Donatello had quickly learned when to check his e-mail if he was hoping to hear from Jenna. She tended to write him in the evening, but with the time difference between them, it meant he was better off checking in the morning.

It was just now after 8am, and he and Mike had finished up a rigorous workout only a few minutes prior. Now his brother was off in the kitchen starting on breakfast, a chore he would sometimes keep him company for. But Michelangelo also knew he was antsy to check his e-mail, and encouraged him to get on the computer, and let him start things on his own.

Don tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the wireless network to connect, and signed onto his e-mail account. He only had to hold his breath for a moment, before seeing exactly what he hoped for. New Mail. He quickly deleted the junk messages offering work from home opportunites, new cures for the swine flu, and various banking schemes trying to convince him he'd won the foreign lottery. He needed to get down to the buisness of the only e-mail which actually mattered.

"Hey, Donnie -

Aloha ahiahi. That's Hawaiian for "Good Evening". I sat through a forty minute lecture on their culture, and came away with a vocabulary sheet. I have to use this stuff somewhere. Hawaii is the most beautiful place which I never realized I wanted to visit. Just stepping off the plane, breathing this air, it feels like I've been transported to some other plane of existance. That's the only way to describe it, and I don't expect it to make sense. We're staying on one of the more remote islands, away from a lot of the tourists. I think I would enjoy visiting some of the bigger cities, but I can't say I'm not enjoying my time right where we are.

Everything is fantastic, from the hotel, to the food, even the weather is absolutely perfect. In the past when I thought of the tropics, I always pictured someplace hot. And it is warm, don't get me wrong. Yet the constant sea breeze makes it incredibly comfortable. I think you'd do well in this climate - you certainly wouldn't have a problem keeping your temperature in check! My father made the funny mistake of asking the desk clerk what the weather was supposed to be like yesterday. The man shrugged and told him, "The same as it is every day".

We took a boat out on the ocean today, and had a tour of the Napali Coastline. I can't begin to describe how beautiful it was! It almost makes me jealous of the guides who stay here year round with these kinds of surroundings. Almost. The dolphins were out in force again too. They love chasing down the boats wherever we've found them.

We're supposed to be doing a helecopter tour of Waimai canyon tomorrow, and I'm really excited about it. My Mom's not a huge fan of helecopters, but she's braved them so many times, that this one was actually her idea.

I've been having a great time with my parents, but I've still thinking about you. It's kind of hard to keep it in and pretend like everything's okay, while I'm wondering when I'll get to see you. I'm trying to keep a good face, because I don't know what else to do.

I just wanted to tell you again that I still think it's worth it, and I'm not going to simply forget about you. So for now, the only other thing I'll say is A hui hou, which simply means, "Until we meet again". Write me back when you get a chance - and you can be sure you'll be hearing from me.

Love,

Jen

He read through the e-mail twice, smiling sadly. She has to be one of the most stubborn people I've ever met. That's saying a lot for our group. Who am I kidding though? It's not like I can sweep her under the rug either. Still doesn't tell me what I'm supposed to do.

He drummed fingers on the desktop while considering whether to reply right away. Keeping in touch won't do anything to help her let go. If anything, it's like keeping the dream alive. But if it makes her happy for the time being, maybe that's what really matters. If I can keep the temporary nature of the relationship in mind, and still be a friend to her...Then we can probably remain friends by the time she moves on. It will be easier to meet someone else if she's got a positive mindset anyway.

He lined down her e-mail for a moment, and decided to look up Waimai Canyon before tapping out a reply. "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" had to be a sight to see. Don changed the results on the search engine to display videos, and was pleased to find several to shift through.

His eyes widened while watching the first result, and the song from one of the Jurassic Park* movies blared in the background. Can't imagine seeing something like it in person, or even flying, for that matter. It's probably better not to try. Daydreaming is fun, but I don't want to kid myself. This is far removed from anything we'll ever get to see or do.

Donatello brought her email back up, and mulled over the most casual topics they could discuss. He sat in silence for a few more moments, then started to type.

"Good morning, Jen.

You 'forced' me to look up Waimai this morning. I saw an incredible-looking video, but I'm sure it hardly does the canyon justice. I hope you and your parents enjoy all the sights and time together.

Things here have quieted down, although they still aren't normal. Leo isn't completely back to himself physically, and we haven't been patrolling very much. Raph is getting restless, or course, but that is the norm where he's concerned. Mike and I agreed to go out with him tonight. I could use the fresh air myself.

Luke is still around too. A lot. I don't see it as a bad thing, for neither him nor April. She's kind of been torn between us and him for the last few months. Trying to support us in secret and being there for her friend translated into quite a split life. Now we're all together, and it's...surprising.

Doc's support and leadership is fantastic. It makes me wonder how we got through all those years without him. He has spearheaded Leo's physical therapy, and brought in a couple techniques I've never heard of. I was starting to believe he was an expert on everything, but he told me the exercises are coming from another brilliant friend.

Having Luke here opens up a lot of new doors and areas of study. I haven't been this excited about experiments in a long time. I sort of feel like we should give him a bedroom, since he's practically moved in as it is. Nobody minds though. Mikey's managed to put a little weight on him, and that's nice to see too.

Speaking of Mike and food, I'd better go meet him for breakfast before he attempts to force feed me. Take pictures today, and share what you can. I'll talk to you later.

Don

Splinter hesitated from drinking his tea right away, simply because he was enjoying the warmth of the cup in his hands. The wonderful smells of the kitchen were enough to temporarily satisfy him while his youngest son finished frying the bacon that would top his breakfast sandwiches.

He turned his head when the kitchen door swung inward and nodded to Donatello. "Good morning, my son."

"Hey, Sensei." The purple-masked turtle's smile was forced, but Splinter chose not to comment on it. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes, although I feel it is getting colder sooner than normal."

Donatello snapped his fingers. "I need to tune up the HVAC. I typically would have done it by now, but I've been a little...distracted."

"So long as you can turn off your fuses in advance." Splinter couldn't help a slightly reproachful tone.

The turtle grimaced. "I won't do that again, Master. Learned my lesson."

"I trust you did." The rat took a sip of still steaming liquid. "You will forgive me if I still remind you."

"Sensei, I won't blame you at all." Donatello glanced his brother's direction. "I forgot to hit the button, Mike..."

The orange-masked turtle smirked. "Good thing I didn't."

Michelangelo produced a coffee mug for him, which Donatello gratefully accepted before sinking into a seat.

"How's your girl?" the younger turtle asked.

"Do you have to call her that?"

"I don't have a cute nickname for her like you, so yes."

"It's not cute," Donatello complained. "She just liked it."

"How is she?" Michelangelo persisted.

"Jenna sounds good. They're having a great time in Hawaii."

"They're not nervous about the volcanos?"

Donatello laughed. "The only active volcanoes are on the big island, and they don't erupt with explosive force."

Still Michelangelo shuddered. "It's freaky if you ask me."

Splinter chuckled softly. "You do not have to travel there, my son."

"Nah, I can get down with the ocean and the beach though. Fiji looks really cool. Where do you wanna go, Don?"

The purple-masked turtle looked started by the question. "Uh...you mean, if we're dreaming? Probably New Zealand."

Michelangelo threw his head back with laughter. "You're so typical."

Splinter's eyebrows rose. "Is there some significance to New Zealand I fail to grasp?"

"It's the Tolkien* film franchise," Donatello confessed. "All the movies were filmed there."

The younger turtle swatted his shoulder. "Told you. Typical. But if we're making up vacations, you may as well find me a girl to take too."

The purple-masked turtle snorted. "Sure, I'll put the order right in. What'll you have?"

The question surprisingly stopped Michelangelo in his tracks. "Hm. Well, she needs a sense of humor. She doesn't gotta be super funny, but she has to think I am."

"Of course, Mikey. Anything else?"

"Nobody's perfect, but some killer legs would be awesome. " The young turtle snuck a glance at the rat.

"It is possible to appreciate the opposite sex without objectifying them," Splinter acknowledged.

"Yeah, cool. So if Donnie's got his girlfriend-"

Donatello promptly choked on the drink he'd just taken of his coffee. "Jenna is not my girlfriend."

"Seriously, bro? You're wearing her necklace-"

"Not right now I'm not!"

"But you have been. Plus you dropped her off at the airport-"

"April is the one who drove us!"

"Like that changes anything? You're also exchanging love letters every day. Face it, Don: you two are in a relationship."

"We're not in anything, because she's not here."

"Doesn't change how you feel about her, or how she feels about you. Embrace it, dude! Guys would kill for a girl to look at them like Jenna looks at you."

"She doesn't..." Donatello faltered. "How does she look at me?"

"Like she just landed her own first edition of Action Comics #1."

Splinter exchanged a bewildered look with the purple-masked turtle, and Michelangelo sighed.

"Most valuable comic book in the world, people. Just sold for like 3.2 million dollars."

"She doesn't look at me like that," he argued, then snuck another glance at Splinter. "Did she?"

"Donatello, was Miss Richard's up front with you about the way she feels?" the rat asked calmly.

"Um...well, I think so."

"And you believe what she said to be true?"

There was a great deal of awkwardness in his frame as he stared at the table. "I believe she's serious about it, yeah."

"Miss Richards has nothing to gain from deceiving you, my son."

"But that isn't the point," he mumbled. "Nothing is simple with me, and it never will be."

"You cannot expect it to be easy," Splinter said bluntly. "When have you ever undertaken something simple, Donatello? You do not describe ninjutsu that way. The spectacular work you have accomplished with your lab, was any of it effortless?"

"No, of course not," he relented.

"It is in your nature to analyze and find solutions, Donatello. But you are not the only one in this relationship."

When the turtle started to object, Splinter held up a hand to stop him.

"Whether you approve the wording or not, there is a relationship now. And you are not the only one affected by it. Please take care going forward. I know you care deeply for Miss Richards feelings. Do not repress your own out of fear. I cannot tell you what will come from any of it. But it is not the time to behave rashly. No one can see the future, my son. Make no decisions based on your lack of experience."

Donatello nodded, yet Splinter couldn't be certain where his mind was. His heart went out to the young turtle, but he couldn't help wondering if he was capable of completely giving in to the young woman.

There are so many complications. I do not know what I would do, were I in his position. I simply hope he does not dismiss her before this has a chance to go somewhere.

*I do not own Jurassic Park or Tolkien