Chapter Thirteen

Adriane's POV…*You know what, from now on, it's gonna be Adriane's POV unless I tell you otherwise…'Kay? (Watch the next chapter be Raph or Leo's POV….well, that's my luck for you.) ANYWAY…ONWARDS!*

My head almost ached with that question.

The question I've thought about since I met the guys.

The question I've dreamed about every night since I've been staying in their home.

And no, it wasn't for one of them to marry me…

(Author Note: YES! HA HA! RAPH IS MINE! Erm…sorry…)

As we all sat at the table, eating fresh food and laughing, my smile slowly faded. I bit my lip, preparing to ask my question. "Uh, guys?"

Raph, still chuckling, looked over at me. "What's up, A'?"

"I…I have a really big favor to ask."

"Shoot,"

"Anything for you, Adriane." Mikey snickered batting his eyes. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.

"Yeah, no favor is ever too big." Don chimed in with a grin.

"I…I really, REALLY think that this favor is…an upside for my health…but…I can totally understand if you say no…"

Leo went serious. "What is it, Adriane?"

I frowned and looked at the ceiling. "Do you think you guys could teach me some martial arts?"

The room went silent.

"I mean, just so I can defend myself the next time those Purple Dragons come around."

"Adriane," Leo started. "Why would you want to learn when you have us around to protect you?"

I stared—almost glared—at him for a moment. "Well, you said it yourself, Leo; I'm not gonna be staying here forever. What am I supposed to do three years from now when those damn Purple Dragons are on my tail again?"

"You have your shell cell…" Don suggested.

I frowned. "Okay, worst case scenario: suppose I'm being tailed by a gang of the fricken' Purple Dragons and I can't get to my shell cell? What am I supposed to do then?"

"I agree with Ms. Adriane-san," Splinter chimed in quietly as he hobbled into the room, leaning on his cane for support. "It has been decided that she will not be staying with us for long, therefore she should have means of defending herself when she is no longer in close contact with our family."

I turned to the guys, my arms crossed. "And that's why the rat is the wisest of you guys."

"My sons," Master Splinter continued, coming closer to the table. He put his hand on Raphael's shoulder. For some reason, I found myself exchanging an awkward look with Raph until we both turned away, blushing terribly.

"It is now time for the students to become the teachers."

Leo stood abruptly and bowed to the old rat. "Yes, Sensei." He said respectfully.

Raph snorted. "Splinta Joon-ya," (he means Splinter Junior, haha, such a heavy accent)

I stood also, so excited that I was shaking. "So," I said biting my lip to keep from smiling like an idiot. "What do we start with? Strikes? Blocks? Flips?"

Raph threw his head back and laughed. "Damn girl, you got no idea what martial arts is all about!"

"Huh? So we're not starting with any of that stuff?"

"Nope." Don said.

"Nuh-uh." Mike chimed in.

I was puzzled beyond belief. "What are we doing then?"

Mikey laughed and leaned his chair toward me, elbowing me in the side. "Ha, you're not gonna liiiiiiiiike iiiiiiiiiiit!" he sang with a smirk.

"What?" I pouted like an impatient 4 year old.

Leo took my arm and led me toward the dojo. "Meditation."