Chapter 5: Enter: Raha's list

Being mated – especially to a man like G'raha Tia – was like nothing her imagination could ever conjure.

Surr was maybe a bit overwhelmed at first – worrying if her natural possessiveness would scare him off. Even before the change in their relationship – before she truly realized her feelings for him – she would scowl darkly at the women around them that would show interest in her 'best friend'. At the time – she reasoned that after everything he did to save her – she was just returning the favor by protecting him. After all, her gentle and polite friend didn't even seem to realize just how many heads would turn when he entered the room.

In Revenant Toll it was easy – Scions being the residents already for so long that they enjoyed citizens' respect – so barely a few dark, narrowed stares was enough to let everyone know her friend was off limits. The people there knew her and her famed temper – and none dared to go against the Warrior of Light.

Now, that he was hers… Oh, woe on any female that would dare to look a moment too long on her beautiful male. And at the same time… she grew uncertain – after all she was sooo out of her depths…

She read and heard a lot… that she thought that she knew what to expect – but actually living in a relationship was so… different.

The day of the party, after they returned to their friends – and most of them seemed to immediately know – and some looking more than relieved to see them together… she was ecstatic – basking in his attention, heated looks, and delicate touches. Simply loving that he seemed as possessive of her as she was of him.

It seemed obvious for her that she'll follow him to Old Sharlayan… After all, it's not like she had any idea what to do with herself anyway… and that – as the next day she woke up in his arms, drowning in the heat of his body and relishing their mixed scents… freaked her out something fierce.

Now, without her title and her purpose… she simply wasn't sure who she was anymore. What she wanted to do with her time and her Blessing… And while she laid there, listening to his even breath, feeling his insane heat against her back… She realized that a part of her… a big part… was tempted to make him her purpose.

And as that realization hit her… she got scared. And she never got scared easily – but Raha… well, the thought that he would get sick of her… clinginess… terrified her like no Primal ever could.

So… she did what any brave Warrior would do… She bolted. Made up an excuse of someone needing her – convincing herself that the flash of disappointment in his ruby eyes was better now than the alternative later – and like a moron, she was – spent the day running around Radz-at-Han and fulfilling any errands she could find someone offering. And it was hell – while she wanted nothing more than go back… and beg him to please, let her stay in his bed for days… And when she finally gave in – as night fell over the Old Sharlayan – with uncertainty sneaking inside his bedroom and in between his bedcovers – almost shaking with nervousness until a few bells later he came in and seemed relieved that she was there – pretty much pouncing at her – that was heaven!

She kept to that schema… until the day of the anniversary of their meeting – for her anyway – and her stupid heart… used it as an excuse to break it – reasoning that the occasion… called for going back to her list. Two points even – as she found the darkest corner inside the Noumenon and impatiently waited until the lunch time… then used their bond to lure him to her. Unsure if that would even work – for the effect to simply… blow her mind. But later on – she guessed that the separation she so stupidly forced upon the both of them… made it so much more intense.

Not that in the long run she could regret that as now…

"You seem… distracted, love," he hummed with amusement, nuzzling against her neck affectionately as he shifted slightly on top of her, carefully keeping most of his weight off her, while he brushed her hair off her shoulders to nibble along one.

"Just… musing," she chuckled sheepishly, arching her neck as a low, involuntarily purr rumbled in the back of her throat under his ministrations. His hand moved back to hers, again intertwining their fingers tightly above her head. She blushed darkly when he growled softly in an answer to her sound, and rocked his hips slightly – letting her feel what it did to his body as his cock, so hot and hard, rubbed between her buttocks. Her tail tightened around his waist possessively without a conscious thought on her part, wishing he would take her again, but… "Shouldn't we… get up?" she hummed, yet tightening her fingers around his as she tilted her head and peered toward the window. It was quite dark out – but here… it was to be expected, really, she thought as she watched the snowflakes dancing in the air outside. Ever-winter ruling in Coerthas… wasn't her favorite – but promise was a promise, after all… "I thought you want to go… s-sightseei…" she choked on a moan when he bit on her neck… harshly, and couldn't help but arch under him slightly. "Ra-Raha…"

"We have… a whole day to do that," he murmured, then lapped at the bite with his rough tongue, setting her to tremble as she closed her eyes with a soft whimper and instinctively went pliant under him in submission – her purrs growing louder and more insistent as he freed one of her hands again to trail his down her side slowly. Barely a brush of his fingertips on her skin burned. "I'm sooo not done enjoying you, my pet," he drawled, spreading delicate bites across her neck as his hand sneaked under her abdomen and south, delicately sliding in between her soaked folds. "Aww… playing coy, darling? When you're already so wet for me…" he cooed into her skin and she arched with an embarrassing mewl when he brushed his fingers against her clit, circulating it teasingly. "Gods… the sounds you make, Surr…" he gritted out, shifting slightly again and she almost expired when he started to rut against her ass slowly.

"Raha, please…" she whimpered, using her freed hand to move it back and blindly sinking her fingers in his hair. She purred louder, harder… losing her mind at the sensations – and the sparks shooting up her spine with each slow roll his hips.

"You're… such a g-good girl, love," he growled softly and she couldn't help but mewl helplessly at the praise, loving the raspy quality in his low voice, adoring that he didn't seem to mind… playing with her like that. No… absolutely losing her mind at how he seemed to enjoy dominating her as much as she enjoyed submitting to his claim. Blushing darkly and shuddering as she chanted his name breathlessly in the rhythm of his slow thrusts. So focused on that and the delicate touches of his fingers that she almost yelped when he bit her again, harder, more possessive and with a low, choked snarl vibrating on her skin. Surr tightened her fingers in his hair, whining in the back of her throat as a pure need had her blood simply boil.

Yeah… G'raha Tia as a lover was definitely another beast entirely…

"I wonder…" he hummed, trailing lighter bites down her spine as he pulled his hand back slowly, to her dismal hiss… until he hooked it around her hip and pulled her with him, until she had no choice but shift her legs around to rest on her knees, hiding her flushed face in the pillow at the involuntarily thought of how she had to look… like this… her blush only growing darker as she felt his… seed from the previous bout drip down her thighs. And yet… she forgot all about it with his next words as her breath stuttered. "…are you feeling… adventurous, my pet?" he cooed, smoothing his hand up and down her spine as he shifted again… just a bit… and she shuddered when the head of his cock slid meaningfully against the tight ring of muscles above her slit. "Or is that… also on your list, babe?"

As his meaning dawned… her face simply blazed, and she swallowed thickly, nervously shaking her head as she buried her face deeper in the pillow.

"No?" he chuckled, then she almost passed out as his hand moved down her back and between her buttocks, delicately brushing against that spot as he leaned over her back again, trailing his rough tongue up her spine until he pressed against her tightly. "It's… on mine," he whispered against her neck, and his fingers moved lower, two without an effort sliding inside her cunt and pumping slowly until she mewled breathlessly in their rhythm, shaking with need. "I want to… no, I need to claim you every single way possible, love… Would you… l-let me, Surr…?" he cooed, then purred against her shoulder insistently as his hand moved back, on one finger delicately pressed against her other slit. "I'll make it g-good for you, babe, I swear," he growled softly, almost vibrating against her back as he pressed his fingers inside her ass slowly, carefully, nibbling on her skin.

She swallowed thickly, tilting her head and gasping at the new sensation – the slight burn as her muscles clenched and instinctively fought the intrusion. But her ears twitched and rose when he uttered an ridiculously arousing low groan at that, nuzzling against her shoulder as his hips slowly rutted against the back of her thigh – as if he imagined feeling the same pressure around his cock… And despite her nerves, her inborn curiosity was peaked…

"O-okay," she whispered in a tiny voice, tightening her fingers around his – his left hand still tightly intertwined with hers.

"Th-thank you, my love," he sighed, rubbing his cheek against her shoulder. "You won't regret this… I promise," he trailed his lips down her spine, moving back slightly and letting go off her hand as well. She wrapped both of her arms around the pillow, pulling it around her flaming face and fighting with herself to stay in the same position as she felt him get off the bed, then heard how he rummaged through his bag. She read enough to know… what to expect… but she still almost passed out when he climbed the bed again behind her, then leaned against her, purring soothingly. "Relax for me, love," he whispered, as his left hand smoothed up and down her thigh delicately – but it was nearly impossible while the fingers of his other hand, distinctively oiled and slick, slowly slid between their bodies again, then one delicately again breached the tight ring of muscles. "Come here," he purred, then slowly backed, curling his left arm around her chest and pulling her back with him.

She squeaked shyly when he tore the pillow out of her arms with a low, amused chuckle, then as he settled on his knees, pulled her to rest against his chest.

"Don't fret, my darling girl," he cooed again, spreading affectionate kissed along her shoulder while his free hand drifted to cradle her breast and knead the flesh gently. She moaned breathlessly, closing her eyes and letting the back of her head fall against his shoulder as her hand shot blindly to wrap around his wrist. "That's it, babe… relax…" he whispered, thumbing her nipple into a stiff peak the rolling it between his fingers until she mewled breathlessly, shaking and almost forgetting the intrusion of his deft finger. Almost… to still slightly and shudder as it started to pump inside her… slowly, carefully, working to relax the too-tight squeeze of her muscles – reminding her fogged brain of his intentions. Raha sighed softly, trailing his lips up her throat and nipping delicately under her jaw, and she couldn't help but tilt her head in submission, as a low, uncertain purr rumbled on the back of her tongue – her thoughts drowning in the need to please her male as her tail wound around his waist again. "S-such a good girl," he growled a praise into her skin and she mewled as the scent of his arousal filled her head with each shaky breath. "I want to fuck you so baaad, my Surr," he assured with a choked groan, then nipped on her throat again. "You can't imagine… what's it doing to me, love… Your sounds, your scent, the way you let me touch you," he nuzzled against her shoulder, and his hand tightened around her breast as that finger sped up slightly. Ten he purred against her neck insistently, invitingly… "Do something for me, babe?" he cooed between his purrs and she shuddered instinctively.

"Any-anything," she gasped, involuntarily rocking her hips at his sounds. Gods… she was addicted to his voice… When he sounded like that… she would give him sun and moon… anything and everything to please her mate.

"Put your hand between your legs, love… and fuck your pretty cunt for me?" he whispered softly, kneading her breast again. "I have to see you come… Do it for me, my beautiful?" he purred and despite her dark blush… she didn't even knew when her hand complied nearly automatically, letting go off his wrist to slid down her belly and between her thighs. She mewled in relief as she pushed two fingers inside, arching slightly against him as much as the grip of her tail allowed. She tilted her head on his shoulder and peered at him through her lashes, biting her lower lip as she pumped her fingers slowly. Dying at the sight of raw lust in his expression as he watched her hand above her shoulder and low, hungry growls tore from between his pretty lips. Before long – mesmerized by the sight – she was purring loudly, insistently… rolling her hips instinctively between her and his hands… barely noticing when another finger joined the first, massaging her insides in the most sinful way… "Twelve… you're k-killing me…" he whimpered desperately, shaking against her back as his head fell on her shoulder. "Sooo… unbearably beautiful… so incredibly tight, babe… Come for me, love, please…" he pleaded, then turned his head and bit at the junction of her throat and shoulder, sending near violent shudder down her spine.

"Raha…!" she gasped, then arched with a breathless whine, her fingers speeding up until she couldn't take it anymore, mewling her bliss as she came. She sagged in his arms bonelessly, gasping for air, and barely aware as he snarled helplessly, desperately, then pulled his hand back and lifted her against him. Too blissed-out – her head full only of his glorious scent, his lust and her pleasure – she barely mewled softly when something so much hotter and thicker pressed inside her slowly, hissing breathlessly when the head of his cock passed the tight ring of muscles.

"…oh… fuck…" he whimpered, shuddering so hard he was vibrating against her back as his tail wrapped itself tightly around her abdomen. "I thought… b-but… oh, seven hells…" his big hands moved to circle her thighs, then he mewled as he slowly pulled her down on his cock, groaning quietly and cursing against her neck the whole time – shaking and panting sooo harsh… Despite the slight discomfort her heart fluttered at the thought her body was giving him so much pleasure – and she purred loudly, stretching and wounding her arms around his neck. Almost grinning when he choked out another string of curses with her movement and his hot flesh throbbed inside her noticeably. "P-please.. oh, ngh… fuck…" he moaned loudly as he bottomed out. "D-don't… m-move, Surr… can't… too tight, g-gods…" he wound his arms around her tightly, holding her still as he dropped his head against her shoulder and panted weakly, and she could feel his fight for restraint… and that… that was just too hot.

And because she was who she was – and she loved breaking his self-control – despite his grip she rolled her hips slowly, smirking when he choked on a breathless whine. She tightened her arms around his neck, and used them as leverage to lift herself slowly, ignoring the slight burn and the stretch – just a little bit – then pressed back against him, gasping at the sinful feeling and purring insistently when he shuddered and choked snarl tore from his throat.

"S-Surr… P-please… can't…" he whimpered desperately, and his hands fell to her hips, visibly straining to keep her still as his breath stuttered and she could feel his heart going absolutely insane against her back. His dick throbbed and jerked inside her deliciously when she experimentally tightened her muscles around it. "…fuck, oh… fuck, fuck, fuck…" he chanted breathlessly, with a audible whine in his low, shaky voice, and the thought that she was doing this to him… had her burn. Literally burn alive, and she growled softly, then again lifted despite his best efforts – after all, she was still stronger than him – harder this time, whimpering at the feeling of fullness, and shuddering helplessly as she dropped again and he snarled viciously, digging his fingers in her hips. She mewled when he snapped, and bit her, growling wildly into her skin as he pulled her up against him, then moaning in his bite when he let her drop on his throbbing flesh again in a slow slide. "C-can't… Surr…" he choked out breaking his bite, then suddenly pushed her forward almost brutally. She gasped, bracing her hands on the mattress and stretched instinctively in submission, unable to stop herself as he rose behind her and soon wrapped one hand around her shoulder, keeping her still as he rutted into her slowly. "You… unbearable tease," he murmured against her neck. "L-love you… so much," he gasped, then groaned and jerked against her harshly when she tightened her muscles around him again. His hand dropped from her shoulder to press between her legs when he bit her again, mewling in her skin as he pushed two fingers inside her cunt.

And that – sensation of the incredible fullness and the feeling of his lust and pleasure as he shook against her, barely staving off his peak – had her arch with a whimper, pressing against his fingers eagerly, then back against his cock. Soon she mindlessly rocked her hips between the two sensations, gasping and moaning as the heat in her abdomen coiled tightly. She hung her head between her arms, whining softly as she rocked back and forth as much as his bite allowed her, drowning in sensations and his breathless, choked sounds. Until he crooked his fingers inside her, forcing her to arch with a shout as pure levin shot up her spine and stars exploded under her eyelids. She choked on her whimpers as incredible bliss spilled across her body, to mewl loudly in submission when he snarled and started to pound into her ass, curling his hand around her hip to hold her still as his movement increased in strength and speed. His whimpers and groans rang in her ears like the most beautiful music, until he shuddered with a whine, pulling her back tight around his cock as he grind against her ass slowly, and she felt his hot seed painting her insides in thick spurts.

Surr sagged in his grip slightly, panting weakly but still didn't mind when he sat back again, pulling her with him and delicately now, but still rutting into her backside and rocking her hips against him, while his mouth trailed affectionate bites and kissed across her shoulder.

And as she slowly came down from her high, leaning back against him and purring as she smoothed her hands over his forearms, she wonder if he realized he was doing this every time now – either holding her down or pulling her tight around his cock – instinctively trying to breed her. And as he nuzzled against her neck with a loud, rumbling purr – she lifted her hand to pet the back of his ear affectionately – with amusement wondering how long it would take for him to actually… ask. For her to stop taking the heat suppressants and bear his kits. Or if she would have to… suggest that, eventually. And as that thought took root… her heart stuttered nervously.

Would she even be… ready for this? Or was that another attempt by her frustrated mind to find a… purpose?

"Are you alright, love?" her lover hummed against her neck, tightening his arms around her. Surr forced herself to relax, resting the back of her head on his shoulder and sent him a delicate, reassuring smile… and almost giggled when he furrowed his eyebrows and his crimson eyes narrowed – he knew her too well to buy it. "Out with it, Surr. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, of course not, Raha," she sighed, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his. "It's just… I… I'm worried. That I still don't know what to do with myself," she admitted in a tiny voice.

"Surr…" now he sighed, then placed a delicate kiss on her throat and she melted against him, purring softly in bliss. "…It's just been a bit over a week, love. Give yourself more time – I'm sure it'll come to you when you least expect it."

"But…" she hesitated, then grimaced slightly, tilting her head to peer at him again. "I'm not used to being… idle," she admitted a bit sheepishly, then blushed when he chuckled and pressed a kiss on her cheek next. "It's… not funny, Raha," she scoffed, wrinkling her nose.

"As I said… It's only been a bit over a week, my darling girl," he hummed, then moved both of them down on the mattress, and coiled tightly around her back – and she couldn't help but purr louder, basking in the insane heat of his body. "You'll see… Soon enough you'll be running around again with so much to do, you won't know where to start," he whispered against her shoulder with obvious amusement.

"If you say so…" she sighed, pulling his arms tighter around herself, even though… "But don't you want to go sightseeing, my Raha?"

"In a bit," he purred, nuzzling against her neck, then yawned loudly and chuckled sheepishly. "A nap first?"

"Oh, my… but are you lazy," she snickered, but relaxed in his arms, dragging her nails delicately over his forearm. "Who would have thought."

"I'm just enjoying a quiet moment with my energetic mate," he tightened his arms around her and buried his nose in her hair. "Now… just stay still and let me hold you," he grumbled sleepily, then sighed with obvious pleasure as he pulled her tighter against him.

Surr grinned involuntarily, more than happy to oblige – and before she knew it, she dozed off.

When they arrived at the statue in front of the Vault and Surr stopped, looking back toward the Pillars, G'raha sighed silently, then moved behind her and rested his arms over her shoulders. It stopped snowing a while ago, and now only a slight fog rose over the empty streets of Ishgard. They both stared at the view silently for a long moment, until his beautiful girl relaxed noticeably, leaning back against him and tilting her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder with much more honest smile than the one she had on her pretty lips throughout their walk around the city. Her dark-purple eyes also cleared, losing their unreadable, empty expression as she recalled different events at different spots around the frosty city – for him, despite how much it obviously distressed her.

G'raha leaned in, pressing a delicate, grateful kiss on her cheek at the same time as he tightened his arms around her. All the while cursing in the back of his head for not predicting this – and picking Ishgard, of all places, for their first trip together – as lovers, that is. She offered, true, but he should have been smarter – steering her instead toward the place… that didn't brought back so many painful memories.

And was warmer, he sighed internally, feeling how she shivered against him – but not uttering a word of complaint. And that… told him more than words could ever express about how truly upset she was – as his Warrior had a tendency to whine about discomfort in normal circumstances.

"So…" she hummed. "How do you find Ishgard, my Raha?"

"Cold," he whispered, then shuddered theatrically, and almost smiled when she frowned and wrinkled her nose slightly, turning around in his arms and coiling hers around his waist tightly. And just like he intended, offering her warmth, which he used, to wrap his vest around her and pull her in a tight embrace. He nuzzled against her shoulder – and while she couldn't see it – let a small smirk slip when she sighed softly with relief, burying against him deeper. "Surr?"

"Yeah?" she hummed, resting her cheek against his chest.

"You know… That we're together now, doesn't mean that you have to start acting differently," he said softly, and grimaced when she stilled instantly. "I mean… I fell in love with you – how you always were, darling. I do not wish for you to change."

"I…" she hesitated, then swallowed audibly and her arms tightened around his waist. "R-really?"

"Yeah, very much so," he assured, smoothing his hand soothingly over her back. "So don't… act so meek. We both know that's not who you are, love. And I would feel better if you let me know when you don't like something."

She was silent for a long moment, then relaxed against him and chuckled a bit sheepishly.

"Can we… leave this fucking city?" she whispered into his tunic, making him grin with how petulant she sounded, then shuddered noticeably. "I hate how cold it is – always did."

"Of course we can, love," he said, pressing a kiss on her throat. "Where would you like to go instead?"

"Ummm… Costa del Sol," she leaned away to look up at him, forcing him to do the same, and he now grinned openly at the familiar sight of devious smirk on her plush lips and mischievous glint in her dark eyes. "If I'm not wrong – the Moonfire Faire festival should be happening right about now. I don't think you ever had a chance to take a part in it, Raha?"

"No," he shook his head, then leaned in and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. "I've read about it, though. Isn't that the summer holiday when they set up a jumping challenge on the beach?"

"Some years," she said, giggling as she returned the affectionate gesture. Then she fluttered her dark lashes coquettishly and her smirk widened – setting his heart to pound instantly. "And I might have somewhere on my list… a point about spending the night on the beach."

"Oh?" he hummed with consideration, then narrowed his eyes and let a slow, a bit sharp smirk bloom on his lips. "You don't say...?" he let his hands fall and wrap around her bottom, pulling her hips against his tightly as he leaned in again until their mouth almost met – and visible clouds of their breaths mixed. "It might be on mine, too… somewhere."

That was a lie – but a thought of taking her under the starlit skies… the idea was simply intoxicating. The image it created inside his head – of tasting her while starlight would dance on her pale skin and white locks as she would writhe and whimper under him – had him rock-hard in a heartbeat.

"Is that so…?" she purred, then lifted her hand to trail her nails along his jaw delicately – and he shivered involuntarily as his eyes dropped to her mouth and a quiet, hungry growl tore from his throat. But before he could claim those pretty lips – they tilted in another devious smirk as her starry eyes flared with the same hunger as his. And that… Gods, he was going to combust… "Maybe a bet, then, my love? If there's really a challenge on the beach this year… Whoever wins gets to fulfill their version… first?" she wiggled her dark eyebrows playfully… and he couldn't help himself but turn around, push her against the statue behind them – though wrapping his arms around her back so she wouldn't touch the cold surface – and take her mouth in a slow, deep kiss. Plundering them with his tongue exactly how he wanted to do to the other areas of her delectable body. And by the way she whimpered breathlessly under his lips, then coiled her arms around his neck tightly – as hers mouth grew as aggressive, as hungry… She knew, she had to…

After a long, long moment he broke the kiss with inhumane effort, panting harshly as he rested his forehead against hers and got lost in her dark, starry eyes. In the fiery glint of lust in their depths as the intoxicating scent of her arousal filled his head, making his mouth water. Twelve… how could he ever think he could live without having her like this…?

"Does that mean the bet is on?" she purred, tightening her arms around his neck and pulling him down again, until their lips almost met. Then yet another smirk on her bruised lips sent almost violent shudder down his back. "Will you play with your mate… my Raha?"

"Always," he growled, then freed one hand to wrap his fingers around her chin and tilt her head slightly – and almost expired when she gasped softly, and such a lovely, dark blush spilled on her cheeks when a loud, inviting purr slipped her lips. And the instinctive, raw need to take that invitation and claim her was nearly a living thing under his skin – tearing on his insides with a sharp, brutal claws of arousal. Gods… he was addicted already – one sound, one heated look, anything really – had him ready and aching for her in a heartbeat. He closed the space between their lips and despite the need… brushed his over hers delicately – simply ravenous when she mewled breathlessly, and her dark eyes hid behind even darker lashes. And the sight of her like this… had him more determined than ever – to win and have his maddening vision realized.

"Oh… this will be fun," she purred, peering at him through her lashes – and suddenly a shiver… and something nearly like… fear slithered down his spine at the sight of the dark amusement in her starry eyes. "I hope you're prepared to lose, darling…" she sing-a-songed, stretching to roll her body against him as her eyes flared with lust and laughter. "Because I always play to win, love."

"Let the best win, then," he whispered, with his own, mischievous smirk.

Oh, she was so right… This will be fun – and the prize… Enough said: he could almost taste it.