A.N - Change o' pace, I'll put these notes back at the top!

Sassyblondexoxo - Oh, I don't know, there might be an 'and' tossed in there too. Just for good measure. winks, and smiles
Goblin Cat KC - Hey there! Thanks for stopping by ... always great to see a new face, and I'm glad you're 'lovin' it'. Do you think that Mac'D's or SB are gonna mind me ripping that off? Guess we'll find out ... And thanks for the compliments on me writing style ... hope it doesn't disappoint later on. J/K!
bubblyshell22 - Let me know what you think of Splinter's reaction ... or perhaps more to the point hers!
spootycup - Hints are great an' all ... but don'tcha just love that feeling in the pit of ya stomach when ya get a nice surprise?
pacphys - How far indeed ...

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Chapter 6; Come Into My Parlour...

She had spent almost a week under the watchful eye of Donny, having studied her injuries carefully he found to his dismay signs of mild concussion, and internal bruises. What was even more irritating were their conversations between doctor and patient which were skewered at best, "Anata no ikei wo miru to totemo koufun shimasu(1)" her favoured phrase. However her unrecognisable ramblings were identified on the third day of her stay by Master Splinter. Overhearing one particularly long stream of words whilst Donny fought with her frantic limbs and angry tirade the old rat decided to interject.

Bowing his head to her upon entrance he asked her calmly in fluent Japanese, "How are you today my child?" his old voice void of the Japanese lilt her own held.

Stunned the young girl stopped fighting with Donatello, "You understood me?"

Chuckling the old rat nodded his head. "You are not the only one to herald from the Land of the Rising Sun." he admitted quietly. "Perhaps you will allow my son to help you from now on."

From that day onwards Lotus allowed Donatello the luxury of changing her dressings and addressing her wounds without complaint.

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Donny was not the only turtle who watched over her. From the outset Raphael watched her with a cold resentment. He didn't like her, she had made a damn fool of him twice and he wasn't one to quickly forget it. What made matters worse was the fact that Master Splinter appeared to enjoy her company, openly reminiscing about Japanese customs and the old feudal system. And Leo? His balled fists tightened even more; having fought tooth and nail to get her down here he now kept a casual eye over her from afar. Mikey on the other hand couldn't stop pestering Donny about her, her likes, her dislikes, did she need anything, and did she want anything, yada yada yada … pulling on his coat he went out to get some air, he had a feeling that he wasn't going to enjoy the next few weeks.

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"You truly have a beautiful home"

He must have dozed off; sitting up Leonardo stared at the young girl's silhouette. "Your brother, he told me where to find you, no?" Dazed he straightened up on his bed, unsure what to make of the sudden arrival of the patient in his bedroom. Unperturbed by his stunned silence she continued in slightly disjointed English, "I am to thank you for my time here?" A coy smile spread on her face, "You fought for me? Sensei is good ma - …" wrinkling her brow she struggled to decide what would be the best way of describing Splinter.

"Master Splinter?"

The innocent smile widened, "Hai(2). We have talked on many things."

"Oh."

Lotus nodded her head politely, still awaiting an official invitation into his room. "You do not have visitors much no?" she prompted gently.

Blinking slightly Leo chuckled to himself, "Come in."

"Arigatou(3)." Bowing she slipped her shoes off and entered his room, taking up residence on his bed she tucked strands of loose hair behind her ears. Though the pain she experienced was little more than a mild ache she hissed and shifted uncomfortably, her face a visage of pain.

"Here, let me …" reaching out Leo gently moved her hair from her face. "Perfect"

"Arigatou(3)" From her place on the bed Lotus smiled, her innocent smile of gratitude not reflected in her eyes. Drawing her legs up onto the bed covers she carefully looked around, her eyes widening with genuine interest at what she saw. A carefully built and preserved wooden bookcase carrying many bound books on Japan's rich heritage and the feudal way of life. She noted the carefully rolled bamboo mat that was leaning up against the book case, and dotted amongst the CD player, alarm clock and other luxuries of the 20th century were incense burners, candles sticks and even a small red Buddha. "It reminds me of home." She told him, a tiny hint of joy creeping into her voice. "It is no wonder you fight well, no?"

"Sensei seems to like it …" Leonardo told her, leaning back on his bed to let her look around.

"You use the chopsticks, no?" Sliding from the bed she peered into the bookcase, her eyes scanning the titles before replacing them, her hands pulling out the two thin pieces of black plastic with a small smile on her face.

"Unfortunately no. I have a thing about eating raw fish." He admitted guiltily.

The face of the young girl fell, for a few moments she held the two sticks playfully weighing them up on the tips of her fingers. Settling upon something she returned to the bed and sat down in front of Leonardo. Holding the sticks up she waved them in the same playful manner with which she had held Raphael's sai. "But you are good with the sword." Receiving a nod indicating she go on, Lotus continued in her unsure, staccato voice, "Then I shall … oshieru(4) … " her hands made small circling motions as she struggled with her words, "you, no?"

In response to Leonardo's raised eye ridge Lotus leant forward and tapped the blanket before her. "Around!" she told him beckoning for Leo to turn his back to her. When he had done so Lotus manipulated herself round so that she could better reach his hands. "Gah!" Struggling onto her knees she carefully extended her arm down over his shoulder and to his right wrist. With her other arm she slowly slid it down over his other shoulder so that she could slot in the black pieces of plastic into his open palm. With her arms circling his neck in an innocent embrace she began to instruct Leonardo on the mysteries of eating with chopsticks, her short, hastily cut hair tickling the back of his neck. Giggling as he dropped the second stick for the third time, she steadied herself against his body by digging her knees into the sides of his body. Clinging tighter she looked him in the eye when he turned to nervously glance at her.

"I have done wrong?"

"N – no." Untangling himself from her body Leonardo offered her a hand up, "Master Splinter has been trying to teach me for years. Perhaps a co-ordinated attack would better suit your purposes." Chuckling nervously, the eldest turtle cleared his throat before glancing out into the shared hallway. Turning back he stared at her blank expression and smiled weakly, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Tea?"

"Yea … erm …" licking his lips Leo cleared his throat again, "I'll be right back. Sweeping an arm across his room he added quickly "Feel free to look around" Turning his back on his house guest he moved quickly away, letting out a long hiss of breath through his teeth. That had been close, way too close for comfort.

Back in his room Lotus slipped off the bed and began to read from one of his books. Sensing a set of eyes on her she raised her head to stare at Raphael, smiling sweetly she walked to the door only to swing it shut in his face.

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Japanese Translations

1 - You are the dumbest person I have ever seen.

2 - Yes

3 - Thank you.

4 - to teach / to inform

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Enjoy y'all ...
Heir