Honeymoon

When the sun set, it was time to go. But where? You had decided to postpone your after-party plans to a later date for now, so your next destination was still uncertain.

Surely you couldn't spend your wedding night in the Rising Stones... but you had not given much thought to this beforehand.

"My love, I reserved a beach house for us in Costa del Sol for the next several days," Raha said softly--as though reading your mind--as the two of you slowly stood. Sprite stretched and fluffed his feathers, poking at his wing before chirping in your direction. "I thought it would be enjoyable to spend our... our h-honeymoon there together..."

"Honeymoon..." You breathed the word slowly before the warmth spread across your cheeks. "Y-Yes, I would love that. But... Costa del Sol, how would you afford to rent a beach house there?" You felt a little guilty that he had to plan all of it out by himself.

He smiled bashfully, waggling his ears. "Truthfully, the Scions... they helped me. I could never have afforded it with the pittance I have earned since waking," he paused. "But they all insisted upon it when I mentioned the idea to Tataru. Everyone chipped in," Raha smiled sweetly as he watched you in the side of his eye. "And..." 

"...Cid offered to fly us there before nightfall. We are to meet him at Gridania's airship port."

"Everyone..." You closed your eyes for a moment. "...I really want to make it up to them. And thank you, too, Raha..." You embraced him, gently kissing his lips. "Thank you for everything. I should have been involved with the planning... I was just so--"

"Ah," he touched a finger to your lips, smiling warmly. "Not another word, Beth. Come," he took your hand. "Let us make way to Gridania. Our airship awaits!"

=====

After leaving Sprite at the stables with Meexy, you and G'raha met with Cid, Biggs and Wedge in the airship landing. You had seen them present at your wedding, but didn't have the chance to speak to them. They congratulated you both and you all shared a group hug, and then you sped along your way to Costa del Sol.

Bidding them farewell, G'raha led you by the hand across the beach as the moon rose in the night sky. "So where is this house?" You asked him; his tail quickly swayed from side-to-side as he grinned at you excitedly. He said nothing, but began to walk more quickly.

Until the two of you were nearly running over the sand, passing through a rocky cove to a small area of the beach that was had several palm trees nearby. Then, you saw what was likely the house G'raha mentioned: it was a small but cozy-looking wooden cabin nestled between two palm trees with a tall cliff rising up over it.

Some distance away you heard a waterfall and recalled that it fed into a small hot spring nearby. Finally, he slowed his pace and glanced towards the cabin, then back to you with a sheepish expression as his tail wagged. "Do... Do you like it, Beth?"

"I love it, Raha! Let's go inside!" you exclaimed, pulling him towards the door before releasing his hand. As you watched him expectantly, he chuckled nervously as he took the key out from his pants pocket and opened the door leading into the cabin.

Then, with a smile, he bowed and graciously gestured for you to go on ahead.

With a giggle, you lifted your dress in your hands and hurried up the stairs and into the cabin. 

It was perfectly cozy on the inside as well; the cabin had a few essential rooms like a bathroom, kitchen, small living room and most importantly, a luxurious bedroom.

"Oh... it's perfect!" You immediately kicked off your shoes and sped for the bed to leap towards it, landing face first into the cushions. "Mmm...so soft." 

G'raha followed after you, leaning in the doorway with an amused expression. "My love, you are still in that dress..." his voice drifted off as he glanced aside, blushing. "W-Would you not prefer to change into something more comfortable? Or perhaps you would fancy a bath while I prepare something for us to eat...?"

You quickly sat up, patting down your dress. "Oops... But we didn't bring any clothes with us, did we...?" You blinked at him, furrowing your brows. "So, um..."

His ears wiggled slightly. "Ah, well... Tataru's taken care of that," he pointed to the closet on the far side of the room. "She promised that she would have it filled with 'everything and anything a newlywed couple may need' and I trust that she will not disappoint."

"Hmmm... Now I'm curious," you said, hopping off of the bed and making your way to the closet. Raha slowly turned away with a smile, heading off towards the kitchen while you found something to wear. While you were poking your head into the closet, you didn't notice him leave the room. "Wow, there's so many clothes in here...!"

It was in fact a walk-in closet, so you stepped inside and found yourself absorbed into a world of fashionable clothing unlike you'd ever seen--nor imagined wearing--before. There were dresses, suits, bathing suits, swimming trunks, bikinis, hats, sunglasses, et cetera...

...and then you came to the far end of the closet and saw strange clothes that looked more like half-destroyed outfits than anything else. "Ah, wait... I know what this is. I saw advertisements for this kind of clothing a lot in Kugane and sometimes in Ul'Dah..."

You blushed. It was nothing other than lingerie--and not just one outfit, but enough variety to wear a different one each night and then some. "Tataru, I can't believe you..." You peeked out the closet and realized G'raha was gone, so you decided to gather up all the lingerie and hide it in the drawers near the bed. 

Once everything was hidden away, you carefully removed the wedding dress, the skirts and the slip you wore and attempted to hang them up, but failed. After getting so angry with the hangers that you wanted to snap them in two, you simply draped the clothes over a chair in the bedroom until you could request Raha's help later.

Finally, you found a simple night gown to wear and slipped into it, feeling much more comfortable. You then searched for a shirt and pants that were exactly like the ones G'raha normally wore and happily brought them back to the bedroom.

Just in time, too: G'raha had finished making a simple meal of chicken and rice with a side of mixed vegetables for dinner. When he saw you in the nightgown, his eyes widened slightly and his face flushed. "Of course, you look beautiful in everything, Beth..."

He was breathless for a moment as he set two dinner plates on the drawers near the bed where you had hidden away the questionable clothing. "...I can't believe we..." He sat on the bed with an elated sigh. "...you and I, eternally bonded..."

You brought the clothes to him with a smile. "...I know," you said, kissing his forehead and running a hand through his hair as he looked up at you. "I found some more comfortable clothes for you, too. I know you'll be just as handsome in these...though I wouldn't mind seeing you in outfits like this wedding one again too," you stroked one hand from his shoulder and partway down his chest before giggling. "I'll hide in the closet while you change."

As you began to step away, Raha reflexively grabbed your wrist. When you met his gaze, his ears drooped shyly. "Y-You... You don't have to hide. I..." His eyes gradually wandered away. 

"...I-I don't mind if you see me..." 

You leaned very close to his face and smiled, slipping a hand up to his shoulder as he stroked yours. "Yeah... Shouldn't you change into something more comfortable, too...?" You lowered your lashes, speaking to him seductively as you slid your other hand to his back.

"You should let me help you."

"Ah, w-well, I don't see why not--" Raha's ears wiggled and his tail curled towards you.

You gently pushed him back as you pulled the handkerchief off of his coat, then began to unbutton it slowly, gradually placing one knee on the bed, your quiet, warm breaths on his lips. Raha opened his mouth slightly as you removed the coat, then continued to unbutton the shirt underneath. You made no move to kiss him, and he was having difficulty resisting you. "You're so cute, Raha... I really love you..."

You slipped one hand up his back as you finished unbuttoning his shirt, pulling half of it off of his arm while tickling his side. "B-Beth... I..." His arms gently coiled around you as you touched your nose to his, and he sighed. "...I love you too...more than anything."

"Will you move back on the bed so I can sit down?" You smiled innocently at him and he nodded, removing his shoes before scooting back on the bed and crossing his legs. With a giggle, you took off his shirt entirely, exposing his toned upper body.

You gazed at him, mouth agape--it was the first time you had seen him with so little clothing, and you could not help but find him irresistibly sexy. "Raha..." You climbed onto the bed and sat on his lap, slowly placing your hands on his shoulders. Truthfully, you wanted to push him down onto the bed right now, but you resisted the urge. "...Sorry..."

"...Is this strange of me...?"

"Ah... No," he said, his ears waggling nervously. "I, too... am having difficulty containing my...desire, for you." Raha smiled an innocent, bashful smile, but one of his hands hovered closer to your chest, almost on instinct. 

"Oh..." You blinked slowly, pushing away whatever embarrassment you felt to see him like this. Since he was all right with what you were doing, you weren't going to let a little shyness scare you off--not when you were so close. "...You feel better now without that heavy coat, don't you?" You pushed him very gently, but he only budged slightly.

His left hand brushed against your chest in his shock, and his ears drooped. "Y-Yes... Though I feel much warmer now than I did before..." It was true, too; you could feel his skin growing warmer to your touch. You felt yourself heating up as well...

"...Aren't you going to touch me, Raha? You look like you want to..."

"I...do..."

=====

You felt a little tired, your mind going over everything that had happened during this long, happy day. "This has been the happiest day of my life, Raha. I know that with you by my side, I will have many, many happy days to come..."

"Aye... I shall make sure of that," he looked up at you then, his ears wiggling as he smiled. "I am certain there is no happier man on this star, Beth. And as your husband, I shall endeavor to make you the happiest woman. If there is ever aught you desire... pray tell me."

"I mean to grant your each and every wish," he took your left hand into his and kissed your ring finger. "My beautiful, wonderful wife." Raha blushed profusely. "I love you."

"I love you too, Raha..."

For some time you relaxed like that, snuggled against one another, until finally you fell asleep in each other's arms. Thus, your first day as newlyweds finally came to an end...

...but there was much more to come.

=====

The next morning, Raha was the first to awaken. He watched over your sleeping form for quite some time, enjoying the closeness and the privilege of being the only one to be able to see you like this--deep asleep and drooling as you dreamt of many things.

He loved every bit.

After observing you for a time, Raha left you to rest and made breakfast, which he graciously served to you in bed when you woke. "Shall I feed you, my love? Say 'ahh' and allow me..."

You sat up slowly, blushing as the covers slowly rolled down your body, but you held it over your chest with one arm. Raha was already dressed in his regular shirt and pants, but you were--of course--still naked. "Raha? You made all this while I was asleep...?"

"Aye. I thought I would spoil you a little more..." he smiled sweetly. "...I find I am at my happiest when I can be of use to you...and serve you, my love."

"S-Serve me..." You didn't know why, but that statement made you blush.

His ears wiggled slowly and his tail swayed thoughtfully. "Is it wrong to have such a strong desire to satisfy my beloved wife?" Raha set the tray of food on the bedside table and crawled onto you with a purr, sliding his arms underneath your body to embrace you. He rested his chin on your chest and looked up at you with a soft smirk, his tail waving about.

"Ahhh... Why are you so cute and charming...?" You hugged him tightly, feeling an enormous happiness swelling in your chest. "Gods, I love you so much, Raha. So, so much."

"I love you as well, Beth... my queen." Raha winked when you giggled in response.

"My lord Exarch," you teased back, and he blushed profusely. "You still like that, mm?" You leaned down to kiss the top of his head before sitting up, allowing the covers to fall from your body. "Let's eat breakfast together and go outside. How about we wear more summer-ready attire when we go, Raha? Your regular clothes just won't do..." 

"Ah... I suppose you are correct," he sighed, his ears waggling bashfully as he kissed your forehead before standing up to retrieve breakfast. He then got comfortable beside you and insisted on feeding you the first bite. "Mm. Good girl... How is it?"

You blushed slightly at his constant teasing and cuteness; he knew very well that he was tugging on your heartstrings, since his tail was swishing about playfully the whole time. "It's delicious," you said, pinching his cheek. "Are you going to keep teasing me?" 

He chuckled, grabbing your wrist and pressing his lips to your palm. "Perhaps. Your reactions are simply too charming to resist provoking them..." Raha licked your hand, keeping his eyes fixed on you. "But enough games for now, I am happy you find the meal palatable. Let us eat together before it gets cold... and then, we can decide on what to wear."

"I'll pick out the clothes for both of us. Tataru sent more than enough outfits to choose from!" You wondered what sort of outfit to pick for Raha; something cute, yet sexy...

"Haha, very well. I shall entrust that task to you, my capable Beth."

After breakfast, you buried yourself in the closet for a time, picking out the perfect cute outfit for yourself, and something that seemed to suit Raha as well. For yourself you chose a long red skirt showing lots of leg on one side and matching red bikini; for accessories you decided to bring a necklace, sandals, a sunhat, bracelets and a lei necklace. 

I hope it's cute...and sexy enough.

Of course you wanted to get his attention, but not be too obvious about it.

The outfit you chose for Raha was a red beach jacket and black swimming trunks that looked like they might fit too perfectly on him. Secretly, you hoped they would accentuate one of your favorite features of his body; pushing that thought aside for now, you picked a handful of accessories for Raha: two different necklaces, a few rings, bracelets and sandals.

You decided to dress separately from him just for an added dramatic effect, and when the two of you reconvened in the bedroom, both of you were speechless for a moment. Seeing so much of his body makes me feel...so... "I-It looks good on you, Raha." 

Raha's tail wagged shyly as he rubbed one arm. "A-Aye. Thank you." He approached you then, taking your hands into his. "And you are quite attractive in that outfit as well..." You could feel his eyes taking in your form and blushed. "Hmhm..."

"Wh-What? Why are you laughing?"

He looked up at you, his tail still wagging. "Ah, well... I suppose I do not have to feel guilty for having... thoughts about you... Not anymore." His face flushed and he averted his gaze. "Yet... I-I still cannot avoid feeling shy. My emotions for you... are overwhelming, at times." 

"Awww, Raha..." You pulled him into a loving embrace, stroking his hair and his back. "I know what you mean... I feel the same way. Looking at this eternal bonding ring you made me... I feel my heart race every time. Knowing you're my husband now... I want to just... Ahhh I want to yell out how happy I am to the WHOLE WORLD!" You squeezed him tightly.

Raha stretched up to kiss your lips and snuggled in your arms, purring. "You did proclaim it to me quite loudly last night..." he teased, dropping a kiss on your chest. "Ah, do not make that face... I was merely teasing you. ...Though as your husband... I want to make you cry out in ecstasy every night, Beth. 'Tis my duty, is it not...?" When you stared at him, he grinned.

"You're such a naughty cat," you said, placing your hands on his ears and fondling them until he purred and growled softly in delight. "You were just as loud as me last night. Admit it."

"Haha... But of course I would not deny it. How could I...? You made me feel amazing. Better than I ever have..." Raha sighed, running his hands down your back. "Pray tell me, am I acting strange...? I feel I have been enchanted by you, and I love the feeling of being wholly yours."

"You're not acting strange..." You murmured, playfully planting your hands on his behind which made him jump. "But let's go outside and play before we end up 'playing' in here."

"A-Aye..." Raha blushed, then took your hand and excitedly led you outside.

You took a long walk together, eventually coming to a pier where you watched the sun together for a time, enjoying the view of the beautiful ocean. . .

Raha had his arms wrapped around your waist, holding your hands as the two of you simply listened to the calming sound of ocean waves, warmed by the sunlight and each other.

Afterwards, you decided to go swimming...

"Raha! Come and swim with me!" You cried out to him, reaching out a hand as he knelt on the edge of the pier. "The water is so perfect, you'll love it. Show me how you can float!"

With a sigh and a smile, Raha took your hand and you immediately pulled him backwards into the water, laughing happily as the two of you became drenched. You nearly lost your hat in that moment, but Raha managed to catch it and place it back on your head.

"Ah... The last time I swam was when we escaped the Tempest, I believe. I almost cannot believe how much has transpired since that day..."

"I know," you said softly, touching your nose to his. "And how happy we are now. Ah! Race you to the other side of the island! Ready, Go!" You giggled, taking off in a hurry.

"Beth!" He started off after you, swimming as swiftly as he could. He surprised you with his speed, becoming fully engaged in your little game. You sped up even more, splashing everywhere with your kicks. "I will not allow you to win this time!"

He reached out and grabbed your ankle and you yelped in surprise, laughing as he pulled you back into his arms, the two of you crashing into the water as you laughed together. He floated up with you in his arms, holding you firmly against him and pressing his lips to your neck as your hat floated off on the sea. Raha then softly kissed your lips before swimming off, leaving you in a mild daze. He retrieved your hat and swam quickly towards the finish line...

...but you quickly caught up to him.

In the end, you wound up reaching the island together.

As you climbed out of the water with him, panting heavily, he shook some of the water out of your hat with a deep sigh. "Ahhh, you saved my hat!"

With a soft snicker he looked at you, trying not to laugh. "Mayhap I shall keep the hat until you dry off." Raha set the hat on a nearby rock before running his hands through your sopping wet hair. "Whew... That was exhilarating. Shall we rest for a moment, Beth?"

"All right, then how about we take a walk together?"

You then sat on the beach together for a time, watching boats drift on the distant sea and gulls gliding through the sky. Neither of you spoke much, simply enjoying one another's company. Before too long had passed, you began to walk hand-in-hand along the beach.

Eventually, you placed the hat back on your head, even though you were still quite drenched.

"Raha, look!" You pointed to a pier nearby where people were renting hydrocycles to ride along the ocean. "That looks like so much fun! Let's try it together!"

"Aye! Let us rent one for ourselves." He said, squeezing your hand, then ran along with you to the pier. After renting one, the two of you took a ride together around the island before you climbed back onto the pier. "Done already, my love?"

"I want to watch you! Let me take a picture of you riding around!"

"Hmhm... You brought your tomestone with you?"

"I did," you said proudly, taking it out from your bikini. "A friend showed me this trick once. Thankfully, it's fully waterproof. Hehe... now smile!"

"O-Oh, so that is where you were keeping it..." Raha had a good laugh at that, grinning when you stuck your tongue out, smirking back at him. But when you prepared to take the photo, he gave you the sweetest smile he could, instantly melting your heart.

"Gosh, Raha... I think I have the cutest husband ever. I'm so lucky that the most charming man who ever lived decided to fall in love with me."

Blushing, Raha parked the hydrocycle and clambered up to the pier to your side. He slipped his hands over your hips, smiling up at you warmly as his ears wiggled. "Perhaps destiny decided it for me, Beth. Falling in love with you was no conscious choice..." He leaned up to kiss you softly. "...I simply could not resist your allure. You were, and are, my perfect mate."

You giggled and turned away from him, slightly embarrassed. "W-Well... What would you like to do now, Raha?"

"Hmm..." he began to pace through the sand thoughtfully for a moment, but then his ears flicked up. "Ah! There was a small hot spring near our cabin. Would you like to relax there for a spell? Then perhaps we can take a walk together, we may find something interesting."

Nodding, you took Raha's hand with a smile. "Yeah. Let's take a little break and then eat something. Instead of you cooking, how about we check out some of the food stalls we saw nearby? I want you to take it easy today, too!"

"Oh?" Raha raised a brow, his face flushing. "T-Take it easy, you say... Perhaps I should preserve the rest of my energy for tonight, hmm?" He winked teasingly, though he was clearly feeling bashful--he couldn't resist seeing your reaction, though.

You glanced away from him, pouting. "To the hot spring!"

The two of you then enjoyed a relaxing time in the hot spring; you nearly drifted off to sleep at some point, since the water was so comfortable. "It feels really good..." you sighed. "...it's not too hot like the ones in Kugane, it's nice like the one in Clearmelt."

"Aye," Raha agreed. "Ah... The sun is already beginning to set. It seems we have had quite the eventful day, have we not, Beth? I truly enjoy this time we spend together... just the two of us." He closed his eyes, smiling thoughtfully.

"If only it could last forever, these moments. Relaxing here with you makes me forget I'm the Warrior of Light... it has been such a long time since I felt so...free."

Raha leaned against you, putting an arm around your waist. "Someday, my love."

"Someday, you will be free, and the realm will be safe. I know it."

"I hope so... for everyone's sake. All the Scions--and yes, that includes you--deserve a nice, long vacation... Hehe, but don't get me wrong, Raha. I'm... I'm really happy that we can fight alongside each other, too. Just because we're married... I promise I won't forget about my duty. I know what I have to do as the Warrior of Light, how so many are counting on me."

Raha leaned up and dropped a light kiss on your lips.

"Pray do not think you must bear it alone. It is not only your duty, Beth. The Scions are with you until the end," he smiled, kissing your cheek. "Aye, that does include me."

Content, you dozed off for a time in the hot spring beside Raha...

Some time later, both of you were stirred by the sound of music and singing nearby. "What's that?" You blinked, drowsily standing up before offering Raha a hand. He took your hand and yawned gently, his eyes scanning the area.

"Over there," he said, pointing in the distance. There was a group gathered near one of the bungalows on the water that appeared to be practicing dancing rather noisily. "Shall we check it out, Beth? It looks like it might be fun."

"Yeah!"

In the end, the two of you were invited to join in on the dance lesson, and Raha purposely did the silliest dance moves to make you laugh...

"Seriously, Raha! You're so funny!" You then joined in with him, making carefree motions, dancing along with your newlywed husband. "I'm definitely not cut out for this!"

"Really? I think you look quite attractive performing these dances."

"Hmph! Yeah well... so do you!"

The two of you continued teasing each other and dancing for a time, and once everyone was tired out the dance group invited you to share dinner with them. It was a bountiful feast, and everyone was full of smiles as they congratulated you on your Eternal Bonding.

You remained with the dance group, eating and drinking, until it began to grow dark outside.

Then, you returned to the area near your cabin and danced together a little more...

"Raha, today was amazing..." You said quietly once you finished dancing, turning to the ocean that stretched out beyond. "I'm really...happy." You blinked slowly, feeling your eyes grow wet with tears. "I'm so, so happy..." You took one of Raha's hands.

He pulled you closer, looking up at you before reaching up to stroke your face.

"Is aught amiss, my love?" he asked, tenderly wiping the freshly fallen tears from your eyes. "Pray tell, what are you thinking of?"

"Just... I don't know. So many things at once. I'm so happy to be with you, Raha. So happy we've been eternally bonded. I'm happy that for now at least, we have a little break. I'm also scared of what is to come, and... I--well, looking at the clear sky and ocean like this, I wish... I wish that those I failed to protect could also see this sight and feel the joy I feel right now."

Raha squeezed your hand a little tighter. "I do not doubt that they are watching over you from above, Beth. Surely they are smiling at this moment. We will continue on protecting their dream and their memory... they shan't be forgotten."

"I know..." your voice trailed off as you closed your eyes, a few more small tears dripping down your cheeks. "...Thank you, Raha. It's because of you all that I always can muster the strength to keep going, you know. For those I have lost, for those I have and cherish. I'll continue to grow stronger, so I do not have to lose anyone else... I must."

Raha was silent for a time, lost in his own thoughts, but his warm, strong presence beside you was all you needed to feel reassured and happy. As long as I have you and the Scions...

You knew that you would never be alone again.

You would protect the future you wanted--the future everyone was fighting for.

A strong wave pushed in, rolling over your feet and sending tingles up your legs. "It's cold!" You cried, then giggled when you saw that Raha's fur had prickled from the chilly water. "Hey, Raha?" you asked after another wave washed over your feet.

"What is it?"

"I never want to forget this moment," you squeezed his warm hand and turned to him with a bright smile. "Let's look for some nice rocks and shells right here near our cabin. Then we can keep them with us as good luck charms, or maybe even make things from them. Can we?"

Raha's gaze softened and he smiled deeply, handsomely. "Hmhm... Of course."

After a little under an hour, you and Raha regrouped to share your findings, kneeling in the sand together. "Huh!" You cried. "You found so many good ones!"

"I think your collection is quite good as well. This one..." he picked up a tiny, smooth blue stone. "May I keep it for myself? The color reminds me of your blue eye."

"Then from your share... I'll take... hmm... this one!" You plucked a small, red ribbed shell from Raha's pile. "You got so many colorful ones...most of mine are gray, but so smooth and nice to touch! Hey, what do you think we should make with these?"

"Hmmm..." Raha carefully inspected the collection of shells and stones. "...When I still lived on the First as the Exarch, I recall children making charms of a sort and pinning them to their bags or purses. Perhaps... we could craft something like that for our packs?"

"Ohh, I like that idea, Raha! Let's find someone in Mor Dhona to help us with that after our honeymoon." I think I'll make you a bracelet, too. Or maybe an anklet! I hope he'll like it.

Once you had completed storing the shells and stones in separate, small bags, it had grown quite dark outside. You decided to make a campfire near the cabin to roast some marshmallows with Raha, but he was pacing nearby, lost in thought.

"Raha, what's up?"

"Ah, nothing..." Raha's tail was wagging back and forth shyly, his ears drooping down slightly. 

"Rahaaaa..." You held up two sticks with partially melted marshmallows on them, biting into yours after blowing on it. "Cem en Rra," you said with your mouth full. "Sit down!"

His tail began whipping even faster as he turned to face you. "Ahem..." He closed his eyes for a moment, then began singing sweetly to you, the same song he sang during the Rite of Aeon's Verse. You listened to him intently, your cheeks going red.

Then, you began to sing along with him, and he looked positively stunning in the firelight...

His Eternal Bonding ring shimmered in the light as he held out a hand to you, holding the other over his heart. You stuck both sticks into the ground and stood up, taking his hand, and together the two of you danced and danced, singing together until you both fell back in the sand, snuggling together and holding hands. "Raha... I love you."

"...I love you too, Beth. My beloved Warrior of Light...my Dawn."

You blushed and leaned in to kiss him, wrapping him up in your arms as you relaxed on the sand, warmed by the light of the crackling fire. For a time you lay together, enjoying a lover's embrace and the melody of fire and water until finally, Raha sat up and pulled you to your feet. "Raha?" you asked, lost in the glow of his scarlet eyes as he smiled sweetly.

"Are you ready to return to the cabin?" he asked, a hint of seduction in his voice as he slowly released your hands, plucking the stick out of the sand and nibbling on his giant marshmallow. You continued staring at him, sensing that his eyes burned nearly as much as the fire--and perhaps reflected the same need as your own.

Today, you had felt Raha in an intimate way for the first time; though you were a little ashamed to admit it, you wanted more. You loved the way he made you feel, the way he sounded when the two of you were caught in the heat of passion.

The way your thoughts drifted away, leaving nothing but him. Nothing but pleasure.

Knowing full well the weight and meaning of his words, you took his hands and nodded, smiling mischievously at him. "The question is... are you?"

Raha's ears waggled and he blushed, making a slight pouting face before nodding and pulling you closer, placing his hands dangerously close to your hips. "Aye... I'm ready to have you again." His voice was sultry, deep, sexy, and you were hooked in an instant.

You then took one of his hands before leaning close, licking the remnants of marshmallow from his lips, then pulled him to the cabin's door. Barely able to hold yourselves back, you embraced each other to share a momentary yet passionate kiss, Raha's hands sliding up your back to your shoulders as he then drew his tongue along your cheek.

You grabbed his tail as you gazed at each other, desire taking hold of you as the scent of your lover filled your thoughts. "Raha... How is it... that it's like a switch went off. A moment ago we were singing and dancing...and now I... I... I can't stop thinking about you..."

"...about your body. About...about having you for myself. I can't help myself..." You lowered your other hand over his behind and smiled awkwardly. "...I want you."

Before Raha could recover from your touches, you lifted him into your arms and pushed open the door to the cabin, locking it behind you. "Ah...Beth..." He didn't seem to mind all that much, completely under your spell as you carried him to the bedroom.

Once you had dropped him onto the bed, you crawled on top of him and removed his beach coat and shoes, sitting up on your knees after kicking off your heels to admire his body. 

He looked up at you with an enticing smile and eyes that were very clearly undressing you piece by piece. "...You're beautiful...sensual..."

"I want to see you..." he murmured, his deep, masculine yet pleading voice driving you wild.

=====

"Beth..." Raha held a lock of your hair, kissing it, his ruby eyes gleaming in the night. "My love...my mate," he cuddled closer, draping his tail over your legs. "I swear...I shall be with you always. I shall protect you with my life, with all that I am. I am yours...heart, body and soul."

"I know you will, Raha. I will protect you too," you whispered, pressing your lips to his with an enjoyable, quiet smacking sound. "I'm yours forever..." You rubbed your hands over his shoulders, taking in his breaths and his warmth. "I love you so much..."

"...more than anything. You are my life, Raha. You are my world. You are...everything."

Raha smiled gently, his ears slowly wiggling as he moved slightly on the bed to touch his lips to your collarbone, wrapping his tail around one of your legs as he pulled your body close, nestling his head underneath your neck. "You are my guiding star... you always have been."

"The course I have charted from your light...has never been wrong, my love..."

"...your star has led me precisely where I belong: in your arms once more."