ⓇⒺⒹ | TMNT | Raphael Fanfiction

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Infinity sits at the edge of the tracks outside the lair with April at her side. She kicks her legs, not really paying attention to anything as she stares off. April notices her distant stare and rests a gentle hand atop hers. Infinity quickly turns to look at her, stiffening as she does so. April gently smiles and rubs soothing circles into her hand.

"Um, before they bring Sensei out, he is also a mutant, but before, he was a human like us. He had a wife and daughter but lost both of them. He's a very loving father and thinks of the turtles as his sons. He may scare you because he's a rat, but I promise he won't hurt you." April reassures the timid girl.

Father...?

Infinity turns when she feels eyes watching her. She sees Splinter and grabs onto April's shoulders, hiding behind her.

"Do not be afraid. I mean no harm." Splinter smiles, resting his hands on his cane.

Infinity looks at April who nods. She slowly scoots out from behind April but keeps a hand wrapped securely around her arm.

"H-H-Hello." She stutters.

"It is nice to meet you Infinity. My name is Splinter. Did the Purple Dragons hurt you?" He asks, gesturing to her wounds.

She frowns and looks down at the ground refusing to answer.

"How about we get you something to eat?" He suggests after a few moments of silence.

Infinity looks up and shyly nods, following everyone into the kitchen. She watches curiously as Mikey cooks, trying to recognize different items. She does manage to catch wind of a conversation between Raph, Donnie, and April not so far away.

"Do you think she's, y'know, on the spectrum?" Raph asks.

"It's possible." Donnie hums.

"Because of her vocabulary and unusual reactions? I don't know. Maybe it's something else. I don't think she's on the spectrum." April defends.

"Then what else is it?" Raph huffs.

Infinity looks down with furrowed brows, trying to understand the words being said about her. She snaps her head up when she hears something being set in front of her. Splinter looks down at her with a soft smile, gesturing to the juice box. Infinity carefully picks it up, confused. Splinter seems to notice this, his eyes softening with worry before demonstrating what to do with another juice box. Infinity's eyes light up at the learning opportunity and she sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth as she struggles before finally poking the straw into the box. She smiles brightly, holding her box up to Splinter. She shrinks back slightly, realizing what she's done, but Splinter quickly reassures her with a kind smile. He holds up the straw to his lips and Infinity follows his action. She gasps as the juice hits her tongue.

"Good!" She shouts in surprise attempting to read the words on the box.

"A-pp-" she starts before frowning.

Splinter's heart sinks when he realizes she can't read, at least, not as well as a person her age should be able to. Splinter kneels at her side and Infinity stiffens, afraid to move.

"Would you like me to help you read the juice box?" He asks quietly.

Infinity looks at him in surprise before shyly nodding. He begins sounding out the words for her and attempts to help her recognize letters and the sounds they make. He feels a strange swelling in his chest when he sees her gasp in surprise and a sparkle in her eyes every time he does something that amazes her.

"Ap-ple jui-ce." She repeats.

Splinter nods at her and she smiles happily, lightly kicking her feet as she holds the juice box close.