Things had gotten back to normal faster than I expected. Donnie and I ran the lab together again. There was no strange cloud over us and we could genuinely smile at each other. I knew that Raphael would intentionally slip to his brothers about how he had taken me. And I knew Donnie would not blame me for it. I knew Donnie had a tender soul and that his hot-headed brother was a Neanderthal compared to his intellect. Instead of feeling hurt or betrayed, Donnie understood his brothers' plight. Just like his, their ultimate destiny should be to die alone... with a massive hard-on. It would be too dangerous to try to find women who would not only be willing to keep their existence a secret but who would also agree to couple with them. My turtles would never stoop to kidnapping and rape. So I seemed to be their only saving grace. I already had Donatello and Raphael inside of me. What if they needed to be with me again? And could I do the same for their other brothers? I wasn't about to be anyone's pity fuck and I knew they would never degrade me as such… but the thought caused me great anticipation and excitement. The question is, how would this 'sensitive' subject be approached?

A stomach virus. Hell, they got what they deserved.

Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo decided it was a good idea to not wait for Michelangelo to wake up and fix them breakfast but, instead, finished off a two-week old anchovy and mushroom pizza found in the back of the fridge. Needless to say my young men were greener than usual and spent the rest of the day emptying themselves from both ends of their sick-stricken bodies. Not wanting to aggravate his older brothers' condition with savory smells of bacon and eggs wafting through their home, Mikey and I sat quietly in the kitchen eating cereal and a fresh fruit salad. We weren't quiet for long. Mikey could not help make fun of them and he made me laugh staggeredly the rest of the morning.

Later, I went back to the lab and tried to accomplish as much work as I could without Donnie. It was boring in there without him. When I finally gave up, totally stumped without my genius to guide me, I met Mikey in the kitchen. Lord knows what he did all day but at that moment he was simmering a simple broth to serve his brothers. I helped him make his rounds setting a tray of hot vegetable stock, saltines, ginger ale and a cup of ice into each recovering turtle's rooms. They were out of commission for the rest the night. Mikey and I chose to spend the evening watching movies. All comedy. He has always loved comedy and practically acted out each line of his favorite flicks. I found it hilarious and ridiculously cute that this side of him hadn't changed over the years. At one point, however, I noticed him become eerily quiet when a sex scene emerged on the screen. This never bothered us before. I assumed the obviously graphic conversation Raphael told him about me surfaced to the front of his mind and he suddenly felt uncomfortable being alone with me. I decided to play dumb, faked a yawn and told him I was going to shower and turn in for the night. He nodded and wished me goodnight.

The hot shower didn't make me sleepy like I'd hoped. I wrapped my robe around me and shuffled to the kitchen for a midnight snack. As I turned the corner I started to hear low murmurs coming from Mikey's room. Honestly, I'm not one to pry. I would have continued on my way if I hadn't heard him call my name from the other side of the door. I leaned in and held my breath. He panted frantically. His voice was so full of want. I even heard him grunt. I heard him say my name over and over. I knew what he was doing and before I realized how this affected me, my own hands reached between my legs. I lifted them up in shock. I anticipated this moment. And I was very excited. I could have flown to the kitchen, got an ice-cream bar, went back to my room and satisfied my mouth and my desire. Instead, I opened and shut his door silently and took in the image of Mikey. He was lying back on his bed, feet on the floor and his large throbbing erection pointed toward the ceiling. His one hand was resting behind his head while his other was slowly sliding along his length. I was so turned on. I stood there long enough to feel my juices run down my leg. I couldn't take it anymore. Yes, I felt like a pervert, but I rationalized my actions in that he was the one who called me in here. I got his attention when I locked his door and allowed my robe to fall to the floor.

He looked up and every fiber in him froze. I was completely naked in his room and his hand was gripping the base of his cock. He blinked, snatched a up a plow to cover himself and sat up. He was mortified, gasping for air. I walked toward him and knelt between his legs. He tried to scoot back but I held on to his hips. My lust was heavy, but this was Mikey, so I wanted to make light of this situation as best I could.

"I'm hungry Mikey. I was on my way to the kitchen to get a little something to put in my mouth, but I heard you calling my name… I couldn't help notice that you've already prepared a snack for me." I felt his whole body shiver at my words and I giggled. I looked up and gave him a big smile. His eyes were wide and mouth agape as his hands still held the pillow, hiding his erection. Mikey was the most innocent of all. I wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible. I discarded the pillow without much resistance. He sat up on his elbows and watched as I took his member in both of my hands. I grabbed a littler tighter and it twitched beneath my fingers. He hummed and I grinned. I briefly hesitated to lick my lips then slipped the head of his dick into my mouth.

...

When discussing mutant turtle anatomy, I'm limited in knowledge. But I'm slowly becoming more of an expert when pertaining to their sexual organs. My turtles are well endowed. Imagine a fourteen to sixteen inch cylindrical monolith with the girth of a bottle of water. Imaging trying to fit that long bottle of water down your throat. The art of fellatio is not one I've mastered but my turtles are kind enough to let me get in a lot of practice. Although their stamina can be sometimes exhausting, no matter what end they enter me from, it's a chore I've thoroughly come to enjoy. I digress.

...

Mikey moaned into the pillow as I assaulted the tip of his penis with my tongue and languidly stroked his shaft with my hands. He breathed sharply and thrust his pelvis to my rhythm. This was my first time giving head to any of my turtles and the muffled cries and staggered breaths Mikey showered me with made me feel like I was doing things right. I wanted so much to please him.

"Faster…", he whispered and I obeyed. "Deeper.." and I did. As I rocked back and forth on my knees, adhering to his requests, I felt how damp I'd become. I was sure I had made a little puddle on his floor.

"Ah…ah…ah.." He panted. He sounded very close. Come on Mikey. Cum for me. Right in my mouth. I'm ready when you are, I thought.

"Yeah… yeah.. yes! Wait! Stop!" He put his large hands on my shoulders, halted my motion. I released him from my lips with a loud sucking pop and he sighed. Why did he stop me? I looked up at and waited for him to catch his breath.

"This feels so good… but it's, it's not fair." He grinned a little. "I think we should play a game."

My eyes widened. I let him continue.

"Let's play a game to see who can last the longest." He smiled. He licked the saliva streaming from the corners of his mouth. My body ached from the idea he suggested.

"Ok. How do we play?" I asked. I was so happy that he was starting to relax.

He helped me to stand and then laid me across his bed. He stood there a while just taking me in. I allowed him to look me over. He had never seen a naked woman before and this one was sexually waiting for him. He bent down toward me and lightly kissed my lips. Then he kissed my cheek, my neck and my shoulders. He smiled as he cupped both of my breasts in his hands. He tickled my nipples and sent shivers down my spine. He asked me how it felt and I told him it felt very good. He took each of my breasts fully into his mouth and I gasped both times. I told him that felt very, very good. He trailed kisses down to my navel and stopped at the opening of my vaginal lips. He rose from the bed, knelt and pulled my hips to the edge. I watched him as he took one of his thick fingers and slid them along my swelled slit. I shuddered at his touch. He opened his lips and inserted his sticky finger. He can't help the saliva running down his chin. He licked his lips and marveled at my flavor.

"Mmm…so sweet." He grabbed my hips and immediately shoved my entire pussy into his hot, watering mouth. I cried out, grabbing the bed sheets, my mind trying to keep up with the intense feeling. He held me as he massaged my clit with his wide flat tongue. He pressed up my body and fondled my breasts in his large hands. If he kept this up I wouldn't last long. I wanted him to push me over. Over and over. But I also wanted to play his game. I couldn't fold on the first round. I took as much as I could and then reluctantly begged him to stop. He finally removed himself from feasting on me. He looked at me, face glistening from my juices, his smile beaming. I met him on the floor and pushed him back on his shell, the shag carpet cushioned him softly. He giggled and I giggled. I got down between his legs and began to suck and pump him vigorously. His hard-on got even harder as I weaved my fingers around him. This time his inhibitions were nonexistent as he wailed and threw back his head in ecstasy. I couldn't help but smile as I slid my tongue all over him. He growled and chanted my name like a mantra when I wrapped one of my hands around his tail and pulled. When I heard him take a deep breath I though he was done for, but then...

"Oh stop! Oh Please, stop! For the love of god, stop...", he groaned. He sat up and chuckled to himself.

I whined, "Damn, Mikey. I almost had you."

"Oh, totally not so." He pants, "This is my game and I'm going to win."

"I thought the winner comes first?" I teased. He picked me up and tossed me back on his bed.

"The winner is the one who is begged not to stop." He smirks.

I opened my mouth in awe at his remark. I liked this game! Once again his mouth overtook me and I almost lost my grip. His powerful jaws rocked my pelvis and my body tightened with the ride we was taking me on. All of a sudden I found this challenge ludicrous! I hate this cruel game! I didn't want to delay any longer. I needed to cum and I needed to come now! I held on to the back of his head and urged him on.

"Yes Mikey… keep going… ah yes…yes…yes…" I whimpered. Just then he stopped, got up from his bed and left the room. My sensitive area shivered by the cooler change of temperature. I lied there, spread eagle, gasping for air, and frustrated as hell.

He walked back in and locked his door. He unwrapped an ice-cream bar in front of me. I was confused and a little surprised that he went all the way to the kitchen and back with his dick in the air. What was he thinking?

"Sorry, I was a little hungry and it's not breakfast time yet so I got a little snack." He was about to take a large bite from the frozen desert when I snapped.

"Don't you fucking dare you little twat-tease..." I said lowly. He turned and looked at me with the most mischievous grin. I was so angry at him, so sexually angry. How dare he torment me! I shot over to him, took the creamy treat from his hand and jumped back in the bed. I spread my knees and fingered my slit wantonly, "This is your fucking breakfast, Mikey. And you'd better finish it." I popped the ice-cream into my mouth and he found his way back between my legs. He chuckled again. He was having the time of his life. I bit down hard on the sweet snack and to hide my grin.

"Mmmm, so this is my breakfast?" As he spoke his lips brushed against my wetness. I almost lost my mind. He began to hum against my swollen nub.

I almost cried. "You win Mikey! You win!"

He took my mound completely into his mouth. I gasped sharply as the suction of his hold sent me into a frenzy. I grabbed his head for dear life, letting him know I was close. He sucked me strongly and jabbed his tongue deep inside me. My mind blew a fuse.

"Mi..ie..ie..ie ky…AHH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as a surge of power ripped through the middle of me. I had never felt an orgasm so fierce. If his brothers weren't awake before, they surely were then. But I didn't really care and neither did Mikey. It was all about him and me at that moment.

I collapsed back on his bed, melted ice-cream on my lips, on his head and covering my hands. He leaned over me and kissed me. The desert mixed with my sweetness made an exotic flavor in our mouths. He pulled away and smiled warmly. "You lose." he whispered. He pressed himself to me, offering me his virginity happily. I may not have won his crazy game that night but I knew I'd be willing to lose to Mikey anytime.

...

Mikey is so much fun. When I'm with him it's all a sexual game. We lovingly torture each other. We drive each other insane. We can laugh and giggle. Another thing I've learned about Mikey is that he can't seem to get enough of eating my pussy. I do enjoy oral sex with my other turtles from time to time. But the act of feasting on each other is Mikey's cup of tea. With him, we cum down one another's throats more than the traditional way and I'm totally fine with that. He once told me that he wishes he could use my juices to baste a ham or as a topping on his ice-cream cone. He wants to bottle me up and spritz me on a fresh salad or simply sip me from a straw. He says that every time I'm with him it's lunchtime and I am his soup du jour. He is a connoisseur over the stove and under the covers. And I am his favorite dish.

Three down, one to go.

...

There was an unspoken yet obviously delicate and intricate choreography the three younger Hamato brothers and I performed within their underground palace. They knew we had something special and wouldn't dare do anything to jeopardize their brotherhood or my personal affections toward them. Whether they talked between themselves about me, I didn't know. But they never mentioned, nor did they insinuate our separate sexual encounters when we were all together. It was like I had multiple identities with them. Alone with Donnie, I was his passionate love. Alone with Raph, I was his sensual piece of meat. Alone with Mikey, I was his delicious opponent. When we sat around the breakfast bar, dinner table, or lounged in the living room, I was just their loyal friend. I was amazed at how natural it all felt. I could be their helping hand, their listening ear, and their teammate on one hand and cater to each of their private needs on the other. It never ceased to amaze me at how they worked out who would get to be with me every other night. They never let me feel like I was on rotation or that it was purely an obligation. Each time happened on instinct. There was no defined pattern. They never fought for my attention and I vowed to myself I would never assume I had a favorite.

One thing, however, did stand out. Although no apparent difference in action, behavior, or conversation occurred, the rest of us were keenly aware that their eldest brother had undoubtedly refused to join in on our little menagerie. I figured he would be the toughest nut to crack, pun intended. He struggled with the idea of this unorthodox arrangement. He was the fourth and final brother so the pressure to do what was right weighed heavily upon his shoulders. Would they judge him? He was supposed to be their fearless leader. Did he fear they would no longer follow him? He committed himself to strict discipline for a reason, to overcome all baser urges. He pledged to be strong for his family. I was very sure he thought this way inside and I knew exactly why. Leonardo was mercilessly thrust into his role as head of the household. He wanted so much to honor his deceased sensei, his father… But if he could be swayed, if mighty Leonardo consented to fall weak between my legs, he thought he would forfeit his own honor.

I respected his decision and decided not to bring the subject up unless he initiated it. But I would be honest with him. I would tell him exactly how I felt and would leave the choice in his hands. After a month of poker face, Leonardo knocked on my door. He stood there, a look wrought with concern, longing and distaste in his expression. We only met eyes for a moment, the he dodged my gaze. He is trying to be so strong. My heart sank for him.

"I've smelled them on you, all of them from time to time. Even if you wash it all away the scent of them still hangs in the air for a while." He looked away from me again, lining the woodwork of my bedroom door frame with his hand. "I can't stand you when I think about what you and my brothers have done… then you step out of the shower, fresh and new, like you've never been touched by them and I… why are you doing this to me?"

I've made him feel pain and that makes me feel ugly. I never wanted to hurt him. I wanted to reach out and touch his hand, but let my arms dangle, fists clenched on either side of me. He continued.

"I don't want you here. I can't have you here."

"Then where will you have me?" I ask, testing the waters.

"Don't twist my words around!", he spat. He stared me down. He looked more frightened than angry. I shook my head slowly. He's so determined to be the good son. But he was no longer a son. He was their brother, my friend, and his own man.

"Leonardo, I would never take anything from you that you were not ready to give. And I would never give you anything that I wouldn't want you to have. My choice is to share something with you… something that is so common in this world… yet something that you would have never experienced. It's a part of a normal life. I've never done this out of sympathy. And I never will. I do this out of love. I love each of you so much that if asked, I would deny you nothing. You have my complete trust." I touched his cheek, and he finally looked at me. "Leo, I'm sure you've wondered, wanted to know what it's all about. It's not just a physical act to release tension. It can be emotionally and spiritually gratifying as well. And it's better when you love the one you're with. There is something different about each of you but I love you just the same. I'm not just willing to share my body, but also my heart… my life with you. I don't mind being one love to four brothers as long as they are happy with me. And I won't lie to you." I moved my hand to the middle of his plastron. " Now that I have them, I want you too."

He pressed his lips and shut his eyes tight.

"I don't think I can can do this." He backed away from me. "As difficult and lonely the alternative may be, I am willing to keep you as a friend and never a lover. The issue is that... I don't love you in the way that would be appropriate for us to be intimate. And although I believe your words of devotion, you are also telling me that you would never be mine alone. That truth is unfair to both of us."

"Then I make a promise to you Leonardo. I will not lay with anyone else until you love me and take me in your bed. I will keep myself for you and no scent will follow me but my own until you smother me with yours. I love you Leonardo. I always have, but now my love for you has matured, just as it did with your brothers."

"I… I can't ask that of you or my brothers". He was being so diplomatic.

"When the time comes, there will be no shame or boundaries. And I also promise that when you finally claim me, I will be yours. And whenever I am with you, there will only be you." I stepped close to him and kissed his cheek.

He resisted to touch me but then took my hand in his, "Very well." He looked defeated. "But I need some time." He said.

Later, I told each of my other turtles in private what I had promised to Leonardo and they sincerely agreed, even Raphael. I packed my belongings and moved back into my apartment above the antique shop until Leo came to me. I was overwhelmed at his observance of me. Leo needed to love me before he would seduce me. He made me feel so valuable in his sight.

…

A week later Leo finally came to visit me, then about every day for the next two weeks after that. We started out, just sitting with each other. We talked, dined and drank tea. I was glad when he told me that no pressure or threats came from his brothers to hurry him along. They loved their older brother and knew he would never cheapen our growing relationship by moving too fast. Every time he left, I couldn't wait to see him again. He was chaste and romantic and it made my heart flutter. I've known him for a long time yet there was so much more I was learning. He loved any music that had a flute or a clarinet. He loved the quiet ambiance of candlelight. He hated lima beans. He wished he could walk around in the homeland of his father. And he loved to hold hands.

He introduced me to the art of meditation. He was the perfect teacher, guiding me through the proper techniques of breathing, unraveling, and finding one's peaceful balance. I was, in no way, a master but I had understood the basics and exercised my new skill regularly. I became more aware of my posture and breathing. Simple tasks such as walking up steps or brushing my hair became fluid actions and focussed, unwasted energy. After one successful meditation session he praised my progress and I thanked him. We took our time standing, going thru simple yoga positions. He stood over me and maneuvered my stance with his hands. He was flirting with me.

After three weeks of courting, touching, nuzzling and cuddling, he finally kissed me. It felt very pure. I was heading toward the kitchen to get us something to drink and he caught my arm. As I turned back he took my hands and kissed my lips. As much as I wanted to be overcome by his advance, I controlled my breathing and focused on each sensation; the warmth of his hands, the weight of his lips on mine, the tingling soles of my feet, our increasing heartbeats. He lifted my hands to wrap around his neck. Then he pulled me close and gently rubbed all over my back and tangled his fingers in my hair. He opened his mouth a little and I did the same. His tongue met mine and I allowed him free exploration. Being with him like this felt like I was growing up. There was no childish tickling, no awkward stumbling. I felt a subtle back-and-forth between us. I felt like if he were to let me go my heart would stop beating. I pulled him tight into me. There was an invisible perpetual motion around us and through us and I started burning inside. Like the spark of a match, intense pleasure poured over us. He quickly broke our kiss and gazed into my eyes, searching if I had felt the same thing. The bright light within me suddenly turned into the dim flicker of the candles in the room. He cradled me in his arms and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too, Leonardo."

He asked if we could go into my bedroom. I asked if he was sure and he carried me, place me on my bed, his eyes never leaving mine. Kneeling, he undressed me and marveled at the curves and flow of my femininity. His warm rough hands journeyed over each contour of my body. He squeezed my bottom and I hummed falling into his neck. I leaned back regarding him softly, reaching around his head and undid his bandana. Seeing his face free from the blue cloth made my stomach swoon. I told him that I loved his face and that his brown eyes were beautiful. We kissed for a very long time. I got lost his warmth, his taste. His hands ran all over me. He then laid me on my back, held my hips and drew my legs around himself. We never stopped facing each other. His breathing quickened, he shuddered then sighed. I soon felt his heavy member fall between my thighs. My body shivered with desire. I saw in his eyes how much he wanted me but he was being such a gentleman. I smiled, "Leo, please take me. I want you. I'm ready." He nodded and with his lips parted he slowly began to intrude me. His throbbing head pushed away my silken folds and he immediately gasped at my moistened heat. He grabbed firmly to my hips. Inch by treacherous inch he continued to fill me. I shot my head back as the mixture of rising pleasure and shallow pain hit me. My eyes never left his. He submerged himself until the base of his shell was glistening with my wetness. His breathing was already staggered as he pumped into me tantalizingly slow. He exhaled with each insertion. A low growl rumble from his throat. He plunged deeper and faster. I whispered his named. He grabbed hold of my arms, pinning them to the bed. I saw a look of worry and ecstasy as he suddenly stiffened and groaned repeatedly. His fierce ejaculation toppled him over, each strong shot of semen rocketed inside of me.

When the climax finally released him, he tried to speak through breaths, "I, I'm so sorry. I couldn't help it. I wanted to hold out longer." He shook his head.

I cupped his face with my hands. "Leo, my love, it's ok. It's what's supposed to happen the first time." I looked him in the eyes until he calmed down. "Stay inside me and kiss me." And he did. Moments later he was rekindled and had more control. We took each other to heaven and back. He was thoroughly satisfied with his performance and so was I. Again, an hour later we happily glowed, wrapped tightly under the covers and in each other's arms. Out of all the differences I would discover about my turtles, one behavior was common to them all; they loved to talk with me after their first time.

"I, I can't believe this just happened…to me…with you." Leo said. "I year ago… hell, a month ago, I never thought I would ever be like this with anyone. There is excitement in me but also great peace."

I smiled, silently listening. From my experience with his younger brothers I knew his ramblings were more of an aside than a dialog.

He held me close. "Do you know what you have awakened in me? And now I understand this light is in each of my brothers. Are you sure you have enough love for me, for all of us; to stay like this and share your heart and your life with us?" He met me eye to eye. "I would never ask you give up what makes you human to stay committed to us. But I need to let you know that now that I've had you… I need you and want you forever. Please, stay with me, with us?"

I pressed my lips against his, lingering against him for a moment. I pulled back and smiled. "I've already made my decision."

The first night we made love, I fully appreciated the time it took to get us there. I felt whole. He was the epitome of what I truly longed for. I came to find that he was also making sure he could trust his heart to me. I ended up becoming the woman he always fantasized about.

...

Leo is a very patient and skillful lover. He enjoys the many ancient and artful positions of tantric sex. Learning these ancient techniques is supposed to lengthen the time and final 'outcome' of lovemaking. It works! When we are together he loves looking into my eyes, such complete trust while we are being so vulnerable. We moan and sign in tandem. We move and breath in syncopation. When we dive, we dive together. The pangs of our orgasm shoot between us, back and forth. The wave is relentless, pushing through our bodies on the nearly endless ride. We hold each other, amazed at the length of life our orgasm endures. Hot sensation burning deep and every drop squeezed, we collapses in a tumble of limbs and breaths. He rubs his musk all over me and musters the strength to take me again. Our romps can last up to three hours at a time. And every time we are ecstatically spent.

...

Today I am coming up roses and tickled pink. Today I am bright-eyed and bursting with joy. My sleep was deep and energizing. My shower was hot and relaxing. Today marks the fifth month of my new love-life with my turtles. I haven't been very honest with myself. This is not a normal life. It is not fair that I'm allowed to be so happy with four loves when many people in the world struggle to find that 'one'. The circumstances that brought me here, though unbelievable, were laced with the regular hurt and longing found in any existence. Still, I feel set a part, as if I was always meant to sit a little higher than the rest. I don't know why and I'm starting not to care. I revel in the choices I've made and I will never look back. How can I when I know there is so much more in store for us in the future?

The smell of hot breakfast wafts in the air and I quickly decide on my outfit. I've weeded out 'certain colors' from my wardrobe. I don't want to cause a fuss if they assume I'm wearing 'red' for a reason. I smile at the thought. I make my way into the kitchen, wearing a green tank-top and tan, wide-legged pants and comfy sandals. I join my special family at the high cornered table. They greet me warmly and set me out a stool. They offer me coffee, toast, bacon, I pass on the omelet. And for good reason. I get their attention when I tap on my hot mug and meet each in the eye.

I 've already predicted their responses. As I make a flippant remark about some women may have a 'bun in the oven,' but I have an 'egg in the incubator' the realization washes over them and I can't help laughing out loud. Michelangelo excitedly cheers and does a backflip out the archway. Raphael grows pale and stupefied; his mouth is trying to speak but no words spill out. Leonardo quietly smiles to himself and reaches to place his hand over mine, the first act of open affection. And Donatello, who is very ecstatic, immediately begins to ramble about all the new technology we would need, including a sonogram. And as soon as it's possible, to find who the father is.

That is when I stopped him. Each knew they had just as much chance as their other brothers who could be the winning donor. I stressed that I didn't want to know. I didn't care. That knowledge would propel one of them to the forefront and I never want that. The only thing I allowed them to wonder is if our new one would have my red hair or what beautiful shade of green they would be. I tell them to always remember; I am their woman and they are my men. And this new life growing within me will have four loving fathers. We all agree and enjoy the most wonderful day together as a family, knowing more and more like these will come. I would have never planned my life to turn out this way… I am so glad I never knew what my tomorrows would bring until now.

...

...

...

The End

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TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK? DOES IT ROCK OR DOES IT STINK? REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! THANK YOU!

A/N Leo was theeee hardest to write for! I warred with him for a while but he finally gave me some light at the end of his complex little tunnel!