(Untitled)

[mnr_splinter]

There's a little known fact that if you wish to keep something secret from a ninja the best place to conceal it is in plain sight. This is especially true if what you're trying to conceal are plans for a birthday celebration, and the ninja you wish to keep these plans from is Michaelangelo

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[cutting_edgex23]

X pauses near his table, head tilting very slightly.

Maybe it is the family resemblance to Leo, Mike, Raph, and Don that gets her attention.

But probably not.

"Hello."

Beat.

"You are waiting for someone?"

Blame the tea setting.

[mnr_splinter]

They are often getting confused for one another, that's for sure.
...

Wait. What? No.

The old rat looks up from his notes and offers a small smile to the young woman. "Good evening, Miss. Are you in need of an extra chair?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"X," X says.

As if that is an answer.

Then --

"Standing is comfortable."

Sometimes people worry about that.

[mnr_splinter]

"It can be, yes."

He blinks a couple of times, his whiskers twitching as he considers all the young woman has said.

"I'm sorry, but did you say X?"

Is this some future version of English that he doesn't understand?

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes."

X nods.

"It is my name. Not Miss."

She feels it is important to be clear.

Well. She tries. It's just not high in her list of skills.

[mnr_splinter]

"You have my apologies for the misunderstanding, X. I am known as Splinter. I am honored to make your acquaintance."

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is okay," X says. Maybe she is trying to be comforting.

Several seconds later --

"It is good to meet you, too."

[ginsu_master]

"X!"

Leo offers a X a smile, carrying over another pot of fresh tea for his master. "Are you doing well? Would you like tea?" The does your universe have pants on today? is implied.

"Master, you have met my friend, X-23?"

[mnr_splinter]

"I have indeed, just now."

Leonardo's friend. Interesting.

[cutting_edgex23]

X scents the air, paying careful attention to what Leo has in his cup.

Then --

"Tea is okay. Thank you."

Beat.

"He smells like you."

[ginsu_master]

He pours: for his master, for his friend, for himself, neat and practical.

"Yes, I am sure we do," he agrees.

Then--

He almost huffs. "The tea isn't spiked, X."

[mnr_splinter]

As Splinter is trying to remember whether or not he's ever seen a human smell the air, it occurs to him that perhaps X is not quite human. It would, after all, explain so much.

"Leonardo, is there any particular reason why X would believe your tea would be spiked?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"Sometimes he drinks," X says, matter-of-factly.

"And gets into fights."

Beat.

"It is problematic."

Even if the two are not always related. (Or ever.)

[ginsu_master]

Leo is actually staring at X, mouth agape.

"What-- But--"

"You're universe has no pants!"

[mnr_splinter]

Mmmhmm. Backpedal faster, Leonardo.
Splinter doesn't have to utter a word, the single fuzzy eyebrow that's just been raised says all that needs saying.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I have not seen the universe," X says, looking a little dubious.

"Selene does not count."