Author's Notes: Hey everyone, so this is a going to be a short four part story. However, each chapter will be focused on one of the turtles. I'm still working on Torn Ties as well, so I'm hoping to get that updated eventually. I just had this idea, and I couldn't get it out of my mind. Also, special thanks to BelatedBeliever for helping me edit and looking over it. She's an awesome friend. Well, happy reading ^.^

Staring up at the ceiling, Michelangelo laid upon his bed. He wasn't quite sure how late it was, but he knew that it was late enough. Occasionally, he would hear a loud clang and clatter, letting him know that Donnie was still awake. However, his brother usually wanted to be left alone when it was this late, because he was so absorbed in his work. Leo and Raph on the other hand, were shut up in their rooms, leaving him be.

A sigh passed his lips as he furrowed his brow. His muscles felt stiff, so shifted his weight to his side. His blue eyes wandered onto the posters that lined the wall, and he took in the details. As his view widened, his focus landed on the Bradford cutout sitting in the corner.

Immediately, his stomach tightened. That cutout served as a reminder of how easily manipulated he had been. Michelangelo began to chew on his lower lip, and anger bubbled to the surface. He pretended that he had gotten over it so that he wouldn't make his family worry, but deep down it still hurt. After all, he had just wanted a friend who understood him. Someone to connect with. Even with his family, he felt lonely at times.

His eyes continued to pierce that lifesized cardboard, and soon enough, he felt completely disgusted. The darkness only made the poster look more devious than what it really was, since the shadows cascaded down that fake face. Finally, he had enough of the sight and he tossed his weight to face the other wall.

Mikey clenched his eyes shut and gripped the blanket underneath him. His mind became clouded with thoughts; it was always when it's time for bed, when his thoughts came to the surface. This was the only time he was forced to sit still; to actually face his concerns.

Memories of what his brothers had said to him came up to the surface; especially the ones he had always buried. Sure, he acted easy-going, but deep down, he felt alone. To him, there were times he felt like he wasn't good enough. He wasn't respected enough.

In the end, he loved having fun, but his idea of fun differed from his brothers'. To keep the negative thoughts at bay, he would play the joker. No one in his family suspects the loneliness he keeps hidden away. However, he was alone in his room, and he wished for some company.

With the blanket in his clutches, he shifted his weight and wrapped himself in it. He curled up into a ball; it was as if he was in a cocoon. Within his fabricated cocoon, his imagination began to flow. He pictured himself breaking free and spreading his wings. The air was clean, well, more like pure, and the light warmed his skin. As Turflytle, he would would explore and meet new people; even help those in need.

Within seconds, he found himself falling and his eyes whipped open. Donnie dropped something, which caused him to jolt awake. He laid there for a minute, thinking of his dream. Then he curled up tighter as he wished to go back into that blissful state. Mikey silently cursed his brother for robbing him of that dream, then huffed out a heavy breath.

Was bliss too much to ask for? He wondered this as he stared into the fabric that completely covered him, darkening his vision. His lower lip stuck out, and his eyelids lowered. Honestly, he wasn't tired, but he had nowhere to go. Sure, he could watch television, but that would mean Splinter apprehending him. Leo would be just as critical as well, and his oldest brother preferred to be alone at night anyways. Also, he wasn't like Raph who could go off and be with Casey; at least he had a friend.

As he thought about this hard truth more and more, Mikey let out a slight whine and rolled back onto his shell. The blanket pressed hard into his face, completely warming it up. However, the warmth wasn't just the blanket, but he wasn't willing to admit it.

A realization hit him.

A very hard one.

Each one of his brothers had someone to connect to. A friend that they were close to. Sure, he knows April, but he never had a heart to heart with her like Donnie had. He had Ice Cream kitty, but she couldn't leave the lair without a cooler, and he wasn't able to completely connect with her on an emotional level.

Tears threaten to spill from his eyes, so he squeezed them as tight as he could. Mikey refused to cry. He was the prankster, the jokester, and the main party guy...so, why would he be crying?

Deep down, he knew that was just a show.

The mental image of his ex-best friend flashed in his mind once more, causing him to stiffen. He then thought about the way his brothers didn't take him seriously, and the way he joked off. Mikey didn't want to think about it anymore, but it refused to leave his mind, pressing down on him. A hard lump formed in his throat and his body began to tremble. Immediately, he bit into his lower lip and shook his head, feeling the friction of the fabric on his cheek.

No.

He wasn't going to break, he pressed himself.

However, the pain was just too much and the feelings of alienation mixed with loneliness spilled over. His tears broke free from his eyes, but were instantly padded by the blanket covering his face. The heat flared within his skin, and he struggled to gulp down some air.

Mikey couldn't handle it, so he threw himself to his side again and hugged his knees in that little ball of his. Each muscle trembled, and the tears started spilling down the side of his face. The mattress became damp underneath his cheek, but he didn't do anything about it. All he did was quietly sob in between each gasp. Underneath his plastron, his chest ached. Why did it hurt so much? He couldn't quite understand.

Time seemed to stretch on slowly and soon enough, the trembling stopped. His eyes hurt, but could no longer stay open. He never wished for any of this, but what could he possibly do now? After all, he felt drained and refused to move. As his consciousness began to slip away, his ball came slowly undone, and the next thing he knew, he was struggling to stay awake.

Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed the first part to this story. I wanted to express the sides we rarely ever see from the brothers. Also, I can't thank my readers enough for following me and reading my stories, it means a lot. Well, next up will be Donnie's portion. Thanks again and feel free to review ^.^ I appreciate all feedback.