They stood in a group at the front of the chapel, waiting nervously. Raphael shuffled his feet a little as he stood there for what seemed like an eternity for the ceremony to begin. He had never been a best man before. He had never even been to a wedding!
He brought his hands up to fiddle with the bow around his neck. It felt hot and itchy and he wished he could rip it off. But he remembered his promise to April and Splinter, so he forced himself to leave it alone. I still can't believe I agreed to wear this stupid coat and tie. I look like a damn magician or somethin'!
Mike was a ball of excitement. He couldn't keep his body still as he paced back and forth between the archway. He had waited a long time for this day. It was great to see April and Casey finally doing what he knew they should have done long ago. They belong together, he thought.
He had wanted to wear that cool, black tophat he had found one night in the street, but after Raph shoved his fist in his face and warned him not to even dare, he had decided he'd better listen.
Don was silent, lost in his own thoughts as he stared around the room. His eyes examined the lights, the angle at which they hung from the ceiling. He noted the pews, how far they were spaced apart, the wood with which they were constructed. He figured the building was structurally sound enough. Although I probably would've hung the chandelier over there.
His teeth chattered slightly in nervous anticipation. In a few moments he would witness an event that he never thought he would have been able to be a part of. He raised his good hand to cradle his chin, attempting to look as though he were in deep thought, instead of trying to quiet his jaw. He then glanced around at the others, hoping that none of them could hear it.
Leo stood eloquently, a model of patience as he waited, the empty quiet of the room echoing in his ears. He was happy. A bad chapter in their lives was over, and now the page had turned, and finally something good was happening in the story of their lives.
At times it had felt like nothing good would ever come for them, as if they were doomed to live a life of hardship and pain. But he realized now, all the good things that had happened to them in the past; meeting April and Casey, finding Shadow, Mike's recovery. Even Raph seemed uncharacteristically happy these days. As he glanced around the room, he decided that nothing would spoil this day.
Casey's anxiety was the worst. His knees felt like buckling as he stood as motionless as a statue, staring down the isle to the back of the chapel. In a few moments, April would be there. She would walk down that isle and say "I do" and be forever his. It was a good feeling, knowing that he had finally reached a point in his life where he could look back without regrets, and know that this thing was right.
It wasn't as though he hadn't been married once before, but that decision had been on a whim. He had been at a low point in his life, and after the pain of April leaving him, he'd figured what the hell, and decided there wasn't much more he could lose. Of course, he had been wrong. The pain of Gabriel's death still ate at him now and then. He had figured that maybe if he had made his intentions known to April long ago, they could have avoided all the pain. It wasn't as if he hadn't loved Gabriel. He truly did, but when he was honest with himself, he realized that with what they had been through together, April was really the one he should be spending his life with.
The minister entered a moment later, a bright smile on his face as he dragged his walking stick across the floor, allowing it to guide him to the podium. Casey was glad he couldn't see, although he couldn't help wondering what this man would have thought or done if he had witnessed the green ushers standing before him.
"Are we ready?", the man spoke in their direction.
Casey cringed a little, clearing his throat. "Yeah." As ready as I'll ever be!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
They stood in the back, huddled together, one big, nervous ball of energy. April breathed deeply, trying to force her body to calm down, as Robyn adjusted her veil. Closing her eyes, she said a silent prayer that all would go well. Atleast this time she knew that they were all here, and everyone was safe.
Megan cracked the door open and peered out, catching a glimpse of Raphael. The way he stood there nervously, like a lost child, sent a grin across her face. Even with that rough exterior, there still beat the heart of a small boy, as vulnerable and confused as anyone else.
Splinter stared up at April proudly. He was more than flattered when she had asked him to escort her down the isle. "You're like a father to me.", she had said. This was not an honor he was taking lightly. Although he still couldn't walk as well as he would have liked, he had gone over the routine numerous times in his head to make sure he got it right.
Suddenly the music began to play. The three girls stiffened and stared at eachother wide-eyed for a moment. They weren't really sure why they were all so nervous. There was no audience in the pews to perform for.
"Good luck, April, you'll do fine.", Megan hugged her briefly and shot Splinter a smile before stepping through the door.
Now it was Robyn's turn. Taking a deep breath, she instructed Shadow to get in place, and followed Megan down the isle. April closed her eyes. This was it. It was now or never. "Go ahead, Shadow.", she smiled nervously, "Remember to toss the petals around as you walk."
The little girl stepped out into the isle, a bright smile on her face as she grabbed hand fulls of petals from her basket and threw them in every which direction, causing them to float through the air before landing all over the pews and carpet, decorating them with a boquet of bright peach and lavendar. April sighed as she watched. That wasn't quite what she'd had in mind.
They came down the isle single-file, Megan first, then Robyn, then Shadow, and finally the rat and the bride. Casey stood nervously next to Raph, his palms sweating profusely as he stared at his wife-to-be.
"Doesn't she look great?", he whispered.
"Yeah", Raph sighed. "She's beautiful! And look at that dress."
Casey nodded, admiring the white, flowing gown.
"The way that satin just clings to her, I mean...wow!"
Casey frowned in confusion for a second, then looked over at him, following his gaze to land on Megan. I should've known! "Raph!", he whispered agitated, "I meant April!"
"Huh?", Casey's words snapped him back to reality again. "Uh, oh yeah."
Annoyed, Casey threw him an aggravated smirk, but Raph ignored it, returning his eyes to the long flowing green silk, the dark shiny hair tied up in a french twist on her head, revealing her neck. His palms grew sweaty and a lump formed in his throat as he watched her approach. Damn, she's beautiful!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Casey stood on April's left, their hands joined as the minister began reading them the vows. A grin spread across Casey's face as he stared at her. He thought back to the beginning, back to how things used to be. When they had first met, they had hardly spoken to eachother, let alone liked one another. But as time went on, they had gotten to be pretty good friends. And when that friendship had begun to turn into a little bit more, it had frightened them both, and they had split up. But that break up had only been brief, and then one day, there she was right back in his life again. He knew then that it was meant to be, and now, here they were, finally, after all these years, making it official.
"Do you, Casey Arnold Jones take April to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"
Casey gulped down a nervous lump in his throat. "I do."
Now it was April's turn. She turned to him, a bright gleam in her eyes as she listened to the man's words, the words she had waited so long to hear. This was her dream, and it was finally coming true.
"Do you April O'Neil, take Casey to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"
Her smile brightened as she spoke the words "I do."
The others exchanged happy grins as they watched Robyn and Raph take out the rings.
A rack of nervous energy pounded through Raphael as he removed the ring from his pocket. He allowed the light to gleam off of it, flashing a rainbow of colors from the bright diamond before handing it to Casey.
Casey accepted the ring, almost dropping it as it slid into his sweaty palm. "Thanks Raph.", he whispered, and shot him a look of gratitude and forgiveness. Raph understood and spared a quick glance at Megan, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.
Robyn also handed April the ring for Casey, admiring the shiny gold. This was like a dream, to be here in this place, watching her sister's moment of happiness, and she wished silently to herself that she would never wake up.
"Repeat after me.", the minister told Casey. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Casey gulped once more and slid the ring over her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed.", he said softly before looking into her eyes.
April, in turn, did the same, a rush of joy filling her soul as she slipped the ring over his finger and waited for the final words, the words that would make it complete, forever.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife.", the man announced. "You may kiss the bride."
As Casey and April embraced, a radiance spread from them and seemed to flow throughout the room. Mike wiped a tear from his eye, giggling with happiness. Leo remained still, but a big grin spread across his face. Don began to clap his good hand on his wrist, and soon the others joined in. Raph glanced over at Megan, who was staring at him intently, a bright gleam in her eyes.
As the recessional played and the two love birds ran out of the chapel, a burden lifted from all of their shoulders. They had done it. Everything had gone smoothly, and April and Casey could finally be together the way they wanted to be.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
"I now present to you, Mr. And Mrs. Jones!", Mike called excitedly into the microphone. April and Casey rushed through the door, into a big room, beautifully decorated with flowers, fancy linens and a whole DJ set up. April’s jaw almost hit the floor as she stared in awe at her intricate surroundings.
"What is all of this?", she asked amazed. Robyn and Megan exchanged smiles.
"We didn’t really have a chance to do something nice for you.", her sister said happily.
"Yeah.", Megan added, "So we thought we’d give you this. To make your wedding as real and special as possible."
April grabbed them up in a hug. "Thank you.", she whispered, trying to hold back her tears. "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."
Michaelangelo popped a new CD into the stereo and began to dance around to "Sayin' Alive." He grabbed April’s hands and pulled her onto the dance floor, gyrating his hips like John Travolta. "Oh oh oh oh...stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive."
"Oh man.", Raph shook his head, but a grin spread across his face. "Mikey’s such a ham!"
Megan giggled as Mike danced up to her and grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her to the floor. She joined in the dance, laughing hysterically as the three of them moved to the music, mimicking John Travolta.
Raph frowned as he watched the floor fill up, the bodies dancing, the laughter floating through the air. Even Splinter joined in on the fun, stabling himself with his crutch as he moved to the music.
Suddenly, Megan rose her eyes in his direction and a nervous twinge of energy rushed through him. Oh god, please don't ask me to dance! She stepped off the dance floor. Oh no, she's coming over here!
"Raph?"
He opened his eyes to see her staring curiously at him.
"Are you okay?"
He realized he was gritting his teeth, and slowly relaxed his jaw. "Uh, yeah, I'm fine.", he forced a slight grin.
She eyed him suspiciously. "So, don't you wanna dance?"
"Uhhh...actually, I thought I'd just sit this one out."
"Aw, c'mon.", she pouted playfully, "See how much fun everyone's having?"
The way she looked at him almost made Raph melt. "Well, yeah, I know, but...I just don't feel like it right now."
Megan frowned at him for a moment, wondering silently why he was refusing to dance with her, and then it hit her, and a smirk spread across her face. "You don't know how to dance, do you?", she said softly.
Raph's cheeks flushed a bright red and an embarrassed anger shot through him. How dare she accuse me of not being able to dance? But the anger quickly subsided. He stared at her for a moment; at the bright twinkle in her big brown eyes, the soft lips curled up in a gentle smile, the hair that hung down from the top of her head in curls. He couldn't lie to her.
"No.", he said quietly, lowering his head in shame. He was glad none of the others could hear him above the loud music. "I can't."
"Hey.", Megan smiled. "Don't worry about it. It's really not that big of a deal. You've probably never really tried before, right?"
He rose his eyes to meet hers, marveling at her level-headedness, at the way she always seemed to melt his anger and frustration like butter.
"Well, once or twice when I was just goofing around, but not really. Not with anyone else."
Megan smiled that heart-melting smile again. "Well, it's really not that hard once you have the hang of it." She held her hand out for him to take. "Come on, I'll show you."
Raph wasn't so sure he wanted to take dancing lessons in front of his friends and family. "I don't know..."
Stayin' Alive ended and Mike popped a new CD into the stereo. "This one is for Casey and April.", he announced. "This is their first song as husband and wife!" Everyone began to clap as the dance floor was cleared, leaving only the newly weds in their wake.
The song was Inspiration, a fitting song, Megan thought. As she stood there, listening to the words, she had to fight back the tears that were threatening to stream down her cheeks. She would be getting on a plane tomorrow, leaving this...leaving him behind. She closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on the words.
"You're the meaning in my life, you're the inspiration. You bring meaning to my life, you're the inspiration. I wanna have you near me, I wanna have you hear me saying, 'no one needs you more than I need you.'
"Now I know, yes I know it's plain to see, we're so in love when we're together. And I know, yes I know that I want you here with me, from tonight until the end of time. You should know, everywhere I go, you're always on my mind, in my heart, in my soul..."
She opened her eyes to find Raph staring straight ahead at Casey and April, almost as if he were looking through them, instead of at them. I wonder what he's thinking.
The song ended and a new one came on. This time Megan didn't bother to ask Raphael if he wanted to dance. Instead, she just stayed where she was, struggling with her own thoughts as she watched April and Casey leave the floor to go get some punch. She wanted to tell him how she felt, that she didn't want to leave, that she wanted to give their feelings a chance, however strange or difficult it seemed, but she was afraid to express her feelings, and so remained silent.
Raph stared at the empty dance floor, his mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow. He could barely comprehend the idea of her leaving. They had been through so much together, but yet he still couldn't voice his feelings for her. It was as if he was trapped in a sound proof box, calling out to her desperately as his voice refused to leak out beyond the glass walls to reach her. He knew this would be the last night he'd get to spend with her. The last time, atleast for quite a while, that he would get to see her face, hear her voice. He had to do this. If he didn't, he would maybe live to regret it later.
Sighing, Raph grabbed her hand, startling her from her thoughts. "Come on.", he said nervously, "It's time for my dancing lesson."
______________________________________________________________________________________
Don sat quietly in the corner, staring down at the bandages on his left hand. He had been struggling for the past two weeks to get his fingers to move. He had poked himself with pins and held it over flames to see if he could feel pain. He had tried gently massaging it, trying to loosen the muscles so he could get them to move. But every experiment had come up with the same result; nothing. What am I gonna do if I can't use my hand? That thought had haunted him over and over again, and he couldn't shake the worry he felt deep down inside.
He knew that today was supposed to be for happy times. This was April and Casey's day, but as he glanced around the room, he couldn't help but feel a little slighted. Everything had turned out okay. Everything was fixed now. Michaelangelo had recovered a hundred percent. Leo's wounds were almost mended, Raph had survived the explosion, Splinter's leg was on it's way to a full recovery, Megan, although still scarred had gotten most of her stiches removed already and was healing rather quickly, Shadow had been found, Robyn had come out of her hypothermia and was doing fine, Casey's injuries were all healed, and April's jaw, though still a little bruised, was almost healed. Everyone had healed. Everyone had come through, they had made it past the injuries. Everyone....but him.
He didn't mean to be selfish. He was glad for them. He was happy to see his family whole again and in good spirits, but he couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't gotten his chance. Why had life been good to everyone else, while dealing him the bad hand? Would he never be the same again? Would he remain...crippled?
It just didn't seem fair. His hands were his life. How can I work on things? How can I type? How can I even...use my bo? A chilling thought came over him. What if the others won't need me anymore? I'm no good to them now. I can't fix things, I can't fight...
"Don?" A voice startled him from his thoughts, and he looked up to find Robyn standing before him. "Do you...wanna dance?" She smiled at him brightly, dissolving some of his pain.
"Uhhh...sure.", he said shyly, and followed her to the dance floor.
______________________________________________________________________________________
"Hey guys, look!", Mike giggled and pointed toward the dance floor. The others allowed their sight to fall on Raph and Megan, dancing akwardly to a slow song on the stereo.
"Wow! I can't believe it!", Leo gasped. "Raphael is actually dancing!"
"Yeah.", Mike giggled louder this time, "But it looks like he's got two left feet!"
Leo smiled, then shot him a stern look. "Yeah. Look Mikey, I know it's pretty funny and all, but let's not tease Raph about this, okay?"
Mike stared at him, confused for a moment.
"I mean...she's leaving tomorrow and everything, and I think that's bad enough for him."
Michaelangelo understood and nodded before turning his attention back to the dancers.
God, I feel like an idiot! Raph rolled his eyes as he barely avoided stepping on Megan's foot. "This ain't working!", he mumbled. "I just...I can't dance."
Megan smiled at him, fighting hard to contain her laughter as she took the lead again. "It's okay, Raph, you're doing fine, especially for your first time. But here." She pulled him a little closer with her right arm, and grasped his hand a little tighter with her left. "Don't be afraid to get close. It's hard to dance when you're ten feet away."
Raph gulped as he brought his body close to hers. Her hair smelled like peaches. The warmth from her skin sent shivers through him. This was the closest he had ever been to a woman, and he prayed silently that he wouldn't do anything stupid in front of his brothers.
He could feel their eyes on him, studying him, waiting for him to screw up. Sweat beaded up on his forehead as he followed Megan's lead, moving his feet carefully around hers.
"That's good.", she said sincerely as they moved a little quicker. "I think you're getting the hang of it. See? I told you it wasn't so hard."
Raph grinned, realizing that he actually could do this if he really concentrated. Proud of his accomplishment, he flashed Leo and Mike a dignified look. The confidence building in him, he took her by the hands and twirled her around, putting on a show for everyone around.
Megan laughed as they danced, thankful that Raphael had let go of his worries and decided to have fun. This was a night she wanted to remember always, and she knew that she would.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Don felt akward as he took the floor with Robyn. It wasn't the dancing that made him nervous, it was what to do with his hands. Deciding that his left one was pretty useless, he rested it around her waist and took her other hand in his.
Robyn smiled. Who would have ever imagined that she would be here right now, dancing with a five foot, talking turtle? The thought almost made her laugh out loud. But Don had proven himself to be more than a good friend. He had always been kind to her, and he had saved her life when no one else could.
She too would be leaving soon, but the memories she would take with her would last for a long time. She knew that some day she would be back. Afterall, she had family here.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Mike scooped Shadow up into his arms and carried her toward the dance floor. He set her down, then bowed elegantly toward her. "May I have this dance, maddam?"
Shadow giggled. "Yes you may."
A new song came on. I had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you... Leo and Splinter stood side by side, watching the couples dance. Raph seemed to actually be enjoying himself now. Megan laid her head on his shoulder and a nervous grimmace spread across his face. Leo giggled quietly and glanced at Splinter, who also stood smiling as he watched them.
"It is good to see him so happy.", the rat said quietly.
Casey and April embraced eachother tightly. They were husband and wife now. It felt like a dream. April was glad that she could finally call Shadow her daughter, even if it wasn't by blood. She glanced over in her direction, laughing as she caught site of Mike twirling her around and sweeping her through his legs.
Mike was clearly having a good time. He lifted the little girl and set her on his shoulders, bouncing her around to the music. Such a ham, Leo grinned.
Megan wrapped her arms around Raphael, wishing she could hold on forever, and never let go. She wished this night would last forever. But she knew the morning would come, and with it, the goodbyes that she didn't want to face.
Raph closed his eyes for a moment, moving to the rythm of the song as he thought about what tomorrow would bring. She can't leave, he told himself. I know she'll stay. She has to.