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    "that is not camping!" Mikey said.
    "yes it is!....in a way..." I retorted.
    "setting up a tent in a lot surrounded by hundreds of other tents, having a power box, sleeping with a camper just outside the tent IS NOT CAMPING!!!"
    "we were outside."
    "so what? you basically slept in a hotel outside."
    "okay fine. so, I have never went real camping. what is the harm in that?"
    "you say your a survivalist but you never went real camping."
    "I'm still book learning the whole thing."
    "you need experience."
    "how am I going to get it?"
    "I'll think of something." he grinned. now I was scared.
    *later*
    we were all at the dinner table eating some Asian dish our masters made. Splinter was at the head of the table. on his left there was Leo and Donnie. on his right there was Mikey, me, and Raph. Shifu was at the other end on the table. in the middle of the meal Mikey stood up and tapped on his glass with his fork. we all looked at him. "I have a great idea that everyone is going to love!"
    "ya moving out? sorry, goofball. I don't think the zoo is accepting any mutants at this time." Raph said.
    "Raphael! continue, Michelangelo. what is this idea?" Splinter asked.
    "we are going camping." he said with pride.
    "in winter?" Leo asked.
    "yep."
    "we cant do that." Donnie said. "we are not properly prepared. think about what could happen. there are no camp sites open this time of year. someone could get hypothermia or frostbite."
    "Tiffles is a great doctor. if she forgets what to do she has a notebook and we have Donnie."
    "I have been camping in cold weather. not the brightest idea. and I am studying tattoos, not medicine." I told him.
    "no you haven't. you slept in a tent outside your friend's house in cold weather. your still a good doctor. take the dang complement."
    "we can not camp in the cold." Splinter said.
    "why not? people do it all the time." he wined.
    "weak immune system hold any meaning for you?" I asked him.
    "you can wear a bunch of coats. come on. think of it as training in the wilderness. you never know when we need to survive because we got separated in winter."
    "he is right." Shifu said. "sometimes we face difficult situations. learning wilderness survival in the cold will increase chances of survival. if we can fight in the cold, we can sleep in it."
    "what happened ta 'we cant camp in the cold?'" Raph asked imitating Shifu poorly.
    "Michelangelo holds a very good point. it is decided. tonight we will pack after dinner then in the morning we will set up camp in the woods down the road. we will stay for one night then the next morning we will head home. before we all go to bed tonight we will check the bags to see if we have everything so we can leave early tomorrow." Splinter said.
    "what?!?" Donnie, Leo, Raph, and me said in unison.
    "remember to pack plenty of warm things. I think you all will enjoy this."  Splinter smiled.
    "Splinter, are you sure about this? as your doctor, everyone's doctor in fact, I don't want you getting sick again."
    "thank you for your concern. but you do not need to worry about my health. I understand what I am doing. if I do take illness again I have a fantastic doctor to help me once more. don't I, my dear?" he was smiling at me with that smile he knows I give into. I knew I was blushing even though I was trying my best to conceal it. after a moment I sighed.
    "if you understand the risks then I wont fight you. but I'm checking you're bag before we leave. Shifu's too!"
    "if it will help you're nerves then alright."
    "why mine?" Shifu asked.
    "you are equally at risk. you shouldn't mind if you have nothing to hide."
    "very well."
    *later*
    I was in my room packing thick sweaters, hoodies, blankets, snacks, lighters, and other crap. the entire time I was mumbling to myself. "I cant believe I am going to do this. I HAVE been camping. even if he doesn't think its considered real camping. and when did he turn into a survivalist nut? isn't he the one who just plays the video games. if anyone should have an issue with camping it should be someone like Leo. that's believable. I cant even believe I fell for that face again. that damn face. that... smile..." I thought to myself for a moment. every time he smiles like that I turn into putty in his hands. I don't even know why. everyone smiles. I guess he does it better or something. his smile is just so warm and loving. but if it isn't his smile then its the way he says 'my dear.' why does he do that? does he know that I follow his wishes with just that said? why do I that? the way his eyes stare at me. not judging... those perfect hazel eyes... that man is just perf- I shook my head. what am I thinking? this is my sensei! but I can't help it. I shouldn't even be thinking this. he is older then me and a rat. it would never work! I heard a knocking at the door that pulled me out of my thoughts. "c-come in..."
    "hello, my dear." Splinter said opening the door. great, just who I wanted to see... "my bag is packed and waiting in the main room for you to see."
    "a-a-al- okay."
    "are you okay?" he walked over to me and place a hand on my cheek. "you seem a little red." I must have been blushing a deep red. he moved his hand to my head. "you do feel warm."
    "I'm fine." my voice cracked.
    "are you sure? if your sick we can go another time."
    "no. i-its fine."
    "alright. we are waiting for you down stairs. see you down there." he stepped out of the room.
    I closed my bag and went down stairs into the main room. all the turtles except for Mikey were sitting on the couch with there arms crossed and a frown on there face. they looked mad. Mikey was excited and walking about the room. Shifu was standing near the bags taking inventory. Splinter walked up to me with his bag. he held it as I opened it. inside was about everything I had. "is everything alright?" he asked.
    "yea- no! no, not really." I ran to my room and grabbed a thick hoodie from my closet. I ran back down to him and gave it to him. "I think you could use this."
    "if the doctor thinks it is best." he smiled at me then walked away with his bag. I walked over to Shifu and checked his bag. his looked fine. after inventory Mikey and I sat on the couch with the other turtles. "after this everyone is going to bed so we can get plenty of rest. we will wake up early tomorrow so we can pack everything in the car. after breakfast we will drive down the road to the woods and set up camp. it is there we will do our activities. Shifu and myself have many fun things planned out for you."
    "question, sensei." Raph said.
    "yes, my son?"
    "why are we even doing this? all its going to do is get us all sick. even if we don't I know for a fact Tiff will. what are we going to do if she gets sick? she is the doctor."
    "we have been separated from eachother many times before. we have survived it. we haven't been separated in winter. incase it is to happen, we can survive it. we will teach you basic survival skills in cold weather. besides, camping is a wonderful way for a family to bond. thank you for suggesting this, Michelangelo. this was a good idea."
    his brothers looked at Mikey. "oh no. don't thank me. really. you should thank Tiffles. she inspired it." he said quickly. they stared at me. I pulled up my hood and covered my face.
*the next morning*
    we were in the minivan driving to the woods. Shifu was driving before but he kept swerving about the road and sliding on the ice. after he almost crashed us into a tree, so Leo took over. Shifu tried to say he was a good driver. Splinter was in the passenger seat. Shifu was sitting behind him with his ears down. you could tell he was upset. Donnie was in the middle and Raph was behind Leo. Mikey and me were sitting the trunk with the bags. everyone was talking about random things. Mikey pulled out a card from a deck for playing cards. "is this your card?"
    "nope." I told him.
    "is it this one?" he pulled out another.
    "na-ah." I shook my head.
    "Mikey, you did the trick wrong. you could have easily used a calculator to find out what her card was. all you needed to do was use-" Donnie was interrupted.
    "he cant do math, Motor brain. he should've followed the directions on the little paper that came with the deck." Raph said.
    "is it this your card?" Mikey said pulling out the same card from last time.
    "yeah." I smiled.
    "really?"
    "nope."
    "damn..."
    "lets play the counting game." Donnie suggested.
    "whats that?" I asked.
    "you pick an object that is common enough to see repeatedly and count it."
    Raph reached behind him and punched Mikey in the arm. "SLUG BUG GREEN! no tag backs." he said.
    "ow! I thought Splinter said we cant play that game anymore after the Mexican cow flinging incident." Mikey said while rubbing his arm.
    "I did." we heard Splinter say up front.
    "why am I not even questioning the Mexican cow flinging incident?" Shifu asked.
    "because this whole thing is weird." I told him while playing with one of his ears.
    "good point."

"not as weird as Tiffany's brother." Mikey commented.

I gasped. "excuse me?"

"you told me you're mom had a cat that her son got pregnet."

"and?"

"one: I don't think humans can get cats pregnet. two: why would your brother do that? and C: what did the babies-"

"wait. let me stop you right there. I meant, the cat's son got her pregnant." I shook my head. "how many times did you hit your head?" I mumbled.
    Mikey was drawing things on the frost of the window with his figure. I reached in my bag and pulled out another hoodie and put it on. I was now wearing 2 hoodies, a sweater, tank top, skinny jeans, my boots that had my scissors in it, my gaming hat, homeless guy gloves (the figure tips of the gloves are gone), and a scarf. "you okay?" Raph asked me.
    "yeah." I told him. "just freezing my tits off." Raph looked at me weird.
    the van came to a stop. "hey guys? we have trouble." Leo said. we looked at a sign that said Private Property. "what do you want to do?"
    "keep driving ahead. we will find a place." Splinter said. the turtles groaned. Mikey pumped his fist with victory.
    "how are you not cold?" I asked him.
    "I don't know. I think its because were cold blooded."
    "great, you guys get cold blood and fur and I get frostbite." I moved over and sat next to Mikey. he was now playing a video game. I put my head on his shoulder and curled up to him. he didn't mind. he just continued with his game. I was dozing off until I heard coughing up front. I looked up to see Leonardo choking on something. Raph hit him really hard on the back and out came a mint. "oh my gosh, are you okay?"

"yeah." he said laughing. "yeah. haha. Leo almost died. hahaha." he said with thick sarcasm.
*later*
    after and hour or two we had our camp set up. we had a giant tent that had 8 little tents connected to the bigger one. everyone got there own and since there was an extra one we put the gear in there. the big tent was being used for a main room since the walls were screen and like giant doors for it. we set up a fire in it since it would warm the tent up and we knew it wouldn't catch the tent on fire since there was a lot of space. the little tents all looked the same. they were big enough to sleep in and put your bag in but that was it. starting from the left there was Splinter's, Shifu's, Donnie's, Raph's, Mikey's, Leo's, then mine. and then there was the one for the gear. at the moment we were sitting in lawn chairs around the fire cooking hot dogs. I was bundled up in my clothing and a few blankets I brought with me. we were in a circle. starting from my left there was Donnie, Shifu, Mikey, Raph, Splinter, then Leo. Leo scooted his chair so close to mine they were touching. everyone was quite. Raph broke the silence. "I feel somethin' tingly in my chest. aint happiness. nope. I think its that hypothermia Don was ranting about." I smiled. "wait... I feel somethin' else. somethin' crawlin' on my back!!!" he jumped up and started freaking out. Donnie went over and shook his coat. "what is it?!? did it bite me?!?"
    "relax. it was just a spider." Donnie told him.
    "a what?!? a-a bug? bugs die in the winter!"
    "no. they look for warm places to spend the winter. Spiders can live outside in the winter."
    "I hate bugs..." he sat back down and continued cooking the hotdog.
*later*
    everyone was doing there own thing after dinner. the sun was still up too. Donnie was messing with some gadget. Mikey was playing in the snow. Raph was somewhere in the woods. Leo was meditating. Splinter and Shifu were talking. I was trying to get warm. "Tiffles! check this out!" I went over to him. he built an igloo. "I made a snow house!"
    "you mean igloo?"
    "bless you."
    "...what?"
    "will everyone come in here? we have another activity for you!" Shifu called out. there idea of activities were boring. they lectured us about random things and we did things like hiking. I was going to scream if Shifu said we were going to make clay pots or wallets. we all sat in the chairs. "okay, right now we are going to play games." he smiled.
    "wait? no more speeches?" asked Raph.
    "nope."
    "k... whats first?"
    he looked down to a paper in his hand. "first is tug of war."
    "shirts vs skins?" Raph grinned at me.
    "no. I'll judge but you need to pair up into two groups of three." everyone was scrambling around. the first group was Leo, Raph, and me. the other was Mikey, Donnie, and Splinter. after everyone was holding the rope on their side. starting from the right end of the rope; there was Splinter, Donnie, Mikey, me, Leo, then Raph. "do you all understand the rules?"
    "nope, we have no clue how to play this ancient game." Raph said with thick sarcasm in his voice.
    "makes you wonder why it hasn't gone senile yet." Mikey said.
    "yeah, why doesn't it get Alzheimer's already?" I asked.
    "fine then." Shifu smiled with a hint of evil. "there is a flag in the middle of the rope. you start pulling when I say so. you pull until the flag is on your side of the line. who ever has the flag on there side wins."
    "gee... thanks."
    "ready? get set.... PULL!" with that everyone started pulling. after a few minutes my feet started slipping.
    "come on! you cant beat us!" Mikey teased.
    "are you kidding? we cant lose!" Leo retorted.
    "but I know how to win."
    "uh, you keep pulling?"
    "LEO AND TIFFLES SITTING IN A TREE! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! FIRST CO-"
    all of a sudden we all felt a pull that tripped us all. "Leo's team wins!" Shifu declared. we looked around and seen only one person standing. Raph was the one who made that tug.
    "I told him to stop singin' that." Raph mumbled.
    "now, the next activity is hockey." Splinter told us while standing up.
    "we didn't pack any hockey gear." I reminded him.
    "survival consist of improvising. for this, improvise."
    "what was the tug of war for then? strength?" Leo asked.
    "no. the game was just a game." Splinter smiled.
    "oh."
    "now you are going to find things to use as the hockey sticks and something for the puck."
    "there are just 5 of us. 6 if we count one of you masters. there isn't enough people." I told him.
    "wow, you are a real buzz killer." Mikey scuffed.
    "my dear," Splinter smiled. "2 people can play on the ice and have 1 goalie on each team. its fine."
    "why don't you and Shifu play then. I can be referee. I do have a black and white stripped hoodie on. its so... fitting." I offered.
    "alright. now lets find things." everyone was walking around until Donnie called us over.
    "I have an idea." he shouted. "we can use these fallen branches as the hockey sticks and this stone as the puck."
   everyone then walked to the pond near by. the ice looked thick and sturdy. however, being the negative Goth as I am I did have a bad feeling. "is this even safe?" I asked.
    "would I ever put you in any real danger?" Shifu asked.
    "not on purpose. but accidents do happen."
    "just watch the ice..." he grumbled.
    everyone was having fun on the ice. except for Raph. he kept falling on his shell. I wasn't paying much attention because I was trying to get warm. Raph fell again and this time my heart dropped. his shell cracked the ice. "umm...guys?" they stopped playing. "the ice is cracking."
    Donnie went over to the crack and tapped on it a few times with his stick. he didn't seem satisfied so he went on one knee to get a closer look. "maybe its just the way Raph landed on the ice."
    "even if one was to fall, doesn't it mean that the ice isn't thick enough if it cracks with impact?"
    "...well... maybe we should call it a draw guys."
    "aw, just when we're winning." Mikey wined.
    "alright. everyone come on. the sun is beginning to set anyways." Leo said.
    once everyone was off the ice I heard a shout. I looked and seen Raph chasing Mikey. "SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!" Mikey shouted.
    "I'll ring ya neck!" Raph threatened.

my cell phone went off and began playing opera music. Mikey waltz around the ground for a moment."im tired of having you argue. if you dont stop, Tiffany will hit you. you better get the hint. Leonardo choked on a mint!" he sang. I only shook my head.
    "this should be fun!" Donnie used his bow staff to throw snow on Mikey.
    I walked away and hid in the tent. to be honest I'm not the fun kind of person. there is only so much I will do before I go back into hiding. I could hear them outside. "cold! COLD! COLD!" Mikey shouted.
    "not the face!" Donnie shouted.
    "hittin' someone from behind, knucklehead? you chicken!" Raph said. I then jumped because a snowball hit the wall of my tent.
    I was buried in all blankets and hoodies after a few minutes. "you okay?" I heard someone say. I looked up and seen Leo looking at with concern.
    "yes." I sat up. he crawled into my tent. it was cramped but I didn't mind. "I'm just a little cold."
    "I see that." he crawled under my blankets.
    "what are you doing?" I laughed nervously.
    "sharing my body heat with you so you don't get sick." he pulled my sketchpad from the top of my bag and was looking through it. "your getting good."
    "thanks. I hope a collage thinks so too. I have one picked out but I'm not sure they'll let me in. my drawings are nothing compared to them."

we heard Mikey just outside the tent. "oh, it got in my ear! oh, oh no! its not coming out!"
    "I like them." I couldn't help but smile. his face getting closer to mine for some reason.
    "look at this. the love birds already has there nest set up!" Mikey laughed. Leo backed off. I wonder how long he was watching us still. I twitched.
    Shifu poked his head in. "excuse me, Leonardo. but this is a female tent. meaning for her only. now, will two join us? we are making marshmallows."
    we stepped into the 'main room' and sat down next to each other. I notice a small hill of snow near the tent. "what is that?" I asked.
    Mikey ran out next to it and puffed his chest out with pride. "this is a snow turtle."
    "I didn't know ya liked ya turtles scrambled." Raph mumbled as he put a marshmallow on a stick. Mikey sat down and was now burning his marshmallow. I say burning because it was on fire and it is now black.
    "now, I believe we should-" Splinter started.
    "tell stories?" Mikey asked.
    Splinter laughed. "yes, my son. tell stories."
    "I have one! okay, its about these warriors that fight an alien race for invading earth. one dies so the other has to fight the king alone but thanks to her bag that he swiped after she died he kills the king thanks to explosives. so earth was saved. now, once a upon a time in the future the-.... crap!"
    "telling the ending in the summery wasn't the best idea. if they did that, you wouldn't be so into comics." Donnie said.
    "I know..." Mikey grumbled.
*later*
    I was trying to get warm again in my tent. it was late in the evening and everyone has gone to bed. I believe I was keeping everyone up because my teeth were chattering. I hid my entire body under all my blankets. I packed 5 hoodies, 3 sweaters, and 5 blankets. for comfort I packed 3 fuzzy pillows. I went to roll over but my nose stud was caught on the fur of my pillow. it pulled and I shouted. "SON OF A BITCH!!!" I sat up and held my nose in pain. I could tell the hole was stretched a bit. It'll go back to size by the morning. there was a pounding on my tent door.
    "you are alright?!?" I heard Splinter say.
    "y-y-yesss..." my teeth were still chattering.
    "I heard you shout... some vulgar words and figured you were in trouble." he unzipped the door and peeked his head inside. "what happened?"
    "my p-p-pillow c-caught my nose s-s-stud and p-p-pulled on it."
    "is it alright, my dear?" he crawled inside. he took my hands slowly away from my face. he leaned in really close to my face to get a better look while holding my wrists. he smiled. "it seems alright." he backed up and frowned. "your freezing! your lips are blue and your cheeks are very red." damn it. I must be blushing... I just nodded. "wait here." he left my tent. a few minutes later he came back with blankets. "these should warm you up." he smiled.
    "where did you get these?"
    "my tent."
    "your-... what about you?"
    "I will be just fine, my dear."
    "but you'll get sick. I don't want that happening again."
    "alright then." he zipped up the door and got under the covers. he was staring me in the face that was only a few inches from mine. "good night, Tiffany." he turned his back to me. I was still looking at him wondering what the hell just happened.
    "good night, Splinter." I finally said. I rolled over to face my back to him. as corny as it sounds I was trying to remember how to breath. a few minutes later he was asleep. I rolled over and just stared at him thinking and wondering.
*morning*
    I woke up with the sun in my eyes. it was gleaming though the tent. when I noticed something I stopped breathing. my head was on Splinter's chest and his arm was around me. his chin rested on the top of my head. his tail was wrapped around my legs. I had no idea what to do. I was truly at a loss. after a few moments I decided to just let him sleep. besides, he was keeping me warm. I stared up at his face. he looked different then normal. he looked more peaceful then his waking life. my head went up and down slowly as he breathed. all of a sudden I felt his tail have a tighter hold my legs. it loosened after a moment but it still surprised me. his fur is soft... lavender... his favorite... wait. what am I thinking?!? I'm just weird. I closed my eyes. about half an hour later the turtles were looking for Splinter. I buried my face into Splinter's chest.
    there was banging on my door. "Tiffany, have you seen Splinter?" I heard the zipper and tried to slow my breathing down. "Tiffany, are you even awa-" there was a pause. "I found him, guys." it sounded like Leo. there was another pause.
    "how the shell did that happen?" Raph asked.
    "maybe they were cold." Donnie suggested.
    "this is... awkward... so whos gonna wake 'em up?"
    "not me! Tiffles carry scissors." Mikey said.
    "what are you boys talking about?" I heard Shifu ask at a distance. I heard his steps until they stopped at the door. "I thought I only had to worry about you boys."
    "someone has to wake them up if we're going home." Leo said.
    "fine. the things I do for ya people!" Raph grumbled. I felt Splinter shake. "hey, masta'. its mornin'."
    I felt his body move and his tail tighten around my legs again. "good morning, my sons. what is everyone-... oh my..."
    "what happened here last night?"
    "she was hurt and cold so I stayed." he didn't move arm from around me. I believe it was my imagination but I felt his hand tighten on my shoulder. "I will wake her. why don't you all get packed to go home?" I heard there footsteps getting quitter and quitter until it was replaced with the sound of the tents being messed with. there was a moment of silence. he used his free hand to move hair out of my face but took his time taking his hand off my cheek. "Tiffany, my dear," he whispered. "its time to wake up." he gently shook my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at him. "good morning."
    "what time is it?" I asked. I batted my eyelashes for some reason.
    "we have to pack up now." he gently moved out from under me and took his tail off from around my legs. it took all of my might not to whimper. "pack up your things now. we will eat before we leave."
    "alright."
    "are you alright?"
    "I just woke up." I nervously giggled.
    "I see." he smiled warmly.
    after everything was packed in the minivan everyone was eating breakfast bars in the minivan. Leo was in the drivers seat. Shifu in the passenger seat. in the back seats there were Donnie, Splinter, and Mikey. I was in the trunk again but with Raph this time. he wouldn't stop staring at me. "what?" I asked.
    "so... you and Splinta'?" he grinned.
    "what about Tiffany and myself?" Splinter asked. I started twitching.
    "curled up in a tent."
    "she was cold." Splinter said flatly. I don't know why but when he said it like that my heart sank and I grew a little sad and hurt.
    "sure..." I couldn't stop twitching. Raph looked at me. "sorry."
    "I think its sweet." Donnie laughed.
    "I think I will be keeping a closer eye on her." Shifu looked at me with a stern look.
    "because of me?" Splinter sounded surprised. "we are just friends. I assure you, my friend. there is no other intentions involved. she is my student and my friend. that is it. I simply could not. it is simply wrong."
    I was very hurt. tears threatened to fall but I was fighting them. everyone was talking to one another. I was looking at the floor while tear ran down my cheeks silently. Raph scooted next to and whispered "are ya alright, Tiff?"
    I deeply inhaled and smiled. "I'm fine. why wouldn't I be?"
    "no your not. whats wrong?"
    "nothing. its nothing..."
he wrapped a arm around me and pulled me close. "its okay, Tiff." he whispered. "its gonna be okay." it only made me cry harder but silently.
*home*
         everything was unpacked and now I was laying on my back on my couch in my room thinking. how did this happen? I swore off relationships forever. I guess it happened shortly after we met. yes... I always had a funny feeling with him. I figured it was because I found him to be so interesting. we have so much in common. I never felt this connected with Shifu. I guess this is why I felt more angry when I found out about the turtles and Bishop. but what draws me in? what gives him that hold on me? what is it? that smile? the way he looks at everyone with such warmth and care... those eyes? those hazel eyes that can draw someone in closer. eyes that can make the coldest heart of stone melt to ooze... what is it? its not lust. no. I'm not like that and he is a rat. its the inside. something inside that binds us. even if it is only one sided.
    someone knocked on the door. "come in." it was Raph and Mikey.
    "have fun?" Mikey asked.
    "I was a popsicle the entire time. why didn't we wait?"
    "because I don't like waiting." he walked away.
    Raph walked in and closed the door behind him. "we need ta talk."
    "about?" I sat up.
    he walked over and sat next to me. "somethin' is wrong and you aint tellin' me."
    "I don't want to bother you with something silly."
    "that look... that look in the van broke my heart, Tiff. you looked like you wanted to just die or somethin'. you looked like a kicked puppy."
    "its nothing."
    "its somethin'. what is it? did I embarrass you?"
    "well...yeah...but that's not it."
    "then what?"
    "...its what Splinter said. its just the way he said it..."
    "Splinta'? I knew something was deeper between ya two." he grinned. "so, how long?"
    "excuse me?"
    "how long have you had a thing for Splinta'?"
    I blushed. "I-I'm not sure."
    "you know what I think?"
    "hm?"
    "I think he likes you back."
    "don't tease me."
    "I mean it. never in my life have I seen him do that. come on. the cuddlein', the nickname 'my dear', the way he gives in to you with that look on your face... someone just needs to make that next move."
    "who?"
    "most likely you."
    "me?!? but I-I- how?"
    "well, there are a few choices. ask him for a date, con him into one, or TELL. HIM. HOW. YOU. FEEEELL!"
    "what if-"
    "he likes ya to."
    "and you don't think its weird. there is that age difference."
    "your talking to a mutant turtle, Tiff. if hes happy and your happy, I am too." I smiled. "just didn't know he was a cradle robber." he grinned.
    "Raph!" I playfully punched him in the arm.
    now, how am I going to get Splinter to say yes....

Description

    "that is not camping!" Mikey said.
    "yes it is!....in a way..." I retorted.
    "setting up a tent in a lot surrounded by hundreds of other tents, having a power box, sleeping with a camper just outside the tent IS NOT CAMPING!!!"
    "we were outside."
    "so what? you basically slept in a hotel outside."
    "okay fine. so, I have never went real camping. what is the harm in that?"
    "you say your a survivalist but you never went real camping."
    "I'm still book learning the whole thing."
    "you need experience."
    "how am I going to get it?"
    "I'll think of something." he grinned. now I was scared.
    *later*
    we were all at the dinner table eating some Asian dish our masters made. Splinter was at the head of the table. on his left there was Leo and Donnie. on his right there was Mikey, me, and Raph. Shifu was at the other end on the table. in the middle of the meal Mikey stood up and tapped on his glass with his fork. we all looked at him. "I have a great idea that everyone is going to love!"
    "ya moving out? sorry, goofball. I don't think the zoo is accepting any mutants at this time." Raph said.
    "Raphael! continue, Michelangelo. what is this idea?" Splinter asked.
    "we are going camping." he said with pride.
    "in winter?" Leo asked.
    "yep."
    "we cant do that." Donnie said. "we are not properly prepared. think about what could happen. there are no camp sites open this time of year. someone could get hypothermia or frostbite."
    "Tiffles is a great doctor. if she forgets what to do she has a notebook and we have Donnie."
    "I have been camping in cold weather. not the brightest idea. and I am studying tattoos, not medicine." I told him.
    "no you haven't. you slept in a tent outside your friend's house in cold weather. your still a good doctor. take the dang complement."
    "we can not camp in the cold." Splinter said.
    "why not? people do it all the time." he wined.
    "weak immune system hold any meaning for you?" I asked him.
    "you can wear a bunch of coats. come on. think of it as training in the wilderness. you never know when we need to survive because we got separated in winter."
    "he is right." Shifu said. "sometimes we face difficult situations. learning wilderness survival in the cold will increase chances of survival. if we can fight in the cold, we can sleep in it."
    "what happened ta 'we cant camp in the cold?'" Raph asked imitating Shifu poorly.
    "Michelangelo holds a very good point. it is decided. tonight we will pack after dinner then in the morning we will set up camp in the woods down the road. we will stay for one night then the next morning we will head home. before we all go to bed tonight we will check the bags to see if we have everything so we can leave early tomorrow." Splinter said.
    "what?!?" Donnie, Leo, Raph, and me said in unison.
    "remember to pack plenty of warm things. I think you all will enjoy this."  Splinter smiled.
    "Splinter, are you sure about this? as your doctor, everyone's doctor in fact, I don't want you getting sick again."
    "thank you for your concern. but you do not need to worry about my health. I understand what I am doing. if I do take illness again I have a fantastic doctor to help me once more. don't I, my dear?" he was smiling at me with that smile he knows I give into. I knew I was blushing even though I was trying my best to conceal it. after a moment I sighed.
    "if you understand the risks then I wont fight you. but I'm checking you're bag before we leave. Shifu's too!"
    "if it will help you're nerves then alright."
    "why mine?" Shifu asked.
    "you are equally at risk. you shouldn't mind if you have nothing to hide."
    "very well."
    *later*
    I was in my room packing thick sweaters, hoodies, blankets, snacks, lighters, and other crap. the entire time I was mumbling to myself. "I cant believe I am going to do this. I HAVE been camping. even if he doesn't think its considered real camping. and when did he turn into a survivalist nut? isn't he the one who just plays the video games. if anyone should have an issue with camping it should be someone like Leo. that's believable. I cant even believe I fell for that face again. that damn face. that... smile..." I thought to myself for a moment. every time he smiles like that I turn into putty in his hands. I don't even know why. everyone smiles. I guess he does it better or something. his smile is just so warm and loving. but if it isn't his smile then its the way he says 'my dear.' why does he do that? does he know that I follow his wishes with just that said? why do I that? the way his eyes stare at me. not judging... those perfect hazel eyes... that man is just perf- I shook my head. what am I thinking? this is my sensei! but I can't help it. I shouldn't even be thinking this. he is older then me and a rat. it would never work! I heard a knocking at the door that pulled me out of my thoughts. "c-come in..."
    "hello, my dear." Splinter said opening the door. great, just who I wanted to see... "my bag is packed and waiting in the main room for you to see."
    "a-a-al- okay."
    "are you okay?" he walked over to me and place a hand on my cheek. "you seem a little red." I must have been blushing a deep red. he moved his hand to my head. "you do feel warm."
    "I'm fine." my voice cracked.
    "are you sure? if your sick we can go another time."
    "no. i-its fine."
    "alright. we are waiting for you down stairs. see you down there." he stepped out of the room.
    I closed my bag and went down stairs into the main room. all the turtles except for Mikey were sitting on the couch with there arms crossed and a frown on there face. they looked mad. Mikey was excited and walking about the room. Shifu was standing near the bags taking inventory. Splinter walked up to me with his bag. he held it as I opened it. inside was about everything I had. "is everything alright?" he asked.
    "yea- no! no, not really." I ran to my room and grabbed a thick hoodie from my closet. I ran back down to him and gave it to him. "I think you could use this."
    "if the doctor thinks it is best." he smiled at me then walked away with his bag. I walked over to Shifu and checked his bag. his looked fine. after inventory Mikey and I sat on the couch with the other turtles. "after this everyone is going to bed so we can get plenty of rest. we will wake up early tomorrow so we can pack everything in the car. after breakfast we will drive down the road to the woods and set up camp. it is there we will do our activities. Shifu and myself have many fun things planned out for you."
    "question, sensei." Raph said.
    "yes, my son?"
    "why are we even doing this? all its going to do is get us all sick. even if we don't I know for a fact Tiff will. what are we going to do if she gets sick? she is the doctor."
    "we have been separated from eachother many times before. we have survived it. we haven't been separated in winter. incase it is to happen, we can survive it. we will teach you basic survival skills in cold weather. besides, camping is a wonderful way for a family to bond. thank you for suggesting this, Michelangelo. this was a good idea."
    his brothers looked at Mikey. "oh no. don't thank me. really. you should thank Tiffles. she inspired it." he said quickly. they stared at me. I pulled up my hood and covered my face.
*the next morning*
    we were in the minivan driving to the woods. Shifu was driving before but he kept swerving about the road and sliding on the ice. after he almost crashed us into a tree, so Leo took over. Shifu tried to say he was a good driver. Splinter was in the passenger seat. Shifu was sitting behind him with his ears down. you could tell he was upset. Donnie was in the middle and Raph was behind Leo. Mikey and me were sitting the trunk with the bags. everyone was talking about random things. Mikey pulled out a card from a deck for playing cards. "is this your card?"
    "nope." I told him.
    "is it this one?" he pulled out another.
    "na-ah." I shook my head.
    "Mikey, you did the trick wrong. you could have easily used a calculator to find out what her card was. all you needed to do was use-" Donnie was interrupted.
    "he cant do math, Motor brain. he should've followed the directions on the little paper that came with the deck." Raph said.
    "is it this your card?" Mikey said pulling out the same card from last time.
    "yeah." I smiled.
    "really?"
    "nope."
    "damn..."
    "lets play the counting game." Donnie suggested.
    "whats that?" I asked.
    "you pick an object that is common enough to see repeatedly and count it."
    Raph reached behind him and punched Mikey in the arm. "SLUG BUG GREEN! no tag backs." he said.
    "ow! I thought Splinter said we cant play that game anymore after the Mexican cow flinging incident." Mikey said while rubbing his arm.
    "I did." we heard Splinter say up front.
    "why am I not even questioning the Mexican cow flinging incident?" Shifu asked.
    "because this whole thing is weird." I told him while playing with one of his ears.
    "good point."

"not as weird as Tiffany's brother." Mikey commented.

I gasped. "excuse me?"

"you told me you're mom had a cat that her son got pregnet."

"and?"

"one: I don't think humans can get cats pregnet. two: why would your brother do that? and C: what did the babies-"

"wait. let me stop you right there. I meant, the cat's son got her pregnant." I shook my head. "how many times did you hit your head?" I mumbled.
    Mikey was drawing things on the frost of the window with his figure. I reached in my bag and pulled out another hoodie and put it on. I was now wearing 2 hoodies, a sweater, tank top, skinny jeans, my boots that had my scissors in it, my gaming hat, homeless guy gloves (the figure tips of the gloves are gone), and a scarf. "you okay?" Raph asked me.
    "yeah." I told him. "just freezing my tits off." Raph looked at me weird.
    the van came to a stop. "hey guys? we have trouble." Leo said. we looked at a sign that said Private Property. "what do you want to do?"
    "keep driving ahead. we will find a place." Splinter said. the turtles groaned. Mikey pumped his fist with victory.
    "how are you not cold?" I asked him.
    "I don't know. I think its because were cold blooded."
    "great, you guys get cold blood and fur and I get frostbite." I moved over and sat next to Mikey. he was now playing a video game. I put my head on his shoulder and curled up to him. he didn't mind. he just continued with his game. I was dozing off until I heard coughing up front. I looked up to see Leonardo choking on something. Raph hit him really hard on the back and out came a mint. "oh my gosh, are you okay?"

"yeah." he said laughing. "yeah. haha. Leo almost died. hahaha." he said with thick sarcasm.
*later*
    after and hour or two we had our camp set up. we had a giant tent that had 8 little tents connected to the bigger one. everyone got there own and since there was an extra one we put the gear in there. the big tent was being used for a main room since the walls were screen and like giant doors for it. we set up a fire in it since it would warm the tent up and we knew it wouldn't catch the tent on fire since there was a lot of space. the little tents all looked the same. they were big enough to sleep in and put your bag in but that was it. starting from the left there was Splinter's, Shifu's, Donnie's, Raph's, Mikey's, Leo's, then mine. and then there was the one for the gear. at the moment we were sitting in lawn chairs around the fire cooking hot dogs. I was bundled up in my clothing and a few blankets I brought with me. we were in a circle. starting from my left there was Donnie, Shifu, Mikey, Raph, Splinter, then Leo. Leo scooted his chair so close to mine they were touching. everyone was quite. Raph broke the silence. "I feel somethin' tingly in my chest. aint happiness. nope. I think its that hypothermia Don was ranting about." I smiled. "wait... I feel somethin' else. somethin' crawlin' on my back!!!" he jumped up and started freaking out. Donnie went over and shook his coat. "what is it?!? did it bite me?!?"
    "relax. it was just a spider." Donnie told him.
    "a what?!? a-a bug? bugs die in the winter!"
    "no. they look for warm places to spend the winter. Spiders can live outside in the winter."
    "I hate bugs..." he sat back down and continued cooking the hotdog.
*later*
    everyone was doing there own thing after dinner. the sun was still up too. Donnie was messing with some gadget. Mikey was playing in the snow. Raph was somewhere in the woods. Leo was meditating. Splinter and Shifu were talking. I was trying to get warm. "Tiffles! check this out!" I went over to him. he built an igloo. "I made a snow house!"
    "you mean igloo?"
    "bless you."
    "...what?"
    "will everyone come in here? we have another activity for you!" Shifu called out. there idea of activities were boring. they lectured us about random things and we did things like hiking. I was going to scream if Shifu said we were going to make clay pots or wallets. we all sat in the chairs. "okay, right now we are going to play games." he smiled.
    "wait? no more speeches?" asked Raph.
    "nope."
    "k... whats first?"
    he looked down to a paper in his hand. "first is tug of war."
    "shirts vs skins?" Raph grinned at me.
    "no. I'll judge but you need to pair up into two groups of three." everyone was scrambling around. the first group was Leo, Raph, and me. the other was Mikey, Donnie, and Splinter. after everyone was holding the rope on their side. starting from the right end of the rope; there was Splinter, Donnie, Mikey, me, Leo, then Raph. "do you all understand the rules?"
    "nope, we have no clue how to play this ancient game." Raph said with thick sarcasm in his voice.
    "makes you wonder why it hasn't gone senile yet." Mikey said.
    "yeah, why doesn't it get Alzheimer's already?" I asked.
    "fine then." Shifu smiled with a hint of evil. "there is a flag in the middle of the rope. you start pulling when I say so. you pull until the flag is on your side of the line. who ever has the flag on there side wins."
    "gee... thanks."
    "ready? get set.... PULL!" with that everyone started pulling. after a few minutes my feet started slipping.
    "come on! you cant beat us!" Mikey teased.
    "are you kidding? we cant lose!" Leo retorted.
    "but I know how to win."
    "uh, you keep pulling?"
    "LEO AND TIFFLES SITTING IN A TREE! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! FIRST CO-"
    all of a sudden we all felt a pull that tripped us all. "Leo's team wins!" Shifu declared. we looked around and seen only one person standing. Raph was the one who made that tug.
    "I told him to stop singin' that." Raph mumbled.
    "now, the next activity is hockey." Splinter told us while standing up.
    "we didn't pack any hockey gear." I reminded him.
    "survival consist of improvising. for this, improvise."
    "what was the tug of war for then? strength?" Leo asked.
    "no. the game was just a game." Splinter smiled.
    "oh."
    "now you are going to find things to use as the hockey sticks and something for the puck."
    "there are just 5 of us. 6 if we count one of you masters. there isn't enough people." I told him.
    "wow, you are a real buzz killer." Mikey scuffed.
    "my dear," Splinter smiled. "2 people can play on the ice and have 1 goalie on each team. its fine."
    "why don't you and Shifu play then. I can be referee. I do have a black and white stripped hoodie on. its so... fitting." I offered.
    "alright. now lets find things." everyone was walking around until Donnie called us over.
    "I have an idea." he shouted. "we can use these fallen branches as the hockey sticks and this stone as the puck."
   everyone then walked to the pond near by. the ice looked thick and sturdy. however, being the negative Goth as I am I did have a bad feeling. "is this even safe?" I asked.
    "would I ever put you in any real danger?" Shifu asked.
    "not on purpose. but accidents do happen."
    "just watch the ice..." he grumbled.
    everyone was having fun on the ice. except for Raph. he kept falling on his shell. I wasn't paying much attention because I was trying to get warm. Raph fell again and this time my heart dropped. his shell cracked the ice. "umm...guys?" they stopped playing. "the ice is cracking."
    Donnie went over to the crack and tapped on it a few times with his stick. he didn't seem satisfied so he went on one knee to get a closer look. "maybe its just the way Raph landed on the ice."
    "even if one was to fall, doesn't it mean that the ice isn't thick enough if it cracks with impact?"
    "...well... maybe we should call it a draw guys."
    "aw, just when we're winning." Mikey wined.
    "alright. everyone come on. the sun is beginning to set anyways." Leo said.
    once everyone was off the ice I heard a shout. I looked and seen Raph chasing Mikey. "SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!" Mikey shouted.
    "I'll ring ya neck!" Raph threatened.

my cell phone went off and began playing opera music. Mikey waltz around the ground for a moment."im tired of having you argue. if you dont stop, Tiffany will hit you. you better get the hint. Leonardo choked on a mint!" he sang. I only shook my head.
    "this should be fun!" Donnie used his bow staff to throw snow on Mikey.
    I walked away and hid in the tent. to be honest I'm not the fun kind of person. there is only so much I will do before I go back into hiding. I could hear them outside. "cold! COLD! COLD!" Mikey shouted.
    "not the face!" Donnie shouted.
    "hittin' someone from behind, knucklehead? you chicken!" Raph said. I then jumped because a snowball hit the wall of my tent.
    I was buried in all blankets and hoodies after a few minutes. "you okay?" I heard someone say. I looked up and seen Leo looking at with concern.
    "yes." I sat up. he crawled into my tent. it was cramped but I didn't mind. "I'm just a little cold."
    "I see that." he crawled under my blankets.
    "what are you doing?" I laughed nervously.
    "sharing my body heat with you so you don't get sick." he pulled my sketchpad from the top of my bag and was looking through it. "your getting good."
    "thanks. I hope a collage thinks so too. I have one picked out but I'm not sure they'll let me in. my drawings are nothing compared to them."

we heard Mikey just outside the tent. "oh, it got in my ear! oh, oh no! its not coming out!"
    "I like them." I couldn't help but smile. his face getting closer to mine for some reason.
    "look at this. the love birds already has there nest set up!" Mikey laughed. Leo backed off. I wonder how long he was watching us still. I twitched.
    Shifu poked his head in. "excuse me, Leonardo. but this is a female tent. meaning for her only. now, will two join us? we are making marshmallows."
    we stepped into the 'main room' and sat down next to each other. I notice a small hill of snow near the tent. "what is that?" I asked.
    Mikey ran out next to it and puffed his chest out with pride. "this is a snow turtle."
    "I didn't know ya liked ya turtles scrambled." Raph mumbled as he put a marshmallow on a stick. Mikey sat down and was now burning his marshmallow. I say burning because it was on fire and it is now black.
    "now, I believe we should-" Splinter started.
    "tell stories?" Mikey asked.
    Splinter laughed. "yes, my son. tell stories."
    "I have one! okay, its about these warriors that fight an alien race for invading earth. one dies so the other has to fight the king alone but thanks to her bag that he swiped after she died he kills the king thanks to explosives. so earth was saved. now, once a upon a time in the future the-.... crap!"
    "telling the ending in the summery wasn't the best idea. if they did that, you wouldn't be so into comics." Donnie said.
    "I know..." Mikey grumbled.
*later*
    I was trying to get warm again in my tent. it was late in the evening and everyone has gone to bed. I believe I was keeping everyone up because my teeth were chattering. I hid my entire body under all my blankets. I packed 5 hoodies, 3 sweaters, and 5 blankets. for comfort I packed 3 fuzzy pillows. I went to roll over but my nose stud was caught on the fur of my pillow. it pulled and I shouted. "SON OF A BITCH!!!" I sat up and held my nose in pain. I could tell the hole was stretched a bit. It'll go back to size by the morning. there was a pounding on my tent door.
    "you are alright?!?" I heard Splinter say.
    "y-y-yesss..." my teeth were still chattering.
    "I heard you shout... some vulgar words and figured you were in trouble." he unzipped the door and peeked his head inside. "what happened?"
    "my p-p-pillow c-caught my nose s-s-stud and p-p-pulled on it."
    "is it alright, my dear?" he crawled inside. he took my hands slowly away from my face. he leaned in really close to my face to get a better look while holding my wrists. he smiled. "it seems alright." he backed up and frowned. "your freezing! your lips are blue and your cheeks are very red." damn it. I must be blushing... I just nodded. "wait here." he left my tent. a few minutes later he came back with blankets. "these should warm you up." he smiled.
    "where did you get these?"
    "my tent."
    "your-... what about you?"
    "I will be just fine, my dear."
    "but you'll get sick. I don't want that happening again."
    "alright then." he zipped up the door and got under the covers. he was staring me in the face that was only a few inches from mine. "good night, Tiffany." he turned his back to me. I was still looking at him wondering what the hell just happened.
    "good night, Splinter." I finally said. I rolled over to face my back to him. as corny as it sounds I was trying to remember how to breath. a few minutes later he was asleep. I rolled over and just stared at him thinking and wondering.
*morning*
    I woke up with the sun in my eyes. it was gleaming though the tent. when I noticed something I stopped breathing. my head was on Splinter's chest and his arm was around me. his chin rested on the top of my head. his tail was wrapped around my legs. I had no idea what to do. I was truly at a loss. after a few moments I decided to just let him sleep. besides, he was keeping me warm. I stared up at his face. he looked different then normal. he looked more peaceful then his waking life. my head went up and down slowly as he breathed. all of a sudden I felt his tail have a tighter hold my legs. it loosened after a moment but it still surprised me. his fur is soft... lavender... his favorite... wait. what am I thinking?!? I'm just weird. I closed my eyes. about half an hour later the turtles were looking for Splinter. I buried my face into Splinter's chest.
    there was banging on my door. "Tiffany, have you seen Splinter?" I heard the zipper and tried to slow my breathing down. "Tiffany, are you even awa-" there was a pause. "I found him, guys." it sounded like Leo. there was another pause.
    "how the shell did that happen?" Raph asked.
    "maybe they were cold." Donnie suggested.
    "this is... awkward... so whos gonna wake 'em up?"
    "not me! Tiffles carry scissors." Mikey said.
    "what are you boys talking about?" I heard Shifu ask at a distance. I heard his steps until they stopped at the door. "I thought I only had to worry about you boys."
    "someone has to wake them up if we're going home." Leo said.
    "fine. the things I do for ya people!" Raph grumbled. I felt Splinter shake. "hey, masta'. its mornin'."
    I felt his body move and his tail tighten around my legs again. "good morning, my sons. what is everyone-... oh my..."
    "what happened here last night?"
    "she was hurt and cold so I stayed." he didn't move arm from around me. I believe it was my imagination but I felt his hand tighten on my shoulder. "I will wake her. why don't you all get packed to go home?" I heard there footsteps getting quitter and quitter until it was replaced with the sound of the tents being messed with. there was a moment of silence. he used his free hand to move hair out of my face but took his time taking his hand off my cheek. "Tiffany, my dear," he whispered. "its time to wake up." he gently shook my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at him. "good morning."
    "what time is it?" I asked. I batted my eyelashes for some reason.
    "we have to pack up now." he gently moved out from under me and took his tail off from around my legs. it took all of my might not to whimper. "pack up your things now. we will eat before we leave."
    "alright."
    "are you alright?"
    "I just woke up." I nervously giggled.
    "I see." he smiled warmly.
    after everything was packed in the minivan everyone was eating breakfast bars in the minivan. Leo was in the drivers seat. Shifu in the passenger seat. in the back seats there were Donnie, Splinter, and Mikey. I was in the trunk again but with Raph this time. he wouldn't stop staring at me. "what?" I asked.
    "so... you and Splinta'?" he grinned.
    "what about Tiffany and myself?" Splinter asked. I started twitching.
    "curled up in a tent."
    "she was cold." Splinter said flatly. I don't know why but when he said it like that my heart sank and I grew a little sad and hurt.
    "sure..." I couldn't stop twitching. Raph looked at me. "sorry."
    "I think its sweet." Donnie laughed.
    "I think I will be keeping a closer eye on her." Shifu looked at me with a stern look.
    "because of me?" Splinter sounded surprised. "we are just friends. I assure you, my friend. there is no other intentions involved. she is my student and my friend. that is it. I simply could not. it is simply wrong."
    I was very hurt. tears threatened to fall but I was fighting them. everyone was talking to one another. I was looking at the floor while tear ran down my cheeks silently. Raph scooted next to and whispered "are ya alright, Tiff?"
    I deeply inhaled and smiled. "I'm fine. why wouldn't I be?"
    "no your not. whats wrong?"
    "nothing. its nothing..."
he wrapped a arm around me and pulled me close. "its okay, Tiff." he whispered. "its gonna be okay." it only made me cry harder but silently.
*home*
         everything was unpacked and now I was laying on my back on my couch in my room thinking. how did this happen? I swore off relationships forever. I guess it happened shortly after we met. yes... I always had a funny feeling with him. I figured it was because I found him to be so interesting. we have so much in common. I never felt this connected with Shifu. I guess this is why I felt more angry when I found out about the turtles and Bishop. but what draws me in? what gives him that hold on me? what is it? that smile? the way he looks at everyone with such warmth and care... those eyes? those hazel eyes that can draw someone in closer. eyes that can make the coldest heart of stone melt to ooze... what is it? its not lust. no. I'm not like that and he is a rat. its the inside. something inside that binds us. even if it is only one sided.
    someone knocked on the door. "come in." it was Raph and Mikey.
    "have fun?" Mikey asked.
    "I was a popsicle the entire time. why didn't we wait?"
    "because I don't like waiting." he walked away.
    Raph walked in and closed the door behind him. "we need ta talk."
    "about?" I sat up.
    he walked over and sat next to me. "somethin' is wrong and you aint tellin' me."
    "I don't want to bother you with something silly."
    "that look... that look in the van broke my heart, Tiff. you looked like you wanted to just die or somethin'. you looked like a kicked puppy."
    "its nothing."
    "its somethin'. what is it? did I embarrass you?"
    "well...yeah...but that's not it."
    "then what?"
    "...its what Splinter said. its just the way he said it..."
    "Splinta'? I knew something was deeper between ya two." he grinned. "so, how long?"
    "excuse me?"
    "how long have you had a thing for Splinta'?"
    I blushed. "I-I'm not sure."
    "you know what I think?"
    "hm?"
    "I think he likes you back."
    "don't tease me."
    "I mean it. never in my life have I seen him do that. come on. the cuddlein', the nickname 'my dear', the way he gives in to you with that look on your face... someone just needs to make that next move."
    "who?"
    "most likely you."
    "me?!? but I-I- how?"
    "well, there are a few choices. ask him for a date, con him into one, or TELL. HIM. HOW. YOU. FEEEELL!"
    "what if-"
    "he likes ya to."
    "and you don't think its weird. there is that age difference."
    "your talking to a mutant turtle, Tiff. if hes happy and your happy, I am too." I smiled. "just didn't know he was a cradle robber." he grinned.
    "Raph!" I playfully punched him in the arm.
    now, how am I going to get Splinter to say yes....