Author's Note: Chapter three.
By the time they reached the warmth and safety of Yoshi's apartment all of them were sniffling from the cold. Yoshi led them into the guest room. The turtles were quick to get under the blankets. When Splinter joined them, they eagerly snuggled close to their father and warmth he provided.
"I will return to the Lair in the morning for some of your things. It will be easier if you're here rather than leaving them in a strange place right away," Yoshi said.
Splinter nodded as his sons drifted off to sleep.
"Thank you, Master Yoshi," he said sleepily.
"You're welcome, nezumi."
As the rat slipped into the depths of sleep as well, Yoshi sought out his own bed. He knew life would be very interesting until spring and their return to the Lair, but he didn't mind. They were family, and family looked after one another.
XXXXX
"Shi-Shi!"
Yoshi had just enough time to brace himself before Mikey landed on his stomach. The turtle wasn't very heavy, but he was heavy enough that it hurt when the baby jumped on him like this.
"Good morning, Mikey," he choked out.
"Mownin', Shi-Shi!," the baby crowed.
He playfully pushed the turtle off him so that he flopped onto the blankets in a giggling heap. He got up, dressed, and left, scooping Mikey up as he passed the bed. He found the rest of the family in the living room. Splinter was watching his sons play what the few toys they had grabbed before leaving the Lair.
"Good morning, Splinter, boys."
"Good morning, Master Yoshi."
The turtles latched onto his legs, giggling.
"Mownin', Shi-Shi!"
The adults chuckled.
"Who's hungry?"
"Me! Me!"
"Ah, I thought so."
Yoshi staggered towards the kitchen, pretending that the turtles clamped onto his legs were heavier than they really were. Splinter followed with a smile. The turtles had bonded very well to Yoshi and he to them. The rodent knew they'd be safe with him.
The Guardian opened the fridge and took out a carton of eggs and a package of bacon.
"Splinter, can you cook?"
The rat nodded.
"Yes. I will make the bacon."
Soon the delicious smells of cooking bacon and eggs filled the kitchen. The turtles waited eagerly at the feet of the adults.
XXXXX
After breakfast, Yoshi made his way back to the Lair. He filled his bag with food, the boys' pillows and blankets, some of their toys, and a few of the weapon Splinter had. He left the relative warmth of the Lair for the freezing air of the sewers, and he was stuck with the desire to not let them return here. They would be safe in his apartment, and he could easily provide for them with the substantial pay he got from the Utroms. He would have to bring it up to Splinter when he got back.
He returned to the apartment to find the boys enthralled by Sesame Street while Splinter meditated nearby.
Raph noticed him first and scrambled over to him.
"Shi-Shi!" he squealed.
Yoshi grinned as he set down his bag to scoop up the little turtle, the other three running over for cuddles as well. Splinter opened his eyes and smiled.
"Shi-Shi, Big Bwid."
"Yeah, I see, Mikey. You guys like Big Bird?"
"Yeah!" all four said.
He chuckled and set down them. He rifled through his bag for the toys he had grabbed. Their eyes lit up as Yoshi pulled each toy out of his bag for them.
"Tank you, Shi-Shi!"
"You're welcome, little ones."
He put everything away then settled down beside Splinter. He knew the rat saw him as his father, and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't come to see Splinter as a son, despite the fact that he was sure that the rodent was actually older than him. He turned his dark gaze to the turtles. He supposed that made the boys his grandsons. He chuckled, and Splinter's ears twitched.
"What?"
"I was just thinking about how I have to be the youngest grandfather ever."
Splinter chuckled.
"Would you like me to teach them to call you 'ojichan'?"
"No. I'm fine with being called 'Shi-Shi', thank you."
They shared a laugh, and Yoshi knew he should bring up the mutants staying rather than moving back to the Lair in the spring.
"Splinter, you know you're safe here, and I can easily provide for all of us."
Splinter nodded, having an idea of where his Master was going with this.
"You could stay rather than moving back to the Lair."
"I... will think about it."
Yoshi looked at him.
"I don't mean you must give me an answer right away, take all the time you need."
He sank into meditation, but Splinter was simply deep in thought. Since Yoshi's arrival into their lives, life had gotten a easier, especially when it came to making sure they had enough to eat. His Master had no qualms about buying food for them. Though, technically, Yoshi was head of their strange family, he always sought Splinter's permission when he wanted to buy or do something with the boys, and he had respected Splinter's wish that the boys remained underground. He had done what he could to make their lives easier and more comfortable.
He looked at his sons, engaged in the children's show. Yoshi had purchased a small TV for the Lair and set it up for them, but it was only today that Splinter had found Sesame Street for them to watch. They certainly seemed to enjoy the comfort and warmth of the apartment. He'd already had to tell them to not jump on the bed and the couch, all of which were in better shape and softer than the ones back in the Lair.
Perhaps it would be best for them if they didn't return to their home in the sewers. Yoshi was welcoming them to stay, why should he deny his sons what comfort and happiness that they could be given?
End Note: Splinter considers Yoshi's offer. Please review.