Hey, guys! So sorry for the wait! Here's the 10th chapter! It would've been up yesterday but we had a power outage everywhere but the Downtown Core. Let me know if this is a brick when uploaded. It will be fixed at once, but it takes a half hour to register, so please be patient.

Chapter 10

We walked into the living room together, where Mikey, and both Splinter's family and in-laws were situated.

Splinter tapped Mikey on the shoulder. Mikey responded with a turn of his head.

"Watashi wa kojin-teki ni anata to Camryn to hanasu hitsuyō ga aru." (I need to speak to you and Camryn privately.)

Mikey mouthed "Is this about what I think it is?" to me.

I nodded in response.

Mikey sighed.

"Daijōbu." (Okay.)

Splinter brought us upstairs, holding my hand and Mikey trailing behind us. We were then escorted into the bedroom. We sat on the floor, and Splinter sat on the bed. He got up to close and lock the door behind us, and sat back down.

"I heard that Camryn was accused of cultural norm violation just because she was not seated in the seiza position, despite the fact that Tang Shen and I both allowed it. Would you care to explain the situation?"

"I was sitting down, you know, watching the game, when, out of the blue, Someone asks Mikey why I'm not sitting on my knees! Then, somebody else is like. 'Is she trying to be rude?'"

"Michelangelo, how did you react to this?"

"I explained that Camryn is uncomfortable when she sits on her knees, but they thought I was lying!"

Tears sprang to Mikey's eyes. I gave him a side hug from my spot on the floor, knowing he hates being accused of lying MUCH more than the next guy, which was quickly returned.

Splinter grabbed some tissues, joined us on the floor, and used one of them to dab Mikey's eyes.

"I understand your concern for your friend, and the guilt you must have felt when your standing up for her was misinterpreted."

Mikey sniffed and nodded.

Splinter also gave Mikey a hug, resulting in a very tight Camryn sandwich.

I tried to let go for some air, but Mikey hugged me tighter.

I turned to Splinter. "*weeze* Can't. Breathe."

He looked at me sympathetically.

"I know, young one. You will be able to breathe shortly."

True to Splinter's word, Mikey let us both go, but brought me closer to him.

I took a deep breath, appreciating every second of it.

Splinter was about to continue, when there was a knock at the door.

"Yoshi?"

Splinter sighed, then responded.

"Nani?!" (What?!)

It was one of Splinter's cousins. "Watashitachiha, mājan o purei shite iru. Wareware wa wareware no chīmu no menbā o hitsuyō to suru, anata wa sore de saikō nodesu!"(We're playing Mahjong. We need a member for our team and you're the best at it!)

Splinter rolled his eyes.

"Mā, watashi wa anata ga watashi wa hijō ni kyūmu no girondakara kurushimu hitsuyō ga arimasu ne." (Well, I guess you'll have to suffer because I'm discussing a very urgent matter.)

This piqued the cousin's curiosity.

"Anata wa nani o giron shite iru?" (What are you discussing?)

This angered Splinter. How dare his cousin ask such a personal question! He stood to his full height, faced the door, and yelled.

"ANATA NO BIJINESU NO DORE NO ARIMASEN!" (NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!)

Splinter sat back down and took some deep breaths to calm down.

I decided to lighten the mood with a joke.

I turned to Mikey.

"Well, it's obvious that guy can't mind his own beeswax."

This made everyone laugh.

"I mean, I know I can't talk but still!" I said between giggles.

The cousin in question was thankfully out of earshot because he had run away after Splinter's outburst.

Splinter continued once everyone had calmed down.

"Yes! It is one of the worst qualities in a person, but we will often meet people like my 3rd cousin twice removed, who must know EVERYTHING."

We all burst out laughing again. Once we had calmed down, we went back to the living room. Splinter went to explain his sudden departure, and we went to enjoy the party, our spirits lifted.

Only one way to find out what happens next! Reviews greatly appreciated!