Mikey bit his tongue in concentration as he swept a colored pencil over the paper, glancing up every so often at the vibrant Japanese irises in front of him. Hesitating, he put aside the dark purple pencil for a golden yellow one and began work on the center of the flower. A smile tugged at his face; having spent most of his life in the city, no less the sewer, Mikey had few opportunities for nature drawings from life and he intended to take full advantage for as long as they were here.

The sound of approaching footsteps made the box turtle perk up. Years of ninja training had given him and his brothers an uncanny ability to walk silently, but they didn't often do it with each other… at least outside of pranks or sneaking snacks. And Mikey knew each of his brother's steps as well as they knew his.

"Heya, Raph!" he chirped without looking up. A familiar chuckle answered, and a large hand patted his head, lightly enough so as not to disturb his work.

"Hey there, big man," the snapper replied. "Thought I'd find ya here."

In his peripheral vision Mikey saw Raph lean closer to examine the drawing, then he let out a soft, impressed whistle.

"That's awesome… y' know, both Himari and Usagi said they think you could be on par with art masters after some more years of practice."

That finally made Mikey look up, a swell of eager excitement making his eyes go wide.

"Really?"

"Yep," Raph said, grinning. "Even the real Michelangelo."

Mikey felt his face heat and lowered his eyes back to his drawing pad, even as a huge smile spread across his face.

"Dunno about that."

Raph chuckled again, tapping a fist against the younger turtle's shoulder.

"Hey, we all know you've got th' name for a reason."

Despite himself, Mikey couldn't help but beam at the pride in his brother's voice as he went back to his drawing.

"Thanks, Raphie."

The scratching of the pencil on the paper was the only sound for a few moments before the youngest turtle spoke again.

"Leo's exercises go okay?"

He heard Raph let out a sigh and felt a flare of concern but relaxed a little when his older brother's words came out with wry amusement.

"Great by our standards, but ya know how he is… if he's not turnin' cartwheels two weeks after breaking half his bones, he thinks he's behind."

Mikey couldn't resist a huff of laughter, but the concern remained.

"I know he was worried about us patrolling," he said softly. "And mad at himself that he couldn't come. He still is, isn't he?"

Raph sighed again.

"Yeah." There was a moment of silence, then Raph's voice grew quiet and solemn. "T' be honest, Mikey, I think he's still mad at himself about th' Krang. Doesn't matter how much we tell him he doesn't got t' be."

His pencil halting mid-stroke, Mikey looked up at his big brother. Raph was gazing forward with a distant, sad expression, and Mikey had a feeling he knew what his big brother was thinking. Reaching out with his free hand, he took hold of Raph's.

"You don't have t' mad at yourself either, Raph."

The older turtle blinked, looking down at Mikey in slight surprise. Then he chuckled and closed his large hand around his younger brother's, the grip gentle yet strong.

"Guess that makes me a hypocrite, huh? Seems me and Leo have that in common."

Mikey gave him a warm smile in return, squeezing his hand.

"That and lots more. Ya set a good example."

The youngest turtle could swear he saw his eldest brother blush a little as his smile grew bashful and he rubbed the back of his neck.

Big ol' softie.

"Thanks, buddy," the snapper said, but then his smile grew more solemn. "But… do ya really think I did?"

Mikey blinked, puzzled.

"Course, why wouldn't I?"

Raph shifted on his feet, then let out a quiet sigh.

"It's just… I think I set a bit too good an example of putting everyone else before you." A bitter chuckle escaped him. "That's about got him killed twice now, right?"

Mikey felt a weight in his chest at those words, and that bone deep weariness in his brother's eyes that made him look far older than he was. Setting his drawing aside, the box turtle wrapped his arms around the snapper as far as they could go.

"Y' know, Raphie… that's actually one thing he didn't get from you," he murmured. "I don' think there's ever been a time Leo wouldn't do anything t' protect us. It's always been that way, just like it's been for me, and you, and Donnie… even if he'd never say so."

Slowly, Raph returned the hug, and Mikey smiled before going on.

"Leo's always gonna do whatever he thinks is gonna keep us safe, bro. We've just gotta help him figure out that he's important too."

A moment passed before a large hand began stroking up and down the box turtle's shell, and a deep vibrating rumble came from the plastron he was pressed against. Mikey's smile widened and a contented chirp escaped him as he snuggled closer.

"You've always got a way with words, Dr. Feelings," Raph said softly. "Just wish you didn't have to find it so much."

Mikey gave his older brother's spiked shell a few pats.

"It's okay, Raphie. I like helping you guys, and I know I've got you t' help me."

"Always, little brother," the snapper said warmly. After a while, they drew apart. Mikey went back to his drawing, and a few moments of companionable silence passed. Finally, Raph spoke again, and though the warmth remained in his voice it was more thoughtful.

"I know Leo's not in the… best place right now. But y' know, I think bein' here's been a pickup for him. Himari really seems t' know what she's doin'."

Mikey nodded.

"Yep." Another grin tugged at his face. "But don't y' think Usagi does too?"

Raph huffed a laugh.

"Sure, but even if he didn't, I'm glad he's here. I ain't seen Leo connect to someone like this since April."

Mikey nodded, still grinning. Given their still limited options to make new friends, it was something each of the turtles valued greatly. And Mikey couldn't entirely explain why but given how he'd seen Leo and Usagi looked at each other, something was telling him that those two coming together might turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to his brother.