Committing.
Chapter 3
...
There was four days until the wedding and still so much to do. Everyone was a little frantic, especially the Boy Wonder.
But they were all surprised at how relaxed and collected Kori was. She had everything put together and was completely calm and collected throughout it all.
Unlike her future husband, Richard was of all over the place. He was worried about things not going as planned. He stressed about the little things like lights and music, and was even more worried about the big things like villains taking advantage of the special occasion.
Everyone tried to reassure him that everything would be okay, but he was set on the fact that criminals can be unpredictable.
…
Currently the whole team was in the common room.
Kori was at the kitchen table working on organizing some flower arrangements, while Richard sat on his laptop, trying to coordinate the seating arrangements.
In front of the TV, Victor sat relaxed as he flipped through channels and Garfield sat next to him, and beside him was the empath, who read her book contentedly.
This position was all too familiar and replicated a few days ago as Garfield slowly rested his arm behind the girl beside him, but unlike before she didn't react. He inwardly smiled as she continued to read her book as if she didn't notice his gesture.
Richard closed his computer and sighed as he rubbed his eyes; stressed would be an understatement. He let his hand slowly drag down his face before looking towards the TV. He immediately noticed the interaction between his two teammates, and he sighed in relief.
He was grateful they had figured out their problems, it gave him one less thing to worry about. Richard then turned and smiled at his bride-to-be as he watched her work. He reached out and gripped her hand as she looked up from her project and smiled, returning the gesture.
This small interaction proved that things might just be okay.
But on the couch the empath thought no such thing. She was aware that the changeling's arm was behind her, and it caused her to inwardly sigh. Every day he was showing more publicized affection and was treating her like a girlfriend, and she wasn't fond of it.
But she didn't know what to do.
She was in too deep, and every night since their fight they slept in her bed. She knew how much enjoyment he got out of it that she couldn't just ask him not to stay. She regretted asking him to stay the first night. But she knew he needed it, he needed some reassurance, he was so lost that night that she just wanted to be with him. And now they're practically living in the same room.
She knew it was an overreaction. He hasn't moved in, none of his stuff is there. And honestly, it isn't that bad having him sleep with her, it's actually enjoyable, if she didn't over think it.
He's warm on cold nights, he doesn't snore, and shockingly he doesn't try anything.
But even though it's nice, it doesn't mean the problem is over, actually it's far from. Having him sleeping with her makes it hard to forget the problem they have, and it's causing even more sleepless nights.
Which wasn't much of a problem until the day of the wedding…
…
Everyone was up early for the big day and things were hectic.
Raven couldn't help but envy the guys as Kori rushed her to the salon for hair and makeup at an ungodly hour. she miserably sat at a chair as her hair was pulled and her face was painted.
"In what universe is this considered enjoyable?" She asked no one in particular.
Kori turned to her and smiled, clearly enjoying her face getting poked and prodded. "Oh, lighten up Raven." She said with a smile. Raven grumbled and flinched as her hair was pulled when Kori hesitantly cleared her throat. "So, Raven, I've noticed the past few days you and Garfield seem to be doing well, have you not?" Raven couldn't help but look down as Kori spoke. "Have you figured out your difficulties?" She asked hopefully.
"Things are complicated." Raven found herself saying and it immediately put a frown on her friend's face.
"I am aware." She said sorrowfully.
Raven couldn't help but hear Kori's sad tone and felt bad, it's the day of her wedding and she was worrying about her.
"Star, maybe we could not talk about my relationship problems on the day of your wedding?"
"I just wish you were as happy as I am on this day." She sighed.
Raven forced a smile as she looked at her. "I'm happy, Star, for you. So please don't worry about me." Kori nodded and smiled, even though she knew she couldn't help but be concerned.
…
Once hair and makeup were done, the girls drove to Jump City's finest Inn. Being that the guest list was fairly large they sought fit the venue be at a hotel, and Jump City's finest did not disappoint.
The large Victorian style building was modernized, but still had a lot of antique structures that made it a hot spot for fine events.
The girls quickly rushed into the Hotel and were greeted by wedding planners and some of their friends, along with the staff of the Hotel.
Raven tried to catch her breath but as soon as it was somewhat caught, Kori was pulling her hand again as they ran upstairs. They were doing great on time yet seemed to always be in a hurry.
They entered a room which was reserved for the bride to get ready along with any other girls. And finally, Raven was able to relax. She ordered a cup of tea and sat down as she watched everyone else rush to get ready.
The whole morning went like this, and it was a couple of hours before Raven even had to put her dress and heels on, and even then it was another hour before anything started.
All the sudden it became quiet, and Raven realized it was just her and the bride in the room. She let out a long-needed sigh as she turned and watched Kori, who stood in front of a large three-panel mirror and put on her long veil.
There was a knock on the door, signaling it was time and Kori grabbed Raven's hand as they left the room. They sprinted down the halls of the Hotel to their destination, and Raven tried to keep herself calm as she rushed down the hallway in heels.
Her hair was pinned in a loose bun. She wore a deep lavender, short spaghetti strapped dress. She had matching heels and a multicolored purple bouquet.
Beside her the bride was just stunning; Kori's long hair was curled and done up nicely with small sequins stuck in. She wore a white mermaid style dress that hugged her curves just right, and white crystal shoes.
Upon arriving at their destination, they found Victor and Garfield waiting for them by the doors.
"In the nick of time ladies." Victor said and he didn't even have time to complement them when the music started to play.
Raven quickly handed Kori her bouquet of big light pink, purple, yellow, and white flowers, as Garfield grabbed her arm. She took a deep breath as the doors opened and they entered the room to walk down the aisle.
Raven wasn't too fond of all the eyes on her as they walked, and she was honestly waiting to trip on her heels.
Garfield could tell Raven was nervous and overwhelmed, and it wasn't just because she had a death grip on his arm. Her eyes were wide, and her breathing was shallow, and she was currently cutting off circulation in his arm.
"Nervous?" He asked, looking towards her and she took a deep breath before nodding. "Relax, we're almost there." He reassured with a smile.
She glanced at him, slightly surprised at his ability to calm her nerves, and she couldn't help but feel thankful he was there for her.
"You look nice." He complemented, not getting the chance to say so when he first saw her.
"You don't look so bad yourself." She said, trying to lighten up.
He smirked. "I do think I look quite dashing."
She smiled at his comment and just like that they were there, in front of Richard and the minister. Raven was relieved she was no longer the center of attention, but it was now time for her and the comforter to part.
Her mind was so frazzled this whole day that she really hadn't thought about him at all. She was tired and miserable when they were getting ready at the salon. Then she was stuck in a crowded room as people came in and out. And just like that, suddenly she was overwhelmed as time seemed to run out. She really had no time to think about him, or dwell on the dilemma of their relationship problems.
And even now she didn't have time to think about it as the music changed and the bride came walking down the aisle.
Kori seemed to glow as Victor walked her down the pathway, there was no doubt that she was the most beautiful bride anyone had ever seen, and with every step she got closer you could see the amazement in Richard's eyes.
The anxious Richard was finally relaxed and at this moment couldn't think of anything but her…
…
Once the 'I do's' were said and the ceremony was over it was time for the reception to begin. Food was served as the music was turned up and a good time was had by all. There was no more time crunches or pressure as everyone roamed about the party. And then soft music started to play as the newlyweds had their first dance.
Raven found she was actually enjoying herself as she leaned against the wall and watched her friends. She wasn't much to gush over romantic moments, but this was truly idealistic.
The DJ then announced that anyone was free to join the happy couple as the song 'Can you feel the love tonight?' played. And Raven couldn't help but roll her eyes as she felt an all too familiar presence beside her.
"I wonder who requested this song?... Gar." She said turning to face him.
"Hey, I didn't request anything." He defended with a smile as he held up his hands.
"It's from a Disney." She told him.
"Yeah so? That doesn't mean I requested it." He told her and she rolled her eyes again, despite there being a smile on her face.
"It's Star, Rae. You know she loves Disney movies." He reminded, pointing his thumb towards the happy couple as they danced together.
"Okay. I believe you." She said before turning back to watching the happy couple.
Her small smile graced her lips again as she slowly swayed to the song. Garfield continued to watch her until he couldn't take it anymore and grabbed her hand.
"Gar, what are you doing?" She asked, watching him gently pull her away from the wall.
He smiled. "Don't deny it Rae, you want to dance." He said pulling her close to him.
"Gar, no…" She protested as she lightly pulled away, shaking her head.
But he didn't let go of her hands as he ignored her protest. "Yes, Raven, yes." He smiled, pulling her close to him.
She wanted to protest further, the trauma she endured from the ceremony still evident in her. But he was persistent, and as he smiled happily at her, she found herself relinquishing herself and letting him take the lead.
"Gar, I'm not really good at this…" She said timidly, looking around at the crowded dance floor.
"Shush." He interrupted with a smile as he put her hands on his shoulders and grabbed her hips.
Even though Raven knew all eyes were on the bride and groom, she couldn't help but feel watched. But even though the anxiety was stirring in her stomach, she found herself gradually overlooking it as she gently swayed with him.
She was surprised at how easily he made her forget everything around them.
"Who taught you how to dance?" She found herself asking him as he slowly spun her around.
"Rita. When I was 12. She made this big deal about all gentlemen should know how to dance." He smiled, but that smile suddenly fell as he watched her get closer to him.
Raven slowly tightened her arms around his shoulders as she gently leaned into him, resting her head against him. His smile quickly returned as he rested his head on her shoulder, and all he could think about was how easy it was for them to be together.
He tightened his grip and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly as he closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair. He suddenly felt bad for ever pressuring her to be more intimate in any way. As long as he got to do this, it didn't matter how long they waited. They could even wait until marriage if they wanted to. As long as he got to do this…
"Gar." She whispered.
"Hmm?" He responded happily.
"let's go upstairs." She told him and he pulled away to look at her once she said it.
"What's wrong?" He asked and she smiled lightly as she slowly wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I want you to take me upstairs." She said slowly, hinting her words.
He gulped, 'I guess we're not waiting until marriage.' He thought as he quickly pulled away from her and grabbed her hand, eagerly pulling her out of the room.
…
Breathing was rapid as heartbeats pounded out of chests. He gripped her waist, and she did an intake of breath as he picked her up and propped her onto the Hotel dresser. Her dress bunched up as her legs tightened around his hips, and her nails skimmed up and down his suit, her fingers rapidly going at his necktie.
He kissed her profusely as she yanked off the satin fabric and started undoing the buttons on his jacket. His hands went up and quickly undid her hair from its loose bun, letting the strands fall and frame her face. She glided her hands up, letting her fingers rake through his combed hair.
His hands slowly pulled down her dress strap off her shoulders as he bent down and kissed the bare skin. She breathed heavily as she gently pulled off his jacket and he pulled down the top half of her dress, kissing each inch the fabric uncovered.
"Oh god, Rae..." He said with a heated breath as he pulled up and kissed her mouth. He cupped her face and kissed under her chin as her hands gripped his shoulders.
"I love you so much." He breathed, kissing her soft skin.
Her eyes opened at the words as she slowly looked away uncomfortably.
"God, I love you." He said as his hands skimmed over her back, undoing the zipper of her dress, and pulling it down to her waist.
She shut her eyes and buried her face in his neck, trying to block out what he was saying and just be in the moment.
"I've wanted this for so long; I've wanted you for so long." He said, his hands sliding up her legs and thighs.
"I know." She whispered.
His hands went up under her dress and hesitantly grabbed at her dedicates. He kissed her neck and she sucked in a breath as his hand went down the lacy waistband.
She quickly tightened her arms around his shoulders, restricting him as she gripped his hair with one hand and the fabric of his shirt with the other.
"See Rae, see what we can do. We can be together. We can do this all the time…us… together." He moved his hand as she held in a gasp and a moan as she gripped him tighter.
Tension was building as she lightly pulled away from him and grabbed the sides of his face to kiss him. He kissed her back as she moved her hands down his chest and grabbed his belt, before quickly undoing it.
She undid the zipper and slowly pulled his pants open as he pulled away from her face. She looked up and met his excited gaze as they continued to breathe rapidly.
"Marry me." He said quickly, and her eyes widened.
"What." She was barely able to say as he went to kiss her again, but she quickly shoved him away as he fell back onto the floor.
"Rae?!"
"No. NO!" She shouted.
"What's wrong?" He asked as she hopped off the dresser.
"Dammit, Gar! This is why I didn't want to do this! I can't commit to you! You love me, you want to marry me! What the Fuck is that about?! No! I can't do this, I can't!" She shouted and stormed out of the room.
He sat there on the floor, stunned as he stared at the door she just left from. "Raven…"
...
