Authors notes- I do not own the TMNT or any of their compadres.

Thanks so much to all of my reviewers, Kyabetsu, Ruby Roo and Chibilover especially

Let what is past, flow away downstream.

Raph and I walk home, hand in hand, with me listening intently as he talks about his family.

"I know exactly what Mike will be like, he'll constantly be askin' "have ya got laid yet? Raph? Raphy boy, did ya get laid last night? Huh?" an' Donny will probably start thinkin' 'bout the chances of… well, whatever he can in our relationship…"

"Like the possibility of children?" I smile at Raph who's features turn from calm to absolute panic.

"Kids? Whoa no no no!"

"I didn't mean yet! Calm down. Besides, I think you'd be a great dad."

"Heh, if ya think so." I see Raph's mind ticking away still.

"What about Leo? What will he be like?"

"Pssh, Leo will just have that big cocky, smug smile on his face as if ta say 'I told ya so' an' then I'll have to live with him bein' right 'bout somethin' AGAIN."

I giggle and squeeze Raph's hand. He looks down at me and grins.

"How about Splinter?"

"I dunno, never really thought 'bout it seein' as we've never had any girls to go out with. Jeez, I thought I might hafta end up goin' out with Mikey ta get any action, an' I think I'd rather just chop off my-"

"Yeah, okay, I get the picture!" I giggle.

"I guess it's up to good ol' sensei ta know if we can actually be together. My bro's have no objections, I know that already, but, he might not approve. He might think you have no idea what you're gettin' into an' tell us ta cool it for a while at least. I just hope he don't."

"I'm sure he won't."

We wander the rest of way back home, both silently contemplating. We near the entrance of the lair, no noise to be heard. We go inside, Raph closing the door whilst I wander into the kitchen. I reach for the light switch and yawn sleepily. I startle as the lights flicker on, I register the figure sitting at the table, flicking his tail.

"Sorry musume I did not wish to startle you."

"It's okay sensei." I stand in the door awkwardly, realising what a state I must be in. Splinter eyes up my torn pyjamas as Raph comes up behind me, slinking his arms around my waist and putting his head on my shoulder. His eyes follow mine to see his father sitting at the table. He jumps, pulling away his arms, to rub at the back of his neck nervously.

"Master Splinter! Uh, you're up late…"

"I was waiting for the return of my besotted children." His old face creases into a smile. Raph and I look at each other and smile too. "I am pleased for you Raphael, Karma. I was wondering if you would find a suitable partner in one of my sons and I think Raphael could be no better for you Karma."

Raph frowns.

"Why sensei?"

"My son, I know in my heart you will help her grow and hopefully give her some of your confidence that she needs. I know you are not the most patient Raphael, but with Karma you must be. It is clear she needs somebody there for her and she has chosen you to do that. Do not take that for granted. She is your calming influence, your brothers and I have seen the change in your temper. Yes, whilst you still may not be as calm as Donatello, you are certainly not as fiery as you once were. I am very happy that you two have become one."

"Thanks sensei." Raph grins, slinking his arms around my waist once again.

"Thank you master." I smile.

"I would like to talk to Karma privately Raphael."

"Okay, I was goin' ta bed anyway. Good night Karm." Raph kisses my cheek and draws his arms back.

"Night Raph, sweet dreams." I turn to watch him leave and he winks at me. My heart flutters and I smile. Turning my attention back to Splinter, I take a seat opposite him at the table.

"What did you want to talk to me about master?"

Splinter exhales slowly.

"I sense you are still troubled by your past my daughter. Where did you go tonight?" He says, even though I'm sure he already knows the answer.

"I went back to Stockman's lab." I say quietly, avoiding Splinter's eyes.

"Do you know of what things were done to you there?" Out of the corner of my eye, I see his paws reach across the table to me. I give him my hands to hold, and with tears burning at my eyes, I look up at him nodding. "You must forgive and forget those who wronged you, even though you may encounter them in the future. I know you are finding it hard to find strength in yourself, but through Raphael, I am sure you will regain it. Something tells me you are not the person you could be. Give yourself time, and try to let the past go. As the Japanese proverb says, 'let what is past, flow away downstream'."

Tears trickle down my cheeks and I can't help myself getting up to throw my arms around Splinter's neck in a warm hug.

"Thank you, thank you so much, you don't know what you've done for me, I will always remember this generosity from you Splinter san."

"And I will always remember what you have done for my sons Karma, Raphael especially. You have a special place in his heart, as well as Leonardo's, Donatello's, Michelangelo's and my own." His paws stroke my shell comfortingly. I break away, still sniffling slightly. "You should rest now, you'll be joining the boys in their training tomorrow. Leonardo told me of the skill you showed whilst helping to rescue Raphael."

"Thank you sensei." I bow and hear him pick up his walking stick, as well as the tap on the floor from it as he moves towards me. He places a hand on my shoulder and I straighten up.

"Good night Karma."

"Good night master."

I exit the kitchen and make my way upstairs to my room. I decide to stop in on Raph just before going to bed, but as I stand outside soft snoring comes from inside. Smiling, I make my way to my room to change my pyjamas. I head to the bathroom to wash my face and comb my hair. As I look in the mirror combing my unkempt hair, I smile at the realisation that my life will be better from now on.

'It's gunna be okay. Things are looking up. I don't have to go back to Stockman's, the boys won't let me… I won't let me. I have my big brothers Leo, Don & Mikey… Then there's Raph… he's gunna look after me. I'm gunna be happy.'

I wash my face and then grab a fluffy towel to dry myself. The murky water drains away down the sink and as I make my way back to my room, a sleepy Mikey makes his way to the bathroom. He rubs at his eyes, then grins sleepily when he takes his hands away.

"Hiya Karmy."

"Hey Mikey."

"I take it you were out with Raph." A devilish smirk comes to his face and I roll my eyes, smiling.

"Yeah I was."

"So…? Did ya get laid? Did ya? Did ya? Did ya?"

I punch his arm playfully.

"Mikey, you're such a lovable moron."

"And Karma, you're so weird, c'mon, you have the hots for Raph!"

I giggle and Mikey chuckles.

"They say karma is a funny thing, why should I be any different?"

"You shouldn't, we love ya the way you are." He grins at me.

"Back at ya, littlest big brother." I smile.

"G'night Karmy."

"Night Mikey."

We each go our separate ways, him sluggishly walking to the bathroom and myself walking in a daze to my room. I snuggle down in my bed and sigh contentedly, completely happy for the very first time in my life.