The ULTIMATE Story Chp. 12

     "And Trent just freaked out?" Donnie laughed as he lay on Squirrel's bed as Squirrel sat beside him.
     "Yeah," she giggled, "the puffer fish incident has truly traumatized him."
     "Poor guy," he chuckled, "he's got to eat sushi some time."
     "He'll adapt," Squirrel sighed before she got off the bed and made her way to her dresser.
     Donnie's eyes widened when she stripped herself of her Japanese robe, revealing herself in a lace bra and panties. Though this wasn't the first time he had seen Squirrel in her under-clothes---and even without clothes---Donnie always had that feeling of adornment for her body. Smooth fur upon skin, incredible curves, an ever slim waist-
     She had a beautiful body, a precious object Donnie was thankful to ever have and to hold.
     When Squirrel looked his way, he quickly averted his eyes, unable to hide his blush.
     "It's okay, techie," she softly with a smile, "it's not like you haven't seen me in lingerie before." She hid her blush.
     "I know," he said sheepishly, "I just thought you didn't like being stared at…"
     "I don't mind it when you look at me," she said sweetly, "makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world…" She lightly ran a hand through her hair, smiling at him with a hint of shyness.
     Donnie felt his heart flutter in his chest, seeing Squirrel give him her wonderful smile. And before he knew it, he was walking across the room and had wrapped his arms around Squirrel, who hadn't even put any night clothes yet. But she welcomed the embrace like she knew it was coming. Her hands lay atop of his as she gently lay her nose against the pulse of his neck, her loose blonde hair brushing against his skin, sending out sounds of churring to escape from her beloved's lips.
     "Squirrel…" Donnie murmured as he nuzzled his beak against her neck, pressing her against his plastron , "I…I don't think I can wait anymore…"
     Squirrel looked up at him, stroking his large hands as they placed themselves on her waist. She understood what he meant. The night they had begun their new relationship, they had discussed things over that they wouldn't take the next step until they were ready.
     Squirrel was more than ready.
     "I…" Donnie released himself from Squirrel and slowly backed away, his eyes widening.
     "Donnie?" Squirrel began, taking a few steps closer, eyes filled with concern.
      Donnie was mentally kicking himself for acting so ridiculous and needy."I…I should probably leave." Before he could walk away, Squirrel placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, stopping him in place.
     "Donnie?" She asked softly.
     Donnie turned to look at her, fearing he had done something wrong.
     "I can't wait anymore, either."
     Donnie's eyes widened. He watched as she slowly walked passed him, her eyes never leaving his, as she lay on the bed, arms reaching out to him.
     "I want you, Donatello Hamato," she said softly.
     As much as Donnie wanted to just jump onto the bed and make her his, now that they both knew the moment had come, he didn't want to hurt her; he just slowly walked over to the bed and lay himself beside her, eyes showing his worry.
     "I'm nervous," he said softly, sounding as if he would weep.
     Squirrel smiled softly before tracing her fingers along the edges of his mask, kissing his cheek before kissing his lips.
     "I am, too," she told him softly, "but I know nothing bad will ever happen."
     "You sure?" He asked, unable to hide the growl in his voice, trying to keep himself under control despite his desire for her.
     Squirrel nodded as she gently lifted the mask to show the face she so adored.
     "Yes."



     "I really love what you're wearing, babe," Raph said as he came from behind Eva and wrapped his arms around her.
     "You do?" She smiled as she basked in his warmth.
     "Shell yeah…" he murmured against her hair, "dang, you should wear black more often, Eves…and your hair…it's sexier when it's down, babe…"
     Eva chuckled and sighed as he nuzzled his beak against her neck. "Mmm, Raph…"
     Suddenly, she felt his arms leave her waist, leaving her completely bereft. Confused, Eva turned to see Raph, taking deep breaths as if trying to keep himself under control.
     "Raph?" She asked. "What is it? Did I do something wrong?"
     Raph slowly shook his head. "No, it's just…" He slowly took a few steps back…putting  some distance between them,."I just, tonight…I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands to myself…"
     Eva looked at him, not frightened but understanding. "Oh…"
     "I don't want to hurt you, Eves," he told her softly, "I don't want to mess things up with you like how Justin did, only worse." He lowered his head. "I love you too much and I just…" he groaned in aggravation, unable to form words, as he turned around so he wouldn't look at her.
     Eva just stood there, staring at Raph. Hands laying on her heart, Eva took time to think it over. Justin was a jerk, he took advantage of her, but not physically. Raph…he didn't ask for anything from Eva, instead he always did things for her, even when she didn't ask for it. Unlike any guy Eva was even lucky to be with, Raph understood her likes and dislikes, her hopes and fears, her tender softness under her hard exterior.
     He cared about her, just like he cared about her innocence and was willing to back away from it, away from her.
     Eva smiled softly to herself, a small tear sliding down her cheek, knowing deep down what she wanted to do.
     "Raph?"
     "Yeah?" He turned to look at her.
     "You won't mess things up."
     His eyes widened. Before he could say anything, Eva broke the distance between them and embraced him…he welcomed it.
     "I don't want to-" Raph began but Eva silenced him with a kiss.
     After the kiss broke, she smiled at him. "How can you be so selfless?"
     Raph blushed, chuckling. "Because I love you."
     Eva sighed in content as she nuzzled her lips against his neck, letting churs to escape from his mouth.
     "I do, too," she said softly, "so show me you love me." And she placed her arms around his neck, attempting to untie his mask and let it fall to the floor, seeing his beautiful face.
     "Sure, Eves?" He asked carefully, unable to hide the growl in his voice.
     "Yeah," Eva nodded, her eyes never leaving his, "I'm sure."



     "Too bad Mrs. Duck couldn't find any orange silk," Meg sighed as she and Mikey lay on the bed while watching the news, "I would have loved to wear orange tonight…"
     "Hey, you still look hot in pink," he told her with a smirk.
     "I've worn way too much pink," she giggled.
     "That must mean you're tickled pink?" He said slyly.
     Before Meg could stop herself, Mikey began to tickle her stomach, making her laugh and writhe in excitement. Mikey laughed and continued tickling her, showering her face with kisses. He immediately stopped when he found himself laying on top of her, his face inches from hers. Meg smiled up at him, her face flushed from all the tickling.
     "I…" Mikey began nervously, "I should get off…" he was met with resistance when Meg gripped his shoulders when he attempted to roll them on their sides.
     "Please…" Meg pleaded softly, "stay…"
     "But, cutie," Mikey said nervously, "this almost things like we might be-"
     "What if it is?" Meg asked, smiling.
     Mikey's eyes widened. "You mean…?"
     Meg chuckled before tracing the ridges of his mask. "Mikey, for years, love has hit me hard and left me with everlasting salt on my wounds…literally." She sighed. "But now…now I know what love is, and I want to know more…" She smiled at him. "…with you."
     Mikey felt his face heat up, allowing Meg to remove his orange mask and set it gently next her. Despite his growing desire for his lovely girl, Mikey controlled himself, not wanting to rush into anything. He reached down and slowly removed her glasses, placing them on the table beside the bed.
     "Won't I hurt you?" He asked, looking into her eyes. "I mean, it's not too late to back out-"
     "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her heart fluttering with the knowledge and adoration for Mikey's sweetness and concern, "I just want to be with you."
     Mikey couldn't help but smile, a lone tear sliding down his cheek as he gazed at the girl that had captured his heart. Meg leaned her head up and kissed his tear away, stroking the back of his neck and bald head.
     She had associated with sex before, but every single one of those times were either tainted, dirty, or unaffectionate. But Mikey…she knew he was the one; he didn't make her feel wrong or dirty or hideous. He made her feel beautiful and happy and safe and full of hope.
     Now that the moment had come, she knew he would make her feel even more wonderful.
     "I love you, Mikester," she told him softly.
     "Cowabunga," he murmured against her lips before claiming them, his hands sliding down her waist.



     Leo sat at his bed, polishing his katanas when there came a knock on the door.
     "Leo?" It was Cat, and Hare and Raccoon appeared to be right behind her.
     "Hey, girls," he greeted before placing his weapons away, "something wrong?"
     "Can't sleep," Hare mumbled.
     Leo chuckled. "See, that is why kids should never drink coffee."
     "How did you know we were drinking coffee?" Raccoon blurted.
     "Seriously," Leo rolled his eyes, "use a cup to pick up the coffee mix next time, I can smell it off you guys."
     "Some plan, Cat," Hare muttered.
     "Could you read us a story?" Raccoon asked, holding out a large book to Leo as she and the girls gathered around him.
     "Sure thing," he said, taking the book while the girls climbed up the bed and sat with him, "are these fairytales?"
     "Some boring, old trash we picked from Squirrel's pile of books," Hare responded, "this stuff's suppose to be about some girl named Annie Frank or whatever…"
     "Anne Frank," Leo corrected, reading the cover, "and this is a diary that was published after her death."
     "What's the fun in reading a person's diary when that person's already dead?" Cat whined. "There's no fun in that."
     "This isn't like a regular diary," Leo told her as he opened the book, "it was written during the second war, and she and her family were hiding."
     "Like us?" Raccoon asked, eyes widening.
     "Sort of," he replied, "but it's not like there's war going on."
     "Unless you count Baboon's army of ninja monkeys and everything else," Hare said.
     "Here's a nice entry," Leo said as he read aloud, "'I see the eight of us in the Annex as if we were a patch of blue sky surrounded by menacing black clouds. . . . [They loom] before us like an impenetrable wall, trying to crush us, but not yet able to. I can only cry out and implore, "Oh ring, ring, open wide and let us out!'"
     "Black clouds?" Raccoon asked. "Hey, just like the weather today!"
     "She sounds really sad," Hare said softly.
     "She was a young, misunderstood girl who never got to fulfill her life," Leo explained, "though she had her parents, they never seemed to understand her, just her sister Margot."
     "I read on Squirrel's computer about Ms. I-Need-A-Brain," Cat rolled her eyes, "she sounds like some airheaded bitch."
     "Cat!" Leo exclaimed, shocked by her choice of language. "Don't ever say things like that! What if Crane was in here right now and heard you?"
     "What does she know?" Cat rolled her eyes. "She's not our mom."
     "She took you in, trained you, fed you," Leo explained, "seems motherly to me."
     "Whatever," Cat sighed. Suddenly she had that guilty feeling…and not for her profound language.
     "Hey, what's this?" Hare asked as she picked up Leo's pouch and emptied it, the jade necklace falling into her hands. "Oh, cool!"
     "Don't touch that!" Leo cried, dropping the book and grabbing the jade from her hands.
     "Geez, I was only looking," Hare rolled her eyes, "personally, I don't see you as the jewelry type."
     "This is more than just some piece of jewelry," Leo sighed, stroking the jade like it was a priceless artifact, "someone…a special friend gave it to me."
     "And would this 'special friend' be female?" Raccoon asked with a smirk.
     Leo hid his blush.
     "Oh, gross," Cat stuck her tongue out to show her disgust, "come on, guys."
     "Let's just finish the story, girls," Leo said, trying to lure them away from the subject. He placed the jade back into its pouch and began reading the book to them once more.



     Squirrel slowly awoke nestled in her terrapin's arms. She was deliciously sore from the previous night and the memory of it brought a smile to her face as she caressed Donnie's strong arms that held her in loving warmth. There first time was a bit awkward at first…like their first kiss. Both were virgins, young and inexperienced, but very much in love. They second and third times had become much better to beautiful lovemaking. The thought of how gentle and caring Donnie was made Squirrel want to weep with happy tears to know that that gentle and caring person was hers and no one else's.
     Smiling, Squirrel traced the palm of her hand against Donnie's cheek from behind her and was immediately when the turtle woke up with a soft smile on his face.
     "Morning, Squirrel," Donnie sighed softly, loosening his arms a bit so she could turn around and face him. Even with her hair loose and unruly did she look even more sexy than she already was. "How'd you sleep?"
     Squirrel sighed as she nuzzled her nose along the slope of his neck. "Wonderful…you?"
     "The best I've ever slept in my life," he said happily, his smile widening, "last night was…"
     "Amazing," Squirrel finished before kissing his cheek.
     "Exactly," Donnie said before kissing her forehead, "it was everything I wanted it to be and more…" His smile slowly became a look of concern as he looked his girl over. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
     Squirrel took a deep breath. "Well, just a little…but only for a few moments, I promise." She said assuringly after seeing the look of guilt written across Donnie's face. "Donnie…it's was my first time," she told him soothingly, stroking his face, "don't worry, sweetie."
     "I know, but still…" Donnie sighed.
     "Hey," she said softly, "it was wonderful, that's all that matters." And she kissed him.
     Donnie smiled, his arms tightening around her. "I guess it does…" He kissed her back. "I love you so much…"
     "I love you, too," Squirrel said softly.
     Donnie simply gazed into those lovely chocolate eyes of hers; God, she was so beautiful. Kind, caring, supportive, a wonderful girl for kids to have around-
     Donnie suddenly blinked in realization.
     "Donnie?" Squirrel asked in concern, seeing his face twist into a look of shock. "Honey, what's wrong?"
     "If it was possible…" Donnie began slowly, "and last night…oh, no!" He immediately raised himself up from the bed and placed his hands on his face. "I am so stupid!"
     Squirrel raised herself up and stroked his shoulders in assurance, trying not to laugh. "Donnie, trust me, it's okay." She planted a kiss on one of his shoulders. "Even if it was possible, nothing could've have happened last night."
     "What do you mean?"
     Squirrel smiled. "The timing…most women don't get pregnant on the first time, it'll take months to an entire year just to process something."
     Donnie blew a sigh of relief as he wiped his forehead, his fingers linking into her in sure comfort.
     "Plus, I've taken pills."
     Donnie's eyes widened. "You did?"
     Squirrel blushed softly. "I had a feeling we would do it sooner or later…you're not the only one who couldn't wait anymore."
     Donnie chuckled as he held her and nuzzled his beak against her ear, making her shiver with delight.
     "So…" he began softly, "you think it might be possible?"
     Squirrel sighed. "That depends…I mean, Darwin theorized the process of natural selection as well as the theory of transmutation…but that was meant for animals of the same species. And us…well, I'm not sure…"
     "A turtle and a humanesque Squirrel…" Donnie sighed, "even if it was possible…you'd really want my kids?
     "I would love to have your kids, techie," Squirrel said lovingly, "but right now, I'm not ready for three A.M. feedings, alright?"
     He laughed. "Sure."
     "Too bad I can't be here all day in bed with you," she said with a pout, "I have a major episode today involving The Aftermath and won't be back until dinner."
     "Aw…" he said with playful sadness, "that's too long…"
     Squirrel giggled. "I promise to be back as soon as possible. You're a big boy…a very big boy." She gave him a wink.
     Donnie madly blushed. "That isn't the only thing that's big around here," he said he traced his fingers along her collarbone, slowly resting upon the side of her massive breasts, which was well hidden by the blanket that covered them both.
     "I hate them sometimes," she pouted, "they're trouble sometimes…especially around guys like Duncan and Justin. I feel like some stupid Pamela Anderson wannabe."
     "Trust me," he whispered into her ear, "it's Pamela Anderson who should be feeling ashamed of herself." He kissed her ear. "And I love them…no matter what size they are."
     Squirrel sighed. "I guess I can forget about asking Dr. Nick for breast reduction surgery."
     "Who's Dr. Nick?" He asked.
     "A quack," she giggled, "but a very reliable doctor…better than what I could say for Dr. Hibbert."



     Eva smiled to herself as she traced her fingers along the sides of Raph's face as he looked down at her with a loving gaze. "Morning, handsome."
     Raph chuckled softly before taking her hand and lightly kissing the palm of it. "Mornin', beautiful…I just love seeing you wake up…looking so beautiful and sexy, and your hair down…" He ran his fingers through the loose locks of her raven hair.
     "Same here," she sighed, kissing his cheek.
     "So, uh…" he began nervously, "last night…I wasn't too rough or anything, was I?"
     Eva smiled as she snuggled closer to him, the memory of the previous night still fresh in her mind. She never thought she would ever go to the next level with anyone. Of course, Raph wasn't 'anyone'. He was her perfect guy, a wonderful guy…a wonderful lover. "Trust me…you were perfect."
     "Aw, babe…" Raph tried to hide his blush.
     Eva laughed. "You are cute." She kissed his cheek.
     "Only to you, Eves," he said against her lips before kissing them.
     Eva sighed into the kiss before he broke away. "Last night was just so beautiful…"
     "It sure was…" he sighed, resting his forehead against hers, "arms around you, just holding you, having you, and…" his voice trailed off as a sudden realization dawned on him. "Oh, shell…"
     "Raph?" Eva asked in concern, searching her lover's face. "Baby, what's wrong?"
     Raph placed a hand on her stomach, which was covered by the bed sheets that covered both their bodies. "Last night…you think maybe I…?"
     Eva laughed as she placed her hand over his. "It couldn't have happened, I promise…" She gave a sad smile. "You don't like kids?"
     Raph slowly shook his head. "No, I do, it's just…" he sighed, "I don't think you'd want to get pregnant now, I mean…you still got a lot ahead of you. I don't want to get in the way of your chances of becoming a vet…"
     Eva smiled up at him. "I took pills, I assure you." She looked into his bronze eyes. "So you would really want me to have your babies?"
     Raph smiled, his heart fluttering. "Would you?"
     Eva nodded. "Would you?"
     "Shell yeah…" he sighed, "any child of ours would be as beautiful as the mother…" he planted a kiss on her cheek.
     "Or as handsome as the father," she said with a grin, "because you are such a sexy beast."
     "And you are such a sexy lady," he growled against her lips, "my sexy lady…"



     Meg smiled down as Mikey rested his head against her shoulder, his arm draped across her body. His snoring didn't bother her at all. In fact, it was music to her ears. Last night was such a beautiful moment between them, and the thought of it wanted her to weep silent tears of joy. Mikey was much taller than her, and big, too, but the love they made was blissful and amazing. It was only a matter of time before they would do it again, and it would be as perfect as the first…
     "I love you, Mikey," Meg whispered to him before planting a kiss upon his bald head.
     Mikey stirred in his sleep and smiled up at her. "Morning, cutie."
     "Hey, baby," Meg giggled as he planted a kiss on her shoulder, "sleep good?"
     "The best," he yawned before wrapping his arms around her, "you were awesome, babe."
     "Hey, now," she giggled, "I wasn't the one doing all the work…"
     Mikey blushed as he nuzzled his beak against her messy hair. "Did I do okay?" Meg was very short, and very tiny compared to him. It terrified him to think he might have done something wrong, that he might have damaged her.
     Meg sighed and smiled at him. "You did wonderful."  
     "So are you," he whispered to her. They remained in complete silence, him placing an occasional kiss to her shoulder or neck. "Did you use…" he began finally.
     "Don't worry," she assured him, "I got on the pill." She smirked. "Stole it from my mom." She giggled along with Mikey. "But as soon as it runs out, I'm buying another dose, I promise."
     "Do you realize just how wonderful you are, cutie?" He murmured against her hair.
     "How wonderful?" She asked playfully.
     "Sweet, nice, pretty…" he sighed, "perfect. My perfect girl…"
     "My perfect guy…" she sighed as she rested her head against his plastron.



     "I gotta feeling!" Cat laughed maniacally as she, Hare, and Raccoon began bouncing off the walls.
     Literally.
     "Who gave them coffee?" Crane demanded to the others while they served themselves breakfast.
     "Hey, don't look at me," Trent said defensively, "I've been telling them not to take the stuff since."
     "This coffee you speak of…" Panda said to Chris, "it is nothing like tea?"
     "No way, man," Chris replied, "unlike that hippie stuff you old folks drink, coffee actually gives you a boost." He watched as the little girls ran around the room. "And judging by how much they drank, it's serious engine fuel, man."
     "Imagine if our kids were like that," Eva chuckled as she and Raph sat on the couch and ate their breakfast.
     "Gives daddy more exercise," he chuckled as he placed and arm around his girl.
     "Morning, Owen," Izzy greeted, almost desperately, as Owen served himself a heaping pile of bacon.
     "Hey, Izzy," he greeted automatically. "Hello, Squirrel!" He greeted excitedly as Squirrel and Donnie came down the stairs.
     "Good morning, everyone," she greeted before picking up a mug and attempting to pour herself some coffee. "Hey, where'd all the coffee go?"
     "Ask the Terror Trio," Gwen jabbed a thumb behind her to show Cat, Hare, and Raccoon having a pillow fight on Justin---him losing.
     "Hey, watch the face!" He cried, trying to shield himself.



     Squirrel and The Aftermath teens walked through the busy streets of a nearby town. For the newest episode, Chris had decided that it was time for the teens to ask fans what they thought of the show, followed by their opinions and hopes for in the future.
     "So what do you think of TDA?" Squirrel asked a teenage boy with glasses.
     "Hot," he replied with a growl in his voice as he looked Squirrel over.
     "What do you like mostly about TDI or TDA?" Bridgette asked a young girl.
     "It makes you wonder if you're going to be like that when you're in high school," the young girl replied shyly. She smiled up at Bridgette. "But don't worry, you are one of the better role models." And she winked at her, making Bridgette's heart melt with the honor of becoming some young child's hero.
     "Got any favorite cast members?" Eva asked a girl her age.
     "You, of course," the girl laughed, "you so own the show, it sucks you got voted off so early. Not to mention you're really pretty." She pointed to Eva's hair which was let down and flowing feely. "I like your hair better when it's down."
     "I do, too," Eva chuckled, combing her fingers through her raven hair.
     "I like the romance," a girl told Geoff after he began questioning her, "it really gives us something to root for."
     "Like me and Bridgette?" Geoff chuckled.
     "Well, you…" the girl responded slowly, "but not Bridgette."
     "Huh?"
     "You and Squirrel, duh!"
     


     "I think this is what they call 'fanshippy'," Cat said as the Valley animals and the turtles watched the television.
     "Don'll be doomed," Bird whispered to Ox as he eyed over to Donnie, whose eyes were completely glued to the screen.



     "I so agree!" Another girl came beside the other girl. "You and Squirrel are like meant to be!"
     "No way!" Exclaimed the shy girl whom Bridgette had interviewed earlier. "Squirrel and Harold make a good couple! I mean, Leshawna wouldn't accept him, but Squirrel had from the very start!"
     "What about Tyler?" One of the girls asked. "Squirrel can read him well like a book when his dumb-as-rocks girlfriend, Lindsey, can hardly read at all."
     "Plus, there's Owen," the other girl added, "Izzy dumped him cold and Squirrel was there to warm him of the ice Izzy left on him."
     "Somebody mention my name?" Squirrel asked, coming unto the scene.
     "Squirrel!" The girls exclaimed excitedly as they surrounded her, bombarding her with questions.
     "Are you a thing with any of the guys? Are you ever going to kick Courtney's butt? Are you going to marry Harold?"
     "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Squirrel laughed nervously. "I'm sorry, but we're all friends here, nothing more."
     "But most of the girls suck compared to you!" The shy girl exclaimed. "You are what every boy needs! Except Trent…Gwen is his soul mate."
     "It's sweet of you to say that," Squirrel told her softly, "but we're all just friends, and that's good enough love for me."
     "Ain't she always modest?" One girl whispered to the other.
     Soon, the teens began wandering through the special parts of town, giving viewers at home a bit of history and adventure all together.



     "What language are Squirrel and Ezekiel speaking in?" Mikey asked as he watched Squirrel and Ezekiel point to many different types of silk in one particular store and speaking in a foreign language.
     "That's French, Mikey," Donnie explained, "many Canadians speak French."
     "So that would mean many Chinese would speak Spanish then?"
     "Don't confuse history with idiocy, knucklehead," Raph rolled his eyes.



     "What's the percentage of deciphering the breaking point mass of this logical theory?" Squirrel asked as she shifted her intelligent gaze over to Cody and Geoff, who were both working hard in front of a computer. They were all inside a cybercafé and were giving off their intellectual side for their viewers.
     "Forty-percent," Cody replied, not tearing his eyes away from the screen while Geoff took notes a PDA he had recently gotten from his dad before TDa started.
     "This is one big cookie to bite," Geoff said as he peered at the screen, "who would have thought that checking up on the economic status could be absolutely mind-boggling?"

             

     "One word," Hare rolled her eyes, "total dorks."
     "That's two, genius," Skunk snapped.



     "So, Squirrel," Justin began smoothly as he sidled up to her while she and the other girls were looking through a bookstore, "with good looks, who needs books?"
     "Someone who actually works hard," Squirrel snapped as she placed back a massive thesaurus back into its place.
     "Hey, I work!" Justin exclaimed defensively.
     "Sure," she replied sarcastically, "starring in a ten-second, sepia tone commercial with absolutely no dialogue really knocks the wind out of you."
     "Why so cold, baby?" Justin asked with a deep, seductive growl in his voice.
     "Remember what I did to you back in TDI?" She warned.
     Justin gulped as the flashback played back in his mind---and on the screen for all viewers to see.



     "No," Squirrel snapped as she looked through papers as Justin began flirting with her.
     "Aw, come on," he pushed with a sly grin, "you act like you've never made out before."
     "I never did!" She exclaimed angrily.
     "Maybe a song might turn you on," he said. He cleared his throat and began to sing. "My loneliness is killing me, and I…"
     "Gosh, that song is annoying the way you sing it," Squirrel sighed.
     "…I must confess, I still believe, still believe," Justin continued singing, "when I'm not with you I lose my mind…"
     He snaked an arm around her waist, much to her discomfort.
     "Give me a sign," he sang, "hit me baby one more time…"
     And Squirrel did so between his legs.
     Justin groaned in agony as he clutched himself, falling to his knees and trying not to tear up.
     "Careful what you sing now-a-days," Squirrel said, satisfied for her actions.



     "Oh, the dude got owned!" Rabbit laughed as he pointed at the look on Justin's face as the teen still clutched himself.



     Lunch came around and Squirrel was treating the others to sushi at a nearby Japanese restaurant.
     "Ah, don't let it kill me!" Trent cried as he edged away from the plates of sushi on the table.
     "Trent," Gwen told him assuringly, "this isn't TDI anymore, these are properly cooked now; don't worry."
     "Yeah, see?" Squirrel said as she popped one into her mouth.
     "Sorry, guys," Trent apologized, "but I'm just watching myself around uncooked fish."
     "What's wrong with uncooked fish?" Izzy asked at the waiter placed soup in front of her.
     "Ew, fish head," Katie said in disgust as she pointed at Izzy's soup.
     "That's the best part of the fish," Izzy giggled.
     "Holy crap!" Heather cried. "I think it moved!"
     "Then that means it's definitely ready!" Izzy laughed before diving in and eating her soup like a wild animal.
     "Oh, man, I need more tea…" Sadie said in disgust as she and others watched the insane girl act even more like a beast than usual.



     The minutes ticked by as Donnie watched the clock, awaiting the arrival of Squirrel and the others. Mikey and Raph were also waiting, for Meg and Eva. Finally, the clock chimed and, as if on cue, the teens came through the doorway, having completed yet another successful TDA episode of The Aftermath.
     "Hey, you," Squirrel greeted Donnie before embracing him, "missed you."
     "Missed you," Donnie replied softly, nuzzling his cheek against hers.
     "Hey, beautiful," Raph greeted before kissin Eva's cheek.
     "Hello, handsome," Eva greeted, smiling up at him.
     "S'up, cutie?" Mikey greeted as he playfully entwined his fingers into Meg's.
     "Hey, Mr. Wonderful," Meg giggled.
     "Is dinner ready?" Owen asked Mrs. Duck. "Cause' man! I am starving!"
     "It'll take a few hours, dearie," Mrs. Duck told him.
     "Perhaps a few hours is more than enough," Master Splinter said as he walked into the living room.
     "Hello, Master Splinter," the teens greeted, bowing down to the wise rat.
     "Hello, father," Meg greeted softly as she bowed down.
     "So much of this television has come around," the aging rat said as he tapped the television, "tell me, have you young ones taken any exercise recently?"
     "Does shopping count?" Katie asked.
     "Certainly not, young one," the rat chuckled.
     "Perhaps you children would prefer a few martial art lessons while Mrs. Duck and Chef cook supper?"
     "Count me in," Eva said, smirking.
     "Okay, I am so in!" Sadie squealed.
     "I want to be a hero!" Owen added.



     Soon, the teens were all inside the workout room. Ezekiel and Cody had no trouble in following basic ninjitsu techniques as they fought one another, then had one-on-one with each of the turtles. But most of the teens were finding difficulty in following: Sadie  seemed to master bits of what her boyfriend had mastered, however, stumble and fall was common to her as she tried hard to swing a wooden sword; same for cousin. Owen was easily losing breath as he tried to follow Master Splinter's slow movements to find inner peace and inner strength. Most of the others were failing misrbaly, but they didn't give up nevertheless, and that was what made them true warriors in the elders' eyes.
     "You're good," Squirrel said as she fought one-on-one with Geoff, her bo staff versus his special cane. They dodged each other at certain points, trying to find their perfect target to hit and put the other opponent down.
     "You are, too," Geoff smirked before he jumped high in the air. Slamming the cane against his knees, he was rewarded with two mini versions of his cane and as he flew down…the next thing Squirrel knew, she was pinned down, her hands held tight by each cane that held her against the floor.
     "Okay, you win," Squirrel exclaimed, having been caught off guard.
     Geoff chuckled before he got off of Squirrel and helped her up. "No worries…you just got beat."
     Eva was doing very well as dodged kicks and punches Cody threw at her. Using the sais Panda lent her against Cody's sais, she was in full battle mode and wall bursting with energy as she fought Cody like there would be no tomorrow.
     But the most surprising of all was Meg…
     Everyone began to slowly stop what they were doing as all eyes fell on Meg as she went through fighting drills and lessons Master Splinter was giving her. Hair tied up in a bun, Meg seemed almost animalistic and truly aggressive as she broke wood and swung at test dummies until they fell apart. Mikey was surprised by how tough and rough his girl was. On the other hand, it was all the anger Meg held deep within her that made her an outstanding fighter.
     "She's almost as tough as you, Eva," Ezekiel told Eva as they watched Meg send a high kick.
     "That hot-head," Eva chuckled.
     Soon, dinner was ready and everyone immediately cleared out to eat. However, Master Splinter and Meg remained in the room. Both sat cross-legged and stared at the wall, imbibing in the silence and in deep semi-meditation.
     "Your past still troubles you, does it not, young Megan?" Master Splinter asked finally.
     Meg sighed, still trying to regain her strength after using so much of it for training. She slowly nodded to the wise rat she was honored to call her master and father.
     "Forgive me if I seem so angry…" she said sheepishly, "but…unlike your sons, I've never grown up with a wise and respectful father…"
     Master Splinter regarded the young girl in concern. "I am not appalled by your surprising aggression," he told you, "I am but curious as to what such a man, such a man you call your father, would do such to a young teenage girl like you."
     Meg nodded to him, knowing deep in her heart well that the wise rat was of deep trust. He was the type of role model that made her know that there was still hope in the tragic world she thought what the world was. But being treated so gently, so daughter-like…words couldn't describe how she felt to be so loved and cared for.
     For minutes that seemed like hours, Meg spilled painful details of her past to the wise rat. Though his expression never changed, Master Splinter was more than shocked as the kindred girl spoke, words flowing like milk from a jug.
     "…and that one time I got the mumps," Meg continued on miserably, "dad just dumped hot soup on my face…" Finally, it seemed no more words could exit from Meg's mouth; she pretty much said everything she wanted to say.
     "My dear child…" Master Splinter began as he rested a hand upon hers, "words can do worse damage than actual violence…"
     "And I've been damaged far enough…" Meg sighed.
     "But that does not mean there is no end to that damage," he told her softly, "wounds fade and they soon heal…we of the family will do everything we can to heal you of your deep wounds…" He smiled at her. "Your new family…"
     Meg smiled at him. Family was word she now welcomed with open arms into the dictionary of Meg.
     "Hey, you guys still in here?" Gwen called from the doorway. "Come on before Owen eats up the entire table!"
     Master Splinter chuckled before he and Meg stood up and went after Gwen.
     "Master Splinter?" Meg began shyly.
     "Yes?"
     "Thank you…" Meg told him before bowing, "thank you…father."
     Master Splinter smiled at her. "You are very welcome, honorable daughter."



     The next day was another episode of TDA, and the next to be voted off was Lindsey. Actually, she voted herself off, wanting her best friend, Beth, to succeed more than ever. That and Lindsey just wanted to rest and relax at Chris's resort of a house just as she had done back in Casa de Losers.
     "Hi, Tyrone!" Lindsey greeted Tyler excitedly.
     "It's Tyler," he sighed.
     "Oops, me bad!" She giggled.
     "You know if you can remember Squirrel's name, you can remember mine, can't you?" There was a bit of annoyance in his voice.
     "Sorry, it's so hard!" She apologized.
     "It's okay," he said, trying to remain calm.
     "That reminds me…" Lindsey pondered, "Squirrel told me how much you love to dance…how come I never knew?"
     "Uh…" Tyler averted his eyes. "Hey, let's go play some DRR with Mikey and Meg, shall we?" Before Lindsey said anything, he dashed off.