This is it everybody. For Raph's story of course.

The party only grows the longer it goes on. Katsumi forgets her past life as she enjoys the afternoon and the evening. "I am glad to finally meet you, sister," Donatello says as he leads her through a dance. She has already danced with his other brothers.

"And I you, Donatello," she says. She looks over at Akage, "How long have you and Akage been together?"

"My eligibility day was six months ago. So.. it has been about four since we've been married."

"I see." There is a tap at Donatello's shoulder. The pair look to the left and see Raphael.

"May I?" He asks, a smirk on his lips. The purple kame backs away and allows husband and wife to dance together.

"So many people," Katsumi says, looking around the patio. The dancing was adjusted to outside to accommodate for the growing number of dancers.

"And there are many more," Raphael states, "This is one of the grand occasions when it seems like the whole kingdom comes to celebrate." Katsumi leans her head against his shoulder. "Saving your energy?"

"More spent than saved," she says, "it's getting late.." Raphael leads her over to the tables. She sits on his right side, on Great Master Hahen's left. Surizu is across from her, Leonardo sitting across from his father. Michelangelo sits down on Surizu's other side, across from Raphael. And Donatello and Akage are across from each other.

"To a growing family," Great Master Hahen says, standing with his glass. The family and guests cheer. "And the young ones, whether they are here," he motions to Surizu, who is holding Heiwa, "or to come." Katsumi feels his warm gaze on her and then go to Akage.

She looks to her and sees that she is blushing. "Akage?" She asks, excited. Akage nods, she's expecting.

The servants bring over the main course food, even though everyone's been snacking every so often on the fruits piled on trays around the party. Raphael and Katsumi keep peeking at each other. He sneaks his fork to her food and she does the same to him. The family members around them find it adorable that they share their cake.

The sun fades down so the top edge touches the tree tops and the candles and torches are lit. Raphael stands up and addresses the crowd. "If you will excuse us," he says, offering his arm to Katsumi. She stands up as well. "But it is getting late."

They walk around the table and the party resumes behind them. Raphael walks through the Red Doorway, which is now empty. The empty air above holds the stars, which catches Katsumi's attention. It's so beautiful, so perfect.

Raphael follows her gaze. He smiles down at her and kisses her forehead. "Our night.." He whispers. She nods. Raphael starts over to the stairs. The entire courtyard is empty of servants, anyone besides them. They walk up, Katsumi's stomach fluttering at each step.

They turn to the next set, on the left. Katsumi leans her head on his shoulder, humming one of the songs from the celebration. Raphael doesn't stop at his door, but walks on. Katsumi looks back at the fire etched double doors, then looks at her husband.

"But-"

"We aren't going there," he states. Instead, he stops at the doors between his and hers. The doors reveal another set of steps. He walks up, showing the balcony on top of the Red Courtyard wall. It has a few gazebos on it, with red curtains fluttering in the soft wind.

In the largest of them, there are candles lit. Katsumi looks at it, seeing inside is set with a low set bed, a short head board that curves down the sides a foot. The whole scene has gold and red embellishments, with hanging pots full of flowers. Katsumi looks away from the romantic scene and at Raphael.

"The right way," he states. He leads her up the short diaz, and leaves his haori on the railing. Kat turns around, facing him. As she does so, Raph leaves his grip on her uchikake and it stays with. He drops it with the other garment and takes a few steps forward. Kat sees a genuine smile aimed toward her, but something else is beneath it; a smirk.

Kat feels his arms snake around her waist and she places her hands with his on her back. Raph loosens the obi and it falls away. He leans down and kisses her, with all the love he can muster. Kat deepens the kiss, her arms around his shoulders.

"I love you.." Raph murmurs. He kisses down her neck. Kat moves her head to the side, giving him her permission. With her white kimono loosened, he brushes it aside and continues on his path down her shoulder. That stirs a soft moan from Kat.

"I love you too," she says. Raph looks back up at her face. Her hair still has pins and flowers in it. He rubs two of his fingers with the white fabric of her dress between them. He looks at his bride.

She understands and it falls to the floor. She still has the red and gold layer around her. Raph sets his hand on her shoulders and she lowers to the sheets. His hand gets tangled in her hair, the golden pins coming out and her hairdo coming loose.

"Do you think..?" Katsumi asks, grabbing all of Raph's attention. She places her hand on her abdomen. "I mean.. Would you-" Raph covers it with one of his. Kat looks up at him through her long eyelashes.

"With all my heart," he vows. His hand goes to the ribbon around her waist, "Anything, as long as it's with you."

Who loves it when a story ends on a quote?

Raphie's bein' awfully sappy. Must be Katsumi's doing.

Who thinks that picture is just the most romantic thing ever. I was thinking, 'then they go to the master bedroom- wait.. why on earth would Raph follow the rules like that?' And they ended up on the balcony, music below them. *le sigh~*

And.. D and A are expecting! Who felt that coming?

Well, this is the last chapter. If I ever to D's and Mikester's, it's not going to be for awhile. So... please don't count on it.

In fact.. I'm not sure what I'll be doing until summer. (Blind in Want, 'A Turtle's Heart Part 3'!)

...Who wants another installment of Heather aka Country Lass~?

(Usually I'd put my finished titles here, but considering I don't have space/time, I'll just say read my profile, it's bound to tell you there.)

-CtW out! Love ya!