Enduring a trauma is often the best way to solidify a bond with someone. As a result, almost a year later, faces that had once been new and strange, became familiar and welcome. So it was not so very unusual that Gina and Doctor Gayle, now going by Maggie, were invited to April and Casey's wedding. Though they were the newest addition to the circle of friends, they were able to attend the church portion of the wedding as was Darielle. Each had instructions from a turtle to watch for things. Raph in particular wanted to know if Casey misted up at all. He wanted to be sure to taunt Casey with that for a long time. Donnie wanted the vows, word for word if possible. Leo wanted to know how much cake smashing would happen at the reception and Splinter wanted to know who caught the bouquet.

Casey and April planned their honeymoon to be delayed so they could have a second reception down in the lair with their dearest friends. The guys all swarmed April in her beautiful white gown. The bodice was fitted and lain over with a faint hint of lace. The skirt was full and regal with several layers of netting that gave her a floating, billowing look.

Darielle made Raph dance with her and found out he was actually very good. So good that the other girls pestered the rest of the boys to join them on the dance floor. Maggie took her turn with Donnie, but made sure to ask Mikey so he didn't feel left out. Gina would only dance with Leo, though she never actually mentioned this notion to Leo out loud, but had to Maggie at great length. Croc also made an appearance. Croc had become 'best buds' with Mikey and now Mikey had someone to play endless games of Mario Kart with. They also waltzed obnoxiously with each other to make the girls feel guilty so they would take turns dancing with them, too.

When Maggie was done dancing with Mikey and she had gone back to Donnie, he took the entire scene in. All his brothers were happily talking to the girls. It made him happy to see it, as if a small burden had been lifted from him. Raph and Dari were practically married themselves and more in love than ever. Something had happened to both of them that night. That shocking realization that it could all end so quickly. They no longer doubted that the other cared and they no longer were embarrassed to tell the other what they felt. This was both a blessing and a curse, but more often a blessing. They were so strong together. They carried each other, the same way that April and Casey did. He looked at Gina and Leo and saw sparks there. He also saw Maggie seemed to enjoy Donnie's company above anyone else's. It gave him faith in life. In love. That it could happen for him, too. Maybe he could catch a girl the way Raph had or Leo. Maybe some surface strolling would do him some good. Being complacent wasn't in his nature, but he had abided by Leo's rules to keep him happy. Now Leo had other ways to be happy. Mikey would see what made himself happy now. All in all, things were good. Very good.

At the end of the night, Casey and April said goodbye. They all had a heartfelt goodbye to their newlywed friends.

Raph hugged Casey. "Take care, man."

"You, too, Raph." They shook hands and did a pat on the back. The manly hug. "I'll bring you back somethin' cool."

"You better." Raph threatened. "See you at the Party."

"I'll be there." April came over and Casey put his arm around her. "We'll be there." He amended. The 'Party' was what it had been shortened to. They had all agreed to recognize the anniversary of that terrible night not with dread or fear, but with celebration and triumph. Darielle had called it the 'Celebrate Life Party', but it became shortened in reference with planning. They would probably do it every year. Events like that are rarely forgotten and if they are, it is with the wrong intent. It reminded them of what they had and what they might have lost. It kept them grounded, but also kept them grateful. Grateful for each other and what they had instead of what they didn't.

Raph kissed April on the cheek and the two made their rounds. Splinter hugged each of his children and then wished the new couple a happily married life.

"May you need one another but not out of weakness. May you each find happiness in bringing the other joy. May you see beauty in every wrinkle and grey hair for it marks each lucky moment you have spent together. May you have all this for there are none so deserving as you. " April gave Splinter a tearful farewell hug. Even Casey appeared to have to blink away something in his eye. He shook Splinter's hand gratefully and then they were gone.

"We'll clean up tomorrow." Darielle announced. No one argued. Indeed Gina and Maggie said good night and went home. Splinter, Donnie and Leo said goodnight and retired to their rooms. Raph grabbed Darielle by the arm and began to spin her around slowly as if music was playing.

"Well, aren't we proud of our new talent." She said smugly.

"What can I say? You bring out the best in me." He smiled winningly. She rolled her eyes, but allowed him to spin her close into his arms. "Do you see that for us someday? Marriage, I mean?" He asked.

"I don't know. Are you asking me?" He feigned deep thought.

"I dunno. What's in it for me?"

"Some proposal. You have me swooning over here." He laughed.

"Would you?" All the humor was gone and it left only the question. "I mean we got most of it covered, you know? Through sickness and health, bad times and good. All that's left is…for all the days of my life." She saw him waiting there for her to respond and knew her answer immediately. A year ago she would have over thought her response and his reaction and his intent and motivation. But now…all that mattered was…

"I would." She replied. He waited a moment, deciding something.

"Will you?" She smiled. Remembering what April had said about Casey's proposal. It wasn't a dream proposal, but it was hers. Two simple words: will you?

"I will." They both smiled together and kissed. He held up his finger indicating that she wait. He ran off to his room and came back a moment later holding something in his hand. He held out the tiny box and opened it for her, revealing a ring with a plum blossom design on it. He took out the ring and showed her the inside of the band. It had the infinity symbol ∞. He turned over his left wrist to reveal a small black tattoo of the same symbol. He had Donnie inject the ink and made sure it was small and subtle rather than large and garish.

"It means always." He explained. She held out her hand and let him put it on her finger.

"Always." She agreed.

Ω