Rakshasa Boyfriend: Rafe (rough draft)

Of course it was awful to leave home, it was even worse knowing that you were being sent away. It felt as though, to you at least, that you were being moved aside so your little sister could shine brighter. Not that she needed any help with that. Your little sister was always the shining star of the family, beautiful, talented, petite, all the things that you were not. You weren’t a shining star, more like a presence nearby, a slow moving moon. You were always quite chubby, never grew out of your baby fat stage. You had hair that was wild and hard to take care of, so it was either tied back, or ran free. You never felt particularly beautiful either, at least not when standing near your sister. 

You kept yourself busy tending to your animals, you kept the stable full of them, as well as the special barn your parents built for you. The only reason you felt that they built the barn was because of the prize winning animals you raised. It made money for the family, so on and so forth. But you did it because you loved animals and they loved you.

You had been hearing talk of your parents finding suitors for your sister, who was equally excited at the prospect. They had set up meetings with some of the royal families, they even had the nerve to attempt a meeting with one of King Amit’s sons. In any case, you felt lucky it wasn’t you. You were happy to spend your days taking care of your animals, and maybe one day inheriting your parents’ home and property. 

That was, until the day you were told that a husband had been found for you. It was a shock to the system, a slap in the face. When they told you it was hard for you to take anything in and you remained in such a state of shock until you and all your belongings were packed up to be moved to your husband’s home.

He lived further north and on the coast where everything was rocky and cold. You weren’t allowed to take your animals with you, as there wouldn’t be any place for them at your new home. Your parents assured the animals would be cared for, but it wasn’t you, so you were extra heartbroken. 

Your new husband was an astronomer, also a little bit older than you. His home was built so he could do his research there, with a large observatory taking up the upstairs. Arriving at your new home, you were bundled up and still quite cold. Your breath came out in thick white clouds, and the ocean crashed upon the shore below your home.

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

Your new husband, Rafe, came to meet you, stepping down the stoney path, wearing pale icy blue. His pitch black fur shined even though the sky was gray and clouded over. He was extremely tall and lithe in form. When he took your hand, he did not seem too pleased to be doing so.

“Welcome home,” he said rather 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 warm clothes. You’re afraid that once you take it off, he will not be so happy to see you.

He takes you inside 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 had fretted over your hair, using hot oils and all matter 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 kept your head down as Rafe took 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 small one 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, heading towards the stairs at the very back of the room. You lift your head enough to follow him, wondering if he really is that disappointed in his new bride. Well, you knew this would happen, no since in feeling bad about it now.

You found your room, which was filled with the chests your belongings had been sent in. Rather than lay down and rest, you started going through each chest, trying to find the things that meant most to you. 

As you were sorting things, there was a knock on your door. “Come in,” you say softly.

A old Rakshasa woman came in. She was wearing simple, white clothes and had a wrap around her head. “Sorry that I did not greet you when I first arrived.” She walks with a cane as she comes into the room. “I was having one of my naps. But 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 to me.” 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 bid. “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.

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

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

“Exactly why you’re here. He loves his work more than anything. 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 go down your scalp. “But I’m not particularly pretty.”

Mother scowls at you. “Who says?”

You go quiet and look down at your hands.

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

That evening, it’s just you and Rafe for dinner. You wait a while until he comes down from his observatory. He sits down at the table and pours himself a glass of wine. He 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 is what must happen, but you barely know him, you’re not yet ready. 

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

Shaking your head you lift your eyes to him. “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.” You 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. “I didn’t want this, but my mother was adamant. And since her health is failing, I felt the need to placate her before it’s too late. I’m past the age a man should marry anyways.” 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 sets his empty glass aside, after having downed it in one gulp. “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 was it? You were grateful, but it seemed like such an insult. It also became a recognizable pattern. He would work and leave you alone. He woke late in the afternoon, all so he could work in the evenings. You barely saw him, aside from when his mother would make him, or at dinner.

One evening, as you were leaving your room to fetch a book, you heard a very heated argument between Rafe and his mother. They were going back and forth, and from what you could hear, Mother was standing up for you.

“She’s a very sweet girl and you are abandoning her! You are her husband, 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 not since-”

Mother gives him a hard look and 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, 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. His expression shifts from anger to guilt. He blinks a few times, avoiding looking at you then glancing back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were there.”

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

“No. Come here.” Mother holds her hand out to you, urging you to come 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 look in his eyes.

“Take her upstairs with you, show her your work. Once she understands that, she will understand you. Once you understand her, there is a chance for you both.” She steps away. “No go.”

“Would you like to?” Rafe asks softly.

“I have 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. Or well, all of them are.” He keeps ahold 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 for you to his observatory. It’s wide open with a large pillar in the center of the room. There are cabinets to one side, and a desk to the other. There are five windows with a different telescope before each one.

“Right now, I’m trying to chart uhm-” He walks up to his desk then 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 boarders of ours.” 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 becomes a bit more sure. “There is at least us, our planet. And of course there is 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 it’s 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 mean, I can theorize all day about it. Because 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 giant pillar in the middle of the room. “Would you like to see?”

You nod quietly and he takes you to a seat before the pillar. It’s there you realize it’s his sixth and finale telescope. 

“It’s so big,” you say in awe.

Rafe has you sit before it and he adjusts the dials and pulls. The pillar moves, shifting and turning, raising you up onto a platform. He then extends the view scope and has you bow your head. What you then see, beyond the sky, beyond the moon, is a vast garden. It glows and shimmers in a way you cannot explain. You have never seen such a 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 it,” you say breathlessly.

“I believe that to be the edge of our galaxy,” he whispers. “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 otherside of our galaxy.”

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

“It sounds smart to me,” you chuckle. 

“Yeah 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, that is, if you’d like it.”

Rafe shrugs unsurely. “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 hold of 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 though,” you say softly. “Even if we find we’re just friends.”

Rafe nods his head gently. “Okay. If you want to assist me, then by all means.”

You begin working alongside Rafe during the evenings. You help him chart and he teaches you how to map. He trains you on 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, 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 upon your back.

One evening as your charting things in one of his logs, you let out a big yawn and have to 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 as of late. I owe you.” He kisses your temple, at first thinking nothing of it, but then both of you have a reaction. Rafe goes stiff while you feel like you’re melting inside.

“I’m uhm-” 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 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 upon his chest as that kiss finally happens. It is warm and hard, slowly melting as it grows deeper.

A deep moan rumbles in Rafe’s chest that elicits an excited and 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 snuzzles into your palm. “I loved someone once, very deeply. To the point I was willing to give up everything for her.” He looks at you, sad and sweet all at once. “But I loved her so much I didn’t see how cruel she was, or how she was using me.”

“I’m so sorry.” You whisper.

He shakes his head. “Not your fault.” He kisses your palm. “You’re nothing like her, so there is no need to worry.” He then 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 and jumbles, dancing around in your chest wildly. “Are you sure? I don’t mind if we keep on working.”

“You’re tired, 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 hi shands around your waist. “Be a husband.”

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

“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. He’s breathing in deep and then his golden eyes open upon you. Your heart feels like the wing of a hummingbird.

“It smells like you,” he whispers. “Sorry.”

You lay down and his warmth seeps across the bed. “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 place your hands upon his bare chest again. “It’s all over you though so-”

Rafe pulls you close, nuzzling to 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 back is to your chest. You smile to yourself and slowly ease close to him. His arm tightens, and you realize he is not asleep.

“Good morning,” he 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 proper 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 that he can kiss more skin. 

You gasp breathlessly as he goes further. His hands push up the rest of your clothing so all your bare skin is exposed to him. His lips don’t miss an inch of you, he gives every inch of your plump form affection. His tongue even 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.” He lifts back up. “If you said you wanted me too, I would not be able to contain myself.”

Your cheeks burn and your heart bunds 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, of course I do.”

The shuddered breath he lets out is followed by a few tears. He kisses you more, laying 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 now 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.” His fingers slip between your thighs. “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 eyes lock onto yours as his fingers find and rub 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 heavy 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-” you moan.

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 it feels he is reaching deep inside you. You cry out, gasping his name.

He then 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 yourself more to him. He guides himself slowly, gasping for breath.

His heat flows through you as he joins you in flesh. He throbs inside you, his arms hold 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 so that 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, smiling and 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.” His 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 ear against your slips and the way his voice shivers down your spine finally ends it for you. You topple and spin, melting 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 myself,” you sigh. “My whole body is limp because of you.”

“Happy to serve.” He lays you on your back then rests himself upon your breast. “I will clean 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 with awe. “How was it?” He asks. “Are you alright? Did I ever 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 were so purposeful and loving. Sometimes I just wanted to cry, but you felt too good I couldn’t focus.”

Rafe smiles. “That was love making.”

“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.”