The cool night breeze felt good as it stirred around him. Even now, years after his last day of living the life of a ninja, Donatello still felt one thing the same as he had in his teen years. He felt peace that came just from being outside at night. That combined with the peace of just himself and a project...it was physically impossible for him to get more relaxed.

"Hey Don."

Although he usually hated interruption while working, Donny could easily make an exception for this young woman. Shutting the rather large binder and placing it next to him on the bleacher, he smiled up at the girl. "Hi Courtney. How are you doing?"

"Good." The 15-year-old responded as she took a seat on the bleacher bench right below him. "Was Blake here today?"

Don thought for a second, then shook his head. "No...come to think of it he hasn't been here for days."

"That's bizarre. When he found out that a ninja taught the school's self- defense class, all he could talk about was completing all three basic years and going on to get advanced training. He was really into the whole idea."

Don smiled and shook his head. "That's most likely the problem. He learned that it's more then just an idea."

Courtney shrugged, than asked "Have you thought about what weapon you're gonna let Charlie train with next month?"

The turtle winced. "Yeah." He responded. "His fighting style would certainly compliment the sai...but I'm not sure..."

Courtney looked at her friend and teacher sympathetically and shook her head. "Your brother?"

Donny shook his head, but dispelled a sidelong smile anyways "How do you do that?"

The teenager laughed and brushed her windblown shoulder-length jet-black hair back behind her, then answered with a question. "How long have I known you, again?"

"Point taken." Don responded. "But you're getting a little too good at reading me for my comfort."

Courtney shrugged "Well...I've always assumed that being able to read people is just another thing you taught me." Her voice took on a joking tone and she said "Thus, I learned from the best."

Don pretended to think for a moment, then said "Nope. Don't think I taught you that. You better quit attributing all your talents to my teaching."

Courtney shrugged and turned around to face him, feet dangling. "I wouldn't know about that. I learned practically everything I know from you." Then she turned back to the more serious topic. "Look...I know how much it hurts, but Raphael made his own choice. So did Leo, so did Mikey, and so did you. You need to deal with it, just like you always have."

Donny sighed. "That's just it. Raph didn't make his own choice."

"Yeah, I know Don. But seriously. Your brother uses sai, so what? If you think that's the weapon Charlie's most suited for, give it to him."

Don studied her for a moment. "You were just learning to write your name when I last saw Raphael. What makes you such an expert?"

Courtney was about to give an answer that would continue the discussion, but instead she paused and tilted her head. The night breeze ruffled her hair again pushing it over her shoulder. Brushing it back again, she asked "Is it my imagination, or have we had this conversation before?"

Donny laughed. "Chances are we've had it before." Then, with a glance at his watch, he commented "Hey, it's getting late. Shouldn't you be heading home?"

Courtney looked down at her feet, then over her shoulder at the football field. "I asked my mom if I could stay with you tonight. I hope you don't mind."

"No problem." Donny answered. It was fun having the girl over. She reminded him of all his siblings combined into one person. She possessed the determination, concentration, and emotional strength that Donatello would always think of Leo when he saw. Yet she somehow managed to balance that with the carefree attitude towards life that reminded him of Mikey. And when she got mad...well...only person who could come close to being that angry is Raphael. The fact that she had his own inclination towards science only served to make him feel even more related to her.

"Good." Courtney said, relief too evident in her voice. "Mom and I had a fight this morning...I wasn't looking forward to going back home."

"Courtney..." Donny's voice took on a warning tone. "You can't keep using me to escape your problems...you know better then anyone you have to face them." Courtney sighed. "Yeah, I know...but I just can't right now. It's bizarre, I can tell people what they need to do, but doing it myself? That's a little harder."

Awkward silence descended for a moment, then, gesturing at the binder, which was still resting beside Donatello. "Need some help grading papers?"

"Sure." Donnie said, picking up the binder. "Let's go back to my classroom...We're working on our acid and bases lab, and I need to grade the questions in back."

Courtney groaned. "Don...no offence, but is it your duty to torture those poor freshmen?" Donnie did a double-take as he got to his feet. Courtney stood too, and continued "Seriously, that was thee worst lab you ever gave us." She paused a moment...then said "Of course...I may be biased. I was absent the day you handed out the papers."

Don could only just laugh.