Ch 11 (A few months later…)
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss each other," said the priest as Victor and Karen kissed in front of their friends and family cheering.
The reception was filled with good food, drinks, and dancing. Everyone was having the time of their lives accept Raven who needed to get away from all strong emotions she was feeling. Finding a secluded spot, she sat down outside under a tree and decided to meditate.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos," she chanted as she began to feel her headache disappear. She felt calmer and at peace floating over the grass.
A few minutes later she brought her body down to the grass and opened her eyes to see a sleeping green wolf waiting for her. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. She was touched that he wanted to be with her and that he had the patience to wait for her. Running her hand through his fur, she watched as he woke up, got up from his position, and moved so his face rested on her thigh and his body rested against the grass.
"It's been a crazy day, hasn't it Gar?" she said as the green wolf kept his gaze on her. "It's not easy for me to go to occasions like this, but I did for Cyborg and Bumblebee. They look so happy together, and I'm glad they have each other," she said as she felt the wolf's paw on her knee. "You know you can turn back at any time Garfield," she said as the wolf stood up, licked her face, and then changed into his human form.
"Are you nervous for what's coming?" asked Gar as he sat right beside her.
"Months ago I was but I'm not alone anymore," she smiled as she felt him hold her hand.
"You were never alone Raven. I've always been there."
"Persistently so."
Gar smiled. "Well I was thinking about what we would do after we visit your relatives. I was thinking we could visit the Doom Patrol and then I can show you where I grew up in Africa."
"Thats sounds nice Gar," she said as she lied her head on his shoulder.
"Hey Raven, what about Azarath?" he asked and suddenly he felt her head shift on his shoulder and realizing something was wrong. "Sorry Rae, I didn't mean—
"It was destroyed by Trigon. There's nothing left," she said as she felt his arm around her.
"You're wrong Rae. There's you. Maybe sometime you can tell me all about growing up there, the good and the bad times. No matter what I'm always going to be here for you Rae so don't think you can drive me away."
Raven smiled. "Would never dream of it," she said as she lifted her head off his shoulder and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you."
"I love you to Rae," he said as his lips reciprocated her kiss, bringing her body closer to his.
Lying down on the grass, the couple held each other while looking at the beautiful night sky. They smiled as they held each other close in the cool night. His body kept them both warm as they fell asleep.