Ch 4 Michelangelo.

Yoshi yawned and stretch before continuing to read the next biography. He was debating about getting up and making tea when a soft cooing sound could be heard from the last lump on the mat. He sat and stared at the smallest of the turtles.

The freckled faced one with baby blue eyes that had such an innocence about them. If he had to guess the turtle's ages, he would definitely put him at being the youngest. The baby. Yoshi smiled; his baby. He looked down at his book and got a far away look in his eyes as he read the name at the top of the page.

MICHELANGELO DI LODOVICO BUONARROTI SIMONI. Yoshi looked at the first name of the famous painter. Michelangelo. A name with two meanings that meant 'like God' and 'messenger'. Yoshi looked back at the small turtle and reached a hand out to place on his head. So gentle and always wanting to comfort others. Yoshi hummed to himself, and yet…so in need of being comforted. He sat back and reflected on yesterday's morning events

Flashback

Yoshi awoke to the sound of muffled sniffling next to his ear and a gentle stroking of his arm. He opened one eye to see the smallest of the turtles staring at him, tears flowing down his green cheeks.

"Young one." Yoshi sat up in alarm. "Why are you crying?"

"Cas you cwy." He responded, pointing to Yoshi's furry face.

Yoshi put a hand on his furred covered snout to find it was wet. Surprised, he looked at the small turtle and picked him up. "Did I frighten you because I was crying?" He asked.

The small turtle nodded. "I taut youd sad." He admitted. "I don't like youd sad."

"You do not like it when I am sad?" He clarified and smiled when the little turtle nodded and nuzzled himself into Yoshi's chest. Yoshi thought back to the very beginning of their existence.

This little one always seemed to know when Yoshi, or any of the others, was sad or upset over something. And he had to admit, this one seemed to be the turtle who needed to comfort when he saw this. How many times did he run to the green eyed one or the bright blue eyed one to comfort when they would get angry with each other. Or smooth the brown eyed one when one of his attempts to build or create something did not go as plan.

And more then once he had patted Yoshi's hand when he saw him staring into space, his mind so very far away in another time and place, and when he looked down at who interrupted his thoughts, he would see a bright smile looking up at him in such a comforting way. This one was always ready with a smile for him… and his brothers.

Yoshi looked at the light blue eyed turtle in his arms still looking up at him, his eyes still glistening from unshed tears. He pulled him close and held him tight. Soft tears falling from his eyes as he remembered the dream he had of his beloved wife and little baby girl burning in the fire. His anguish screams still echoed in his head.

"It okay." The small turtle whispered. "Dey not sad." Yoshi pulled the young turtle away from his body and looked at him curiously.

"Who is not sad?" His voice was a hoarse whisper as he stared intently at the small turtle.

"Dem." He said looking down at Yoshi's hand. "Yors famy." He smiled through his tears and pointed at the photograph Yoshi had been holding in his hands while he slept. It was now laying on the couch where his head had been. "Dey happy, you too be happy." He cooed. "K daddy?"

Yoshi's eyes widen upon hearing the endearment the smallest one called him. A name he had long to hear from his daughter but never got the chance. A choked sob escaped his throat. "I am happy my little one." Yoshi whispered pulling him back into a fierce embrace. "I am happy because I have you and your brothers."

Present

Yoshi looked back at the book he held on his lap before looking back to the little turtle. Truly an angelic soul and one of pure innocence. He looked back at his book and regarded the artist and his works. Michelangelo. He stroked his long beard and hummed as he regarded the name. Then, deciding his work was done, he nodded confidently to himself, closed the book, stood up and walked to the room he decided would be the kitchen to get a cup of tea.