M awoke to a pounding headache. Oh man, he thought. What ran over me? A tank? His legs and arms felt stiff from lying on the cold, hard floor. He slowly slid his hands across the ground and felt the gravel roll underneath his palms. "What the!" he realized. "I'm not at the station?" He pulled his arms to him and stopped when they were by his chest. He positioned his palms flat on the ground and pushed up just a little, only enough so he could roll over to his right side and position himself on his elbow. He stopped for a moment and exhaled. Breathing in deep again, he cursed his sore muscles. He rolled over a little more and positioned himself on his hands and began to sit up. A brief wave of dizziness passed over. Nausea gripped at his stomach and he swallowed hard, forcing the contents of his stomach to stay down. He opened his eyes carefully, expecting to feel the sting of a bright light. The area he was in was very dimly lit, only a few rays of light managed to push their way into the darkened corridor. It only took a moment for M's eyes to adjust. He was grateful for the darkness and exhaled a small sigh of relief.

Still sitting on his knees, he took a moment to make a mental inventory. "Doesn't look like much," he said to himself as he looked around. "Just a tunnel with some pipes above. I must still be in the sewers." In the distance he heard a child's giggle, one that seemed all too familiar. "Just like before," M told himself. "This is just another stupid dream," he growled. Pushing on his knees, he stood up and slowly stumbled his way to the sound, determined to find its source.

Jake and Caitlin pulled into the back of an abandoned garage. A large wall closed behind them with a resounding THUD. A metal clink indicated that the door behind them had locked. When this happened a quiet hum filled the room and the floor beneath them began to descend.

Outside, several pairs of eyes watched the truck from the shadows. After the door shut, two figures crept silently up to the building and began looking around.

"Leo! Donnie!" a voice came over a communication device. "Car!"

Leonardo and Donatello immediately stepped back, blending in with the shadows around them. They had, in a literal sense, disappeared. All four figures tensed up as a vehicle came through the street. Donatello watched the headlights as they drifted by. When they had passed out of sight, Donatello exhaled, unaware that he had been holding his breath.

"All clear guys," came another voice. This one was much deeper than the first and had a definitive Brooklyn accent.

"Thanks Casey," Leo responded. "Let us know if anything else heads in our direction."

"Will do Leo."

Donatello came back around the corner and faced his brother. "See anything?" Leonardo asked.

"No," Donatello shook his head. "The windows have been blacked out and the doors are welded shut. The way I see it," he continued, "they have to be living underground."

"Makes sense," the blue banded turtle responded. "That explains why we never found that old van." He stopped for a moment, tapping his chin with his finger. "If they're underground," he eyed his brother quizzically, "wouldn't we have discovered them while exploring the sewers?"

"I highly doubt it," Donatello answered. The pair began to walk back over to the fire escape and make their way up to the rooftops. "If they're underground," Donnie continued, "they must have the whole complex blocked off."

Several hundred feet below the padded footsteps of the two terrapins, a human figure watched a screen. He took note of the two creatures that were interested in the old building. "Well now," he said to himself as he drummed his fingers together. "This certainly puts a new perspective on things."

A few minutes later, Jake had left Caitlin's lab and was standing in front of Overseers desk. Overseer was behind it, arms folded, listening intently as Jake revealed the details of the evening. Jake however, did remember to forget a few details. Overseer had done enough to M and Jake wasn't about to let him get his hands on the turtle's brothers. Jake finished telling his story and waited for Overseer to begin speaking.

Overseer thought for a moment as he processed all the information. Then without a word he turned on the television. He set the remote down and his desk and returned to looking at Jake. "The mutant," he started, "did well tonight. Kadir Smith was pronounced dead on arrival. The drugs you planted on him and the shell casing M left behind already have the police targeting a rival drug dealer. I am very pleased."

Jake was astonished. His boss was stingy with compliments, a grinch of sorts. He almost never had a positive word for Jake or Caitlin. As far as the kid was concerned, Overseer viewed him as property. A tool to be used and thrown away when he was no longer of value.

"While you and Caitlin were retrieving M, drug enforcement agents raided the warehouse he infiltrated earlier this week."

"Were any of our people hurt?" Jake asked.

"No," Overseer answered. He pointed to the television screen as it played a news report recorded from earlier. The light flickering from the screen illuminated the harsh features on his face. The sound was turned off but scenes of uniformed men and flashing lights gave Jake plenty of information. Kadir Smiths picture flashed on the top right corner of the screen with the letters DOA underneath. The screen was then occupied by a mug shot of another known drug lord and the words "main suspect" were sitting under his photo.

Overseer turned the TV off and sat down behind his desk. He began talking again as he gathered papers and placed them in a black attaché case. "You and Caitlin," he stated, "will receive quite a bonus for the success of the mission." When he finished placing everything in the black bag, Overseer began to walk out of his office and Jake followed.

"What about the kid?" Jake asked. "The whole operation was his idea." Jake tensed a bit, waiting for Overseer to be angry at his suggestion.

Oddly enough, the usually frightening man just continued down the hallway with his back to Jake. "Very well, "he waved Jake off with his hand. "Give the creature something from his wish list." Overseer stopped at the door leading to the vehicles and turned to face Jake. "I'll be back within 24 hours. When I return, we will start planning the mutant's next assignment."

"Yes sir," Jake responded. He headed back to the lab to check on his friend.

And hopefully, Overseer thought to himself, there will be two more mutants to add to my list of assets.

Jake walked into the lab to find Caitlin in her usual spot, at her desk. She looked up when she heard him enter, "there's coffee," she indicated with a nod of her head.

"Thanks," he answered and began to pour himself a cup. He watched the dark liquid rise to the top of the mug and inhaled the aroma. He stared at it for a moment, trying to decide if he really wanted it. Caffeine will probably keep me up all night. Ah who cares, he shrugged to himself. Tomorrow is a day off anyway. "So," he decided to break the silence. "What made him fly off the handle like that?"

Jake walked over to where Caitlin was sitting at her desk. He set his coffee cup down next to hers and waited for her to answer. She just continued to stare off into space. At first glance it looked like she was staring at M, stretched out on the table in the lab, monitors hooked up and an IV feeding him small doses of what had been termed his "cocktail." Jake put his hand on Caitlin's shoulder to get her attention. "Caitlin?"

"Huh?" she blinked and turned in her chair to look at Jake. "I'm sorry, I guess I was spaced out for a minute. What did you say?"

Jake sighed and shook his head. He gave a slight smile that put Caitlin a little at ease. Jake stepped over at the side and knelt down in front of her so he was looking her in the eye. "Caitlin," he whispered softly, "What's wrong?"

Caitlin smiled and looked at the floor. "It's nothing," she paused. "Really, I'm fine. Just daydreaming I guess."

Jake wasn't buying her act. Gently he placed his hand under her chin and brought her face up so she was looking directly at him. "Caitlin," he pleaded with her. "I know when you're lying to me." He started to whisper to her. "Tell me what's wrong. Please."

Caitlin nodded and her voice cracked a bit as she tried to speak. "It's just………look what's happened to him." She stared at M for a moment and watched him breathe. "The steroid treatments help his shell grow but they affect his emotional stability." Caitlin paused for a moment and turned back to Jake. "I have to give him drugs to calm him down from the steroids and then I have to give another drug so he'll wake up from the previous drug I just gave him." Tears started to form in the corner of her eyes. She tried to force them back. "Look what I've done to him," she whispered. A single tear made its way down her cheek and Jake quickly brushed it away.

He stood up and pulled Caitlin up with him. He held her for a moment and let her cry. After a few minutes had passed, Jake started to speak again. "Hey Caitlin?" She sniffled a little and wiped her eyes but more tears fell. "Look at me," he started to soften his tone. "None of this is your fault. What you did saved his life. Do you understand me?" She shook her head yes, her body still shaking a bit from stifled sobs. "We're gonna get him out of this, I promise." He made her look him in the eyes again. He smiled and gently wiped away a few tears still on her cheek. "Look at your pretty face," he grinned. "It's all wet." Caitlin let a little smile out and tried to look away but Jake wouldn't let her. "I really want to kiss you right now," he whispered. He waited for her reaction. He almost expected her to push away but she just nodded yes. Slowly he wrapped his arms around her waist and stared at her face, a little hesitant. Caitlin settled his apprehension by lacing her fingers behind his neck. Slowly they leaned towards each other, eyes closing, until their lips met.

It was one of those perfect moments. The kiss was passionate and full of emotion. Unfortunately, it got interrupted.

"It's about freagin' time," a voice grumbled from a few feet away. "Now go get a room, there are minors present." M slowly started to sit up and began pulling monitor attachments off his neck and arm.

Caitlin's face was blushing pink but she went over to take the IV out of his arm. She pulled the needle out and pressed a cotton ball to it. M held it firmly in place while she put a band aid over it. "How are you feeling?" Caitlin looked at M and put his arm over her shoulder, intent on helping him stand up.

M gently pushed her away. "I'd feel a lot better if people would stop knocking me out." His tone came out harsher than he intended. He felt a twinge of guilt when he saw the look of hurt on Caitlin's face. He tried to walk on his own but his knees started to give way. Jake caught him and again, M tried to push away. "I can do this on my own," he said through gritted teeth.

Jake forcibly pushed M back on the bed. He'd had enough of the turtle's attitude. "Look," he pointed a finger at M. "I'm sorry you're feeling miserable right now. But Caitlin blames herself already for everything that has ever happened to you. She doesn't need your help in that department."

M glared at Jake. He was ready to mouth off and say something really rude but he couldn't. He knew he was wrong. He closed his mouth and just stared at the floor.

"You understand what I'm telling you?" Jake asked.

"Yeah," M answered quietly. He looked up at Caitlin. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean it."

Caitlin smiled at him and rubbed his cheek with her hand. "You got a headache?"

"Major."

"Ok, let Jake help you to your room and I'll be there in a moment." She turned and started to put things away.

Jake again put his arm under M's back and pulled him up. Slowly, the two of them made their way down the hall. About halfway to his room, M stopped him. "Hold it," he said and turned and leaned against the wall. "I'm tired of this." His voice sounded different, almost pleading.

"Just a few more feet and you'll be in your room. You can rest then." Jake caught M as he started to slide down the wall. "Easy kid. C'mon, let's get you to your room."

"No," M stopped him. "I mean, I'm tired of all this." He looked up at Jake, almost pleading. He started to open his mouth to speak again but wasn't sure if he should. He didn't know who would be listening.

Jake understood what M was afraid of. "He's gone for the day. You can talk."

"You and Caitlin are the only family I've ever known." He stopped talking for a minute as he and Jake continued down the hall. "You know I'd do anything for the two of you. But……..I gotta get out of here."

Jake and M made there way to his room. With a few more items to lean on and some strength returning to his legs, M started to walk on his own. "Ugh, I need a shower," he said to no one in particular and stumbled up to the bathroom.

"Hey kid," Jake called out.

"Yeah?" M looked back. His shirt already off and on the floor. He rubbed gently at the stitches on the back of his head.

"Caitlin and I have a plan to get you out of here. Don't worry."

The elevator hummed quietly as Leonardo made the slow descent to the lair underground. A slight hissing noise announced the opening of the door and the young turtle stepped out. He was tired. It had been a long and trying night and guilt from past actions had been eating away at him. When he stepped out of the chamber into the light of the room he saw his father sitting on the couch, two steaming tea cups were on the coffee table, and waiting.

"Where's everyone else?" he asked, noticing his brother's were no longer present.

"They were tired so the have both retreated to their rooms. Mr. Jones has returned home." The old rat took a moment to study his sons face, he seemed a bit apprehensive at the moment. "What is troubling you Leonardo? Are you still suspicious of your brother?"

"No sensei," Leonardo took in a breath of air, trying to steady his heartbeat and nerves. "There's something that I need to tell you." He walked over and sat on the floor opposite his father. Hesitantly he picked up the tea and sipped at it.

"Leonardo, I know you are anxious," Splinter began speaking. "But Raphael returning to us is a good thing. Yes there will be some adjustment……"

"No sensei," Leonardo had interrupted his father. "That's not it. That's not what I'm worried about."

"Then what are you worried about Leonardo?"

"I've just……….I've never told you this because, well, I was afraid." He paused for a moment, staring at his tea. He tried to think of the easiest way to say what he needed. Splinter just sat patiently, giving his son the time needed to come up with the appropriate words. "The night that Raphael disappeared, a few days after our picnic." He looked up at Splinter.

"Yes? I remember."

Leonardo took in another deep breathe, trying to find the courage and the right words. "It's my fault he ran off. I'm the reason he disappeared."

Many thanks to Leo Oneal for proofreading this chapter for me. I'm sorry it took so long to update. I hope you guys like this chapter. I don't do well writing romance or mushy stuff, I'm not real comfortable doing it. And LunarNinja, please don't kill me. I'm begging you.

Thanks again to my turtle sis. Love ya!