A/N: Thanks to everyone that has reviewed this so far; you guys are awesome and fuel me to write more and more every day. To feed my stubborn curiosity, could you guys answer in the reviews, or pm, who would buy a book if I wrote one? I've got a few mostly done on my computer, but I'm worried about sending them off to the publishers. Any feedback is appreciated! Now, on with the story!

*)O(*

The new girl was weird. No screaming, no fainting, no running, nothing at all. Raph had to admit she looked like absolute hell though. Her face was all messed up, and he'd heard about Sara and Mikey's run in with the girl. He didn't think she'd have this much damage done to her. Besides her face being the way it was right then, she had a nice body. She wasn't super tall like Sara, and she wasn't muscled up; she had a little bit of meat on her bones. From what he could tell, she was pretty average. Maybe once her face cleared up he'd see something in her.

Mikey saw something in her though. Raph's little brother lit up like New York on New Years night around the blond. The darkness he'd been shrouding himself in for the past couple of weeks was gone, diminished in front of this girl. Raph wondered if they would end up like Sara and Donnie. Maybe the girl would end up being more like April. Know them but choose not to be with them, maybe she would be like that.

Another thing Raph noticed was Leo's complete dislike for the girl. It was almost like the girl had pissed in Leo's cheerios. Leo had met her at the same time Raph did, and Raph didn't see anything wrong while Leo seemed to loathe her. Maybe Leo saw something that Raph didn't. Whatever was up was going to be resolved soon. Becca was on her way to talk to Splinter. He knew he'd be called on later to give his side of the whole thing.

Till then, he just had to watch how things would turn out. He hated waiting. He could probably get in a couple of sets before going to talk to his dad. Might as well, seeing how patrol tonight was clearly out of the question.

*)O(*

Splinter sat waiting. Sara and Donnie had come to tell him what had happened. He'd overheard most of the commotion earlier. He'd been worried but things seemed to work out. Not counting the fact that there was a stranger in their home now. He'd listened to Sara's side of things. His daughter seemed adamant, enough to challenge Leo over the matter. Sara bounced around the idea that since the woman had first met Mikey while intoxicated, and thinking he was some kind of superhero, had softened the idea for her enough not to freak out.

Splinter was skeptical at best. He knew exactly what he and his sons appeared to be to humans. Sara brought him up short, recalling her first interaction with his sons. 'We might be one in a million, but there are eight million people living in New York, she might be the second one,' Sara had pled for this Becca girl.

Now Splinter was caught in a mental impasse. His history with humans had been full of fear. Then came April and Casey, and a few others that they simply didn't see anymore. He agreed with Sara on the fact that not every human was out to get him and his sons. Many more were after them though. He still hadn't been able to scold Sara on her actions against the Foot, but they were still barely operating. The Purple Dragons were still a common threat. Many people wanted to hurt them, but maybe, just maybe, this human could become like Sara.

Something about that helped to clear his mind. He could be talking to another potential daughter. His fur bristled at that thought. His family could keep on growing. One day they might be able to keep themselves together, even if he was gone. "Don't think of her as a human," Mik's voice alerted him to her presence.

She stood with the door open, looking at him softly. "Please, come in, Mik." He motioned to a pillow next to him on the ground. The female rat with distinctive markings walked to him slowly. She didn't speak again until she was seated. "You're thinking of her as a human, aren't you?"

"Indeed." Splinter confessed. His silence often left his sons and daughter confused and squirming. Mik seemed to be able to cut into his thoughts easier than a katana through butter. Mik folded part of her long caramel colored dress over her lap, a small layer of protection in the chilly room. "Think of her as a person. People, as you've said, are neither good nor evil at the beginning." Mik advised. He smirked. It was very rare that he had his own proverbs thrown back at him. "I value you're insight, Mik. Would you sit with me when she comes?"

"Yes, Splinter." Mik nodded. She gave him a small smile and he returned it. Having Mik with him would probably distract him enough not to worry too much. Whenever she was around him, he could feel something inside of him calling out. Even more so than in meditation, he found an odd, fluttering peace around her. He wanted to reach out and touch her, ask her if she knew the meaning of this feeling, but the door opened again and he watched as Becca entered.

*)O(*

There wasn't just one giant rat, there were two. One was larger, brown and grey with some white and wearing a kimono. The other was white with red stripes coming across her cheeks and down the top of her head. Obviously female and wearing a brown dress that was folded over her legs as she sat down on a pillow next to the larger rat. Splinter and Mik, Becca told herself as she recalled the stories she'd just finished hearing. Splinter was the guys' dad and teacher. Mik had been Sara's pet and mutated in this very lair.

Still the sight of these two freaked her out. Turtles she had been okay with. Rats? She'd grown up being scared of them, and right now there wasn't any table tall enough to get away. "Miss Becca," Splinter said. "Please come join us." Leo was right behind her and if she thought that she could have ran away, she would have. In through your nose, out through your mouth, she chanted. These aren't normal rats, she tried to tell herself. Well no shit, another part of her argued back. These are people, she tried to fight back against that scared part of her.

The female rat, Mik, reached out and pushed at the male, Splinter. "You've gone and scared the poor girl," Mik teased. Splinter looked baffled. Mik pushed herself up to her feet and started to walk to Rebecca. "Come along, honey, I'll keep you safe from him," she teased, opening her hand to Rebecca with a smile. She showed no teeth and the smile helped to calm Rebecca.

Then she saw the hand. Or rather, paw with long, sharp looking claws… all painted a different color. Luckily, that made the paw a little less frightening. "And here I thought we were going to meet someone as fearless as Leo and Sara," Mik teased. The teasing helped as it reminded her of Mikey. Rebecca reached out slowly and shook Mik's hand, looking at her in her pure red eyes. "Sorry, I know it doesn't make sense, but I'm scared of normal… um…" She stopped, unsure.

"Rats." Mik laughed. "Yes, honey, we're rats. I'm sure the guys have told you their story, correct?" Mik asked as she pulled Rebecca across the room to sit her down on a mat. Once seated, Rebecca took a look around. There wasn't much to see, a straw lined floor with a low table and pillows to sit on. It looked Oriental and warm, but the chill in the room was already eating at her fingers. Mik took up a pot and poured some tea in a cup and passed it to her.

Rebecca regarded the cup. It and the pot looked clean, same as the rest of the lair. An herbal smell with a lingering of something flowery came from the liquid. If they were going to poison me, it would have already happened, she confirmed before tasting the drink carefully. It was almost too hot. The bittersweet tea was actually pretty good.

"You know our story," Splinter's voice was like smoke. It was light yet heavy, carrying a weight to it. "I am interested in learning yours." His voice was comforting. Her heart was beating hard and it started to settle. "Well, I meant Mikey and Sara last night-"

"I already know that part, my dear." Splinter cut her off. "I wish to know you. Tell me of your family, your friends."

"Oh," Rebecca mumbled.

Taking a deep breath, she started telling her life story. First, she sorted out that her name was Rebecca, not Becca, but that she didn't mind being called Becca. She'd grown up with her mom and dad. They'd always been well of, her dad owned his own business, and her mom owned a couple galleries. She had an older brother, Thomas. She was six years younger than him so even though he was never particularly mean to her, she also wasn't very connected to him. Her mom and dad had gotten divorced when she was ten; her brother went to live with her mom, so she didn't see him for months at a time. Then her mom had died from cancer when Rebecca was eighteen. She'd went to private school her whole life and had just finished her beginning courses for a business management degree.

She'd worked at her father's office as a secretary since she was sixteen. Recently, he'd kicked her out. She admitted that she'd been blindsided. Her dad had told her that she was old enough to live on her own. She'd been told to pack up and leave. He'd kept money back from her paychecks, money that she'd never been allowed to touch, and that was all that she'd had. She had stayed in motels for a couple of weeks before moving into her apartment. She'd paid up months in advance just so she wouldn't have to be homeless. Then she'd went for that interview yesterday and that was when everything had started to come apart.

"What happened today in your apartment?" Splinter asked. Rebecca recounted everything she could remember. She rubbed her cheek, remembering how afraid she'd been. She admitted that she did still have a couple things she would like to get if she could, but they weren't necessary. "I swear, as soon as I find a job, I'll give you rent, and I'll move out as soon as I can. Can I please stay?" She finished, choking on the question. Splinter, Mik, and Leo had been quiet while she had spoke, except for Splinter's one question.

Mik moved and Rebecca was astounded to find herself in a hug. "We will have to talk about this as a family, but you are more than welcome to spend the night. In the morning I will have an answer to your question." That was the best that she was going to get. Not a yes, but not a no. Some fear eked out of her. If she couldn't stay here, where could she stay? She only had enough money for a couple of nights at a motel. She was weeks away from getting a paycheck, even if she went to work at a fast food place. "Come now, dear," Mik said quietly. "Let's go get you ready for bed. I'm sure that you're exhausted." The way Mik spoke reminded Rebecca of her mom. Biting her lip and feeling just that, exhausted, Rebecca let Mik guide her away.

*)O(*

Leo faced his father. Splinter eyed him. He knew he was showing what he felt. Leo hung his head before he started to speak.

*)O(*

Donnie examined a cell phone they'd lifted off one of the thugs that had broke into Becca's place. Laid out in clear font. Fuck that little bitch up, make her pay for what she did to me. I don't care what you do to her, just don't get caught. If you do get caught, I didn't send you there. Have fun with the little whore, here's her address. So plain and cold on the phone screen Donnie felt uneasy. The guy was definitely mad at Becca. Bad news was that it was a burner phone. He couldn't trace it back to Becca's potential boss at all. The only way he would be able to pinpoint Liam as being behind it all was if he could catch Liam using the cell phone. There was just enough information to hurt Becca but not enough to endanger the man himself. Donnie cursed softly under his breath.

Sara was raging. She'd went to look for Raph to fight with. Donnie was still trying to find anything on Becca but wasn't pulling up anything besides some private school yearbooks and registrations. Then he found something that made him laugh. There, in black and white, was Becca. She was holding up two handfuls of assorted videogames. Teen Girl Wins Local Tournament. Headlined the page. Even in black and white, Donnie could see she was blushing. The large, cartoonish glasses on her face were what threw him though. He didn't know if they were part of a costume to keep her identity secret or if she really needed them, but they were ridiculous. Reading farther in, they were part of a costume, but she'd been ousted once the media had showed up.

Donnie, chuckling to himself, gave up. She seemed like a normal girl from a privileged family. So she had a mild video game addiction. Her and Mikey would get along just fine. Donnie paused for a moment. She seemed the most comfortable around Mikey. He could see the tension between her and Leo, though he didn't know why. She seemed slightly scared of Raph, but Donnie could understand that. He had had little contact with her, himself. Sara was adamant about helping the girl. He had asked Sara about it, but he'd only gotten the response of her being the second one in two million.

Shaking his head, he got up. If they weren't going to patrol then he could get to checking the wiring on his surveillance cameras. He'd probably be called on to tell his findings before long. He might be able to find some time to spend with Sara alone tonight after she got done kicking Raph's shell. Thinking about his fiancé in his bed, Donnie walked away from his desk.

*)O(*

Mikey was the last to go to talk to Splinter. Taking his seat, Mikey looked to his master with mild defiance. He wanted Becca to stay here. After she'd left this room she'd went straight to bed. Mik had warned him to stay away from her and to let her get some rest. He was bummed. Mikey liked her. He was willing to vouch for her.

"She seems like a nice girl," Splinter spoke. Confused, Mikey blinked. "What do you think of her, Michelangelo?"

"She's awesome!" Mikey smiled widely.

"Hmm, how so," Splinter baited. Mikey fell for the trap. Waving his hands he started, "Are you kidding? She has a great sense of humor, she's pretty brave, and she's totally not scared of us." Mikey went to say more but Splinter held up a hand, stopping him.

"Do you think that your personal view of her has clouded your judgment?" Mikey didn't say anything. He sat there for a moment. Usually, he would have blurted out an answer. Normally he would be dismissed quickly, his opinion stated but not taken seriously. He didn't want to ruin this for Becca. Mikey had to take this seriously. "Yes, Sensei, it probably has." He said honestly. "She is those things though. She laughs at my jokes. She was almost raped but went over and kicked the guys… um… yeah… and then when she realized this wasn't a mask, she stood her ground." Splinter stared at him. It wasn't an authoritative stare or even one of disapproval. "Besides that, she was totally going to take on three armed dudes with a katana." Mikey added. Splinter stroked his chin. He seemed to be thinking, so Mikey sat as still as he could.

"You've impressed me, my son. I am proud of you." Splinter said softly. Mikey held his breath. They didn't often here those words come out of their father's mouth, so Mikey drank it up. "You understand that your perspective is clouded by the feelings that you have for the girl, yet you are still able to see her for who she is. Your honesty is appreciated." Mikey bowed his head in thanks. "You may go. I am going to meditate on this. I will have an answer in the morning."

Mikey left his father and went to go to bed. He was tired. His stomach rumbled and he sighed. Feed the monster, then sleep. He wondered if Becca was hungry. He wondered if he should stay up to get in another workout. Maybe he should keep them up. He didn't want to end up like Raph; Becca seemed scared of his older brother. A sandwich and a few rounds on Mario before bed then, he decided.

Walking into the living room, Mikey could see something moving in the shadows around the T.V. He peered into the darkness and wondered whom it was and why they were messing around instead of grabbing the remote. Then the screen flashed and Becca's silhouette was defined. "Ah-ha, got you," she said in a moment of victory. "Now the remote," she muttered. She turned around to look at the couch and caught sight of him. She froze and stood up. She put her hands up, as if she was trying to show she wasn't armed. "Sorry," she squeaked.

He kept his eyes on her but told her, "The remotes on the arm of the couch." He started to walk to her. She looked between him and the remote. "I-I just wanted to play a game, I'll go back to bed."

"Chill, dudette, what do you want to play?" Mikey hadn't known she played video games.

"You're not mad?"

"Are you kidding? A pretty girl who likes to play video games? Who could be mad about that?" In the blue screen glow of the TV, Mikey could see her blush. She grabbed the remote and turned the TV so it would show the game screen. Then she seemed lost again. Mikey set his plate down on the table and went to grab the controllers. He handed one over and she smiled, looking away from him. They sat down on the couch and Mikey took a bite of his sandwich before going to his content screen, telling her to pick one. Before she could make a selection, her stomach growled loudly.

Mikey blushed this time. He hadn't even offered her anything. He tore his sandwich in two and handed her the half he hadn't bitten off of yet. Becca looked at it then him before taking it. "Thank you," she whispered. Mikey felt ashamed. She was their guest and no one had made sure she'd eaten or anything. "You're our guest, you don't have to thank me," Mikey confessed.

"Still, thank you, Mikey." Becca waited a moment before taking a bite.

Her face seemed to light up and she took a second bite before she'd finished the first. Then she made a face that he assumed he made when eating pizza. "Oh my god," she said between mouthfuls. "This is so good." She took another bite and seemed to realize at the same time as Mikey did, that he was staring. She pulled back from the sandwich and chewed slower. "Sorry, uh, do you want something to drink?" She couldn't speak, so she nodded. "Come with me, I'll show you around the kitchen." He stood up and offered his hand. Hers was so small compared to his. It fit in his palm with her fingers barely peeking out. He led her to the kitchen and stuck his head in the fridge. "So what's your poison?"

"Do you have any Orange Crush?"

"I knew I liked you for a reason," he joked as he pulled out two pops for them. Instantly he was mentally beating himself up for saying it like that. Was he really an idiot? "Drink of the gods, my friend," Becca smiled. Mikey noticed the sandwich. It was almost half-gone. He started to pull out the stuff to make another one. "What are you doing?"

"I'm gonna make another sandwich for you."

"You don't have to do that."

"Oh, so you don't like my cooking?" Mikey teased.

"I-I didn't… I mean…" Mikey faced her while she fumbled for words. "I already told you, you are our guest. If you're hungry then eat, if you want something to drink, then drink." She bit her lip then looked down. Again, Mikey started to beat himself up. He shouldn't have been so mean. He hadn't said it in a mean way though. "Mi casa es tu casa," Mikey added. Becca looked down for a moment longer before speaking. "Could you make it the same as this one, please?"

"No problem," Mikey smiled at her. She watched him, staying quiet except to eat or drink. He was careful to let her see everything he was doing. He didn't want her thinking he was going to poison her or anything. Stacking everything in its proper order, he smirked. She'd finished the first one and was eyeing the second one greedily. She gulped the last of her drink, so as he set the plate on the kitchen table, Mikey grabbed her a refill. She almost choked trying to get room enough around the massive bite to thank him.

"I normally cook for everyone, so you liking it is thanks enough. You want to go back to the game now?" Comforting her, Mikey grinned, holding out a hand again. With her face so bruised, it was astonishing that she could blush so much. Her blush seemed to start on her neck though, not at her cheeks like Sara or April's. He led her back to the couch and grinned when she selected Mario Cart. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into," he warned. "I rule video games, especially Mario Cart." Becca didn't say anything, she just smirked.

They were on the final lap and he was leading. He was rubbing it in, telling her he was going to beat her, when out of nowhere a turtle shell slammed into Mario, his character. He saw Princess Peach soar past him into the finish line. He jumped, throwing up his arms in disbelief as Becca jumped up, letting out a victory dance that resembled the cabbage patch. "When did you get that?" He asked the TV, baffled. Becca started to laugh. Gasping and holding her sides she squeaked, "Since the beginning."

Mikey stood there, trying to figure out what was going on. He turned on her. "You're kidding me." This only made her laugh harder. He loved the sound of it. It resonated inside of him. He held onto the sound, the sound of a wooden wind chime. "Best two out of three," he challenged.

"You're so on!" Becca threw back at him, grinning as widely as she could.

Something inside of Mikey knew then and there. He knew for sure just who she was.

*)O(*

A/N: Just going to leave this area empty.