again but this time, both of them having the same idea, gave a little more 'oomph' to their attack and they both fell off their horses and to the ground.
Kara and Mikey grabbed the horses, moving them to the side as Dragan and Leo got up on their feet and in battle stances.

"Are ye goin' tae be able tae keep up wi me, Leo?" Dragan smirked, twirling her toy sword in her hand like it was real.
"I've seen you fight, I got this." He chuckled, holding his toy shield up and sword raised.
Both of them charged with a battlecry and they began to toy sword fight. Dragan was the first to strike but Leo blocked her attack with his shield. He moved his arm to attack but she used her shield too and knocked it to the side. He took a step backwards from the sudden movement but kept his shield up as she continued her attack. When she raised her sword high he discarded the shield, not use to using one, and blocked with his sword instead. They began having a battle of strengths but had forgotten that they were fake swords and ended up breaking them, Dragan falling on top of Leo and Leo landing on the ground. Dragan rolled off him, holding her sides while laughing. Leo stared at her, smiling softly, before grinning and laughing along with her.

The others looked at another, smiling in pride and joy seeing their friend having such a good time.

"Ok, I'm next!" Kara shouted, getting their attention.

Everyone ended up having a turn with one another everyone winning and losing at least one round. It was close to sunset when Emma came to the backyard, seeing them having a good time and smiled. "Alright, kids, time to start making dinner. Wash up now and quick." She watched everyone run inside, Kara putting the horses away first, and walked in after them, closing the door deciding to clean up the mess later.

Once they were all showered and clean Kara immediately covered her nose, smelling the meat of the organs that were bought previously in the day.
"Do we really have to make this?" Kara groaned while everyone piled into the kitchen.
"I'm sure you've smelt worse. Trust me, once this geits cooked it's goin' tae taste amazin'!" Dragan's hands shook in excitement, looking as if she was going to explode in joy.
"Yeah, while we make this, you can start on the cake. How about that?" Emma planted her and on top of Kara's head, giving her hair a little tussle.
"Fine." Kara pouted but smiled.

Dragan pulled her hair back in a ponytail, keeping her bangs out of her face as she began to instruct everyone on what to do and how to do it, showing them the way in case they forgot.
Donnie and Kara were in charge of the cake, Kara's hair out of her face too. Donnie poked some batter on her nose making her look cross-eyed to see it and laughed while doing the same to him but on his chin just before pouring the batter in the pan.

"Oh! Can I lick the spoon!?" Mikey asked, shoving Raph aside so he was in front of them.
"I believe the honor should go to the birthday girl." Kara held the spoon out for Dragan, smiling.
"Aww!" Mikey slumped his head in disappointment but blinked when Donnie held out the bowl for him.
"Just wash your hands first." He muttered but smiled at his little brother.
Dragan stared at her then the spoon in surprise. "Oh, uh, thanks." She took the spoon and licked the top but her eyes were off somewhere else. "This is stuff ma grandparent's an I use tae do every year on ma birthday. It's been so long that I almost forgot how it felt tae celebrate it. Thanks, guys."
Kara and the others looked at each other before gathering around her.
"Well, it's not over yet." Leo said, holding her hand.
"Yeah, we still gotta eat this stuff. The night isn't over yet." Raph crossed his arms, grinning at her.
Dragan nodded, smiling excitedly.

Emma excused herself for a moment, hearing her cellphone go off in the other room while Kara put the cake in the oven. While the Haggis was cooking, Dragan, Leo, and Mikey prepared the side dishes. When she had returned the food was almost done so she began to set the table. "You know, you're right Dragan, it actually does smell good."

"Still smells weird to me." Kara muttered while she pulled out the now baked cake and set it to the side to cool off before icing.

"Here, try a sample. I'll prove I'm right." Dragan pulled some out with a fork and held it out to her to try. She could see the steam rising from the morsel and gulped nervously before taking the fork and blowing on it to cool off. She stared at the fork for the longest time before mustering up the courage and shoved it in her mouth.

Everyone was silent, staring at her in anticipation.

Kara froze, blank of any emotion, chewing slowly able to taste each in every ingredient the longer she chewed. Finally forcing herself to swallow.
Dragan watched her eagerly, clenching the fork in hand waiting for her reaction, Kara having her head lowered and unable to see.
Suddenly, Kara lifted her head with a wide smile on her face. "That was fantastic!" She shouted, Dragan beaming in excitement. "I knew ye would love it!" She hugged Kara tight, smiling.
"Can't wait to have more." Kara said, the wide smile still on her face though inside her mind she was screaming internally.

"Woo! Let's eat!" Mikey pumped his fist in the air.

"Hold on. I want to do things a little differently." Emma said calmly as she iced the cake. Everyone waited patiently for her to finish. "Dragan, have a seat at the head of the table, please." She requested, putting the candles on top of the cake. Dragan nodded and did as she was asked while Emma brought the cake over, setting it in front of her. "Raph, get the lights, please." Raph went and turned the lights off in the kitchen and in the other two rooms so they were in complete darkness til Emma lit a match, placing the fire over the candles til it was their only source of light."Now. Close your eyes."Dragan nodded and closed her eyes while Emma smiled softly down at her and took a step back before singing, "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you."
Everyone soon joined in on the song while Emma snuck out of the room. When they were finished singing Kara moved to her side, placing her hand on her shoulder. "Keep your eyes closed and make a wish."
Dragan lowered her head for a moment before smiling and took a deep breath and blew out her candles, unaware that Kara or the others had disappeared. She opened her eyes and blinked she was in darkness til the lights came back on and she gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
Sitting across the table from her were her grandparents smiling at her.

"Happy Birthday, lass." Hubert said in a soft tone, eyes beaming with joy.
"Happy Birthday, Dragan." Trisha had her mouth covered, tears streaming down her face seeing her granddaughter.

The screeching of chairs echoed in the lower part of the house as both parties ran to each other, catching another in their arms.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" Dragan screamed through tears, holding them tight. She buried her head in her grandpa's shoulder feeling their warmth surrounding her like a warm blanket.
Trisha bent down some and grabbed her face, covering it in kisses as she cried but smiled all the same.
Hubert held his family, towering over them still despite shrinking a few inches and planted a kiss on top of his knight of a granddaughter's head.

Emma, Kara, and the guys were watching the scene unfold hiding outside the kitchen trying to keep from crying. Kara hugged Donnie, smiling while Emma placed her hands on the boys, giving them a gentle squeeze. "Good idea, boys." She whispered.

Once the reunion had calmed down Emma entered the room and shook hands with the elderly couple, introducing herself then Kara. When it was time to introduce the guys, Kara let Dragan take over.
"Grandma, Grandpa, thare's some people I want ya tae meet but some o' them are..different?" Dragan had a bit of hesitation and uncertainty to her voice not knowing how to go about this.
Hubert stared at her for a moment before his facial expression turned stern."Dragan, ye know our family doesn't tak kindly tae judging others based on appearances alone."
"I thought we raised ye better than that." Trisha agreed with her husband having a look of disapproval on her face.
"That's not what I-oh, here it goes. These are ma friends who happen tae be brothers as well. Come on out, guys." She waves for them to come out and one by one they came out of hiding, standing in a line from Donnie, Leo, Raph, and Mikey.
As anyone would guess their first reaction was surprise making the guys stand their awkwardly and shyly.
Hubert stepped forward and walked down the line of mutant boys in front of him slowly, giving each a thorough look. The mountain of a man was already intimidating with his tall stature alone but with his eyes soley on them; it was as if he was staring into their souls causing each turtle to gulp nervously. When he reached the shortest he turned back around til he was right in front of the one in blue. He stared down at him for the longest time making not only Leo nervous but his brother's as well. When he finally spoke, all of them tensed up like a cat.
"You're the oldest brother, aren't ye?"
"Uh. Y-Yes sir."
"Ye an your brothers watch out an tak care o' ma granddaughter an her friend, do ye not?"
Leo took a deep breath to calm his nerves and returned his steely stare, staring him right in his eyes. "We protect them with our lives, sir. This, I promise you." Leo held his hand out to shake. "Dragan has told me many great things about you and it's an honor to meet you."
Hubert stared down at him, his brows lifting up an inch in surprise then lowered his gaze down to his hand. What surprised everyone was when Hubert slapped his hand away and brought Leo in for a bear hug with a hardy laugh, lifting him up off the ground with his still muscular arms while smacking him on his shell to where Leo could actually feel it through his hard shell. Everyone but Dragan and Trisha cringed a little hearing his spinal cord popping from how strong of a hold Hubert had on Leo. "In ma family, we don't do handshakes. Any boy can shake a hand but it taks a man tae embrace a brother." He then hugged the other brothers before stepping back to look at them all. "Ye boys hae good souls. I can see a strong fire in each o' your eyes that protects those that ye care for an harms those that would stand in your way. As a father maself, it gives me great pride tae see fire that rare witin ye."
The boys stared at each other in surprise than to him and Trisha, who nodded in agreement, in awe; their cheeks blushing dark. Mikey beamed happily thinking his family was growing and hugged Trisha, who laughed and hugged the little one in return. "Aw, aren't ye a sweethart."

"Now, let's eat before this food goes to waste." Emma pulled the chairs out for everyone as she brought the dinner to the table, setting the cake aside for later with Hubert and Trisha's help despite her protests. Dragan and Kara walked up to the boy and Dragan hugged Leo tight.
"Dude, your grandparents are so cool!" Mikey shouted grinning wide.
"Yeah, I knew they were cool from the stories you would tell but seeing them up close? I got goosebumps!" Kara agreed.
"I can see the family resemblance." Raph chuckled.
Dragan smiled at them all, hugging them all with tears in her eyes. "Thank ye guys. For everythin'." She whispered into their hug, none able to hear her before she stepped back, smiling brightly and pointed to the table. Leo took her hand in his and they found their seats.
Everyone served themselves and while Hubert, Trisha, and Dragan were eating happily at their meal the others were poking at it curiously though it seemed Kara was having an internal struggle.
"Did you make this yourself, dear?" Trisha asked enjoying each flavor and taste. "It's remarkable! Oh, I am so proud of you. Almost tastes like when we would make it back home."
"Everyone helped, actually."
"Excellent! Food tastes ten times better when made with family." Hubert smacked Dragan's back making her smile and put her arm around him.

While they were laughing Emma was the first to take a bite and blinked in surprise at how not bad it tasted, continuing to eat. The boys all took a bite at once and there were a mixture of emotions. Mikey and Leo reacted like Emma, thinking it wasn't bad and went on eating like normal while Raph and Donnie's eyes were wide in shock; their taste pallets exploding in not a good way. Their heads slowly looked from the Macintosh family, to Emma and Leo and Mikey, then to Kara who began shoveling the food in her mouth thinking if she ate fast enough she couldn't taste it. Donnie and Raph stared at each other and nodded before following Kara's suit.

When it was time for cake Emma cut a slice for everyone and had them all gather in the living room, the guys sharing their story and tales of adventure with Hubert, Trish, and Emma. Everyone was laughing and having a good time.

Kara snuck Emma's camera from the table and stood in front of the group, making sure everyone was in the frame. "Everyone say Macintosh!" Kara grinned as everyone posed before taking the picture; Hubert and Trish hugging a beaming Dragan with Leo beside her, holding her hand. Raph shoving what's left of Mikey's cake in his face. Donnie staring at the two wondering what was wrong with them and Emma sharing Kara's grin.

Kara smiled and moved in the center of them all to show everyone. "That, my friends, is a keeper."

The guys agreed to share a bedroom, giving the larger one to Dragan's grandparents til it was time for them to go home.

While everyone was asleep Emma sat in the kitchen with a cup of decaf coffee looking through the photos that were taken and smiled seeing pictures from when they were helping out around the house and barn, messing with each other and being silly, to Dragan's birthday one of her surrounded by her friends in the dark singing to her with the candle lit cake in front of her and the last one being the one Kara took. She smiled in content, sipping her coffee quietly. "Mission complete."