Hey guys! This is something I cooked up on the side while I write "Hurt but Not Broken", hope you like it!

It will start off with mostly Splinter and I added some OC's but they are hardly anyone too major. This idea came to me and was inspired by many other fine FanFic authors!

Enjoy!

Chapter One: My New Life

Hamato Yoshi's P.O.V (That's a new one right?)

I got off the plane quietly, trying to be unnoticed. I wanted as little attention as possible. I kept my face impassive as I grabbed my luggage and walked out of the New York airport. I walked to the street and grabbed the next taxi.

"Where ya headin?" The man asked me with an accent I was unfamiliar with. I looked at him and then outside. I knew where I wanted to go.

"Manhattan." I replied softly and the man just nodded, taking off. My beloved had always wanted to visit America. She believed that the lights in the New York buildings left much more to be desired. And that's why I wanted to go. Anything that honored her memory would make me happy….

Besides, I had nowhere to go and nothing to do anymore. My past as a ninja and a Master was ruined, my family….gone, because of my only friend. Everything I knew was no more and I found that I was struggling to find a purpose in my life.

Even now I still am. I was hoping a new fresh start would put things in a better perspective for me. But never in my life have I had nothing to take care of.

I sighed a little and looked out the window, taking in the sights. The passing buildings, the random people going about their day, the various billboards and street lights were, indeed, distracting.

I looked up and caught the man looking at me, but he ducked his head quickly. I blinked and turned to look out the window again.

"Where ya from?" He asked me suddenly. Ah, finally he asks. I smiled politely and turned to look at him.

"I am from Japan." I replied as formally as I knew how. I knew enough English to be fluent.

"Eh, I thought you looked Japanese," He laughed, but not mockingly. He seemed like a pretty good-natured man. "Or Chinese, but I didn't wanna seem rude or anything." He looked apologetic now and I chuckled a bit.

"Not at all." I assured him and he relaxed with a smile on his face.

"So, what brings you to the big city?" The man asked looking at me again when he hit a stoplight.

"I want a fresh start." I said carefully, trying not to let my sadness show. The man became quiet and then laughed.

"Well you came to the right place! Manhattan is full of adventures for you." He grinned cheekily. I smiled back. "Plenty of opportunities."

"I have to admit it relieves me to hear you say that." I chuckled to myself mainly and he joined me.

We continued this good natured talk until my stop came around. It was a hotel I planned to stay at until I was comfortable in the city. My money was being processed from yen to American currency. I had always been well off in Japan, so I wasn't at all too worried with getting a job to make money, but I wanted one to distract myself.

I waved goodbye to the taxi driver but he smiled and wanted to shake my hand. "People call me Frank. It was nice to meet another interesting fellow such as yourself. If you ever need a ride, call this number. Taxi driving is just something I do on tha side." Frank put a number card in my hand and I had blinked.

"You have my thanks Frank. My name is Hamato Yoshi, you can call me Yoshi." I smiled back, pleased to meet someone so helpful and friendly. He smiled again and then drove off.

I shoved the card in my brown jacket and trotted into the hotel, where I checked myself in with the American money I had on hand. After I was settled in the considerable spaced room I sat down on the balcony and stared at the traffic.

'I'm doing well….I have a new temporary home. I will start house hunting tomorrow. Maybe I will also find a job I want to kill time.' I thought while smiling, looking at Frank's card.

I turned and went back in. The walls were a creamy white, the carpet a maroon red. I had my own big bathroom and bedroom suite which were a matching color of cream and maroon. I slept easily that night, wondering how my new life was going to turn out.

I grabbed my wallet and hotel key while walking out of my room. I stuffed my wallet back in my duffel bag and took out my map of Manhattan. After breakfast I had done a little research and found something interesting.

On 5th street there was a martial art's dojo, which seemed perfect for someone like me. It will hurt, the memories of me and my friend, but it was something I was passionate about and it could definitely distract me.

When walking in you could tell it was a traditional Japanese dojo, it had wooden walls, sliding doors and challenge mats. The colors were green, tan and brown, which reminded me of my old home.

"Hello, may I help you?" A man came up to me with curiosity written on his face. I suddenly became nervous because I've never had to look for a job before.

"Hello, my name is Hamato Yoshi. I am the last of the Hamato clan back in Japan and I came to offer my services as a Master of Ninjitsu." I replied while bowing half at the waist.

"Oh!" The man gasped in delight. "This works out perfectly! How do you feel about teaching children?" I blinked in surprise.

"Children? I have never tried before but I am willing." I admitted with a smile stretching on my face. Though in the back of my mind pain bloomed, the thought of my lost daughter.

"See, we've been looking for someone, but no one has the patience to teach children! I have certainly never had a Master come offer either, so that's a bonus." The man smiled. He had his dirty blonde hair in a ponytail and he had green eyes. "My name is Terrance Bennet." He bowed to me and I did the same, smiling.

"Thank you for the opportunity Mr. Bennet." I said and he smiled at me.

"Please, just call me Terry." He laughed and rubbed his neck. I smiled. I spent half the day talking to the man. He showed me around the dojo and I expressed my embarrassment for not knowing it was a children only dojo. I learned that he knows little in ninjitsu but mostly in taijitsu and he mainly keeps the dojo in order.

He even told me where I could look for possible houses, because of my Japanese culture and I greatly appreciated it. I spent the next few weeks getting my new life together. I now had a job, a job with children. I had a new house, one I was proud of and fixed up accordingly. I got a new car, a black Altima Sedan.

It took me awhile, but I adjusted and I even started to feel better. But I was still lonely, and no matter what I couldn't figure out what I needed. And I still didn't know, until around a decade later.

When I met that remarkable young boy.

(8 years later)

"Ah, I see, so you've been feeling down in the dumps?" Frank asked me. We were both sitting in a place called 'Starbucks'. I looked down at my mocha latte. I was more of a tea person but I drank it for the sake of Frank.

"Down in the dumps? I am unfamiliar with the phrase." I said cocking my head to the side. Frank laughed and tapped the table with his fingers.

"It means you're upset? Or ya are lonely maybe?" He asked with narrowed eyes. Frank has been my friend for a while now, since I met him that night. I only had him and also Terry as friends in my new life.

"I have to admit it's been very lonely." I said sheepishly, ducking my head a bit. Frank smiled kindly.

"Maybe ya need to get back out there?" He asked and noticing my confused expression he added, "Date women again?" My heart constricted. I had told my friends of my wife and her death but not the circumstances surrounding it.

"Tang Shen was the love of my life. I could never fully commit myself to another woman again." I replied instantly, sighing. Frank nodded while setting his coffee aside.

"Then maybe ya should adopt!" He said and the idea shocked me. He laughed at whatever expression I had. "No, I mean it man! You like kids a lot, why not adopt one?"

More pain bloomed in my chest as I thought of Teng Shen and Miwa. But maybe…I just do not see how I could do it, knowing I never got to raise my own daughter.

"Ah, maybe. I will consider it." I smiled for the sake of Frank again. He nodded and then looked at his phone.

"Oh lord! It's about to be 9, man!" He shouted and my eyes widened. I had lost track of time with Frank, which was unusual with me. I stood and grabbed my drink. "See ya later?"

"Yes, thanks Frank." I smiled and rushed off to my car, starting the engine, and taking off so I wouldn't be late teaching my morning class. I only had morning classes Saturday's because then the kids don't have school. Every other time classes start at 5 till 7.

Once I was at Terry's dojo I calmly entered and found the children were just now going to change into their white robes. I spotted Terry just as I grabbed my own clothes.

"Ah, Yoshi! You scared me, I thought something happened." Terry chuckled nervously. He patted my shoulder and I smiled.

"Sorry, I was just with Frank." I apologized and understanding lit up in his eyes. Frank and Terry also became friends through me.

"That stupid idiot." He muttered while trying not to smirk. "Well they are all ready for you, I'm off to eat!" I nodded as I walked away into a room to change into my famous Maroon robe with my clan's symbol on the back.

"Hello children." I smiled kindly while they bowed at the waist to me. I got in front of them with my hands folded behind my back. "Let us begin with your stretches."

The children smiled or nodded respectively and began doing just that while I examined them. I corrected stances when needed and out of the corner of my eye I spotted my star pupil and smiled.

This particular boy never missed a day for the world and seemed to have a love for the martial arts. He was a private young boy for being 8 years old and was certainly what was called a 'loner'. He had dark mousey brown hair that swept across his forehead and very focused deep ocean blue eyes.

"Ah, good job Leonardo." I complimented and he beamed like he couldn't help it.

"Thanks, Master Splinter!" He smiled even more wide now. I have developed a new name thanks to the boy, so the other children adopted on this too. But it's not like I minded, it was an interesting name.

The rest of the time was spent going through various katas. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Leonardo, who did the katas fluidly and skillfully even for his age. There was just something about this boy, I could tell he had raw talent and leadership skills.

"Class is dismissed. You all did well today." I smiled warmly at them all.

"Hai, thanks Sensei!" They giggled and half bowed. I nodded my head and they all stood, talking at once and getting ready for their parents.

"Hey Leo, thanks for your advice, I did much better today!" A black haired boy shrieked in delight and I smiled, watching the display. Leonardo had a shy smile on his face but he rubbed the boy's hair. And then there was that. I noticed Leonardo had a 'big brother' persona, despite being an only child as far as I knew.

I watched and helped every child along, making sure they all went home safely with their parent or guardians. I turned and was surprised to see Leonardo the only one left. He had a distant look on his face, one that left me with a weird feeling, one that made me feel even lonelier.

I walked up and sat beside him. He looked like he was desperately trying to compose himself. "Leonardo, where are your parents?" He looked up, like he was ashamed.

"Um, I don't…" He looked lost at what to say, but noticing my expression he sighed. "I don't have parents…" He added it in such a low voice. My heart began to ache for the child but I was also completely shocked.

"But, the woman I see picking you up..?" I asked confused.

"Oh, that's the guardian at my foster home." He replied with a polite smile. I hope my upset feelings weren't making their way to my face. He looked down again and was disheartened. "She forgot about me again…."

"Excuse me?" I asked, confused and hurt for the boy. But my tone came off in disbelief.

"I-I mean, she has a lot of kids in the foster house, ya know?" He amended with a lonely look. "But she forgot that I had martial arts this morning. Now she will be mad…"

"My child that is not your fault." I frowned. Leonardo nodded but then he started to tear up. I frowned in sadness and opened my arms for the boy, who in turn just hugged my torso hard and cried a bit, since it was only us two.

"I-I'm sorry, I h-hate crying!" He sobbed, rubbing his face in my robe. Most of the time when I talked with him he was much more quiet and reserved.

"Leonardo, it is better to cry than to hold it in. Never be ashamed of crying." I told him and he nodded. I wiped his tears with my thumbs. "You do not deserve such pain at a young age."

"I-I'm just tired of b-being there. Left and r-right I see people a-adopted, but not m-me. What's w-wrong with me?" He asked hopelessly in the air and my heart constricted again.

"Absolutely nothing, my child. You are not happy in your foster house?" I asked with a frown. He shook his head and sighed, obviously feeling better that I listened to him.

"Thanks Master Splinter." He smiled while standing up. I looked outside and noticed the car was out front for him, honking. "If I had a Dad out there, I'd want him to be just like you."

I sat there in stunned silence as I watched Leonardo rush out and hop into the car, it driving out of my view. Tears filled my eyes at what he told me. No one has ever said anything like that to me.

I realized again with a start that Leonardo was in a foster home, not belonging to a family and here I always felt something different about him. I was always comfortable around him.

Then I remembered what Frank said, 'Maybe you should adopt?' and I put my hands to my face. I could bring it up tomorrow morning to him and see if he'd like to come home with me from now on. After all, Leonardo is a remarkable child.

"Man, Subway is officially the best. I mean it has everything! I met up with Frank, he's here too, so we..-Yoshi?" Terry came in with Frank and they both looked down at me surprised. I blinked up at them and smiled.

"I think I am considering adoption." I told them and I watched Frank beam and the color left Terry's face.

"I…never knew." Terry said in disbelief and we both looked confused. "Who's the girl?"

"Excuse me?" I asked still confused but Frank started barking out in laughter.

"No, stupid, he means adopting a child!" Frank explained and I flushed at the implication. Terry blushed and then smiled at me.

"Oh! Well what brought this along?" Terry asked diving into some Doritos.

"Frank gave me the idea. There is this boy I want to adopt. Leonardo." I smiled when Terry blinked in shock and Frank smiled. "I learned today that he is unhappy in his foster home."

"Man, you know, that is actually perfect! I approve!" Terry gave me a thumbs up and I laughed.

"When are ya telling him?" Frank asked, crossing his arms in curiosity.

"Tomorrow, I will ask him what he thinks of the idea." I smiled and they both nodded, smiling back.

I couldn't help but think one thing: I would have someone to take care of again.

Leonardo's P.O.V

I sighed as I finished putting my white robe on. This Sunday morning I'd at least get to go back to Master Bennet and Master Splinter's dojo.

I'm upset again, like usual, because I had a nightmare. The same one I always have. I'm getting chased by a person unknown and I couldn't protect myself. I get called paranoid but that's one reason I adore ninjitsu.

But it's something I'm naturally good at. Plus I want to be able to fight, just like Captain Ryan! He's so awesome in Space Heroes, I wish he was real!

"Leo, the car is around front." Lilly told me, around the corner. I smiled down at her, since she is only 4, and rubbed her hair. It was well known within the house that I took care of the younger ones. The older ones just helped me, or others left it up to me because I was only 8 years old.

"Thanks Lil." I replied while running down. I got into the car and got excited as I came close to the dojo. I felt more home there than anywhere else, plus it was fun to talk with Master Splinter, I've always loved hanging around Sensei!

I rushed inside and began doing stretches with the other kids. I saw Master Splinter come out in his red robe and we bowed at him. "Good morning children."

"Good morning Sensei!" We replied and sat upright. He smiled back at us and scanned to make sure everyone was here. My smile widened as he looked at me. "Today we are sparring in pairs."

I got excited as I watched other kids spar against each other, practicing their moves and their katas. Then as usual, because I earned top of the class, the winner got to spar against me. "Very good Nick. Leonardo, come forth."

I bowed respectively and got up, on the other end of Nick. "Hajime!" I rushed forth and went to hit him but he blocked and sent a kick towards me. I moved to the right and then chopped at his other hand, landing a blow. He hissed and then jumped backwards. He rushed for me this time and I dodged swiftly and spun on one foot, turning, and kicking Nick in the chest. He fell on the ground in shock.

The kids cheered for me and Master Splinter smiled warmly at me. I blushed from the attention and rubbed my hair. I smiled. "Winner is Leonardo. I see you have been studying hard."

"Hai, Sensei." I smiled again and bowed.

"Good job everyone. As long as you practice your katas at home you will succeed. Class dismissed." Master Splinter smiled at us all and we bowed. Kids began to talking to each other and I felt envious. I had no friends, which is probably why I always tried to take care of the kids at home. But I always felt lonely, like something was never right, like I was missing something important.

I had this ache that would spring up at random, it felt like my heart was screaming at me sometimes. I blinked in surprise as Master Splinter sat beside me, just like yesterday, arms folded in his lap. "Master Splinter?"

"How are you feeling today Leonardo?" He asked and I blushed, looking away.

"I'm okay, thanks. And sorry about-" He stopped me with a hand.

"No need for apologies my child. I understand the burden of being lonely." He replied and I blinked, unsure if he meant to share that with me or not.

"You're lonely, Sensei?" I asked in surprise. He just smiled at me and rubbed his chin.

"Leonardo, how would you feel if you could come live with me?" He asked with a fond smile. I blinked so hard that it hurt for a minute. Hope bloomed in my chest but I forced it down.

"Y-You want me to l-live with you?" I asked and hated the way I sounded.

"I meditated on it heavily and I wish to adopt you, if you like." He nodded and smiled. I felt a wide grin spread on my face at the man I've adored since kindergarten. I jumped into his open arms and hugged him like he was my own real Father.

"Yes! I would love to live with you, Sensei!" I cried and I hugged him harder. I could swear I felt a tear hit my shoulder, but I wasn't sure. "When can I?"

"I have to do the paperwork with the public agency and they will decide after the process when you can live with me." He replied and I smiled wide.

"I can't wait!" I said and then heard my ride outside. I blinked and looked up at him. "What about my foster home's caretaker?"

"I will speak to her, I have her number. I will take care of everything and soon, you will be my son." Sensei smiled and I hugged him again, feeling overjoyed that someone wanted me. "I will see you tomorrow afternoon, Leonardo." I nodded eagerly and then rushed outside.

My loneliness let up a little at the thought of always being with Master Splinter. It was like that's how it was supposed to be. But in my mind something else was still missing too.

Flash-forward: Six years later (The boys are 14 almost 15)

"Sensei?" I asked while walking into our home's dojo. Our house was really big, almost all the rooms were spacey; something I always loved as a child. Most of the floors were wooden or concrete, only the dojo had a creamy white carpet and Japanese sliding doors.

We had a small kitchenette with well-kept equipment and an island with stools. After the kitchen there was a spacious living room with a big TV and my PlayStation 3. Beyond that was a huge storage room, since we had no attic. Beyond that was the bathroom with me, and four other rooms. One was mine, the others were guest rooms for usually Master Terry and Frank.

"Leonardo?" Master Splinter turned around the corner behind me and I blinked. Then I smiled softly when he handed me some tea and we sat in front of the tree he had planted inside our house. "Is something wrong, my son?"

"Nothing's wrong Sensei, it's just the first day of high school…." I blushed while looking down at the warm tea. Master Splinter smiled and put a hand on my shoulder.

"It will be a fresh start for you, my son. This is the golden opportunity to make friends, decent grades and find your purpose." He told me while looking at his own tea.

"I am not too good at making friends…but maybe you're right." I smiled while standing, drinking my tea in a hurry, and grabbing my dark blue backpack. "Thanks for the tea, Sensei, I got to go."

"Alright Leonardo, I'll be home at five today, because of the rain we are supposed to have." Master Splinter replied while I nodded. He still taught at my old dojo in town.

"Okay Sensei, I'll be here." I replied while walking away.

"Leonardo." I stopped and looked behind me again. He was smiling fondly with his hands folded behind his back. "Be careful and good luck, my son." I smiled back.

"Arigato." I flashed a brighter smile and rushed out of the house. Okay Leo, you can do this, don't get nervous…

I rushed to school, even though there was no hurry. I lived a just a few streets from school, which made it easier with Sensei's schedule and mine. I walked to school unless the weather was harsh.

When the gates to my school came up, I fidgeted nervously with my clothes. I decided on a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and a navy blue button up that I decided unbuttoning. I looked down at my black shoes and sighed.

I saw crowds of people, most of them in cliques and with their friends. I saw familiar people from middle school, of course, but it was fun to people-watch the new ones.

Like the fool I am, I bumped into someone right after coming through the steps and into the metal detectors. "Oh, god, I'm sorry!"

The girl turned in surprise. I noticed she was pretty, which immediately added to my humiliation. She had auburn red hair, freckles on her cheeks and nose ridge, topped with light blue eyes. "Oh, it's no problem. Sorry." She smiled politely and made her way like she was looking for someone.

I blinked after her, thanking god that she was polite and not one of those bullies you see in all the movies. Which reminds me, I gotta stop watching so much sci-fi…

"Ya just gonna stand there all day or let people through?" A rough voice asked impatiently. It was then I realized I was still standing, partially in the way. The boy that was standing there looked anything but nice, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. He had sun blonde hair and emerald green eyes that were somewhat piercing through me. I noticed that the guy was an inch shorter than me but stockier, he must have had a bit more muscles too.

"Uh, sorry." I muttered while moving away, not wanting any unwanted attention. The guy eyeballed me one more time and then moved away. I let out a breath, not because I was scared or intimated, but because I dodged a bullet in starting a fight.

The rest of the day was uneventful for me. I was already used to my new locker and schedule, so I adjusted easily. I was in a lot of honor classes, such as honor's English and History, but I didn't dare take honors Science or Math, I was more of the liberal arts guy. I sat alone at lunch, trying not to feel sorry for myself, but I felt better by the time the last bell rang.

"Thank god…" I muttered to myself, feeling uneasy. I walked straight out after grabbing the necessary books. I walked out and just tried to look polite whenever someone looked at me and smiled.

I walked out from the back, where no one was around so I could take the easy route back home.

"Hey, leave me alone!" I jolted to a complete stop as I stared in stunned surprise at the scene in front of me. There was a group of boys, I'm sure they weren't freshman like me either. They were ganging up on someone that was much was clear. But it was the voice that stopped me like ice in my veins. Then that boy from earlier started fighting them, throwing punches skillfully but there were a lot of seniors. "Quit it! Ya losers got nothing better ta do?!"

I heard laughing and my stomach clenched along with my fists. My hero-complex was biting me in the butt big time. Sorry, Master Splinter.

"Hey! Leave that boy alone!" I screamed while crossing my arms to hide my clenched fists. The group turned to me in surprise. They were holding the boy down, which was funny because the boy was so strong they needed 5 of them to hold him down. And they were seniors. That's pretty sad.

"Oh, look who wants to play hero?" One chuckled while standing up. They hauled the blonde boy to his feet and he was beat pretty badly. He had a bruise on his cheekbone and various bruises on his arms and shoulders. I began to shake hard, for a reason unknown to me.

"I'll say it one more time. Let the boy down or you'll wish you did." I glared hatefully, my fists clenched and my backpack forgotten in the dirt. The green-eyed boy looked surprised but didn't say anything to stop me, in fact he looked interested in what I'd do.

"We ain't scared of a small little freshman!" The senior said while flushing in anger at me. I blinked, wondering how someone could be so stupid.

"Okay, I warned you." I simply stated after rushing towards the group with speed that made them gasp. I only used one hand to grab the blonde boy and used my other fist to punch them all in the face and swing around, kicking the leader down into the dirt.

Then it was just them groaning at my feet and I wiped my hands. The blonde boy looked surprise and then kicked each of them, smirking. "Dang, and here I thought ya were a sniveling weak kid." I rolled my eyes. "You got some skills, Fearless!"

"My names not Fearless, its Leonardo, call me Leo." I said surprised that my usual quiet and slightly shy demeanor wasn't showing around this kid.

"Yea whatever," He said scowling at the guys.

"Why were they ganging up on you?" I asked curiously. He scowled at me and I just blinked back.

"Non'ya business Fearless." He replied and my eye twitched. Then I noticed a cut on his arm, one that wasn't deep but was still bleeding. I gasped. "What?"

"Your arm is bleeding!" I pointed out and he cursed saying something about someone being mad at him. I felt myself feel bad for him. "Listen, come to my house, I can patch that up for you." He looked at me like I was crazy.

"I don't know ya…" He replied with an angry scowl. I stopped him with a scowl of my own.

"Listen, we need to clean it. If it helps, I got food at my house you can eat." I offered and watched his eyes light up.

"Fine, since ya look like the type to not take no for an answer." He sighed and I smiled. I went back for my bag and looked at him beckoning him to follow me.

He was silent the whole time, his cheek was swelling. He had his hands in the pocket of his red hoodie which was ripped to make it a short sleeved one. He had black jeans on and red converse. I had to admire his cool demeanor.

"And here we are." I smiled behind me at him. He blinked with wide eyes. I chuckled as he was awe-struck at my house.

"Dude, ya live here?!"

"Yep!" I said and then stared off into the floor. "Well, sit on the couch I'll be right back. Oh, and what do you want to eat?" He looked highly embarrassed and out of his element.

"Do ya have any pizza?" He asked and I stood there, staring at him. "What, ya asked me!"

"No, it's just…" I laughed before finishing. "I love pizza too! So of course we have some, what kind do you want?" He shrugged.

"Pepperoni or sausage is ma favorite." He said with a smile.

"Ah, a meat lover, okay." I chuckled when he glared at me. I walked away and grabbed a box of pizza, preheating the oven and then rushing towards my bathroom for the first aide.

"Ya must have a big family." He told me when I sat down next to him. He relinquished his arm, still glaring at me. But in his eyes I detected loneliness and sadness which kind of threw me off guard.

"Not really. It's just me and my Sensei." I replied while focusing on cleaning his cut. He didn't even flinch or hiss at all. He looked thoughtful as I wrapped his arm with a white bandage.

"Sensei, huh? So you into fighting too?" He asked sounding more curious than I'm sure he wanted to let on. I grinned, happy that he wasn't making fun.

"Yeah, I've been learning martial arts since I was five." I said while leaning back, giving him space. He automatically looked a bit more comfortable. But then he looked like he was shocked, he turned to me. "What?"

"That's just surprising ta hear. I took martial arts too." He grinned at whatever he was remembering. I blinked in stunned surprise. "Since I was six."

"Then why did you let yourself get ganged up on!?" I blurted and then held my mouth, blushing. The blonde boy laughed hard and but still looked annoyed.

"A long story, but I basically asked fer it." He looked away now and I didn't want to pry.

I heard the alarm on the stove go off and then cursed, rushing in to put the pizza in the oven. Then I turned the oven light on so I could watch it like a hawk.

"I take it ya can't cook?" I turned to see the boy leaning on the wall, smirking in amusement. I blushed and felt annoyed.

"So what? Not everyone can cook!" I defended and he grinned even wider.

"Whatever you say Fearless. Just don' burn it." He replied while chuckling. I fumed and crossed my arms.

"Whatever," I pouted while turning so he couldn't see my face. "What's your name anyway?" The amusement wiped off his face quickly.

"Just call me Raph." He replied and I blinked. I slanted my head and he sighed. "Short fer Raphael, okay?"

"That's a cool name." I grinned. "At least I'm not alone in the long name department or historical names!" Raphael seemed to realize this too cause he rolled his eyes.

"Right…." He walked up to me and looked into the stove. "So if it's just ya and yer Sensei, why is tha place so big?"

"I actually don't know. Master Splinter already had this place when he adopted me." I said aloud and Raph looked at me in surprise.

"You're adopted?" He asked carefully and I nodded. I wasn't too ashamed of saying it out loud anymore. And for some reason I was comfortable around Raph. "Same...me too."

"Really?" I blinked in surprise. He nodded with a scowl on his face. I looked and saw the cheese melting so I looked at the time. When I looked back I noticed Raph looked distant again and angry so I changed the subject. "Have you ever seen Space Heroes?"

"Space Heroes..? No I haven't." He said confused and I smiled.

"Well you are now!" I grinned and he rose an eyebrow. I took the pizza out and let it cool before we grabbed some and planted ourselves on the huge gray couch.

I put in the old tapes and began to play them, sitting cross legged on the couch with him. He immediately started laughing at the opening credits and I couldn't help but do the same.

"This looks so stupid, oh my god!" He laughed and I actually didn't take offense. I was just happy to watch it with someone else.

Raphael may act tough, but I think he wants a friend as much as I do.

Splinter's P.O.V

I got out of my Sedan and locked my car, walking to the front door to my house. Leonardo should be home, since it was 5:13 p.m. now and I was anxious to hear about his day.

But nothing prepared me for scene when I walked in. I opened the door and saw Leonardo with some blonde boy. They both looked up with wide eyes when I came in.

What surprised me was the boy looked like Leonardo but was a bit more muscular and had blonde hair with green eyes, which I detected flicks of amber in them just like in Leonardo's deep blue. "Who is this young man?"

The boy looked all out of his element all of a sudden and in the background I saw Space Heroes playing. Leonardo suddenly grinned brightly and stood up to face me.

"Welcome home Sensei! This is Raphael!" Leonardo introduced me. Raphael blinked and then surprised me when he bowed half at the waist.

"Hey…" He replied coolly when he came back up. I saw the bruises on his face and everywhere else, he was littered with band aides and a white bandage on his arm.

"What happened?" I asked concerned for the boy. He blinked his surprise but scowled.

"Nothin', just a fight. Fearless here helped out." Raphael mentioned and I looked at Leonardo, who shifted his feet and sent a look to the boy.

"I see. Well I am glad you two were not seriously harmed." I replied and watched both of their eyes brighten. I smiled. "So you were showing your new friend Space Heroes?"

Leonardo smiled and Raphael blushed at the 'new friend' part. "Yea, he thinks it's stupid though. He's been laughing and making fun of me!"

"Cause it is stupid! Have you tried watchin wrestling?" Raph gleamed and then grinned. I watched in surprise and warmth bloomed in my chest to see Leonardo interact with this new friend of his. Raphael seemed comfortable with Leonardo but looked like the type with a temper.

I watched for a moment longer before Leonardo turned back to me. "Raph knows ninjitsu too, Sensei! He learned in a different dojo though." I stared at the boy in wonder and he nodded, feeling embarrassed.

"I see. That is delightful! I do not know many children in the area that learn ninjitsu for an extended time or out of childhood. I would love to see you two spar one day." I replied folding my hands. They both looked at each other and grinned challengingly.

Then I knew, I'll have my hands full with these two.

So what did you guys think? I'm sorry for all the time-skips but I had to show how everything came together somehow! :D

Thank you for reading and if you review, thanks! STAY AWESOME! :3