which tmnt "era/universe" is this from? 2003, right?

There we have it: the brewing, inevitable kiss! What a bittersweet end, truly. Amber lost SO MUCH. I'll be honest: I'm a little disappointed at that. However, it's nice things were cleared up, the relationship got that push, and the guys have a new place to divide their time. And 'history' is made. Nice work. ;0

Now onto the others!

Well then. All of Raph fears, realized...Deep, man. Deep. I get where Amber's coming from. But damn...One chapter to go.

...No. No. Just, no. Man, I was really hoping her family would play a role in the future, that her mom would meet Raph and love him. OH MY GOSH. This...Poor Raph!

I swear, Raph's narrative makes me bust a gut. Makes me little sad I'm not a humorous writer. I mean, I have funny moments in my series, but they're more scarce than a romance/comedy. I'm better a weaving connection/plot webs, though my third book should have more humor in it. It's Mikey's book, so it SHOULD. Otherwise, it's not Mikey. But I'm going on a tangent, aren't I? SORRY!

Amber and Raph preparing is adorable. Raph, you dummy, she's interested! Otherwise, she would've shoved you away in the kitchen. Alas, love is slow progress (generally). I'm glad neither Raph nor Amber jumped the gun like some stories. :)

Splinter Boss. 'Nough said; he's amazing.

P.S. I keep meaning to mention ANGRY ORCHARD. It's, like, the only beer I'll drink. The fact it's used for this story's beer? A. ;)

*rolls with laughter* Your version of Raph is about as good at cooking as my Nia. Kitchen disasters. And that game. *more laughing* Mommy/daughter talk. Mikey's creepy woman voice! *dies of laughter* Loved it all!

More weaving with Bubba. Nice. Just my cup of tea. *sips from dainty Japanese cup* And that round of thanks. So. SWEET. The exchange between Don and Leo touched me the most, honestly. Because of where my current TMNT story line is, I almost cried. Reading other's stories REALLY makes me miss Leo...Then Mikey brings me back up. Thank you, Mikey. I believe everyone was true to form in what they were thankful for. Raph's bit was as graceful as expected. I love him all awkward and flustered. But he means it with his heart, so this ending monologue had me 'aw'ing. :)

Poor Raph, so confused. And jealous. And awkward. And funny, as always. "I don't like his face right now." Oh, Raphy. ADORED the brother-bonding scenes. It's always nice to know your bros have your shell, especially in love...which can be more devastating than facing the Shredder or Bishop. ;)

Aw, so cute! Well, the first half was cute. I just love that Amber goes around making friends. The Halo scene and her talking about her visit with Donny: priceless, made me giggle. With each passing chapter, I grow more and more convinced she would be great friends with a TMNT character of mine, Nia Anders. A writer and an artist. They could make awesome comics, haha. :D

Speaking of awesome. Wow. That spar. I hardly touch on the boy's sparring because my series warrants other focuses, so this is making me think about including a scene soon. (And by 'soon', that can mean 2 or 3 books down the road LOL.) The lesson Raph learns makes sense. Didn't think much about his taunting (after all, this IS Raph and it was humorous), but leave it to Leo to put things in perspective. Way to go, Leo.

Sweet ending (though the last sentence was a little much for me HAHA). They're coming closer and closer together!

It's a shame Bubbah's dead; he sounded quiet amazing, and would've been a fun part of the cast. Then again, if he wasn't, Amber wouldn't have taken over the store. Oh, how life works.

The history in this chapter is great. It's nice to know Splinter had a friend in the past to help him out as a new father. And the things Raph noticed early on in the basement come into play. The tatami mat that's mentioned has reason, life, behind it, as do the ladder and tile floor. It all shows a connect the two main characters weren't aware of before meeting.

This is the kind of stuff I like to read about, the kind of stuff I add to my own stories. Nothing is meaningless, even when we feel it it. :)

Mikey. My hero, my baby. Love the bow tie. 3 I also love the extent everyone went for this meeting. Really sweet.

While I find it hard to believe Raph would use the phrase 'cray-cray', it's something minor. This story still has at least one moment each chapter where I need to look away and get out a good laugh. Chapter 6's: "Pull the stick out your ass and smile!" Sometimes, that just sums up Leo. :D

Nice place to end, BTW. Gives a little suspense, and I'm glad the book's being touched on!

...Well, that seconds scene was, uh...something. *clears throat* Moving on.

Yes! Some family interaction. I was missing that. Brotherly teasing is the best. I'm excited for them to all meet (like Amber is)! 3

Yes, Raph, that's right. TV lies. LOL.

Yoshi, huh? Seems there's a little connection between the families already. Nice. Can't wait to see how that goes. Meanwhile, Amber and Raph bonding? Yes, please. Preach it, sister. New York rarely DESERVES saving, but the guys do it anyway. Glad this can bring them closer together as friends.

Raph checking out his reflection. OH MY GOSH. I love you, Raphy.

Awkward first 'dates' are always adorable. Love the fact she bought pizzas every night in hopes Raph would show. I was wondering at first "What luck, Raph arrived for pizza." But it's not luck; it hopeful thinking on Amber's part. How cute. Let's see how long Raph can keep his 'date days' a secret. :)

Raph's tone of voice in this story makes me laugh. Yes, in a good way. Can't help smilin' when he says 'Lil' Bro', 'Brainy Bro', and 'Fearless'. Though I'm a little sad we didn't get any real interaction with them. . .

HA. Amber left bait. And had time to process his existence, so at least she's a little prepared (regardless of what she claims). Their banter was fun. I genuinely enjoyed them talking, especially the bit about the coffee/tea mix up. And true to form, Raph's attracted but not praising her like a goddess. Thanks for that. ;)

As for Amber herself, I'm really liking her. Could be because I understand her and can relate. Writing out feelings. Homebody. Doesn't like meaningless talk. Totally understandable. :)

And that ending. Aw. 3

Ello. I came across this story while looking for OC stories (of which I MAY have a weakness for), so once I noticed you have a little TMNT series, I couldn't help stopping by. :)

Gotta say, I liked the different take on an introduction. It's a nice spin. And the fact that Raph's BAD experience is from revealing himself to a woman he saved is like a nod to how most OCs meet and accept him. Nice. Onto to see how this meeting plays out in the long run. (Also, poor Mikey. He really should know when enough of a good thing is, well, enough. LOL.)