With Apple's confession, along with testimony from Stella, Deputy, and Rip, the Toon Force was finally able to make an arrest of Lord Lowden, who after several hours of interrogation gave in and admitted to everything. His hatred for Mark had lead to paranoia that he would lead a revolution against the Toons and destroy the peace that they had created. He admitted to originally planning to frame Stella after she rejected him, but due to unforeseen circumstances, attempted the blame on Deputy Skids. He had manipulated Apple into going along with it, both due to her age and her position relative to Lowden's made her the perfect co-conspirator. Deputy was the one who led the arrest, and took great joy in bringing justice to the Toon who had tried to ruin him. Mark was still in recovery, and Cupcake, Deputy, and the rest of the Toons had cautiously awaited his return home.

The next day, the Toons were finally able to return to the Celebration Grounds as the activities began. Cupcake's laff had returned to normal levels, her fur regaining it's bright pink coloring, and the smile returning into her face. Mark was set to be released from the hospital today and Flippy was going to bring him to the Celebration Grounds to surprise him with Cupcake. Slipping into her favorite pink dress, and matching boots, she checked the mirror. She had for the first time in as long as she could remember, put on makeup. She wanted to look special for Mark's return. It was a moment just days before she wasn't sure she would ever get to experience. When she heard everything that he had gone through, she had sobbed. But she was going to hold it together today, because she knew that this was a day of celebration, and one of happiness. Walking down the stairs into the living room ahd was met by several familiar faces. Jenny sat on the couch in a dark blue dress, and black converse shoes, Bongo in a purple dress, and Reessess wearing a black shirt and orange skirt. All wearing their nicest bows, they gazed in unison at the beautiful cat descending the stairs. Cinderella had nothing on her today.

"Wow, you look gorgeous!" Bongo shrieked.

"Absolutely beautiful." Reessess chimed in.

Jenny, still seated on the couch sighed. "You look great, Cupcake. But did you seriously need me to wear this thing? You know I don't like dresses."

Cupcake ran down to her friend and hugged them all. "Of course you do Jenny. Today's the special day. Don't you want to look nice for Brownie?" she sarcastically teased her friend. Before Jenny could respond, a knock came on the door. Running to the door, Cupake swung it open. "Professor Wiggle, you made it, come in!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the house.

"Good morning ladies. You all look wonderful." He looked to Reessess "Wow. Um. Wow." He sputtered out. "Anyways, I hope you don't mind that I brought somebody!" He turned and faced the door. In walked Susie, wearing a flowing, dark pink sundress and sunhat. Wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, she smiled.

"Good morning everyone. Thank you so much for letting me come with! I haven't been out in forever!" she laughed, running over to sit down with her new friends. "Plus dad told me that I had to come so that he wouldn't be too awkward tonight." she whispered to the other girls, causing an uproarious laughter.

Bongo stood up, looking at the clock. "Oh my, it looks like it's time to go!" The group gathered their belongings and headed out the front door. led by Bongo and Jenny, Susie and Professor Wiggle, and Reessess and Cupcake closing out. Jumping into their teleportation holes, they were off..

"Hey Deputy, are you still in there?" Brownie pushed open the door to Deputy's bedroom. Looking snazzy in his purple tuxedo and dark green bow-tie, he entered the room. "Everyone else is outside and ready to go. How are you feeling?" Deputy looked to his long-time friend. "Can't seem to get this bow-tie on right." He laughed as he produced four messed up bow-ties. "I'll get these down one day. I'm an Officer, not a lawyer."

Brownie walked over and pulled out a matching lime green bow-tie from his pocket, clipping it to his friend's chest he smirked. "Nobody has to know buddy." he laughed. Deputy looked quite sharp in his green tuxedo and matching shorts. He'd actually never worn a suit before, so it was definitely an adjustment for him. "C'mon buddy, let's get going." Brownie helped his friend up and they walked to Deputy's front door. Looking around the empty house, he smiled, following his friend out.

Outside, waiting impatiently was Flippy and Mark. Flippy was still wearing his orange shirt and same old shorts. He refused to wear a suit, and this was no exception. Mark looked completely changed though. His once tacky brown suit had been exchanged for a slick black tuxedo. He still had some scratches and dings from his fight with Apple, but they were overwhelmed by his overwhelming smile. Walking over to the pair, Deputy shook Flippy's hand. Walking to Mark, he reached his hand out. Mark instead walked over and hugged him. "Thank you Deputy, for all that you did for Cupcake, and for myself. I am proud to know that I have a friend like you." Releasing the embrace, he stepped back and nodded to Brownie. "You too Brownie. From what I've been told, you even got arrested just to help. I hope that this does not affect your promotion capability."

Brownie shrugged. "Nah, I'll be okay. I think Toons have come to expect this kind of thing from me, so they just laughed it off."

"Sorry to interrupt guys, but I think it's time for us to get going." Flippy stated, tapping his foot and looking at his watch. "The celebration starts in fifteen minutes, and I think there are a few people who are waiting for us. Looking over he winked at Mark, who gradually shifted his bow-tie. "Deputy, would you like to lead?"

Deputy smiled. For the first time in years he felt genuine happiness. He had wonderful friends, a great job, and a rejuvenated purpose in life. Pulling out his teleportation hole, he set his sights on the Celebration Grounds and jumped in, watching as the others did the same.

Cupcake and the rest of her group entered the Celebration Grounds. Toons had slowly been filtering in, heading to stage area, waiting for an official start to the festivities. She could not help but feel nostalgic about this pace. After all, this is where her and Mark had shared their first kiss. It was almost poetic that this would be where she'd be reunited with him. The group put down a blanket on the grass and sat down. Between the group, several different conversations were ongoing. Professor Wiggle and Reessess were flirting off on their own. Bongo and Jenny were mocking Brownie's attempt to clear out Toon HQ, leaving Susie and Cupcake on their own. Sitting down and patting the ground, Cupcake invited Susie to sit with her. "Plenty of room right here!" she called out.

Susie walked over and kneeled down next to her new friend. "Such a beautiful day out today. I don't think they could have picked a better time for this. Same smiled weakly, looking around at the blankets filled with couples young and old, including her father who was conversing with Reessess just several feet away. Cupcake noticed the hint of sadness, and attempted to turn the conversation.

"So anything you're looking forward to doing? I personally love the cake eating contest. Seems like it's always won by a pig though, but I've heard that a professor from Toon University, a cat, is joining this year! I bet it's going to be a delight to watch!" She kept up the cheery tone, trying to cheer up her guest.

Susie smiled at her and laughed. "Oh yes, Professor Rainbow. Dad and her actually used to work together. He said she has a bottomless stomach. I'm very excited to see it in action. However, I'm looking forward to the roller-coaster, honestly. I haven't been on one in years, and I could use some excitement!: She waved her arm around like a speeding tram car.

Bongo and Jenny came and sat down by the pair. "Hey girls, looks like it's about to start!" Bongo yelled excitedly. All around the once loud, excited crowd had come to a hushed silence. The stage in front of them started blasting epic, silly music and spotlights started to swirl around the stage. The red curtains slowly raised, revealing Mayor Flippy. The crowd erupted into cheers as the popular politician approached the mic.

"My fellow Toons. This last year has been one of reflection for many of us. For many of us, it was the first year in which we knew peace, and for many more, this will be the only world that they know. Today is a celebration for all of those Toons who fought valiantly for our freedom. Those who went sad. Those who couldn't find but supported them. Those who lost someone. Those who suffered. Today is a day to wash away the pain of the past, and enter a new future of silliness and happiness for all. But let us not delay any further. Let the festivities begin!" Stepping down, the crowd erupted into laughter and soon stood up and dispersed to their favorite activities. Flippy looked down into the middle of the grassy field to where his daughter was still sitting with her group, and beckoned them over to him.

The group stood up, and navigated their way through the blankets, dropped belongings, and still sitting Toons to make their way to the stage. Cupcake went up and kissed her father on the cheek. "Still have a way with words dad. How long did it take you to write that?" she laughed.

He made a feigned face of shock. "Me? Well I just came up with all of that on the spot, if you must know. Although I will say it was HEAVILY inspired by the speech that was written for me by some Toon HQ aides. The group all laughed. "Well anyways, I think it's time for the real celebration. Follow me." The group walked up onto the stage and behind the red curtains. The backstage was mostly empty, other than a few chairs and tables covered with a Toonfest Blue sheet, and plated. Helping everyone to their seats, Cupcake found herself sitting at the head of the table, with an empty chair next to her. Across from her was her father, and in-between sat Reessess and Wiggle, Bongo and Jenny, and Susie, with several empty seats between them all. "I think everyone deserves a special celebration for all of the hard work that you guys did to help Toontown." He winked at Cupcake. "But let us not delay further." he stopped and clapped. "Let the festivities begin!"

With the clap, the red curtain opened and out walked the remaining guests, led by an overly excited Brownie. "I don't think I should eat too much, I still have the cake eating contest later!" He exclaimed, taking an empty seat between Bongo and Jenny.

Deputy was next. He was unprepared for the next moment. Pushing the curtain aside he walked into the room and looked at the table. His heart sank into his stomach. Looking across the table, he saw her. This couldn't be real right? "Um, hey everyone!" he did his best to sound calm.

Flippy walked over and grabbed his arm. "Come on Deputy, you're part of the celebration too, come on we saved a seat for you. Pushing him towards the empty seat next to where Susie was sitting. "Looks like we only have one empty seat Deputy."winking and smiling.

Pausing for a moment, Deputy pulled out the chair and sat down, facing away from his former lover, too shocked to say anything.

Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for. Cupcake could feel her heart exploding. Her mouth dried up. Her stomach churned. She knew just as well as everyone else what was next. She thought she would be ready, but now that it was here. She suddenly felt overwhelmed.

The curtain slowly pulled open. A leg in a silky black suit stepped out, followed by the arm holding a pink rose. Fully entering the room, an explosion of cheers among the guests as Mark completely stepped in. He thought he would be ready for this moment. He had walked through it in his mind a million times, but now that it was here he felt the palpable anxiety overcoming him. His gears were turning and churning and he felt his body heating. Looking across the room, there she was, and in a moment all of the anxiety was gone. Cupcake rose and they walked over the each other. Mark lifted his hand and put it on Cupcake's cheek. "Hello beautiful. I brought this for you.." He lifted his arm, placing the flower in the soft fur on her head.

Cupcake could not hold in her emotions anymore and burst out sobbing. "Mark! Mark! I can't believe your safe!"She flung herself onto him, clenching his firm body, and burying her face into his soft silk suit." The room was silent aside from the soft sound of Cupcake's tears. But then to everyone's surprise, another sobbing sound. It was..Mark?

Mark placed his face onto Cupcake's shoulder, and hot, oily tears started to stream from his face. "I'm so glad you're okay" he whispered. "I missed you, Cupcake."

Cupcake pulled back and looked up. Pulling a handkerchief from her bag, she wiped the tears from his face. "Mark, are you crying?" she inquired, confused. "I thought cogs couldn't cry?" The group nodded in their confusion.

Trying to compose himself, between deep breaths, he spoke. "Well, you see. After my battle with Apple, I was taken for repairs at Dr. Surlee's. After many long hours of hard work, he was finished and I was good as new. However, I asked him for a favor. I asked him to cry. I wanted to be able to show my emotions better, like you do." Placing his hand on Cupcake's cheek, he wiped a newly formed tear away with his thumb. "He was happy to oblige. It's actually why it took a bit longer. I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't have made you wait."

Cupcake looked at him and started to giggle. "I love you, Mark."

"I love you too, Cupcake." Reaching out, the two embraced one more time. Just like that night underneath the fireworks so many years ago, Cupcake and Mark's worlds faded away with one passionate kiss. The crowd cheered.

After an exciting, and delicious lunch, the group of diners had dispersed off to the festivities along with the other Toons. Brownie had convinced Jenny to go watch him at the cake eating contest. She agreed under the agreement that this would count as her going to dinner with him, and that he would stop bugging her about it, which he happily agreed. Bongo met up with a group of long-time friends and had left the group to go spend time with them. Reessess And Professor Wiggle, the two oldest among the group, were like kittens again, flirting and laughing as they made their way to the Tunnel of Love. Cupcake and Mark had wandered off to play tag with a group of young Toons. In the distance they could be seen chasing Mark around, giggling as he would occasionally propel away, and teasing them. Cupcake could be heard yelling that she was still the Queen of Tag. Deputy was sitting on a grass hill. The sun was setting over Toontown. Alone, he smiled. Watching all of the happy Toons, he smiled. Toontown was free. From behind him, someone came and sat down next to him. Looking over, he was surprised to see Susie standing next to him.

"Mind if I sit here?" she asked politely.

"Oh yea, please. Of course." Deputy stumbled out. The two sat and watched the sunset in silence. Minutes passed before Deputy spoke. "So, what brings you over here? Not out having fun?" Pointing to the rollarcoaster. "I know that you love them."

Susie smiled and laughed. "Don't worry, I went on it four times already. It'll be here for another week. Besides, I wanted to come see the cute green dog sitting by himself."

Deputy's heart raced, but he managed to make a smile. "It's been a long time, Susie. How have you been?"

Purring, she looked over to her old friend. "You know. Same old, same old. Working at dad's shop. Thinking of taking over when he retires in a few years. What about you? I've heard Flippy is looking to make you Captain of the Toon Resistance. Captain Deputy Skids. Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, he did offer. I decided to turn it down though. I don't think I'd be happy being the top dog. Reessess is going to take over. After all she has the most experience on the force, and everyone seems to love her."

Susie chuckled. "Yeah dad certainly has a thing for her. They've been talking non-stop today. It's cute, it reminds me of us when we met."

Deputy looked over and his eyes saddened. "Yeah, those days were magical." The two sat in quiet after the last comment. "Susie I need to tell you something.

"No, it's okay, You don't need too, Deputy.." her words trailing off, knowing what was coming next.

Standing up, Deputy kneeled down in front of her. "Susie. I'm sorry. For the last fifteen years, I have regretted the way I acted and what I did. What I did was absolutely reprehensible, and especially you of all people. I hate myself for what I did, and thinking I'd never get the chance to tell you has dragged on my heart for a long time. Anyways, I just wanted to say that. I'm sorry."

Susie sat for a second, and reached out and put her on hand on Deputy's. "I'm sorry, too. I certainly wasn't perfect, after all. I should have reached out to you, but the longer that passed, the harder it was. I mean, it's not like I didn't want too.." she looked away, her face turning red.

"Me too Susie, me too." He sat back down next to her. "I did have other one thing I wanted to tell you. I'm not sure how to say it though."

"Well I guess that I'll just never know then, and I'll live out the rest of my days wondering what it possibly could have been." She teased, sarcastically. The two laughed.

Deputy looked over and grabbed Susie's hand. Closing his eyes, he blurted it out. "Susie, I still love you." He couldn't believe he had said it. "I'm sorry - I didn't mean-"

Susie leaned over towards Deputy, her face just inches away from his too. "Me too, Deputy. I always have." The fireworks show had just begun, blasts of every color in the rainbow exploded overhead. Susie and Deputy shared a passionate kiss for several glorious seconds. Pulling away, she reached into her pocket, pulling out a sheet of paper and handing it to Deputy. Unrolling it he scanned over the paper and his eyes widened. A single tear rolled down his right cheek. "Animation Application - Rosie Skids."Deputy looked over to Susie, trying to keep himself in check.

"You've kept it.. All these years." He cried out. "I - I can't believe it."

Susie smiled back at him, her light green eyes shining in the fading sunlight. "Of course. I told you I always wanted to be a mom. It would be a shame for Rosie to grow up without a father. Do you know anyone that would be interested?"

"Susie.." Deputy muttered. Tears now streaming from his face, he smiled. "I love you."

Tears flowing, matching Deputy, Susie grinned at him. "I know you do. I am pretty great after all."

Deputy laid down and rested his head on her lap. Susie started to rub the top of his head, right between his ears. His leg started kicking. The two watched the fireworks overhead, silently. Deputy smiled, and looked down the hill where Mark and Cupcake were laying on a blanket. Cupcake looked up and waved. This was truly, Paradise.

The End.