The Red Shadow (TMNT)

A New Beginning

Adelina had a long day at work. As focused of a person she was; she just couldn't shake the thoughts of the NightWatcher. She couldn't wait to be off from her boring office job and see the turtle again.

Her friend Sarah thought something was wrong.

"Hey are you okay, you look exhausted." She said.

"Yeah I'm fine, Addy assured her. "It's just that time of the month; I'll shake it off."

"Oh, that explains it, Sarah said with a smile. "Get some rest; hope you feel better tomorrow."

"Thanks," Addy smiled

Addy tried to return to her work. She hated that she lied to Sarah, but she couldn't reveal her strange new friend just yet.

7 PM rolled around and Addy couldn't wait to leave. She threw her purse over her shoulder and got on her bus.

As she was getting off the bus she looked around for the turtle. "Man, he is the master of hiding; I wouldn't even know where to find him; I sure am glad he's on my side or I would be a goner."

She kept looking around on the rooftops for him as she was walking home, but all she saw was darkness.

She finally decided to enter the alley next to her apartment; not far, just a few feet to see if that would trigger the turtles movements. "He said he would be watching me," she thought to herself. "Where is he?"

Before she even finished her thought she saw movement. "Hello?" She asked with fear. "NightWatcher??" She walked a little further into the alley. She felt a presence and turned around.

"Oh my God, you scared me!!!" She shrieked. "You better be glad I don't have mace or a taser!"

"Haha, good evening to you too gorgeous." Raph laughed with a small smile and removed his helmet. (Even if she had a weapon he could have disarmed her before she even drew it).

Addy let out a sigh and laughed. "Haha, thanks." She could feel her face getting hot and she knew she was blushing; she looked down. Thinking to herself (did he just call me gorgeous?? Oh good grief Addy get it together; he couldn't possibly...).

She wiped her confusion from her face so as to not alarm the turtle.

"I don't even know your name...Mr....? She waited for his reply.

"They call me the NightWatcher; but you can call me Raphael, or Raph for short.

"Raph," she repeated. "That's a strong name."

"Thanks," Raph said fighting back a smile.

"And what might your name be; besides beautiful?" Raph asked; his head cocked to the side.

"Oh, whatever!" She laughed; still blushing. "It's Adelina, or Addy for short."

"Addy," he whispered. (Wow he thought; I have to make this girl mine; she's just too perfect).

After they stared at the ground for a moment Addy began walking over to Raph.

"Can you step in the light for me?" She asked with almost puppy eyes. "I need to remember your face."

Raph paused for a while but he eventually nodded and stepped under the light post.

Addy let out a small gasp.

"Yeah, yeah I know; I'm hideous." Raph semi-angrily said.

"No....no, that's not what I thought at all." She said with a smile.

She moved closer to Raph and placed her hand on his cheek.

"I was thinking about how I can't wait to take the bus home every night to see your face." "Your eyes...they're....green." "I've never seen such a vibrant color..."

She drifted off into his face and closed her eyes and leaned in.

Raph backed away.

"I'm sorry, did I offended you?" She asked with sadness; her hand dropping from his face.

"No," Raph said looking down. "It's me, I'm just...confused." "Forgive me."

Addy was shaking her head in disagreement.

"It's fine, I was just hoping to grab a peck from the guy who saved me."

A smile ran across both of their faces and Raph walked back towards her. They stared at each other and Raph finally gave her a hug.

"Oh my stars," Addy thought to herself. "I'm home..."

His embrace felt like a fortress; an invincible castle; unable to be broken. She had never felt more loved than in this moment. No amount of force could break their hug.

Raph thought to himself, "Wow, she's so soft and warm. What the hell are you doing Raph??" "You have no chance with a human girl, and she's too good for you."

Neither of them wanted to let go. Addy finally let go with sadness.

"Will I see you tomorrow night?" She asked locking eyes and not daring to look away. She wanted to remember as much as she could about him; every blemish.

"Yes, Addy, I'll be here; I promised you and I meant it." Raph said with all sincerity.

"What if something happens to you, with all your crime-fighting?" She asked.

"Let's not think about that," he said.

Raph was the first to look away; he didn't feel like he was good enough for her; but he was going to keep his promise, and not let her down. He knew they both knew what it meant to be abandoned. How it felt, and that he never wanted anyone he loved to go through that, and especially not Addy. She was his life now.

They went in for one last hug and Addy said "goodnight, she paused....Raph." She really wanted to say, my hero. But she understood that Raph wasn't comfortable enough in his skin for any compliments, and from someone he barely knew.

"Goodnight, Addy." Raph said softly.

He touched her cheek, she nuzzled gently into his hand. He pulled away and ran off into the darkness putting on his helmet to begin his night watching.

"Please be safe, my love." Addy whispered. And with that she went inside waiting for their next encounter with anticipation.