Chapter 7: ...as we connect...

233 years

Once G'raha woke up – almost… giddy with a new hope that encounter sparked inside his chest – there was a surprise waiting for him.

Attempting this and setting up the Tower defenses – to ward off the beings of abnormal Light's density because he didn't want the Allagan structure to affect the still living beings that would stumble accidentally in its radius – he didn't think much of it, really. Yet now, when the ancient structure informed him that two years had passed during his 'nap' and he opened the massive gate… he was surprised by an actual 'village' sprawling inside the protective circle of the shield.

Clearly, the survivors of the Flood – of all races and ages, it seemed as he looked around with astonishment while standing on top of the stairs leading up to the Tower – somehow discovered that the crystal spire offered safety from the Light-twisted beasts and decided to settle in its shade. That was… unexpected, but he guessed he shouldn't really be surprised.

The sound of the Tower's gate opening seemingly caused apprehension and evident surprise, as soon quite a bit of a crowd of wary people gathered around the base of the spire – gawking at him with a mix of shock and fear. Maybe expecting that he'll somehow destroy the hope of survival they build for themselves during his absence. Like he could ever be so heartless.

And while they whispered, and soon clearly elected representatives neared him with visible wariness… G'raha smiled. This… was something to keep him occupied. For now. Let his beautiful girl work over his younger counterpart… because he knew she will. He knew her curious, naughty mind too well. And it will give him time to devise a solution to work out the kinks in his plans. Or try, at least.

And maybe the next time he sees her… the seeds he'd sown would sprout in some way… One could hope.

21 years

When her mate's crimson-eyed counterpart disappeared from her arms… Surr sighed softly, dropping them to her sides, closing her eyes, and almost curling into herself in misery, despite feeling her Raha rising agitation.

Like she told him – she really believed before he was some sort of an illusion created by her mind. Fooled herself into thinking that – because the alternative… the reality… was too painful. Twelve, the sheer amount of the pain and anguish she could feel radiating from him - that now somehow disappeared alongside him – was soul-crashing. It made her insides vibrate with a need to hold and soothe him.

She told her mom once that they needed each other and she couldn't live without him… but only now did she genuinely realize how true it was. The thought that their roles could be reversed and it would be her outliving him… was too painful. And Raha…

She sighed, then turned around and opened her eyes to look at her mate. He sat at the edge of the bed, watching her with visible wariness. Maybe worrying that now that his older version was gone… she'll go back to avoiding him and… pouting, as he said. What she'd been doing childishly for the last two weeks. While he did everything he could to let them finally be together…

"You… feel him," he said carefully, watching her with narrowed eyes and more than a hint of apprehension and… jealousy in his expression.

"I do," she replied calmly, nearing him and framing his beautiful face with her palms. She bent forward and rested her forehead against his, closing her eyes and opening her senses and soul to him… she let him feel a weak imitation of what his older self felt like. "This… this is a bit of how he… feels," she whispered softly when he whimpered weakly, shaking.

"G-gods…" he gasped, in a near-violent movement shooting up off the bed and wrapping his arms around her tightly, possessively, whining in the back of his throat with misery. "N-noo… Th-this is why I did it, Surr… I can't… c-can't lose you."

"I know," she sighed, soothingly smoothing her hands over his back. Knowing she couldn't let it happen… not when she just saw and felt what it would do to him… As desperately as she loved and needed him… she knew he needed her more. Because while she had her parents and friends during the days as they grew up, he had only her as much as it pained her. And as… unhealthy as it was… she knew he poured all of his loneliness and need for affection into their connection. And as much as she despised the people of the Old Sharlayan for doing this to him… she felt as guilty. Because before… seeing the result of losing that connection… before feeling how it would break his beautiful soul… she used to thrive on that. On the selfish thought that he was only hers. "But, Raha…" she rested her head against his shoulder and wilted in misery… because…

"You want… him," he whispered quietly against her throat, tightening his arms around her.

"He's y-you," she murmured helplessly but still curling into herself in guilt. It was so… confusing. She never wanted anyone but him. This Raha, who held her now. But the way it felt… when the other him kissed her – with such hunger and desperation… even now made her heart stutter. And if what he said afterward was right… She blushed furiously, coiling her arms around his waist. "Did you… really like that…? When he… I mean, we kissed?"

He stilled against her, and his breath stuttered as she could feel his face flame against her throat. And yet… she could feel a spark of arousal in his soul at the reminder. Same as she felt then – knowing he was watching. That made that kiss so much… hotter for how depraved it felt. And that was… interesting. And new. And since both felt, smelled, and tasted the same… it was sooo confusing – but didn't really feel like… cheating. The only real difference between them now was their eyes – and she couldn't help but think that both sets were beyond beautiful.

Outside of that and his soul-tearing pain… the older version of him also felt fascinatingly more… mature. More… confident, maybe? Her Raha was not shy by any means – not with her, anyway – but he did have a hint of… timidity to him. In comparison, at least.

And she really shouldn't… think like that. But she just… couldn't help herself. It was as if the moment the idea shyly rooted itself inside her head – of having them both – it was sprouting with almost scary speed and strength. Tended to by her need to care for and soothe the pain of his older version. But she couldn't… not if it would hurt her Raha. He was as possessive of her as she was of him, after all.

"It was… weird," he finally whispered shyly, clearing his throat and nuzzling against her shoulder. "Like watching… us. And it wasn't… as unpleasant as I think it… should be," he admitted, and his face felt even hotter.

"So, you did… like it?" she probed carefully, smoothing her hands along his sides to then shamelessly push one behind the waistband of his pants and wrap her fingers around his cock. Smiling when she felt how hard it was it already. In reality… will it feel the same? She always wondered how much the Dreamscape affected how they felt each other. Her ears twitched slightly when he moaned breathlessly against her neck, dropping his hands to curl them around her buttocks and knead her flesh as he started nipping on her throat. "Raha, did you?" she insisted, delicately pumping her hand along his length.

"I… d-don't know," he gasped, dropping his head against her shoulder and growling softly as he started to roll his hips slowly, matching the rhythm of her hand. "It was… h-hot," he admitted on a whimper when she squeezed her hand slightly, speeding up.

She couldn't help but shudder at the sound, even as a slight mischievous smirk tilted her lips, and she hid it against his shoulder.

"It was," she purred, spreading affectionate bites on his throat and shoulder after she made his shirt disappear and shifted the image of his bedroom to their nest. She smirked when he growled with approval when soon her clothes melted away as well. Then she whimpered when he used it to press one hand between her thighs, groaning when he felt how wet she was already. For him and because… "I had this… image in my head…" an utterly depraved, involuntarily thought as she looked between them – the same and yet different… "And don't… freak out," she warned, smoothing her free hand down his back to dig her nails slightly into his buttock, purring harder when he choked out a moan, speeding up as he fucked her hand. Because of her… pouting.. they didn't fuck in two weeks – which had to be a record if she thought about it. And it made her… hungry. Starved for him. And soon… in a week – she'll finally know if he tasted even better in the flesh. She could bet he will… "But I had this… thought, Raha," she continued, backing away slightly and chuckling when he whined in protest, then gasped when she dropped to her knees in front of him, getting rid of the rest of his clothes as she moved both of her hands around his hips and pressed a gentle, loving kiss on top of his straining erection. Again, purring her approval loudly when he shuddered with a choked groan and fisted his hands in her hair, dropping his head and shaking in anticipation. And she loved how responsive he always was. And still couldn't help but wonder… "Of sucking his cock while you fuck me," she said, and even though it made her blush something fierce, she couldn't help but be unbearably aroused by the image it sparked inside her head again.

And when he shuddered again and choked out a breathless whine instead of freezing up as she half-expected… she rewarded him with a slow lick from the base of his cock up to its tip. Knowing how much he loved the feeling of her slightly rough tongue. And because he didn't protest right away… she let her imagination run wild while she dragged her nails over his hips and down his thighs.

"Or… riding him while I suck you off," she purred, then, as if to imitate it, wrapped her mouth around the head of his cock and swirled her tongue around it. Shuddering with need when he whimpered softly and jerked, involuntarily pressing deeper. She pulled back and chuckled when he whined in protest, tightening his hands in her hair and visibly struggling not to pull her back on him. "Can you… imagine, Raha?" she gave him a delicate, quick lick and growled softly when he shook even harder, swallowing thickly as his face flamed with a furious blush, and he peered at her through his dark-red lashes.

"You would… like that?" he whispered with more than a hint of uncertainty in his red-cyan eyes. More than a hint of arousal as well, and she purred lauder, under his gaze dropping one hand from him between her legs, and as his eyes widened and flared with lust, she pushed two fingers inside herself, whimpered softly at the feeling despite it not being enough. "…g-gods…" he choked out, and she knew it was because of the pleasure she let show on her face, panting harshly as she imagined his, but not, dick buried inside her for the hilt while he fucked her mouth. Listening to two sets of the delicious noises he always uttered. And as depraved as the image felt – or perhaps because of it – she almost came just thinking about it. And he could feel her lust and devious, dark pleasure her imagination spurred on.

"I think…" she purred with another dark blush, licking her lips nervously as she peered at him through her lashes. "I would… love that. Because he's you… and because it feels really… naughty," she admitted, dropping her gaze. "But I'm s-sorry if it makes you… uncomfortable, my love. No matter how… hot it sounds, I would never do anything to hurt you. I love you so very much, you know that."

"But… you l-love him as well," he said slowly, his tone unreadable, and she didn't dare to look up.

"He's… you," she just repeated helplessly. "I can't… not love you. Not… want you. And his pain… breaks my heart. Because it's my fault – and because I can't help but want to… make it better. And I can feel… he needs me – as much as you, if not more, Raha."

"Because he already… lost you," he sighed, then moved his hand to delicately pet her ear. "I get that, love. I really do. And I feel terrible for him… I do," he admitted on her surprised, quick look. "How could I… not? As he said, I can't even imagine how many ways it would… break me if I lost you, Surr. I can't… even though I could see the end result in his eyes. But sharing… you? Sharing your soul and… body…? I don't… k-know," he looked away from her gaze bashfully when she raised her eyebrows slightly. It wasn't a definitive 'no.' And she blushed even harder when he cleared his throat and peeked down at her again, his blush rivaling hers. "But what you… said… I would lie if I wouldn't… admit, it sounds… interesting."

She could definitely work with that. She bit back another mischievous smirk and looked in his eyes earnestly.

"Just… think about it, my Raha," she whispered and nuzzled against his hipbone. "I am yours, and nothing will ever change that, you know that. And it sounds like… fun. But… I've neglected you for too long, my beautiful mate," she sing-a-songed and gave his cock another slow, rough lick. Delighting in his choked groan. "I am… very sorry for that. To make it up to you," she again rested her hands on his hips, digging her nails delicately into his skin. Purring loudly in approval when he instinctively wound his tail around her neck, and his fingers tightened in her hair again. "Please, be rough," she cooed, then swallowed his cock. With an effort stopping her needy purrs until she relaxed her throat around his hard flesh. Her ears twitched and swallowed his choked groans and whimpers greedily, and she burned up in lust when he whined desperately and shook until the tip of her nose pressed against his skin. The feeling of his engorged flesh throbbing on her tongue was well worth the burn of her jaw as she accommodated it around him, swallowing delicately around the head of his dick. Shivering in bliss when it made him sputter a string of breathless whimpers and choked curses. She deeply dug her nails into his skin, letting him know she was ready to take him.

"Rough, you s-say?" he panted out, combing fingers of one hand through her hair. "With… p-pleasure, my Surr," and he started to roll his hips, slowly at first despite his words – and she whimpered in protest, digging her nails in harder. "T-twelve…" he gasped breathlessly, then fisted both of his hands in her hair and held her head still as he set to fuck her mouth roughly. And soon, she couldn't hold back her blissed-out purrs anymore as the burn of it, his choked noises, and the way his dick throbbed with barely restrained need to come had her swoon. Her Raha grew up to be a gorgeous man – but when in the throes of an orgasm… oh, but she could come just from looking at him. Listening to his beautiful voice chanting her name breathlessly when he finally snapped, swearing and whimpering as his hands shakily petted her hair and ears in reward while she swallowed eagerly around his cock. Delighting in his shudders and tiny gasps.

Enough said… she was beyond turned on when she pulled back finally, purring loudly in invitation as she laid on her back quickly in their nest. Shamelessly spreading her thighs and arching under his narrowed, still slightly dazed by bliss stare. Raha chuckled, still a little out of breath, as he dropped to his knees, crawled to her, and laid between her legs, nuzzling his cheek against her abdomen.

"I can't wait to see… if you taste as good in reality," he purred, wrapping his hands around her thighs and pulling them up around his shoulders.

"Less… talking," she growled, fisting her hand in his hair. Greedily pulling his mouth against her flesh when he lowered slightly and whimpering in need when he swiped his tongue over her clit. "G-gods… love your mouth…" she whined, rolling her hips with demand. Feeling as if she'll burst if she doesn't come. And because he knew her and her needs sooo well… he purred with approval as he set to fuck her with his tongue. His sounds grew only louder and more insistent as she ground her cunt against his mouth while mewling and gasping in bliss. Soon coming with a scream when an unbidden image of him doing this – sucking on her clit with his unbearably skilled mouth – while a dick of his other version was buried and throbbed inside her… was too much. Too… depraved. Too… tempting.

Oh, boy… but was she in trouble. Because it seemed that once allowed… those images just consumed her mind and made her tremble… with anticipation.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright, Raha?" Krile worried, drawing his attention as they waited to disembark the ship in Limsa Lominsa. "I know you don't want to say why you just 'had to' come to Eorzea… but I would feel awful to leave you alone in an unknown place."

G'raha almost rolled his eyes at his friend but couldn't help but also appreciate her concern. Though the age gap between them wasn't that big – she was still older, and considering how they met… she couldn't help but mother-hen him since then. Or feel responsible for the young Miqo'te. But right now… he had different priorities.

"I'm going to be fine," he grinned at her reassuringly, trying to curb an impatient lashing of his tail as he wished the line to leave the ship to move faster. "Someone's waiting for me, so don't worry."

"Huh?" she frowned, looking up at him with evident curiosity. "Who? You never said you know someone over here."

He twitched nervously, looking away from her stare bashfully when he felt a dark blush climb his face. His habit by now to keep his Surr a secret was hard to beat, but… she made it possible. Finally, thanks to Krile, he was actually here! About to see her - his mate - in the flesh!

"Raha?" she tugged delicately at the leg of his pants. "Who?"

"My… m-mate," he finally stammered, looking at her again through his lashes. It felt so… strange to say it out loud! And when her eyes widened and shot toward his shoulder – he knew she remembered his appearing 'out of nowhere' bite mark. He swallowed thickly, then took a deep breath. "My… soulmate, Surr."

"Soulm…?" then her eyes widened impossibly, and she gasped, lifting her hand to press it over her mouth. And giggled. "Oh… that makes sense, then! It's been baffling me for years, that mark! Especially since I never saw you show interest in any of the girls around Old Sharlayan."

"You… know?" he frowned slightly, fixing the strap of his bag over his shoulder. "About the… dreams?" he almost whispered, to avoid others around them overhearing them.

"Some, but not much, to be honest," she admitted, scratching her chin with consideration. "There are studies of Miqo'te mating habits, of course… And after we met – I admit, I grew curious, Raha. But the, ah… soulmate thing – seemed like a quite… sensitive topic."

"It… is," he said quietly, trying not to flinch under her curious stare. "It's very… personal," he added, clearing his throat and looking up toward the people in front of them. Why was it taking so long?

Last night, knowing they were bound to finally arrive, he released his mate from compulsion. First, though, he told her his ship was docking a day later than it actually was. He couldn't help but want to surprise her… a bit, at least. He studied the geography of Eorzea carefully during the voyage, and he knew he needed to take an airship from Limsa Lominsa to Ul'dah – and from there, probably rent a chocobo and travel to Mor Dhona. That's where - he knew - laid the headquarters of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn – the Rising Stones. He felt well prepared for that trip – and couldn't help but nearly shudder with anticipation. In a way… it was his first, real adventure! And the prize at the end… oh, he couldn't wait!

He dropped his gaze back to his friend, grinning involuntarily when she seemed lost in thoughts – probably her scholarly mind still busy with a topic of Miqo'te mating.

"And where exactly are you heading, Krile?" he asked, then frowned and looked up again when the people in front suddenly started whispering about something furiously. But with relief, he noticed they were nearly at the edge of the deck now – so hopefully, it won't take that long anymore – whatever was the reason for the sudden seeming upheaval between their co-passengers.

"Oh, an old friend of mine is to pick me up at the harbor," she said - clearly, not noticing the agitation of the others… which wasn't so surprising with her height. He wasn't very tall for a Miqo'te – yet she still reached only his waist. This made him turn and growl in a warning at the tall Hyur when he again almost pushed at them – clearly as impatient to leave the ship – but it didn't give him a right to nearly trample over his Lalafellin friend! The man backed away with a surprised gasp, and G'raha scoffed while turning to his friend again. "And we will travel together to Dravania," she smiled at him with obvious amusement but gratefully. "I heard she lives now in Eorzea, so I called her this morning, and when she heard I'm coming to travel to Idyllshire – she wished to join me to visit her mentor who lives in the area."

"An old friend?" he asked curiously, then looked up again when the agitation around them… rose in volume. What, in the…?

"Yeah," he heard Krile chuckle at his side. "My friend, Y'shtola Rhul. You didn't meet her – as buried in the books as you always were, Raha, but you'll be probably interested to know she's a part of…."

"Seven hells, out of the way!" someone in front snarled, and his heart suddenly jumped in his throat… because he knew that voice. He had heard it every night since he was five years old. "Or I'll fucking blast you off this Twelve-forsaken ramp!"

"Who's that… maniac?" said an unfamiliar older Huyr woman loudly in front of him.

"Hush, love," her companion whispered back, backing away from the ramp. "Better listen. That's Warrior of Light – and she's famous for her temper."

And before he could even genuinely comprehend what happened – gaping in astonishment as the people in front parted quickly and painfully familiar, tiny Miqo'te sprinted up on the deck, looking over the passengers with narrowed eyes.

"Oh, my…" Krile gasped. "I always thought… the Warrior of Light is a man. But what's this about…?"

That – in ringing silence of the stunned people around them – brought the dark-purple gaze to them… and the truly blinding grin lit up the delicate features.

"RAHA!" Surr positively squealed, rushing toward him and jumping on top of him, coiling her arms and legs around him tightly while she rained happy kisses all over his face. "You… tease," she gasped, nearly choking on her purrs as she nuzzled her cheek against his. He couldn't help but reflect it, wrapping his arms around her near-painfully despite his dark blush and more than a hint of embarrassment as he could feel the watching them gazes. "If Shtola wouldn't slip with her plans… G-gods… you smell sooo much… b-better," she stilled suddenly, shivering as she coiled around him even tighter.

He would be pressed to agree… if he could think at all. If he thought in the Dreamscape that she smelled terrific – like fresh, lovely citrus he couldn't precisely place – in reality… Gods, in reality… He buried his face against her shoulder, trying not to breathe because every whiff of her scent had his blood rage with lust. Had him glad she wrapped around him like this… because he was rock-hard in a heartbeat.

"My… S-Surr," he whispered softly, but even in his own ears, it sounded more like a growl as he couldn't help but drag his hands down her back and sides, to rest on her hips. Dying to pull her against him harder, feel her closer… bury his cock inside her, and hear her scream his name… over and over… oh, Twelve…

This – his lust for her – never before felt quite this… intense. Not even when they were both hormonal teenagers. And if he knew her…

"Mine," she purred, fisting her hand in his hair and pulling his head back until he looked at her. And her eyes… looked feral as her nostrils flared delicately. So dark and… hungry, it only spurred his need for her. And with the way, her intoxicating scent swelled with arousal… oh, gods…

If he doesn't do… something… he thought furiously, trying to bite back his instinctive, inviting purrs under her stare – they're going to give the people in the harbor a show – more than this was already – and he wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea of being indeed arrested for indecent behavior before he even set his foot on the land!

Fighting with himself… and her, as she mewled in protest, trying to rock against him with demand – he ignored the pull on his hair and buried his face against her throat again, trying to collect his scattered thoughts.

"N-not… here," he choked out, squeezing his arms around to force her to stay still – which was like trying to move a mountain, he realized with a hint of surprise. Gods, but she was… strong.

"B-but… I need you," she drawled by his ear, then nipped on the sensitive shell… and he almost expired because like her scent – it felt sooo much more intense than in the Dreamscape. Maddening and beyond arousing.

"I guess… that's your mate?" Krile's amused voice tore through the haze filling his head, and he blinked, blushing up to his hairline. He peered at her over Surr's shoulder and smiled sheepishly.

"Y-yeah," he cleared his throat, smoothing his hand soothingly over her back and trying to stay sane as her scent invaded his senses and set them on fire. "That's my Surr," he couldn't help the pure pride in his voice.

"Oh," his mate leaned away, looking down at the Lalafellin and grinning brightly. "You're Krile? Thank you for bringing him to me," she purred, again nuzzling her cheek against his affectionately. It was embarrassing… but nice. She wasn't ashamed despite so many people watching them with evident confusion and curiosity. More – if the pure lust pouring over his senses was any indicator – she wouldn't mind giving others a show but visibly relented feeling his discomfort. "Y'shtola is waiting for you at the dock," she continued, smoothly unwinding her legs and dropping to the deck – but not without rubbing her whole body against him and how it felt… "Him, I'm going to take care of," she drawled, wrapping her hand around his wrist.

"By all means…" his friend chuckled, waving when his mate impatiently pulled him toward the ramp.

"Surr, wait…" he started, blushing furiously when a few people around them began to whisper to each other with meaningful smirks. "…where are we going?"

"An inn, obviously," she tossed him a heated, amused look over her shoulder. "Really… when I've heard you're… I mean, you and your friend are docking today; I thought I would smack you for lying – but I guess you wanted to surprise me… which I can appreciate, my love. But as a punishment, I planned to lead you straight to my parents' cottage – they're almost as impatient as me to finally meet you, after all…" she winked at him when he paled, almost stumbling. "But… I changed my mind. Maybe tomorrow… or in a few days…" she murmured, blushing and looking forward.

He loved her stories about her parents – growing to them felt almost like… they were his, too – in a way. But he had literally no idea how to… deal with parents. In general. What if they… don't like him? He knew how important they were for her. But it's not like… he was any kind of a prize for their daughter. What could he offer… other than himself? Leaving most of his possessions back in Old Sharlayan… he barely had more than the clothes on his back. And she was… the Warrior of Light.

For the first time, it truly hit him. The disparity in their situation. Growing up – she was his. His Surr, his soulmate, and his life. But now… who was he to claim her? Surely… her parents will be disappointed.

"Raha? What's wrong?" she stopped suddenly, and lost in thought, he almost stumbled upon her. G'raha flushed under her curious gaze, then dropped his eyes to the ground and shifted uncomfortably, lowering his ears nervously.

"N-nothing," he swallowed thickly, trying to fake a smile as he looked up again and met her narrowed stare. She clearly didn't buy it… but just sighed and moved to wrap her hands around his arm as she led him down the corridor again – that looked like a market she recreated a few times when they were kits. He couldn't help but look around with wonder, eagerly taking in familiar-unfamiliar views. Couldn't help but flush as well at the curious stares of the people around them once they spotted his companion. She was clearly well recognized among the masses. Which was more than a bit intimidating.

And she… wanted to be his? The thought seemed… insane now. And yet…

"Raha?" she whispered, nuzzling her cheek against his bare shoulder.

"Y-yeah?" he hesitated, then brought his other hand up and delicately brushed back a white lock that fell on her cheek.

"I love you, darling," she hummed, catching his gaze and smiling at him with so… much of that emotion in her eyes. "And whatever you're worrying about… don't. You're mine, and I'm yours, remember? So… cheer up? For me?" she fluttered her lashes coquettishly while her smile turned coy and his blush grew darker.

And yet… he couldn't help but want her – as he always did. More, he thought, when her scent hit his sensitive nose again, and he almost whimpered in desperate need. And by her smirk… she knew exactly what effect she had on him - by how her eyes darkened considerably – no less of an impact he had on her.

And that was… heady. Intoxicating.

"I love you, too," he said quietly, rubbing his thumb against the line of her jaw when she tilted her head slightly. "Now… were is that inn?" he almost growled, then smiled when his effort was rewarded with her joyful giggle and spark of undisguised lust in her dark eyes.