"Master?" The hesitant request from the doorway of Splinter's private chambers fell upon the rat's calm ears.

The quiet student at the door knew the single word, though uttered softly, had been easily heard by the shadowy figure, though no movement, no immediate acknowledgement

was visible. Several slow, measured breaths. A prickling of careful ears, then a response. A breathed "Yes, Leonardo. Enter."

He did so, kneeling before his father. His knees sank into pillows still warm from the Girl's presence. Currently, he knew, she was bathing, assisted (as much as her modesty, and

his respect and frank embarrassment would allow) by Donatello. His brother had returned to the lair, tardy, given his rough estimation at his departure. The Girl, however, at this

point was still occupied by their Master Splinter. The two had, by this time, had a rather involved conversation,and the guest had grown weary, falling asleep once more in the soft cocoon

of pillows in the dimly lit room.

Leonardo's knees itched where the warmth permeated his flesh.

"What is it that you wish to discuss, my son?" The rat's lip twitched at his son's shifting. How unlikely.

"Master. Father. I was hoping the Girl-" he steadied himself, filled his lungs. "-I was hoping the Girl could be moved ot Donatello's room." He noted the quick, sharp flick of his father's right

ear. "She would be closer to the bathroom, closer to the stairs. Don usually spends all night down here in his lab anyways, whether it's on the cot or in front of his computer. He barely

uses his bedroom anymore. I'm sorry, but the agreement was that she would occupy my room until she was well, until she woke. Also, her presence disturbs my meditation practices."

His eyes fastened on his own knees. The heat still tingled against his shins. He imagined the warmth as miniscule insects swarming his underside. He heard the steady intake of air

into his father's lungs. He hung in the void. He released his own breath as he heard it rush from the figure opposite him. He knew, if he had cared to look, that the rat would be sat, eyes

closed, mouth slightly agape, listening. Listening to the powers that be. Listening to his own sagely mind. Listening to the darkest reccesses of the young pupil's soul.

"You are correct, Leonardo. You have upheld your end of the initial agreement thus far. I will propse the move to your brother."

The turtle breathed deep into his lungs. He felt his belly swell. He allowed his eyelids to droop.

"He will have to tidy his room." The warm tone softened the complaint. "Perhaps you would be available to assist him in this task."

"Hm. If he'll let me." The corner of Leonardo's mouth fought upwards momentarily, then fell. "Thank you, Father."

"Hmm. Now, we will join your brothers. There is much I have to impart to you all."

The four brothers sat, scattered upon various pieces of furniture, clustered around the Rat. They were silent, absorbing, processing the information that had been presented.

The facts had been sparse. A general outline of the situation at hand; the Girl did indeed belong to the less-than-desireable Li family, and had been unfortunately caught in a

situation intended for a relation. A name; Angou Li. ("French. Angel." Donatello had murmured subconciously at this revelation.) The present situation; the Girl was to remain

until she was strong enough to ensure her own safety. Splinter had made clear his desire for his son's best behaviour, and most gracious attitudes, as she was, apparently,

exceedingly reluctant to agree to this final, drastic condition.

The rat perched on the couch cushion, head now bowed, eyes resting. He was listening to his sons, seeing them internally much clearer then he would had he raised his head.

Leonardo was the first to break the considering silence:

"The only way the Foot would know the route of the a private chauffeur would be a leak within the family, or someone greatly trusted. It's obvious. I don't see how she could

argue against the fact."

"But who wishes to think such things, Leonardo? They are her family."

The wind hissed out between his clenched teeth. " He knew. Casey knew. He knew who she was."

"He wouldn'ta dropped her on us like this if he knew." Raphael's words were sharp, pointed. His head snapped towards his brother.

"Really. Are you certain of that, Raph? Are you certain you know him so well?.. Still?"

A familiar tension spread through the air. It slowed, solidified around Leonardo; It popped, spat, off of Raphael.

A wicked smirk crawled over the bottom half of Raphael's face. The smile twisted his lips and crinkled his snout but didn't dare travel to the black eyes.

"Yeah, Leo. I'm so - fucking - certain."

Leonardo had been sat forward on the chair, arms rested on his knees, head in his hands as he thought. Now, he lifted his head, eyes only for his confident brother. His blue eyes

bore into black. He licked his lips.

"He knew."

"Enough!" Splinter spoke before the air grew thicker. "We all know now, and we must focus on what is to be done from here on. The past can be used to inform our decisions, but

cannot be changed, and therefore, will not be fought over. If not for Casey's interference, she would still be at the mercy of The Foot. A mercy, that sadly, does not exist. There will be no more

bickering over such inconsequential matters."

Leonardo let his head drop. His face flushed, he could feel the blood throbbing in his pores. His lungs heaved. "Yes, Sensei. I'm sorry."

Raphael merely stared at his brother's downturned head. His jaw flexed, clenching. His nostrils flared. He remained immobile.

"Angou wishes to meet you all after her grooming. This will not be her introduction to our family. Calm yourselves." He rose, swiftly making his way to his chambers.

"Donatello, clean your room, She will be staying there from now on.

I am not to be disturbed."