Hello hello hello! Welcome back to another (hopefully) exciting chapter of Turtles and Benders. In case some of you didn't know I have decided to write a new story about the Super Turtles and my OC since there aren't that many; I think it'll be fun since I love superheroes. Be sure to check it out:). So with this chapter I have chosen to not really have Leo and Verena be in it, and really let the other characters have their time in the spotlight so I hope you will like it. Having said that, I give you all the next chapter. I do not own TMNT, only my OCs. Enjoy:)!

Chapter 9: Dates

Layla's P.O.V.:

*BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE-*

I shut off my alarm and wake up feeling like I just got hit by ten trucks. My head is pounding, my eyes feel puffy, and I'm so drained like I need a few more hours of sleep. Unfortunately I can't do that… oh well, it could be worse, right? I mean if I was able to drink alcohol I would probably wake up with a hangover instead of how I am now. And I'll take tired and drained over puking in a toilet any day. Now that I'm a little bit more awake I get out of bed to start the day as I know it's going to be a long one for today is my brother's anniversary. The most tear wrenching day of the whole year besides his birthday. At least this year I stocked up on tissues. Trust me, we go through a lot of Kleenex in this family.

As I'm wiping my face off with a towel from the water I hear my phone buzz on my nightstand signaling I got a text message. I walk out of the bathroom and go to my phone, seeing that Mikey sent me the message. Mikey… who I almost kissed last night. I can't believe I did that! Who the heck does that first of all? Second, how does Mikey feel? I honestly feel terrible for leading him on like that after he took the time to comfort me in my time of need. Yet… he tried to kiss me too. Does that mean something? Are we really getting that close? Gods, why am I even questioning this right now when I haven't even read his message he sent like two minutes ago? Okay, I'm going to push it aside at the moment and focus on what really matters. So I open my phone and read the text.

Hey Layla,

I know today is a hard day for you and your family, but I just had to text you. I feel bad that you have to go through this with so much pain and guilt, no one should have to be in the spot you're in. I want you to know that despite everything I'll always be here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on, and support you with anything you decide to do. You are a sweet, fun, beautiful girl to be around and talk to every time I see you. Don't ever change ;). I mean who else am I going to play games with?

I can't help but giggle at that part as I keep reading.

Seriously though, when you're feeling better I'll do something special for you like maybe make you dinner, take you out somewhere, you know stuff like that. I promise that I will do the best I can to make you happy and smiling, I like it when you smile. Until then, stay strong and I'll see you soon :).

Love,

Mikey

"Oh, Mikey…" I feel a tear roll down my cheek as I place a hand on my heart, feeling so speechless.

No one has ever made me feel this way before since Raiden died. This is the kindest gesture that Mikey has done for me that I am so overwhelmed with a joy that I've never felt before, until I met him. I'm guessing this is what love feels like… and it is amazing. Wow, I am in love. Wait I'll say it again, in love! Me! Oh Gods, I'm in love! I laugh remember all the times Raiden would tease me when he caught me hanging out with boys, teasing me like any older brother would do to their baby sister and I can just hear him now. Raiden is definitely watching over me, and deep down inside I know he approves of Mikey. I stare at the message for a moment and reply to the text before I begin getting ready.

Hi Mikey,

Thank you so much for the text :). You literally made my day better from your sweet words and being there for me. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to have someone as loving and caring as you in my life, and I can't imagine it now without you in it. Don't ever change either, Mister ;). And never fear, you won't lose your video game partner, I promise :).

As for your offer, I would love to hang out with you. It'll be fun :). I will see you soon, Mikey. Take care :).

Love,

Layla3

Now that that is taken care of I can start to get ready for today and have the apartment prepared for my parents when they get here. For once, I'm actually in a lighter mood instead of being depressed and in pain all because of Mikey. Thank the Gods I have him in my life. I think this is the beginning of something wonderful.

Several Hours Later…

Mikey's P.O.V.:

"Come on, Mikey, try it again." V says as I get up off the floor, for the eighth time in a row.

"Aww, how many times do we have to do this counter?" I ask as I roll my shoulders back.

"Until you get it right. You know Master Splinter thinks you should be quicker with this counter, so we are going to keep doing it until it's done correctly." She said and gets in a fighting stance, "So let's go over it one more time, you charge up to me and do a right uppercut. Then I will grab hold of your right arm with both hands and press my leg behind yours ready to flip you on your shell. Now what do you do?"

I think about it as I picture the move in my head and remember, "I, uh, take hold of your wrist, spin around towards your back, and slam you down on the mat. Right?"

She nods, "Right. Now, put it into action."

I do as she says and charge up to her, throwing an uppercut her way like we talked about, and then she grabs my arm quickly as she prepares to flip me again. This time I see it coming and reach over with my free hand to take hold of her wrist, spin out of her grasp towards her back, and slam her down on the mat in one swift move. Finally! I can't believe I did it. Hopefully now Verena can stop drilling me and give me a break cause I need one after getting my shell whipped for over an hour. It's like I'm training with a female version of Leo. At least she's a little more easy going with me than Leo is when we train, you know being patient if I struggle with something new. Now that it happens all the time, just every now and then from time to time. Verena is fun to train with,

I help her up off the floor, "How'd I do that time?"

"Much better. You really focused on the transition and got behind me quicker than I expected you to, and you definitely have the slam down." Verena points out as she massages her neck, "So, lucky for you we're done."

"Yes!" I cheer as I'm happy that we finished for today. As I'm about to leave I turn back to Verena and want to ask her something, "Hey V, can I talk to you for a minute?"

She looks over her shoulder as she grabs wedding magazines and stands straight, "Of course you can, Mikey. What can I help you with?"

"I, um, I kind of wanted some advice on dealing with this… thing I've got going on with Layla."

"… Okay? And by thing, you mean what exactly?"

"You know, my feelings for her." I make it clearer for her.

"Oh, so that's what this is all about. Here is my question, do you love Layla?" V asks as she walks to me.

I feel my hands sweat and my pulse race, "Well… yeah. Sure I do."

"And you want to tell her already, am I right?"

I nod, "Yeah! I don't know how much longer I can wait, especially since last night we almost…" I stop as I feel too embarrassed to tell Verena.

"Kissed? Mikey, that's nothing to feel ashamed of." She said and I stare at her in shock.

"How the shell do you know about that?" I think my face is red.

Verena laughs, "First off, I'm psychic; and second, Layla told me what happened after Leo and I got back."

"She did?" I ask.

Verena nods and smiles, "Will it make you feel better if I told you she feels the same way as you are right now?"

"Great. I'm such a bone head." I say as I mentally beat myself up.

Her hand goes on my shoulder, "Mikey, you cannot blame yourself for what almost happened last night. These things can't be controlled, and even though it sucks it is the truth. All you can do now is look forward to what is to come from this point on. Trust me, you and Layla are beating yourselves up for nothing. You love her, Mikey, and if you love her like I know you do you'll show her."

"But how? How can I do that without feeling like I'm taking advantage of her?"

"There are plenty of ways to show your love, Mikey. You're talented, you can cook, make her laugh, all kinds of things to win her over. What you need to realize is that you need to stop worrying so much and go with your gut. At least that's what Leo told Donnie this morning and now I'm telling you."

"Wait, Don asked Leo for advice?"

"Yes he did, and you want to know why?" I nod wanting to hear this, "It's because your brother is going to ask Sasha out on a date tonight when he goes over to her place for a movie night."

"Wow."

"If Donnie can do it then so can you, Mikey."

"I guess you're right. Okay, I'll ask Layla when I see her again." I tell Verena feeling better.

"That's the spirit!"

"Thanks, V. I really appreciate it." I give her a tight hug almost dropping her magazines.

"You're welcome, Mikey. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a wedding to plan with my fiancé." Verena says and leaves the dojo.

Having that talk with Verena really helped me pull myself together as I won't have to worry about coming so close to kissing Layla and feeling embarrassed. With it thrown off to the side I can start to plan out our date for when I see her again and ask her out properly like those guys you see on TV. I really have to make it special now that I want to also confess my feelings to Layla like a man, or at least an adult mutant turtle. I wonder if this is how Leo got when he planned his first date last year? Probably. I take my Shell Cell out of my belt and read the text Layla sent me earlier, smiling at her words knowing I helped her feel a little bit better than before. I'm hoping when I see her she'll be back to her joyful self cause she's fun, hyper, energetic, and that's what I love about her.

For now I leave the dojo heading to the bathroom to shower so I won't stink up the Lair. Tonight, I have a date to plan.

Few Hours Later…

Sasha's P.O.V.:

The whole day seems to be flying by as I prepare the apartment for tonight when Don comes over to watch The X-Files with me. Normally I would have Cheryl or Layla here with me, but since they are both occupied with their personal business I decided to call Don because he wasn't busy. To my good fortune he said yes and will be here in two hours. Thank Gods, now Don and I can have a chance to spend some time alone… in my apartment. With no one else around except for me and him. I do not know if I should be excited or really nervous. Maybe it is a mix of both emotions. Oh well, perhaps it will go away when he gets here.

Until then I have another order of business to do and that involves going over to check on Layla and her family. I gather Chief and have him follow me a few doors down to Layla's apartment, bringing her a bouquet of white lilies for the occasion. For as long as I have known Layla I've never once missed the anniversary of her older brother's death, and we have been friends ever since she moved to New York about eleven years ago. The same can be said about Cheryl as well. All three of us are family, we stick together no matter what. Anyway, Chief and I get to her door, ring the bell, and see Layla greet us.

"Sasha!" She pulls me into a big hug as she is happy to see us.

I hug her back, "It is good to see you, Kea." I let her go as she lets me and Chief inside as I see her parents, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Kealoha."

"My Gods, Sasha Palmer! How are you, Sweetheart?" Mr. Kealoha gets out of his seat and hugs me.

I pat his back as I try to breathe from the bone-crushing hug, "Fine… Sir. C-Can I have… some air… please?"

"What? Oh!" Layla's father realizes I cannot breathe and lets me go, "Sorry about that, Hon."

I smile as I check the lilies, "It is quite alright, Mr. Kealoha. I was just worried about the flowers getting crushed."

"Proteus," Mrs. Kealoha comes up next to me, taking the lilies out of my hand, "will you at least try to be more careful with our guest?"

"Yes, Dear." He said to his wife.

Mrs. Kealoha puts the lilies on the coffee table and hugs me, "It's so nice to see you here, Sasha." Right as she said that my dog walks up and rubs his head on her leg, "And you too, Chief." She earns a bark.

"You're just in time, Palms," Kea said as she guides me to the couch with Chief and her parents not far behind, "we were about to watch some home videos." As she's ready to turn the tape on her phone goes off and she answers it, "Hello?" A moment later her eyes light up and she smiles, "Hi Sovi! Hold on, I'll put you on speaker." Layla switches her phone to speaker, "Okay."

"Hey everyone." Cheryl's voice comes out clear on the phone.

"Cheryl Soviano, is that you?" Mr. Kealoha cheerfully asks.

"Yes it is, Mr. Kealoha. I'm just calling to see how you all are doing." Sovi said as I can hear music playing in the background.

"Oh we're alright, Honey." Mrs. Kealoha said as she hugs her husband, "We can't thank you and Sasha enough for spending some time with us, it really means a lot to know our family has this much support from wonderful friends like you all."

"You don't have to thank us, Mrs. Kealoha." Cheryl said with a relaxing tone in her voice.

I place my hand on her shoulder, "That's right. We will always be here for your family no matter what happens. You have our word."

Layla smiles as tears roll down her cheeks, hugging me as she still holds the phone, "Guys… I love you both so much."

"We love you too, Kea, and we always will." Cheryl said as I nod in agreement. Then we hear a customer greet Cheryl, "I guess I better go."

"Yes." I said and think of something, "Sovi, isn't Raph going over there in a couple of hours?"

Cheryl sighs, "Yeah, and isn't Don going to be at yours for an X-Files marathon?" She said and I blush staying quiet, "That's what I thought. Don't try to out-tease me, Sasha Palmer, because I win every time." She teases me to make a point.

"Okay you two we get it." Kea said and I mentally thank her.

"Alright. I'll see you guys soon."

"Bye Cheryl." Layla says into her phone.

"Bye." Cheryl hangs up.

Well that conversation could have been more awkward.

"So who's Don?" Mr. Kealoha asks me.

I lied. It just got awkward.

"Well?" He keeps asking me as he waits for an answer.

I look at him as my cheeks feel hot, "Uh… he is… this guy I know… a very good guy."

"That's nice, Sasha. So are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?" Mrs. Kealoha asks me and I turn red from the embarrassment.

Layla steps in, "Will you two quit embarrassing poor Palms already? Geeze, Don is a friend of ours that so happens to be going over to her place to spend some time together."

"You mean like what you do with your friend Mikey?" Her mother asks her and now Layla's blushing.

"Momma!" She exclaims sharing my embarrassment.

Mr. Kealoha wraps his arms around us on the verge of laughing, ""What's the matter, Layla? You and Sasha don't want us knowing about your 'boy friends'?"

We both turn bright red, "Daddy!"

He laughs and hugs us, "Oh come on, Honey! I'm just kidding!"

When he releases us I fan myself with both my hands so I won't die from that little episode. That was absolutely embarrassing. I look at Layla and she feels the same, also attempting to calm down like I am. There is also something else that we feel… clarity? A realization to what we feel for Don and Mikey? Well I know that is the case for her since she admitted it to us, but for me it is harder to say. Is it though? Or am I denying what I really want the most? These are all the questions that I will not know until I am with Don, spending my time with him, and then I shall know my answer.

Now that the worst part is over I begin to relax on the couch as Layla plays one of the videos of her and her brother from when they first moved to New York. Raiden was such a spirited young man, just like how Layla is now. Everything they did was like an adventure, a game where they would joke around and pretend to find a mysterious creature or kingdom. He always knew how to make his little sister laugh. You know what, I think I know why Layla is in love with Mikey; he reminds her of Raiden. It is said that daughters often have boyfriends or husbands that share the same personality as their father or brother because it is something they can't live without. In Layla's case, she loves to laugh and have fun, and Mikey is that missing piece of the puzzle she has been living without since Raiden's death. Now that she has found it Layla also learned to love Mikey for who he is on the outside and the inside. She has found her soulmate.

Over an hour of watching home videos and laughing I decide to take Chief and go back to my apartment. We said our goodnights to the Kealoha family, knowing that Raiden will forever watch over them as their guardian angel.

8:00 p.m.

Cheryl's P.O.V.:

Thank the Gods today's over. Again my workday was a total drag. I wonder why… whatever. Right as my last customer leaves I lock up the shop and go upstairs to change into more comfortable clothes for when Raph gets here and we work on the battery. I'm so glad I don't have to dress all fancy tonight, but that doesn't mean I am going to look like a slob for my guest. Keeping up with my idea I decide to wear a black t-shirt with a pair of dark skinny jeans and black tennis shoes; that's comfy enough for me. I look at my clock and see that Raph will be here any minute so I leave my room and head downstairs to the garage to meet him. It's weird, I am actually getting super excited over this that my heart is racing like it's at the Indie 500. I mean I get happy working in the garage and all, but never like this. I wonder why that is?

As I open up the garage door I feel the entire atmosphere change into something… odd… like an uncomfortable odd. I glance around the area from where I'm standing and hear absolutely nothing… until the raddling of a trash can scares the shit out of me. I swear to the Gods I almost died. Now I kind of wish I didn't leave my swords in my bedroom because I could really use them. Alright, I'm going to go out there and teach these bastards a painful lesson in scaring an earth-bender. I slowly walk outside keeping my guard up and trying to feel anything different near me or anywhere else. Another step later I see a big ass shadow in back of me and I just attack the punk. I punch them right in the face, grab their arm, and pin them against the wall so I can see who it is. Turns out the 'punk' is… Raph? What the hell?!

"Red?!" I practically yell at him both relieved and pissed off, "What in the Gods names are you doing sneaking around like that?!"

"I was thinkin' of getting' your attention, but it backfired in my face." Raph grunted as I still have my hold on him.

I release him and punch his shoulder, "Don't ever do that again, because if you do I will kick your big fat shell so hard until hell won't have it again! Got it?"

He rubs his arm and smirks at my threat, "Got it, Soviano. If it'll make ya feel better I'm sorry for scarin' you."

No matter how much I want to be mad at him I just can't and I laugh, "It's okay, Raph. I'm just happy you weren't a burglar trying to rob me. Consider yourself lucky, if I had my swords on me you wouldn't be talking right now."

"Yeah, but we both know you can't disarm me that easily." He said with a cocky tone as he grips his sais.

"Oh really?"

"Really."

"Well in that case," I take a couple of steps closer to Raph until we are face-to-face, "I guess we need to have another match."

Raph's smirk grows as I spark his interest, "You just name the time and place, I'll be there to whip your butt again."

I cross my arms and match his smirk, "Alright. How about in a few days, at the Lair as part of your training, and we can also include your brothers against the girls?"

He thinks it over for a moment and nods, "That sounds find to me. I'll have to talk it over with Master Splinter and see if he'll be up for it."

I nod as I understand him completely, "Very well. So, shall we get to work?"

"Yeah. I'm ready when you are." Raph said and we walk inside my garage.

Who would've thought Red and I would be having another match again, although the girls are going to be ticked off at me for pulling them in this match up. Oh well, they'll get over it. Besides, it will be a good opportunity for the three of us to get a sense how these guys fight. Seriously, how tough can it be? Actually, forget I said that last part. The last time I was overly confident I got beat by the toughest turtle of them all. When I really think about that night I kind of didn't mind losing to Raph. We're playful with our smart ass remarks and tough as nails attitudes; it fits in with our strong personalities. I find it interesting to make a man hunt for what he wants, and Raph is definitely a hunter. You know… a very ripped, brave hot hunter- knock it off! Get back to reality already you sap!

As Raph grabs my tools and sets them on the table I go over to the radio and play the CD that's inside, which so happens to be a rock CD with my favorite songs. I go over to Raph as the music plays and start dancing a bit to the beat, feeling so relaxed and not caring about how big of a dork I look in front of him. This is how I have fun when I work in the garage.

"You really love to dance, huh Soviano?" Raph asks as he continues to watch the 'entertainment'.

I stop to catch my breath and nod, "I do, yeah. It's fun, expressive, and a great way to get some exercise."

He chuckles, "I can see that. Were you always a dancer or did ya do other sports?"

I laugh at the question even though it's a good one, "Well I've been a dancer since I was around five years old. I love it so much that I live and breathe in dancing, and now I have a great career in it. In high school I was on the varsity dance team, competed for championships, and I even became a solo champ against twenty other schools in the nation. Other than that my pops taught me how to be a boxer."

"So you're a dancer and a boxer?" He asks me and I nod my answer, "Man, that explains why ya have rock hard punches."

"Pretty much."

"And the martial arts and using your swords?" He asks as the questions keep on coming.

"My mom mostly taught me, and the swords I learned on my own."

Raph gives me an impressed look, "That's some track record ya got there, Soviano."

"Thanks, Red. Now come on, we can talk more while we work." I tell him as I grab a screwdriver.

He salutes me, "Yes ma'am."

I roll my eyes from his response as he also grabs a screwdriver out of my toolbox. The night is still young and who knows what kind of topics we're going to be talking about for the rest of the time.

Meanwhile…

Donnie's P.O.V.:

I have been waiting all day to go over to Sasha's place and now that is time I get all excited and very eager to see her. Instead of taking the Battle Shell I decided to run over the rooftops so it would be easier to get to her apartment and sneak in a lot quicker without looking too suspicious. The sky is so clear with the moon shining bright as I jump each rooftop, gazing at the city with its tall buildings and glowing lights, and the air is so cold that it's biting at my skin as I sprint. It really does suck being cold-blooded. At least I'm almost there so I can get out of the cold and get warm.

When Sasha called me earlier to come over I was a little surprised that she wanted me over, but after a moment I felt better and said yes. As soon as I got off the phone I had a talk with Leo about it and what I've been feeling towards Sasha, which should come as no surprise to me by now. No matter how much I think about it I know I do love her. What I needed to know from Leo was how do I act on it? The advice he gave me was to not overthink everything, especially when it comes to my feelings towards Sasha, and to just go with gut instincts. I can't treat my emotions like one of my experiments or inventions, and if I am going to go with my gut I need to do it now. Once Leo gave me the advice I told him what I am planning to do tonight and he thought it was a good idea and wished me luck. Let's just hope she says yes.

A few more minutes of running I finally make it to her apartment, walking over to the fifth window and stepping down the fire escape as I take a peek inside. The apartment still looks nice and homey, and right in the corner of my eye is Sasha playing on this black grand piano near the window with Chief cuddled up next to her feet. She looks so into the music as she plays the song and the sound is so beautiful and soft like a lullaby. I got so into it myself that I forget about being outside, until I feel a nasty chill go up my spine that it's almost painful. I tap on her window and get her attention as she stops playing and stands up, going over to the window and letting me into the very warm apartment.

"Hi Don." Sasha greets me after she locks the window and hugs me.

I feel another chill and shiver, "H-Hi S-S-Sasha."

She gasps after she feels how cold I am, "Oh you poor thing! You are frozen to the bone." Sasha grabs the blanket off the couch and wraps it around me, "Here. Let's get you all warmed up. Gods, it must be a pain being cold-blooded."

I chuckle as she rubs her hands on my arms and sits me down on a chair next to the piano, "Yeah, it is. I didn't expect for tonight to get this cold so I thought I was going to be fine. Guess I made a bad choice, huh?"

Sasha shakes her head and smiles, "Not even. No one can control the weather, Don, these things just happen and you shouldn't blame yourself on your judgement."

"Okay, I get what you're saying." I smile as she moves her hands away and I glance at her piano, "This is very nice, did you just get it?"

"No, actually I brought my piano over here from my parents' home. I thought it would be a good idea to give my parents more living space so I had it transferred here a couple of days ago, and I think it brings a little something extra to the atmosphere." She said as she sits on the piano bench.

"How long have you played the piano for, Sasha?" I ask as I wrap the blanket tighter around me.

"Since I was five years old. My father taught me how to play scales and chords, then I had piano lessons after school until I turned twelve and played on my own. I find to be a good stress reliever and relaxing." Sasha sits up straight and smiles at me, "Would you like to hear me play?"

I nod and match her smile with my own, "Of course."

"Great." She cracks her fingers and gets all excited, "Any requests?"

"Nope. Whatever your heart desires." I tell her as I can't wait to see her play.

Sasha takes in a deep breath as she rolls her shoulders back and relaxes her arms near the keys. We stare at each other for a couple of moments almost as if she's waiting for me to give her a sign to start, so I slightly nod as my signal to her and she looks down at the piano. Right as she begins to play gently I recognize what she's playing as it is Sir Elton John's "Your Song"; which by the way is a good song. What I didn't expect from Sasha was her singing, sounding so angelic and beautiful. It goes perfectly with her piano playing.

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

During the piano part Sasha's eyes lock on mine as she isn't afraid to look away from me, like the night I held her in my arms before she fell. The same sparkle reappearing once again.

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I give her a round of applause after she finishes, the smile on my face never leaving and still growing slightly from her great performance as she bows. Wow, Sasha can really play and sing. She's pretty much a triple threat: intelligent, talented, and so beautiful.

"That was perfect, Sasha." I compliment her as I fold her blanket and place it back on the couch.

"Thank you, Don. I am so glad you enjoyed the show." Sasha said as I see her cheeks turn a tad red. She clears her throat and stands up, "I made some hot chocolate earlier in a pot and it's ready to drink. Would you like some while we watch the show?"

I nod, "Sure. How about I get the mugs while you relax on the couch."

She has a mix of a surprised and grateful look, "Alright then, I will go put on the show."

I go to the kitchen and take the mugs out of the cupboards, filling them with the hot chocolate Sasha made as she turns on The X-Files on her TV. She sits down as I hand Sasha her mug and take a seat next to her, and we thank each other at the same time and laugh from interrupting the other on accident. I take a sip of the drink and instantly fall in love with it; this is so good. Nice and hot with a hint of cinnamon. During the time when we're watching the show Sasha and I started asking each other random questions, most of them were about our favorite things. The funny thing is that it's kind of fun.

"Let's see… who's your favorite composer?" I ask Sasha as it's my turn.

She thinks about her answer, "I would have to say Mozart."

"Same here!"

"Wow! That's another thing we have in common! First it was the science, what TV shows we like, now we share the same interests in composers. This is insane!" She says getting so hyper and happy, "My turn! Hmmm… do you play any instruments?"

I nod as I take a sip from the mug, "I do. Master Splinter got us all into playing instruments when we were younger for a while: Leo plays the piano, Mikey plays the drums, and Raph plays the bass guitar, and I play the normal guitar. I even still have my old guitar in my room and play it every now and then."

"Very nice. You have to show me how well you play sometime." She said, taking a drink from her mug.

"I wouldn't mind playing for you, Sasha." I clear my throat as I want to go farther into the questions, "Can I ask you something a little more personal?"

"I don't see why not. What is it?" She asks as she waits for my question.

"Your parents… they… um…" I get very nervous as I try to ask her.

Sasha senses it and gets confused, "What about my parents, Don? Do not be afraid to ask me."

I take a deep breath and ask, "How is it you don't look anything like them? I mean when I find pictures of you three online you have no matching physical features from either of them. Why is that?"

She is shocked by my question and I instantly regret asking her, "I knew this was coming up at some point. Alright, Don, I will tell you what you wish to know." Sasha said and sets the mug down on the coffee table, "My mother and father are my adopted parents. Always have been since I was a year old living in an orphanage in London. You see… my biological parents were killed in a car accident," She pauses for a moment to wipe away a single tear from her eye as I hold her hand, "and that's how my parents now found me. They took me in when no one else would, gave me a home, and a chance to feel loved. I have never told another person other than the girls about my biological parents," She takes hold of my hand on hers and lightly squeezes it, "you are my first."

I feel so guilty for asking her the question, "I'm so sorry, Sasha. I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable."

She giggles and gives me a peck on the cheek, "Not at all. For once in my life I feel good talking about it instead of bottling it up inside. Believe me, Don, it is alright."

I rub my cheek still not believing she kissed me, but snap out of it, "Okay. As long as you're good them I'm good."

She nods and lays her head on my shoulder, "You are such a gentleman, Don. It is very sweet of you to care about me so much like you do."

"Yeah?"

"Mmmmm Hmmmm."

I look down at her and finally want to ask her the question I've been dying to ask, "Sasha, would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?"

Sasha moves her head and stares at me with a surprised expression. I think she's going to say no until she nods her head, "Yes. I would love to very much."

I smile bigger and feel my heart race, "Perfect. I'll pick you up tomorrow and take you to Central Park for dinner. Is that fine with you?"

"Absolutely. It sounds so wonderful already."

"Yeah… it does."

Sasha lays her head back down on my shoulder as I spread the blanket over us while we are watching The X-Files. I'm so happy she said yes to tomorrow night and now I can't wait to show Sasha how much I care for her with this dinner date at the park. I have a special place where we can go to be alone without anyone seeing us, and I have a feeling she's going to love it. This woman deserves the perfect date, and I plan on giving it to her one way or another.

Raph's P.O.V.:

"So, Red, are you going to tell me how you got your weapons or do I have to beat it out of you?" Cheryl asks as we finished repairs for tonight and eat a slice of pizza.

I take out one of my sais and spin it, being a total show off for laughs, "Master Splinter gave me these cause I was better at disarming and blocking other attacks. That and also being able to deliver deadly punches with these bad boys, so you can say that I'm one tough turtle to take down."

Cheryl has an impressed expression on her face and pulls out her own weapon, which she got outta her room earlier, "Your sais sound a lot like my butterfly swords, having that strong defense, and an equally matched offense. Then again, my swords are a lot better than those toothpicks." She teases me about my weapons.

I put my sai back in my belt and smirk, "Man I can't wait to make ya eat your words in our match."

She raises an eyebrow and smirks back, "Funny, I was about to say the exact same thing."

"Whatever. Now will you quit buggin' me about it and tell me how you got yours?" I ask as I finish my pizza.

"Okay. Okay. Keep your shell on, Red." She said and pulls out the other one, tryin' ta be a show off too, "I had to be worthy enough to receive my weapons, they were never handed to me like yours were. I had to earn them a different way, for these aren't your average swords. These are the legendary swords of Ranvir, the Kennistarian God of the Earth, and not to mention the bravest and most powerful of the Gods. It is said that he would shape the planet with his swords, creating the mountains with a mighty slash, and move the Earth with his power. As his descendent, I have to be just a powerful as Ranvir and keep the power of earth-bending flowing. You can draw your own conclusion from there."

"So whatcha sayin' is your God saw you were the right person to wield his swords and keep your powers going." I said and she nods while puttin' her weapons back, "That's pretty cool. Intense, but cool nonetheless."

"Thanks. It's one of the perks I guess for being a Guardian, you are able to use the Gods and Goddesses weapons until you pass on."

"Like Verena with Timaeus. Does that mean Layla and Sasha's weapons are from their Gods?"

"That's right. Layla's hook blades belonged to the Water God, Pontius, and Sasha's spear was from Anila, Goddess of the Wind." She explains and it kind of makes sense.

"Damn, that must be crazy ta have their weapons." I said as I think about the time we used the Ninja Tribunals weapons.

She shrugs her shoulders and throws her plate away, "Kind of, but after a while you get used to it."

"Obviously." I said and make her laugh.

Cheryl takes her tool box and goes over to the steppin' stool to put it away on top of the shelf, reaching high up just to place the box there in its spot. As she keeps doing that her shirt goes up and I can see more of her tattoo on her back, this time the color is a dark brown and the shape is kinda like a curvy line. What the shell is it?

"Are you enjoying the view back there?" Cheryl asks and nearly scares the shit out of me.

I am so busted, "Sorry. I was just lookin' at somethin' on your back."

"I know you were. I felt your eyes staring straight at my back, but better there than my ass. Otherwise you might be losing some teeth." She joked as she walks to me and grins, "Let me show you."

The next thing I know Cheryl's turnin' around and liftin' her shirt, showin' me a huge cherry blossom tree tattoo. All this time her tattoo was a cherry blossom tree? I thought it was going to be something completely different, but at least I won't have ta keep guessing anymore. As I continue to look as it I also notice that Cheryl has so many nasty scars on her back, some of them even curve over ta the front side. It literally looks like someone tried ta butcher her. I wonder if somethin' bad happened to Cheryl, seeing that these scars were very old and deep. I won't ask her now, but I have a feeling this is going to come up again.

"Does that solve your mystery?" Cheryl asks as she turns around pullin' her shirt down.

I nod and grin, "Yeah, it does. Why a cherry blossom tree though?"

"To remind me to never look back on the past and to keep pushing and working for a better future for me and my family." She answers soundin' like she wants to change the subject, so I take the hint and do that.

"Anyway," I stare at the battery and smirk, "are we gonna have this battery ready after tomorrow?"

"Are you kidding? By the time we are done with this little beauty you guys will never have to worry about repairs again." Cheryl tells me in a confident tone as she instantly sounds better.

"I hope so for Don's sake since we're repairin' this with Krytanium." I said thinkin' about the metal being used.

"Don't worry, Red. Krytanium is a lot lighter and more energy efficient for your Battle Shell. I say you guys take a chance with it." She said as she covers up the battery.

"Fine. I'll trust ya with this." I said and look at the clock, seeing that it's almost midnight, "I better get goin'."

"I guess so. Same time tomorrow?" She asks smiling.

"Same time tomorrow." I said as I chuckle at her.

"Great." She comes over and hugs me, "Goodnight, Red."

The only thing I can come up with is ta hug her back, "Goodnight, Soviano."

We let go and I jump up the fire escape and disappear into the night, makin' my way back home so I can have a good night rest for tomorrow.

Done! So what do you all think about this chapter with the slight mix up? I would love to hear what you guys think of it, so as always you are my judges. I am kind of excited to start writing the next chapter because I will be mixing up two ideas: Sonic Girls idea from a previous review, and one of my favorite songs from "The Book of Life" (I am not telling you which one so you can figure it out on your own;).). With that in mind, the next chapter will be a special one (kind of like the last time I said that in my first story and something amazing happens to the characters. If you know what I mean). Be sure to stick around for it as I guarantee you'll be in love with it.

Please R&R, PM, and all of that great stuff. Also, if you get a chance check out my other fanfics as well. Thank you all for your support and being so patient with me. Until next time:)!