Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. I'm loving it (to be honest I didn't think I'd get any cuz I suck at this). As for me updating really fast, it's cuz this is all prewritten. But there is a point that I'm blocked at, when I reach that point the fast updates will probably stop. As for this chapter, it's a little angsty but I tried to stay as true to Raven's character as I could.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, Before Sunrise or the Maria am Gestade.
Chapter 7 - the MARIA AM GESTADE (MARIA ON THE STEPS)
The continued to walk in the darkness of an alley when they came upon a massive church. The Maria am Gestade. Raven pulled away and went over to the sign and ran her hands across the ancient German words.
"You don't suppose it's open do you?"
"One way to find out." Gar skipped up the front steps, jumping two by two. When reached the massive wooden door he gave it a little push and turned back to beam at Raven. She followed after him running up the stairs. He held the door open for her and gallantly ushered her in, she simply rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm. Inside the cathedral was magnificent. The tall, narrow façade displayed 15th century sculptures of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. The impressive stained-glass windows highlight the interior. Thousands of sculptures and engravings, a wonderful example of intricately crafted open work.
Raven stepped inside and did a full 360° turn, soaking in ages of gothic art. Then she turned to him and tugged on his arm, drawing him close.
She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "I was in an old church like this with my mother when I was little in Spain. Even though I reject most of the religious things, I can't help but feeling for all those people that come here lost or in pain, guilt, looking for some kind of answers. It fascinates me how a single place can join so much pain and happiness for so many generations." Raven withdrew and walked down the main aisle, genuflected and sat down at a pew. Gar followed never taking his eye off of Raven. She's so fascinating.
Gar leaned to her and whispered solemnly, "Were you close with your mom?" He watched her sigh then bows her head. After a while she lifted it up again and faced him.
"Yes, and no. I mean, we were close… when she – when she was alive." Raven bowed her head again. Gar instantly regretted asking that question.
"I-I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Most people I tell, they tell me how sympathetic they are and how tragic it all is," she chuckled, "But really I've gotten over it for the most part. Although, when I have to think about it, it makes me wish… that I believed in heaven, or a greater being. Then I know she's out there, happy somewhere." Gar put his arm around her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I believe in God. I'm sure she's up there." Raven turned to him and gave him a weak smile. Gar blushed and turned away.
Quickly trying to change the subject he said, "Hmm. Do you know anything about the Quakers, the Quaker religion?" She looked at him funny, obviously lost.
"Well, I went to this Quaker wedding once, and it was fantastic. What they do is the couple comes in and they kneel down in front of the whole congregation, and they just stare at each other, and nobody says a word unless they feel that God moves them to speak, or say something. And then after an hour or so, of just, uh, staring at each other, they're married."
"That's beautiful, I like that," Suddenly, he faced her and they sat there staring for a while until they both blushed and turned away.
Raven got up and Gar followed. Before heading out the door, she turned to the altar one more time, closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Please don't let tonight end.
A/N: I don't know nothing about the Quakers. I just took that convo straight from the movie, if anyone has information on the Quakers, let me know. And if you didn't notice, there's that reference to Arella. I thought that Raven's reaction to people sympathizing with her dead mom might be something like that. As for Gar's history, I don't really want to touch on it.