Hello, again! Hope you're ready for my next chapter!

In this chapter, you'll actually get to see a little more into the mind of the OC character. Hopefully, he won't be some mysterious dude floating around anymore. I waited so long to properly introduce him because I am of the opinion that fanfics should focus more on the lives of the canon characters, but you can't put something like this off for long. So, please read and enjoy!

Summary:Raph is sure he can't take Leo's almighty attitude any longer. He channels his rage through the Nightwatcher, a mask he puts on to beat down criminals of all kinds. However, when Raph (as the Nightwatcher) is captured by desperate criminals, he begins to realize how much he really needs a leader. He also might have found love in the process. RaphxOC, M/M SLASH! Don't like, don't read.

Disclaimer: I don't own TMNT, I don't make money.

"Yo, Flame! Are you goin' out tonight?"

Flame turned in the direction of the voice, belonging to his long time friend, Nathan. His large friend sidled up to him, questions burning in his eyes. Flame met his stare head on, knowing Nathan wouldn't like his answer.

"Not tonight. You can go ahead, though."

"Why not?" Nathan whined. He fixed Flame in a half-hearted glare before his face lit up again. Flame decided he didn't like the mischevious twinkle that had taken form in his friend's stormy eyes. "This is about that handsome fellow you've got strapped to your bed, isn't it?"

Nathan winked, then darted away before Flame could land a punch square on his jaw. The hair on the back of Flame's neck bristled as his face grew hot. "No!"

"You know, Flame," Nathan cautioned, and Flame caught the hidden meaning in his tone. "Now is not exactly the best time to get all hot and bothered by a vigilante. You haven't forgotten who the guy is, have you?"

"I know perfectly well who he is," Flame snapped. "And if you think for one second that I have feelings for the Nightwatcher, you are dead wrong."

Nathan sighed. "You've been my best friend for forever, dude. I know how you are."

"Then please, enlighten me!"

Nathan inched closer, lowering his voice. "Listen, man. I see it happen to you every time you go into protection mode. You can't help falling in love with the helpless, it's just in your nature, dude. You don't realize it's just the helplessness you're in love with, not the person. Your eyes go all soft and your head gets all mushy and you start making excuses to make sure they're alright."

It's not true, Flame forced the thought down his throat. It's not true, it's not true, it's not true...

"It's not true," he said aloud, finally, after a prolonged silence. Nathan rolled his eyes, put a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Whatever. I'm goin' out. See ya later, man."

With that, he was gone. Flame scratched the back of his neck, more than a little confused. He had barely even met this Nightwatcher guy, how could he possibly...? That's it. Nathan's accusations were way out of line.

Wanting to help someone in need and falling in love were two completely different matters, he decided. Flame was so lost in thought, he didn't hear Jet's approach until the healer coughed directly behind him.

Flame jumped about three feet in the air, whirling around with a fist at the ready to face his attacker. His eyes locked on Jet's for just a moment as the smaller man stumbled backwards in panic. Once Flame recognized him, he relaxed his stance, shooting Jet a warm smile.

"What's up?" he inquired, and he knew Jet knew what he was talking about. It wasn't that hard to figure out-Flame usually made sure nothing strange was going on in their hideout.

"His hand will be fine," Jet affirmed with a toothy grin.

"And the rest of him?" Flame asked. He didn't fail to notice the shadow that crept along Jet's face. His healer's smile faded.

"Boiling with rage, as was to be expected. And he didn't believe me, as you expected."

Flame nodded, running a hand run through his hair. So, the worst case scenario it was, then. He would much prefer things being easy, for once. As it were, he would have to prepare himself to face a very unhappy Raphael.

Raphael. He liked that name... Shit. He had to snap himself out of this. Damn Nathan, putting thoughts in his head..

"One more thing, sir," Jet said meekly, almost too quiet for Flame to hear.

"Yes?"

"I think it would be a good idea to get those bonds removed as soon as possible."

Flame blinked, taken aback by Jet's suggestion. "He would be dangerous."

Jet sighed, as if expecting this response. The thought put Flame on edge. He had always hated being predictable. "I know, sir. But I think it would do more good than harm. Our soldiers are highly trained, and I am confident they could handle him, especially in his weakened state."

"And when he recovers?" Flame mused, suprising himself by actually considering the idea.

"I have recently developed a serum, sir, that would make him more sluggish. His muscles wouldn't be able to react quick enough after recieving commands from his brain. It puts a crutch on the nervous system."

"This medicine... It wouldn't hurt him?"

"Well, there are always the general side effects... Headache, nausea, that sort of thing. Any one of those could occur. To answer you question, though.. No. It wouldn't hurt him."

Flame felt a pang of guilt. Would he really stoop to medicating the guy? Without his permission?

Flame fixed Jet in a glare of pure steel. He concentrated on radiating sternness. From the terrified look on Jet's face, he judged he was succeeding. "You truly believe this will help him."

It wasn't a question. It was an offering, an oath, and one Jet had better take Flame up on, at that. Tentatively, Jet nodded. Flame deflated slightly, feeling defeated, but he was desperate. From rooms over, he could sense the pain Raphael must be in, though he could not feel it himself. He knew it was there, and the invisible cries of ripped tissue and spilled blood strangled his heart as they floated in from the distance, like waves crashing against a beach, or music that had been turned up too loud assaulting his ears.

He knew Jet could sense it, too.

"Fine. You have my permission. Give him the serum and release him of his bonds, but do not allow him to leave the room, and always take guards with you when you enter. I will step in to see how the vigilante fares later; right now, I've gotta research security systems."

Flame turned on his heel, moving briskly away from Jet's relieved smile. He hoped he hadn't just made a terrible mistake.

So, I hope he's more real to you now. Not just some weird thief out there somewhere. Again, I try not to focus so much on the OCs, but I liked this one enough to go a little more in depth with him. Any suggestions? Please R&R!

-DauntlessAdrenaline