Rakshasa Boyfriend: Rafe (complete)

It’s awful to leave home, and even worse being sent away. It feels as though you’re being moved aside so your little sister can shine brighter. Not that she needs any help with that. She was always the shining star of the family, beautiful, talented, and petite - all the things that you are not. You’re more like an overweight, slow-moving moon, with wild, frizzy hair. You never felt particularly beautiful either, at least not when standing near your sister. 

You keep yourself busy tending to the special barn your parents built for your prizewinning animals. It makes money for the family, but you do it because you love animals and they love you.

You’ve been hearing talk of your parents finding suitors for your sister, who is equally excited at the prospect. They’ve set up meetings with some of the royal families, and even have the nerve to attempt a meeting with one of King Amit’s sons. You feel lucky it isn’t you. You’re happy to spend your days taking care of your animals, and hope that one day you can inherit your parents’ home and property. 

That is, until the day you’re told that a husband has been found for you. When you get the news, you remain in a state of shock until you and all your belongings are packed up to be moved to your husband’s home. He lives further north on the coast, where everything is rocky and cold. You aren’t allowed to take your animals with you, as there won’t be any place for them there. Your parents have assured you the animals will be cared for, but you won’t be there for them, and so you remain heartbroken. 

Your new husband is an astronomer, a little bit older than you. His home was built so he could do his research there, with a large observatory dominating the upper levels. When you step out of the carriage in your heavy layers of clothes, your breath comes out in thick white clouds, watching the ocean waves crash on the shore below.

The house is quite large, with a massive domed roof, all built from grey stone and black iron. It would have been beautiful if it didn’t blend seamlessly into the surrounding area. There’s barely any greenery to speak of - no trees, no shrubbery, not even vines growing up the sides of the house. 

Your new husband, Rafe, emerges to meet you, stepping down the stony path. His clothes are icy blue, and his pitch-black fur gleams beneath the cloudy sky. He’s extremely tall and lithe. When he takes your hand, he does not seem too pleased to be doing so. “Welcome home,” he says simply. “I am glad you had a safe journey.”

You nod your head shyly. Your hair and most of your face is tucked away inside your hood. You’re afraid that once you take it off, he will be even less pleased with the sight of you.

He leads you inside to the drawing room, where there is a large fireplace surrounded by chairs and bookshelves. The stone floor and walls are surprisingly bare - no rugs, no paintings. You look around, feeling as if you’re peering into a hollow shell.

“Let me take that for you.” Rafe offers help in removing your coat. Hesitant at first, you almost step away, but worry takes hold and you let him take off your coat. All morning your mother fretted over your hair, using hot oils and all manner of tricks to try and tame it. What she managed to do was make a surprisingly pretty braid, but over the course of the trip it became a mess all over again.

You keep your head down as Rafe takes your coat. “You may rest if you wish. Your things have been placed in the bedroom at the end of that hallway.” He points. “I have some very important work to take care of, so rest as long as you need. I don’t have the staff your family does, but the few servants I keep will check in on you later.” He lays your coat over the back of the chair. “I will see you for dinner.”

He walks away towards the stairs at the very back of the room. You lift your head enough to follow him with your eyes, wondering if he really is that disappointed in his new bride. Well, you knew this would happen, so there’s no sense in feeling bad about it now.

You find your room filled with the chests your belongings had been sent in. Rather than lie down and rest, you start going through each chest, trying to find the things that mean most to you. As you sort your belongings, there’s a knock on your door. “Come in,” you say softly.

An old Rakshasa woman enters, wearing simple, white clothes and a wrap around her head. “Sorry that I did not greet you when I first arrived.” She leans on a cane as she comes into the room. “I was having one of my naps. I am your mother-in-law.”

The hairs on your arms and back of your neck stand on end. You jump up to your feet to bow to her, but she laughs. 

“No need to bow.” She touches your cheek and lifts your head. “What a lovely set of eyes you have. But that hair!”

You look away, almost wincing. “I know, Mother, I’m sorry.”

Mother scoffs. “For what? That braid is no good for your hair. Sit down.” She taps a chair with her cane, and you do as she bids. “Hair like this can’t just be shoved into a braid.” She uses her claws to comb the braid out. “You would fare well with a haircut. I bet this becomes uncomfortable.”

“It does,” you reply softly.

“No need to be shy around me. Speak up. After all, I am the one who brought you here,” she says proudly. 

“I don’t think your son likes me,” you say. “He said hello, then immediately left.”

“That’s exactly why you’re here. He loves his work more than anything, and I can barely get him to come down from that tower of his. I didn’t pick you for status or prestige - I chose you because he needs someone who will actually give a shit about him.”

You furrow your brow as Mother’s claws run down your scalp. “But I’m not particularly pretty.”

Mother scowls at you. “Who says that?”

You go quiet and look down at your hands.

“Rafe is shy too, and it makes him seem cold,” she sighs. “But he’s a very gentle young man, very loving. You just have to melt away that icy outer layer to find it.” She gets your hair brushed out and pulls it into two tails. “We’ll get someone to cut this properly later, but for now this is much better.”

That evening, it’s just you and Rafe for dinner. You have to wait a while until he comes down from his observatory. He sits at the table and pours himself a glass of wine, sniffs it and sips gently, then serves himself from the dishes. “Are you getting settled?” he asks.

You nod. “Yes. I met your mother.”

“That’s good.” He takes a bite of food and chews slowly. “There will be days she’ll need help getting around. I’m counting on the two of you becoming friends.”

He appears to be rather rushed with his eating. Is he eager to consummate the marriage? Your stomach twists in knots. You know it must happen, but you barely know him, and you’re not ready. 

“You’re not touching your plate. Are you ill?” Rafe asks.

Shaking your head, you lift your eyes to his. “No. I feel fine.”

Rafe tilts his head and his ears twitch. “Is something the matter?”

Yes, everything, you think. “I’m just a bit nervous. I’m very used to my home.” Your throat and mouth feel so dry. “Forgive me, your home is lovely. I should be more grateful.”

Rafe looks down at his plate, then reaches for his wine again. “I didn’t want this marriage, but my mother was adamant. And since her health is failing, I feel the need to placate her before it’s too late. I’m past the age a man should marry anyway.” He sighs heavily, letting his shoulders slouch. “I thought if I called her bluff, she would grow picky about the woman she would select for me. I thought I had time. I did not expect to be married by the end of the month.” He downs the wine in one gulp and sets the empty glass aside. “I am sorry for that.”

He takes a few more bites from his plate then stands. “You must be exhausted. Get some sleep tonight. I want to continue working.”

That’s it? You’re grateful, but it seems like such an insult. 

That evening marks the beginning of a pattern - Rafe will work and leave you alone. He wakes late in the afternoon so he can work in the evenings, and you rarely see him except at dinner, when his mother makes him join you.

One evening, as you’re leaving your room to fetch a book, you hear a very heated argument between Rafe and his mother. From what you can tell, Mother is standing up for you.

“She’s a very sweet girl! You are her husband, and the least you could do is spend some time with her. She’s lonely here, and no one wants to spend their days with an old lady who is half-conscious!”

Rafe scowls and shakes his head. “You knew I didn’t want this, mother. I only agreed because you kept henpecking me! I’ve not wanted this since...”

You round the corner just in time to see Mother give Rafe a hard look as she prods her finger into his chest. “You can’t keep using her as an excuse, Rafe. You can’t keep using the horrible thing she did as a shield. This girl is sweet and warm, and that is why I brought her to you. She can give you comfort.”

“I don’t want comfort, Mother! I want...” He finally sees you standing in the hallway, and his expression shifts from anger to guilt. He blinks a few times, avoiding your gaze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were there.”

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, I just...” You swallow the lump in your throat. “I can leave if you...”

“No. Come here.” Mother holds her hand out to you, urging you forward. “You need to make an effort too.” She takes your hand and places it in Rafe’s. “You two are married. Attempt to look at one another.”

You shyly look up at Rafe, who has a rather sad expression in his eyes.

“Take her upstairs with you and show her your work. Once she sees it, she will understand you. Once you understand her, there is a chance for you both.” She steps away. “Now go.”

“Would you like to?” Rafe asks softly.

“I’ve been curious,” you murmur. “I used to have a small telescope when I was little. I’d like to see yours.”

“That was probably just a toy.” Rafe’s laugh is nervous. “Just enough to see things in the distance. This one is much more powerful. All of them are.” He keeps hold of your hand as you walk to the stairs.

Your heart begins to pound nervously. “How many do you have?” 

“Six. All of them have a different purpose.” He leads you upstairs, opening the door to his observatory. The chamber is wide, with a large, strangely angled column in the center of the room. There are cabinets to one side and a desk to the other, and five tall windows with a different telescope before each one.

“Right now, I’m trying to chart… um...” He walks up to his desk and hesitates. “It’s hard to explain.”

“Is it stars?” you ask. “Or is there something else you’re following?”

“It’s a galaxy,” he says with an uncertain smile. “Or at least, the borders of our own.” He places his hand on your back as you lean over the desk. “I’m trying to find the edge of our galaxy. I’m sure there are other bodies within it, and I am trying to keep track of them all.”

“How many have you found?”

“Well...” his smile grows more confident. “There is at least our planet, and our moon and sun.” He then traces his finger tip across his map. “I’ve found this, which may be another planet. I’ve been charting its rotation compared to our own, and it’s helping me to understand and figure out the rotation of other planets that could be in this galaxy with us.”

“Are there other galaxies besides the one we are in?” you ask.

His smile is bright. “I think so. I can theorize all day about it. Everything that is beyond our world, where the moon and sun and stars all exist, is so much bigger than our minds can even realize.” He motions to the column in the middle of the room. “Would you like to see?”

You nod, and he takes you to a seat before the column. It’s then you realize this is his sixth and final telescope. “It’s so big,” you say in awe.

Rafe has you sit before it as he adjusts the dials and pulls. The column moves, shifting and turning, and the chair beneath you is raised on a platform. Rafe extends the eyepiece and has you bend your head over it. What you see, beyond the sky, beyond the moon, is a field of tiny, winking lights of many colors. The field glows and shimmers in a way you cannot explain. You have never seen such depth and endlessness before.

“It’s so beautiful,” you gasp.

“Do you see the ribbons?” Rafe asks. His voice is so close to your ear. “Like when you pour milk into your tea.”

“I see them,” you say breathlessly.

“I believe them to mark the edge of our galaxy,” he murmurs. “The end of us, and the beginning of something else entirely. I believe that the Underneath that the tieflings talk about in their songs is actually just the other side of our galaxy.”

You lift your head to look at Rafe, and his eyes meet yours dreamily. He smiles awkwardly at you again. “It’s all just theory, of course.”

“It sounds smart to me,” you chuckle. 

“Yes, well.” He clears his throat. “Sometimes smart can be boring.”

“Do you work alone up here?” You give him a shy smile. “Maybe I could start helping you, if you’d like.”

Rafe shrugs. “You don’t have to. I know this can be kind of boring.”

“I want to be a good wife for you. I should help.”

He sighs heavily and takes your hand. “You don’t have to pretend to be happy to be a wife. I’ve not been a good husband.”

“This could be a chance to be one, though,” you say softly. “Even if we find we’re just friends.”

Rafe pauses in thought, his eyes falling but soon rising back to you as he nods. “Okay. If you want to assist me, then by all means.”

You begin working alongside Rafe during the evenings, helping him draw his charts. He teaches you how to map, and how to use the telescopes as well as properly care for them. You’re not used to the late hours, nor this new schedule you’re trying to keep, but you’re trying your hardest.

You feel yourself liking Rafe, and more than that, you’re excited to spend time with him each night. You’ve grown to long for the moments when he holds your hand or places his paw on your back.

One evening as you're noting measurements in one of his logs, you let out a big yawn and shake your head.

“If you’re tired, you can go on to bed,” Rafe says. He comes up behind you, placing his warm paw on your back, then handing you a cup of strong tea.

“No, I want to finish,” you reply.

Rafe smiles at you. “You’ve helped me so much. I owe you.” He kisses your temple, at first thinking nothing of it, but then the full meaning of the gesture sinks in. Rafe goes stiff, but you feel like you’re melting inside.

“I’m...” Rafe halts as he tries to think of the right thing to say.

“It was nice. Don’t worry,” you murmur as your face grows warm. 

Rafe coughs. “Well, I meant it as something sweet, as something...” His fur seems to fluff up from nerves. “I might do it again, so...”

You bite back your smile. “I wouldn’t mind it.”

“I have to be honest with you - if I kiss you again, it might not be so sweet.” He sits down beside you at the desk. “I might come off a bit strong.”

“I might like that.”

He slips his fingers under your chin, tilting your head up and closing his eyes. You press your hands to his chest as the kiss finally happens. It is warm and hard, slowly melting as it grows deeper.

A deep moan rumbles in Rafe’s chest that elicits a strong reaction inside you. As you part, you’re slightly dizzy, but extremely happy.

“I haven’t kissed anyone like that since...” Rafe hesitates.

“Since what?” You smooth your hand up his chest to his neck.

Rafe frowns and dips his head so his cheek nuzzles into your palm. “I loved someone once, very deeply, to the point that I was willing to give up everything for her.” He looks at you, sad and sweet. “But I loved her so much that I didn’t see how cruel she was, or how she was using me.”

“I’m so sorry,” you say.

He shakes his head and kisses your palm. “It’s not your fault. You’re nothing like her, so there is no need to worry.” He looks around for a moment, his eyes distant. “I think we’ve done enough work for tonight. How about we go to bed?”

Your heart rumbles, dancing around in your chest wildly. “Are you sure? I don’t mind if we keep on working.”

“You’re tired, and so am I.” He kisses your cheek. “Besides, I need to do this now while I have my courage ready.”

“Do what?”

Rafe kisses you again, slipping his hands around your waist. “Be a husband.”

Your heart is in your throat. “Oh,” you exclaim.

“I want to rest beside you tonight,” he whispers. “We don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. I just want to sleep beside you.”

You nod nervously. “That’s fine. Okay.”

You and Rafe go down to your bedroom. You try not to watch while Rafe undresses, but you steal glimpses of him in your mirror. His tail swishes back and forth, giving you peeks at his firm rear. Once he crawls into bed, you change into your nightgown.

As you slip into bed, Rafe is snuggled against the pillow with his golden eyes open on you. Your heart feels like the wings of a hummingbird. “It smells like you,” he murmurs. “Sorry.”

You lie down, and his warmth seeps across the bed to you. “Do I smell good?”

“Very.” He places his paw on your face. “I sometimes find myself fighting the urge to bury my face in your hair.”

You inch a little closer to him. “Your fur is so shiny. I keep wanting to touch it.” You put your hands on his bare chest again. “It’s all over you though, so...”

Rafe pulls you close, nuzzling the top of your head while your hands stroke down his back. He feels so warm, and being wrapped in his arms makes you feel safe.

You wake in the morning, unaware of having fallen asleep to begin with. Rafe’s arm is gently draped around you, and his chest is against your back. You smile to yourself and slowly ease close to him. His arm tightens, and you realize he is not asleep.

“Good morning,” Rafe purrs into your ear.

“Morning,” you squeak.

His lips brush against the back of your ear. “All night you were in my dreams.”

“Was I?” 

Rafe moans for you. “It made me realize that I have not been the attentive husband I should be.”

You bite your lip, unsure of what to say. All you know is that right now his touch feels just right, and is welcome.

“I want to give you a gift.” 

You roll over so you can look up at him. “What would that be?”

Rafe kisses you, pressing his lips all over your face. “Myself.”

He opens your nightgown, undoing the little laces so he can kiss more of your skin. You gasp as he goes further. His hands push up the rest of your clothing so all your skin is exposed to him, and his lips give every inch of your plump form affection. His tongue grazes over you, and you can’t help but let out a noise.

“I want to be with you,” Rafe whispers. “I want to share everything with you. If you said you wanted me, too, I would not be able to contain myself.”

Your cheeks burn and your heart pounds excitedly. “You’re barely contained now,” you giggle. “I can feel it.”

Rafe kisses you hungrily as he laughs. “Forgive my excitement.”

“It’s okay.” You hold his face between your hands. “I want you too. Of course I do.”

The shuddering breath he lets out is followed by a few tears. He kisses you more, pressing his weight upon you as you wrap your arms around him.

“You’re trembling.” Rafe kisses your cheek. 

“I’m nervous,” you confess. “I’ve never… You’re my...” Looking into his eyes, you feel some relief. “And I know I’m not perfect to look at.”

Rafe frowns. “Who says? I’m not here now because of a body, I’m here because of a soul, and it’s beautiful inside and out.”

It’s your turn to cry. Tears flow from your eyes, and he kisses each one that spills. 

“I have a beautiful person in my arms. One I am excited to be with.” He runs his hands down your body. “One I cannot wait to become a single flesh with. I want to make you moan from my affections. I want to feel the heat radiating from your body. I want to be the one who makes you erupt with pleasure as I drive my love into you.” His fingers slip between your labia, and eyes lock with yours as he rubs the tender bud at the top of your folds.

“Rafe...” you whimper needily.

He nods his head slowly. “I know.” His voice is a deep, low grumble. “I can feel it too.” A finger dips inside you, stirring up the wetness that has begun to spill. “Look at me, focus on me.”

You look into his eyes, breathing heavily as he continues to pull deep, unknown pleasures from your body. “My wife,” he purrs, “how beautiful you look now.”

More tears spill down your cheeks. “Rafe, oh, please...”

He continues to rub your clit, slowly moving his finger inside you as well. His breathing is deep, and his mouth hangs open as he watches you. Your body starts to move, hips thrusting to meet his touch. You toss your head, moaning out loud as he reaches deep inside you. You cry out, gasping his name.

Rafe moves away his fingers, and the weight of his body returns. Through your blurry vision, you see him above you. You reach for him and open your legs more to him. He guides his penis in slowly, gasping for breath.

His heat flows through you as he joins you in flesh. He throbs inside you, his arms tight around you. Clinging to him, you feel as though you cannot get close enough. Every inch of bare skin is pressed to his, every breath is echoed by his. The thrust of his hips, the touch of his lips - everything melts together until your nerves are crackling. Every sensation is delivered to you tenfold. His deep voice in your ear sends shivers down your spine. The slow motions of his hips burns deep inside you. You cannot get enough of him.

Rafe kisses you, chuckling as he steals your last breath. “I could spend all day like this.” He rolls you onto your side with his chest to your back. “I never want to leave this heaven.” He kisses your shoulder and arm while he moves deeper inside you.

“I can’t tell where I begin and you end,” you whimper. “Rafe, it’s too much. I feel like I’m going to dissolve.”

He chuckles into your ear. “I’m here to hold you. Go ahead.”

Something about the brush of his lips against your ear and the way his voice shivers down your spine finally ends it for you. Your mind reels, and you melt into his arms as your body crackles from your toes to the tips of your fingers.

“I have you.” Rafe groans as his hips move faster. “I have you. I...” His body spasms, and his hips buck deep inside. You shiver again, gasping for breath. His lips drag against the back of your neck and he moans softly.

“See? You did not dissolve.” 

“I can’t move,” you sigh. “My whole body is limp because of you.”

“I’m happy to serve.” He lays you on your back, then rests himself on your bosom. “I will clean up my mess - just let me enjoy this bliss.”

You scratch behind his ears, and his purrs grow louder. He eventually rises and looks over you, his eyes wide in appreciation. “How was it?” he asks. “Are you alright? Did I hurt you?”

“You never hurt me,” you murmur. You touch his bare chest. “I want you more like this. I want you in my bed.” Your face burns. “I want my husband.”

He smiles and kisses you. “I will never leave your side as long as you want me. I am just happy that our first night together was enjoyable for us both.”

“I could tell you cared throughout.” You stroke down his back. “Every touch, every kiss, each was so purposeful and loving. Sometimes I just wanted to cry, but you felt so good I couldn’t focus.”

Rafe smiles. “That was lovemaking.”

“I know,” you whisper. “Can we do it again?”

His grin grows bawdier. “I suppose after all this time you’ve grown an appetite. Today is the first of the rest of our lives, and we shall celebrate it.”