A/N: Aww, thanks for the awesome reviews! Hugs all around! I know I said I wasn't posting except on Mondays, but I'm trying to keep my mind off the all the bad weather my family is in right now. I know they'll be okay, because they've done this like a zillion times but can't help but worry.

Shinta stepped from the stairwell into the warm night air. He let out a heavy sigh as he made his way to the greenhouse. This place had become something of a getaway for him. He could find a quiet place to meditate and think in here, and no one disturbed him. As he stepped into the glass building, he found his uncle there. Raph acknowledged him with a nod, but didn't question him otherwise. And for that, Shinta was grateful. He understood why Raph came up here so much and why he preferred the presence of the plants compared to their rambunctious family at times. Plants didn't talk back, they didn't judge, they didn't accuse or tease, they simply accepted what you gave them without complaint. Often times, Shinta and Raph would be there together but never say a word to one another. Shinta didn't feel like his uncle was being unkind. He knew if he needed to talk that he was there and would listen. In a way, it was more comforting to simply share the silence with him.

And right now, that was what Shinta wanted. Needing to work through these new emotions, he found a place near the back and settled down into a meditative pose. He wasn't really sure what he was feeling lately. But every time he saw Yoshi with Star or even Kaz with Ona, it stirred something inside him. Perhaps it was jealousy, but of what he wasn't sure. Ona had been with them for several years and Star for nearly one. They were part of the family. He replayed the scene in the living room. What had made him so angry? And why did it still make him angry?

He bit his lip, trying to release the emotions, so he could think more clearly. However, it wasn't working very well. He groaned inwardly. What is wrong with me! I should be happy for Yoshi. I should be glad someone likes that big dope. The feeling lingered. He tried to focus on Star. Maybe it was her that was throwing him off somehow. But she alone drew nothing to the surface. His angry wasn't with her or Yoshi alone for that matter.

It's them together that bothers me. Yes, that's what it is. But it's not just them. His mind drifted through the large family, couple after couple appearing before him, a slow realization evolving. I'm lonely.

Somehow, he'd become the odd turtle out again. Yoshi and Kaz had found them someone to love and who willingly returned that love. But with Yoshi now occupied, Shinta was left on his own a lot. He didn't really have anyone his age to hang out with. And he could only spend so much time chasing Katsu around. He let out a heavy sigh and dropped from mediation.

It was unfair. Why did he always have to be a third wheel? Mira and K-three often tried to include him in what they were doing, but it still felt odd. They were so much older than him and he often felt like he was intruding on them. No matter who I hang out with, I'm still odd turtle out.

"Hey, you okay, kiddo?" Raph's voice though gravely, held genuine concern.

Shinta opened his eyes to find his uncle watching him. He ducked his head and rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a little crowded downstairs right now."

Raph seemed to read between the lines. "Sounds like you need a hobby. Somethin' to keep you busy and away from the rest of 'em." Shinta gave him a sideways look. Raph gestured at him. "Come here. Let me show you somethin'."

Shinta let out another sigh, but did as he was asked. He watched as Raph watered one of the many plants. The older turtle gave him a sad smile. "Your mom, she knew a lot about herbs and stuff. She taught us all a lot about 'em, especially Mira. She's the reason I got so many of these now."

Shinta looked around the greenhouse filled with dozens of plants. "Really?"

"Yeah. You see every plant here's got a purpose and every one's a little different. Some like more light than others. Some like more water than others. But you know what they all got in common?"

Shinta frowned, looking around the room. "There's two of every kind."

Raph nodded with another small smile. "That's right. There's gotta be two of 'em to keep each other alive and thrivin'. And I think maybe that's what you were really thinkin' about just now." Shinta blushed a little and Raph let out a small chuckle. "Don't worry, it's pretty normal. I was about your age when I started my first garden. Had to find somethin' to keep my mind off, you know, stuff. Back then we all figured we'd be alone our entire lives, even Donnie. It wasn't until Sarah came back that we even let the thought of bein' with someone enter our heads. Speakin' of which, don't ever let her up here. Girl may be great with just about everything else, but she's got the touch of death when it comes to plants."

Shinta snickered. "I'll remember that."

Raph looked back down at one of the plants he was pruning. "Look, I know you been feelin' left out, 'cause of Yoshi and Star."

Shinta blinked. "You do?"

Raph nodded. "Yeah, it's kinda obvious the way you been actin' around 'em."

Shinta frowned. "Really? Because I just figured it out myself."

"Well, if you want I can teach you some of this stuff. It might get your mind off all that." He looked back up at his nephew and put an arm around his shoulders. "And don't worry, one day you'll find that person you're supposed to be with. Just give it time, you've got plenty of that."

Shinta smiled. "Thanks, Uncle Raph."

Ona paced back and forth on the sidewalk. She didn't understand what was going on. Why had Kaz got so angry? Why had he sent her outside? If this man knew her, wasn't that a good thing? Maybe she still had some family out there that was looking for her. A spark of excitement went through her. What if she had a mom and dad that were looking for her? That would be so awesome!

But the excitement disappeared the moment the door to the restaurant opened and Kaz came storming out. "Come on, we're going home." He snatched her hand and started dragging her down the street.

She tugged at him. "Kaz, wait! What's going on! That man knew me!"

Kaz did not slow his pace. "No, he didn't! He was lying and you'll never have to see him again!"

Ona planted her feet, forcing him to stop. "No! Tell me what's going on now, Kazzey!"

He turned to look at her and saw Wikoli step out of the restaurant. The man spotted them and started in their direction. Kaz frowned, looking back down at his wife. "Okay, I'll tell you everything, but only once we're home. Alright?"

Ona let out a breath. "Alright."

Kaz turned and hurried up the sidewalk until he spotted a fire-escape. Pulling her into the alley, he squatted down. "Climb on. We'll move faster on the rooves."

She hesitated. She wasn't exactly dressed for leaping across buildings. "But…"

He looked back at her over his shoulder and his eyes pleaded with her. "Ona, please."

His plea struck her hard and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He enclosed his large hands around her slender thighs, pulling her legs up to his waist. With a push off the ground, he sprang from one level of the fire-escape to the next. When they at last landed on the roof, Ona reached around with one hand and turned off his holo. "Kazzey, what's wrong?"

He didn't pause as he started to sprint home. "I promise, I'll tell you." He sighed. "Just let me get us home first."

Yoshi slid his hands over Star's shoulders and down her sides to press her against him. She let out a soft moan, her fingers digging into his shoulders. They'd moved from the living room to her room some time ago, not wanting more interruptions of their make-out session. She pulled him down on top of her, making the old mattress creak. He released her lips to nip her neck and her body arched into him.

"Yoshi…" She murmured. His name from her lips made his body rush with heat. He let out a low growl in response, his hands sliding beneath her shirt. She gasped, her grip tightening on him. "Yoshi, I want to be with you."

His movements stilled and he rose up to look at her with a stunned expression. "What?"

She smirked. "I want to be with you. I want to be with you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life."

He sat back, still staring at her. "Star, I…."

She sat up as well, slipping her top off to reveal a black lacy bra. He couldn't prevent his gaze from roaming over the perfect body before him. He swallowed hard, his tongue thick in his mouth. Star cupped his cheeks, drawing him into a series of kisses. "Make love to me, Yoshi." She whispered the words against his lips.

His whole body was trembling now and he was fighting for a coherent thought. Finally, he managed to pull away from her. "Star…wait….I…" He stood up and walked a few paces away, keeping his back to her.

Star frowned. "What is it?"

He let out a shuddering breath. "You don't know what you're asking."

"Yes, I do." She said firmly. "I want you. I need you." Her frown deepened. "Don't you want me?"

He turned to look at her, his eyes wide. He hurried back to kneel beside the bed and grasp her hands. "Oh, I do. I want you so bad it hurts. But we can't do this now." She stared down at him in confusion and he stroked her cheek, trying to smooth away the worry lines. "I can't dishonor my family that way. I can't dishonor you that way."

She just stared at him. "I don't understand."

"There should be commitment before we do that sort of thing. It's the right thing to do."

She blinked, starting to understand. "You mean we should be married first?" He gave a small nod. She shrugged. "But nobody does that any more. I was probably in ten different foster homes and only one had a married couple. It's just an old tradition. It's not necessary if we love each other. And I do love you, you big lug."

"I love you too, but that's not the point. Marriage is more than an old tradition. It's a promise. It's important, especially to us." He stood up again and dragged a hand down his face. "Look, you know I ain't good with words. Maybe you should talk to my mom or one of my aunts or even Mira. They could explain it to you a lot better than I can."

She shrugged. "Well, if that's what you want then we can just get married."

Yoshi frowned and started to respond. "That's not-. Could you put that back on?"

She blinked at him again. "Huh? What?"

"Your shirt."

"Why?"

He blushed. "'Cause it's distractin'."

She rolled her eyes, but pulled it on anyways. Standing, she moved towards him. "Okay, if it makes you happy then we can get married first. How about tomorrow?"

Yoshi frowned at her, a flicker of hurt passing through his green eyes. "I don't want you to marry me just so we can do that." He gestured at the bed. "I want you to marry me to be with me not just here, but here and here." He touched her heart then her head and sighed when she continued to stare at him blankly. "Just think about what I said." He pressed a kiss to her cheek and left the room.

Star stared after him, her mind reeling. "What just happened?"

"Mikey! Why did you do that!" Kala paced back and forth across their bedroom.

"Babe, I know you don't like being fussed over, but this could be serious." Mikey pleaded.

"I was going to go see him myself! I'd already decided!"

He looked down at his hands. "Would you have told him you were coughing up blood?"

She paused mid-stride to turn and stare at her husband. "What are you-?" The words died in her mouth as she watched her turtle's shoulders tremble. She walked forward, slipping her arms around his neck. "It's okay. It's okay."

His arms wrapped tightly around her, clutching her slender frame close. "I got scared. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She sighed, placing a kiss on his cheek. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Please, Kala. Please, just do this for me."

His voice choked and her heart broke. "Alright. Let's go."

He stepped back to look at her with unshed tears glimmering in his eyes. "Don't leave me."

She stroked his cheek. "I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

"Promise?" His blue gaze begged for reassurance.

And even though she wasn't all that certain herself, she gave it anyways. "I promise." She pressed a warm kiss to his lips and rested her forehead against his.

Mikey took several deep breaths, willing away the fear in his chest. "Come on, Donnie's waiting." He took her hand and they headed for the lab together.

Upstairs, Sarah quietly put out the supplies they might need for Kala's exam. Donnie's large hand landed on her shoulder and gently turned her to look at him. "What's wrong, love?"

She sighed, giving her head a little shake before meeting his gaze. "I don't know. I guess, I'm feeling a little old."

He frowned. "Because I didn't want you to help with the elevator." She didn't respond verbally, but he felt the slight sting through the bond. He let out a heavy sigh. "It's not that I don't think you can do it. I know you can, but…"

Sarah looked away. "I'm not like you or Leo or Mira. I'm not a ninja. I'm not tough or strong. I'm just…a weak Mazar."

Don snorted, making her look up at him. "Nothing about you is weak, my love. But you are right about one thing. Your body isn't made to handle the same stress ours are. You have more chance of being hurt." He slipped his arms around her, pulling her close and nuzzling into her graying locks. "And that's what I'm afraid of."

She gave a slight nod against his plastron. "I know it is. I just can't help feeling, well, sidelined."

"You shouldn't. You do more than your fair share already. I don't know how you manage to keep our home running like you do."

She stepped back to give him a small smile. "I do have help." They turned at the sound of someone entering the room to find Mikey and Kala. "Speaking of helpers." She smiled at the Neutrino. "You're my best one, so we have to get you feeling better." She stepped forward, taking her hand and pulling her around to lay on the cot.

Don frowned. He already had a suspicion of what may be going on based on the sample Mikey had brought him earlier in the evening. What he was unsure of was how severe things might be. Mikey looked up at him and Don could almost feel the anxiety roll off him. He moved to his side and squeezed his shoulder. "Just try to relax, bro. We don't know anything for sure yet." Mikey nodded mutely, which only made Don worry for his little brother more.

"We're just going to take some x-rays of your chest. We'll know more then." Sarah explained to Kala as Don moved the portable x-ray machine to hover over her.

Mikey moved up to his wife's side and wrapped her small hand in his. Donnie positioned the machine and gave his sister-in-law a small smile. "Just stay still, okay?" She gave the tiniest of nods and he took several shots from different angles. Sarah took the panels and set them aside to process, handing him a new one each time. When they were done, Don stowed the x-ray machine.

Mikey helped Kala sit up. "So, what do you think's wrong?" He looked to his brother for some assurance.

Donnie frowned again. "I analyzed what you brought me earlier and I know she has pneumonia. The question that remains is how severe it is?" He looked down at the Neutrino. "How long has this been going on?"

Kala shrugged. "I don't know. I guess…maybe…since the lair was destroyed."

Don's eyes widened. "What!"

She hurried to clarify. "It wasn't all the time. Sometimes I feel almost normal. But others," she frowned and sighed, averting her eyes, "not so much."

"You really should have told me before now." Don admonished in a gentle tone.

"It's my fault too." Mikey squeezed her hand. "I noticed a long time ago."

"But I'm the one that insisted it was nothing." Kala looked up at Donnie. "Isn't pneumonia something you can treat?" She knew enough about human medicine from watching television to know that it was a somewhat common illness.

Don's frown deepened. "Normally with humans, yes. But you're a Neutrino, your biology is different. And I don't know enough about it to safely give you those kinds of medications. It's a very strong anti-bacterial."

"Donnie?" Sarah gestured to the panels that were ready to read. He moved to her side as she began to lay them out on the light board. She covered her mouth to stifle the gasp that wanted to leave her.

A/N: You're gonna need a box of tissue for the next few chapters...just saying...