I don't own TMNT or UY

Xxxxx

I thought about going for a walk around town or something to cool down, but I didn't want to wander too far from the others so I settled for going back to the inn. Besides, the cold and snow was really discouraging me from going anywhere. The idea of travelling around in it once we started heading towards Usagi's temple was not helping my mood at all.

This cold, and snow, and not being able to go home and Usagi acting like an idiot and me behaving like a spoiled brat, it was all becoming too much for me. Not enough to make me to want to wash my hands of the whole thing, but enough to seriously get on my nerves and put me in a terrible mood. I hoped the portal sorted itself out so I could just go home, get out of the cold and get away from Usagi until I felt better about him forgetting about us and could talk to him again without wanting to grab his ears and give them a good yank.

I wandered back into the inn, moving to an open table. I sat myself down, crossing my arms over the top of it and glaring at the wood angrily, trying to calm down. The innkeeper trotted over, his hands folded over each other as he bobbed me a greeting, smiling pleasantly although I could tell my behaviour was making him nervous.

"Are you doing well this morning?" He asked. I saw him falter a little as he tried to decide what title would be best to address me by, not knowing if I was a samurai like Usagi or something else.

I was in no mood to try and explain myself right now so I merely gave a nod. "Tea." I muttered.

He gave me another bob and hurried off, seemingly all too happy to get away from my sour attitude.

I sat, glaring angrily at the far wall, trying to sort out my own thoughts and feelings. After a short while the innkeeper's wife came over and served me my tea. I uncrossed my arms to take the cup, realising I was still clutching Usagi's parchment. I frowned at it irritably. I turned it over, inspecting it as I drank from the cup. If anything I was grateful for the warm drink. It made me feel less uncomfortable and frozen and I relaxed slightly.

The parchment was folded on the one side, but the other was left clear for writing, the neat Japanese symbols running down it vertically. I read my name, or rather as close as my name could be written in hiragana, as well as a request for the piece of paper to be delivered to either me, Master Splinter, or any-one else carrying the 'Hamato' name.

I made a noise to myself grumpily as I turned it over and folded it open on the table to read it. I looked over the carefully inked characters running down it. Mad as I was with him, I had to admit Usagi had great calligraphy skills. Not that that was surprising. Calligraphy was something a samurai was required to know. Something to do with dexterity or something I dunno. I was getting pretty good at it, but I could tell Usagi'd been doing it longer. I suppose having Japanese as a first language helped too.

I took a sip from my cup again as I read over it begrudgingly, determined to stay annoyed with him and not let him manipulate me into letting him get away with worrying me as badly as he did.

To Leonardo and the Hamato clan,

I hope you are all in good health and doing well. I must sincerely apologise for the delay on getting word to you on my whereabouts and how I am doing after our last parting. I suppose I should apologise for the parting itself as well. I hope Leonardo has informed you all about my situation at the time and that you will forgive me for my rude departure.

I understand that you must all have been concerned for me, but I hope that you did not worry too much. The battle against the invaders has been won and we are all fine and well on this side.

He went about explaining the battle itself in more detail but I skipped over it. I'd already heard him give his first hand account in person and really didn't feel like getting the whole story all over again. Besides, it still sounded like nothing but an excuse to me.

I skimmed the paper until I saw where he ended his story.

After which I bade her farewell and continued my travels once again. At the time of writing this I am moving Eastwards and hope to reach a place where I can spend the winter more comfortably. I would have liked to find a way to spend the winter with Tomoe if I could, but I felt perhaps that would have been awkward.

I frowned at this. I read it again but it still didn't make too much sense to me. I read a little further to see if he explained this rather bizarre sentence but he didn't. He just carried on.

As it stands, I find myself travelling alone once more.

I wanted to send word to you to let know that I am well and doing fine. I also wanted to write and thank you for the kindness you had shown me when I came to you in a time of need. If I ever can, I will try and make it up to you, although I know you are not asking for any kind of payment from me. I hope you do not see this as an offensive move on my part as I do not mean to put any kind of transferable value on your kindness towards me. Heaven knows if I try to do that then I would never be able to repay you at all.

I suppose it might not cross your minds so easily, but for me to have even had your home as an option when I found myself in dire trouble means more to me than you probably understand. I will not cheapen it by trying to explain it properly, nor do I think this is the method in which to talk about such things. But for a drifting man such as myself who has no home and no family and few friends, to have such a solid and reliable beacon of safety is something almost worthy of disbelief. I already have other friends who would welcome me openly into their home, but to be accepted into yet another one, especially one such as warm and kind as your's is more than I deserve. Knowing I can to come to you and that you would welcome me without question, reluctance or second thoughts moves me deeply and warms my heart.

I thank you all my friends, and I hope you will forgive me my sins for troubling and worrying you.

Miyamoto Usagi

I put the parchment down, staring at it quietly.

Eventually I lifted the cup to my lips again but the tea was cold by now. I put it down, reading the carefully placed brush strokes a second time.

I put a hand over my eyes and rubbed at my face as I gave a disheartened sigh. I shook my head slightly.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Xxxxx

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