REWRITE! PART 3

The Part everyone's been waiting for...

Chapter ILVI: Promise

Yugi took his hand and Timaeus led the way. Silence fell between them and Yugi felt unsettled by it. The grip on his hand was soft and almost loving, but his expression remained as readless as it had been when his eyes had fallen on Malik, Yugi's eyes lit up at the new possibility. Had he thought there was further conflict between them? After he expressly forbade it and offered his leniency? Was he still angry about the brawl earlier? He'd expected Timaeus to be angry but never had the man been so consumed by a single emotion as to fall completely silent. Yugi nibbled his lower lip nervously, but squared his shoulders. He promised he would not let this ruin them and he meant it, but it still left him anxious and uncertain.

He barely heard the doors open until the Great Cabin's worn hinges squeaked in protest. Timaeus pushed them open with a single shove and released Yugi's hand to gesture him inside. Yugi straightened his back and stepped in. Timaeus after him. Along with the Trierarch, Yugi felt his heart pound as Timaeus locked the door. The silence more deafening than a scream and his nerves a jumble of wrestling, knotted serpents, Yugi inhaled a breath and questions "Timaeus?"

He never got to finish his sentence. Timaeus whirled him around and, pulling him into him into his arms, crushed his lips to Yugi's. Gasping as the taller, harder body pinned him against the rim of the war table, spilling pieces as it shook. Yugi's hands slid back to gain purchase of something sturdy. The second of surprise ended quickly. Yugi's eyes fluttered closed and he moaned into the kiss, returning it with just as much fervor. He had only a moment to savor it before Timaeus gently pulled away. Yugi's breathe was a soft moan.

The words were spoken of a soft and deep whisper, awed and almost hungry. Yugi regained enough sense to blush. Then blinked.

"You…you're…not mad?" he asked almost nervously, blinking again,

Timaeus grinned: a proud, roguish thing. "I understand why you fought. You had every right too, but you still attacked me, blindly, and you did almost start a brawl after I ordered everyone not too." A fingertip ran down the length of Yugi's cheek and neck and back up to curl under his jaw. With a sharp tilt, Yugi's chin was raised. "I don't think I like that."

The tone made Yugi shiver. He bit back another moan when Timaeus' hard, strong body pressed further into his soft and pale one. Then lips descended upon his own and Yugi gasped. A hot tongue enticed his own to play, and his senses burned with the taste of rich spices and the warm sea breeze, his train of thought quickly falling apart under the intense sweetness.

He arched into playful touches running up his sides and his hands trembled. Struggling to keep his balance, his strength unhinged when those warm lips kissed the rim of his mouth than traveled down his neck. Ghostly fingers spidered up his chest making him shiver, then slid the underarmor off his shoulder and kisses descended on his collar.

Yugi gasped in surprise, his senses quickly clearing. "N-No—wait." He squeaked though he was unsure what he wanted.

"No?" Timaeus pulled away, his eyes glittering but his smile was warm. "Perhaps this then?" Two strong arms suddenly encircled his waist and heaved Yugi up onto the table. He heard a loud rip and his palms slid under him. He fell back against the table, pieces scattering into his outline. Yugi shivered and struggled up into a half-sitting position. Timaeus leered above him, eyes glittering but his face was a warm smile: proud and loving and without a trace of teasing.

"You had every right to put Malik in his place, Yugi." The words were a warm breath wafting against his ear. "You could've easily instigated him further but you did not. You could've handed him the capital punishment and no one would've spoken against you: instead you showed him mercy. You could have handed his judgement over to me and let that be the end of it, instead you took it upon yourself. You showed true strength this day. I'm very proud of you."

Tears pricked Yugi's eyes though he could not fathom why. The sheer earnest behind those words made him shiver. Something warm and deep exploded in his chest. Timaeus' gentle words and declaration of pride burned away all of his uncertainty and he felt the enclosed haughty shell of his former self dying in the passion fueled flames of Timaeus' soft touch and warm smile and the phoenix reborn from the ashes was alive and blazing: a creature of confidence and desire as well as challenge.

Above him, Timaeus gently brushed away the tears with his thumbs, smile beaming. "So proud." He rewarded Yugi with another kiss.

Yugi nearly burst from happiness and threw his arms around him in a tight hug. Timaeus caught him and returned the passionate embrace with one of his own. Hearing, seeing, watching Yugi defend his right to be at his side, that Timaeus was his and he, Timaeus': nothing had made him prouder. Happier. More aroused. He doubted even the most skeptical of his men would question Yugi's authority now.

Still drunk on the excitement of watching him fight and the possessive glee of Yugi's bold declaration, Timaeus wasted no time in deepening the kiss. Cupping Yugi's cheek in one hand, the other found the small of his back and gently maneuvered him backwards.

Lying his little prize back against the table Yugi gasped and mewled with delight when Timaeus' lips went lower. Talented hands, fiery kisses and passionate caresses, had all but set Yugi's body on fire. His whole body shivered and squirmed in a symphony of sweet sounds. How long had it been since their wedding day? A tenday maybe two? Three at most? Why did it feel like so much longer? Yugi shuddered again. It was a long time to go without touch. He blushed harder thinking how difficult it must've been for Timaeus after their compromise.

Timaeus was no different, leering down at his lovely prize, wild-eyed and lost in the orchestra of the delicious sounds Yugi made. Each chaste kiss to the exposed skin of his collar and shoulder brought giggling squeaks of delight. Each spidery stroke along the bare skin of his sides made him mewl and purr. High pitched hybrids between a moan and a whimper followed each time his lips and hands moved, and every gentle caress of his bottom and thigh was rewarded with a shuddering squeak: a symphony of pleasure and delight and Timaeus devoured each sweet sound, ravenously.

All too quickly he pulled away. Yugi whimpered in response, eyes pulled into a blink of confused pleading. Dainty hands poised to pull him back.

It was a miracle of his will, Timaeus did not devour the boy at once, but he had a promise to keep—and a lesson to teach.

"Yet you must not forget," he leaned over him, eyes grave and glittering. His smile had not lost its warmth. "I am the Trierarch: keeping the men in line is my duty. Yours, sweetling, is to solve disputes and take care of everyone, especially now that you are Quartermaster."

Yugi blushed, pinned in place by those blazing eyes.

Timaeus sighed dramatically, "Now I am torn," he said with mock dilemma. "I'm uncertain if I should reward you or punish you."

The tone was teasing, but Yugi jumped. "P-punish me?" He demanded half insulted, half excited. "For wha-ah!" He didn't get to finish as he was suddenly hoisted into Timaeus' arms, like a lop-sided bride and carried down the familiar path to the Trierarch's quarters. The Trierarch smirked. "You did just confess you struck first did you not?"

The former prince blushed and Timaeus beamed.

"You've left me in quite a predicament, little one. I simply don't know what I'm going to do with you?" He deposited his burden on the bed, and Yugi yelped when he sank into the feathers, and shivered under those leering eyes. Just now, he became aware of the large rip exposing his right side and hip, and the loose silver fabric hanging comically off his left shoulder, and that hungry, blazing look in the Trierarch's eye. Yugi's heart pounded. He knew that look. Knew it from the first time they'd met, the first time they'd kissed, and so many more moments after that—that same amorous leer of sheer amazement that bordered on desire. The look Timaeus used when he wanted him, and was determined to have Yugi want him back.

Yugi's eyes pulled into a smirk. Well, two could play at that came. With a sudden burst of confidence and energy from his pounding heart, Yugi pushed into a seated position and crossed his legs. One hand, balancing him the other gripping the fabric of his opposite shoulder and ripping it down. The fabric tore exposing, honey milk skin.

A coquettish smile curled at his lips and his half-lidded eyes glittered with merry wickedness. "You know," Yugi drawled in a seductive purr. "You don't have to punish me." The rest of the armor fell, exposing a slim chest and soft curves. His smirk curled a little when Timaeus froze. "You could just reward me today, and then punish me later, couldn't you?" Soft, slender hands tiptoed up Timaeus' chest, then gently shoved him down so the other was sprawled across the bed, and Yugi across his lap. "You are the Trierarch no one could argue or speak against you and who's to complain once it's been done?" Lotus blue eyes glittered bright and brilliant with a lustful amethyst hue.

Beneath him Timaeus growled like a hungry beast denied its kill. Oh, clever little thing, his lotus, imp, consort, Yugi, was. With a sudden surge of strength, Timaeus ceased Yugi's biceps and flipped the over, the younger yelped as he was moved and suddenly found himself pinned beneath the starving hunter that was his husband, and gulped when he felt the tattered remains of his clothing slip further own his hips—where one of Timaeus' strong, experienced hands was already placed. All the other had to do was rip, and he'd be his.

"You know?" Timaeus purred above him. A low, rumbling tone relaxed as thunder and just as grave. Yugi gulped. "I think I like that idea."

Yugi's eyes lit with a sudden nervous panic, as the other leaned down. Yugi closed his eyes and waited for another tantalizing wave of paralyzing kisses. All he felt was a gentle press to his forehead. He blinked and looked up. Timaeus pulled away with warm eyes. "Rest well, my little one, I gave you my word I'd wait and I have no intention of breaking that vow." He promised and sealed the bond with a chaste kiss to his cheek

It was honesty not hesitation and his willingness to keep that promise nearly caused Yugi's heart to burst.

Then Timaeus' eyes glittered. "But," His hands moved wickedly to cup Yugi's buttocks and started kneading the soft flesh.

"Oh God!" Yugi can only scream and spreads his knees apart. Timaeus' hand slips behind him and starts peeling off the filthy underarmor and lowered his mouth to Yugi's soft thighs. "When I'm finished with you, you'll wish I had."

X X X

When Yugi awoke again the next morning, it was in a dazed stupor, he rolled over and found Timaeus asleep next to him. He smiled: giddy and exuberant and leaned forward to kiss him.

There was a brief rustle of movement then his eyes opened. He smiled lovingly, arms rested next to his consort's frame, one hand artistically brushing Yugi's feathery bangs clear from his face with tender care. "Good morning."

"Morning," Yugi giggled, sweetly. The soft, chiming sound was music in Timaeus' ears.

For a spell of time the two monarchs lay there: watching the other smile, basking in the dreamy tenderness and exchanging loving, wordless glances. The silence all the more comforting for it.

"Am I forgiven?" Yugi asked in a whisper though the words lost none of their playful sweetness.

Timaeus sat himself up and shook his head chuckling. "There was nothing to forgive, my love," he said moving his hand to stroke and cup Yugi's cheek. "But…" he added, eyes flickering. "I trust you learned your lesson?" There was a tease in the warning that made Yugi nod. "Yes," he sighed.

"And?" Timaeus chided, gently.

"You are the Trierarch, I am your Quartermaster. You keep everyone in line and I take care of everyone."

"And…" Timaeus pressed in a melatonin drag.

Yugi snorted but snuggled his cheek against the man's side. "No more fights."

"Good." Timaeus smiled then slid down to give Yugi a proper kiss. Yugi returned it whole heartedly.

"Although," Timaeus added when they pulled away, "I must admit, watching you fight Malik like that was the most enticing thing I'd ever seen," he said, eyes glittering and Yugi blushed.

"Was it?" Yugi said with a coquettish cock of the head, still blushing.

Timaeus blinked, surprised. Even more so when Yugi wedged himself closer and plopped into his lap "What about now?" He leaned so close their faces almost touch, and the warm sleekness of Yugi's skin burned through the thin small clothes he wore and set his arousal afire. His gentle hands were like spiders weaving silky trails along his skin. Their tiny legs dancing like pinpricks before bursting into a thousand galvanizing sparks, tempting and teasing with touches so soft and tempting that for a moment, Timaeus thought flames were licking at him. Yugi was like a flame tempting the moth: so close he could burn him easily, but instead he patiently waited for his prey to take the bait and embrace the sweet, tempting softness of his kiss before striking.

And burn he would, Timaeus knew, feeling the flames spike his blood with temptation and the beast inside his mind banged at its cages demanding to take its sweet prize, blissfully unaware of its fate. It would be so easy to set it free. With the key already in the lock, and all he had to do was turn it…Instead he snapped it shut, curled his lips into a smirk and ceased Yugi's chin.

"I am tempted," he answered. "So very tempted." He pulled Yugi closer, shivering with a possessive delight when Yugi shivered. His eyes fluttered close and he parted his lips to kiss him—then his fingers slipped and he kissed and grasped open air. Caught back, his eyes shot open, blinking, bewildered and dumbstruck.

A giggle came from the corner. He shot towards it in just enough time for Yugi struggling to keep his hands over his mouth before he erupted into a laughter so harsh he tumbled from the bed.

Timaeus growled. "You. Devious, little. Imp." He punctured each word with a grated growl and a domineering step until he was over the crumpling, laughing mess.

Yugi had only a moment to scrutinize him before he pounced. Yugi shrieked when Timaeus ceased him round the middle and pinned him to the bed. His breathe gone in a single second and his heart palpitating. Timaeus fixated him with a curled smile like a hungry hound that hadn't eaten in weeks and Yugi was a tempting treat.

"Didn't I not warn you?" His voice was a sultry rasp, dangerously low and laced with wicked promise. "Not to start something unless you intended to finish it, you naughty little thing?" There was a patronizing tease to the words like a patient taskmaster scolding a stubborn apprentice. It made Yugi's heart pound even more—whether it as from excitement or fear, he didn't know which.

"Now I have to punish you." Timaeus' hand slipped below the folds of Yugi's shift. Determined fingers sliding across the silks like a shark until he felt the rouge fingers slide up his leg, his thigh, towards his bottom…Yugi closed his eyes and bit his lip. Heart pounding in his heart and his breath frozen in his throat…waiting, anticipating.

A sharp sting slapped across the side of his bottom and thigh: Yugi reacted with the force of a wound up spring, shrieking and flailing all his limbs in a single, terrorized movement. Shock and fear nursed by anticipation and impatience exploded into a moment of pure terror and then vanished all at once. After a few heavy breathes to calm himself down, Yugi felt his mind clear and processed the memory. Rubbing the reddening skin of his side, he stared at Timaeus with a mixture of shock and utter disbelief.

Timaeus stood, smirking. "There, now that you've learned your lesson…" he strutted to the wardrobe, pulled out an outfit for himself and tossed Yugi his clothes: a slippery, silken garment and leggings Yugi recognized as the gown he'd worn his first night on the ship. "Hurry up and get dressed. We've much to do before dawn."

Yugi's lashes swept across his cheek. He stared at the outfit then at Timaeus.

"Don't give me that look," Timaeus' sharp voice shook. Yugi fixed Timaeus with a scowl but the elder only smirked. "You've worn that underarmor for nearly a week straight and after that scuffle last night you'll be lucky if Rhebekka can have it cleaned and patched in a few days. Until then its time you adjusted to a Magistrate's wardrobe."

"I wasn't talking about the clothes!" Yugi shook his head regaining his sensed and pointed and accusing finger "You…" he paused shaking in anger and unable to find the right description. "Spanked me?" he tried.

Timaeus snorted. "At worst I swatted your bottom, are you really going to make a scene after all the teasing you've been doing?" he challenged arching an eyebrow.

Fiercely wanting to protest, Yugi glared at him and with a final snort to save his pride, relented and pulled off his shift. He donned the small clothes and leggings first, then hesitated pulling on the shift.

Timaeus frowned. "Is it uncomfortable?" he asked curious.

Yugi shook his head. "It's not that it's just…so odd." He pulled the top over his head to tie the rest of it. He'd didn't object when Timaeus helped him with the belts. "I'm not used to wearing so much at once."

"I understand," Timaeus nodded tying the top. "You are used to Kemet's hot climate and the versilitude of the sea. You've not yet experienced Locri's warm winds and cold spells, but I'm sure in time you will get used to them."

"I hope so." Yugi's response was a long sigh, but he flashed Timaeus a small smile.

The man only smiled then added curly. "Don't even think of brawling it in though. Else you'll have to go naked until we reach Locri, and I'll not have rumor spreading that I can't provide for my wife." He said with a serious eye and a sultry playfulness in his tone as teasing fingers lifted to stroke the delicate curve of Yugi's soft cheek. "So you had best behave yourself."

Yugi snorted with derision.

Timaeus' eyes hardened. "Yugi?" Timaeus regarded him with even eyes and stern irritation. Still Yugi stubbornly remained silent. He decided to change tactic. "You realize," he only half threatened "I could still punish you for your brawling. Justified or not."

"Punish me?" Yugi shrieked, shrill with irritation. "I am not some child!" He retorted with so little respect were he a child he'd have been slapped for it.

"No?" Timaeus said: voice stern and face stoic, but eyes and smile blazing: one with hunger the other with challenge. Yugi wasn't sure which excited him more. "Perhaps I should turn you over my knee and spank you?"

Yugi spun to him aghast and appalled. A part of him wondered if he was jesting and knew the answer, the other found the idea, dare he even consider it, arousing. "You wouldn't dare!"

Timaeus' smirk widened "Do you wish to test me?"

Yugi knew the smirk and that tone. He'd used it before, when he asked Yugi if he wished to learn the secret of Timaeus' scar, and had only wanted to test his resolve.

"You would," he said without hesitation then added boldly, "but you would not do it to punish me, you would do it just to tease me."

A rich laugh rolled off his Timaeus tongue. Levering the stern in place he leaned against the railing, legs crossed elegantly. "No, little one, I would not..." He tugged the finger of his glove, stripping it from the flesh. "I told you, I'm far more chivalrous with my lovers than that," he stripped the second in the same fashion and left them at his side.

Then he pushed himself up and bowed to meet Yugi's eyes, the bare fingers reaching to stroke his cheek, the gentlest of promises. "And you are my consort."

Yugi trembled under his touch, but not in fear. Slowly, Timaeus bent down to kiss him. Yugi leaned into the touch. Timaeus pulled away and pinned Yugi's back to the wall. Hard. His face was set with a humored smile, but his eyes were grave. "I am serious, Yugi." His tone was serious and dangerously seductive.

This was not his husband whose tender kisses warmed his skin and offered him companionship or the Rouge who only minutes before set his soul aflame.

This was the Trierarch, whose command was absolute and who would not hesitate to coerce Yugi to his will, and who looked at him like a hungry beast and Yugi was a rabbit he couldn't wait to devour.

It sent a shiver through him: whether it was excitement or fear, Yugi, himself, did not know.

"I catch you brawling again, I'll throw you over my shoulder and drag you to the brigs myself. And if I have to tell you a third time…" He spun Yugi around in his arms and slid a rough hand up Yugi's thigh. His face curled into a smirk. His next words dangerously low with lust and gravity in Yugi's ear. "Then I will tan this pretty ass of yours until it's as red as your face." He finished with a quick swat across Yugi's bottom to make his point.

Yugi blushed and spun to face him when Timaeus let him go. His hands instinctively moved to cover the abused area. "Fine." Yugi grumbled fiddling with the skirts then flashed Timaeus a derisive smile.

"By the way," Timaeus asked with an almost childish curiosity. "What was it that Malik wanted?"

Hoping from the stool, Yugi grinned, laughing impishly. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Timaeus did not miss the coquettish wink in his eye. "As a matter of fact, I would." He took long steps closer until he towered over Yugi, eyes sly and grinning. "Or do I have to force it out of you?" He smiled a smile that promised things.

Yugi met his eyes, grinning and locking eyes with his lover until he could stand it no longer and broke into a fit of giggles.

Timaeus rewarded him by lifting him from the waist and trapping him on the stool, strong hands pinning the slender hips in place and looked up at his little medic with fox eyes. "Well?" he demanded in a playfully-threatening tone.

Yugi was almost tempted, but at the last moment, decided against it. "If you must know," Yugi began, shaking back a curtain of hair. "He came to thank me for the elixir I offered him for his burnt skin—several of the men have actually—and," he paused deliberately and waited for the impatience to sparkle in Timaeus' eyes.

"And?" As expected, the man asked, arching an impatient brow.

"He wished to apologize for any rudeness over the course of our voyage and I, in turn, apologized for my," he paused again, this time out of embarrassment, "less than lord-like behavior when we first met."

Timaeus pulled away, his lips lifting into a proud smile. "Well done," he cheered, and helped him down when Yugi offered his hand. "I knew you would do well." His eyes were beaming and in that moment, Yugi could've died smiling: he felt so happy. Instead, he embraced his husband tightly, and felt the warm strength of his arms when he returned the gesture. All too quickly for Yugi's liking, it ended.

"Come." Timaeus offered his hand. "We've much to do this day."

Yugi smiled and accepted his hand. Then he pushed himself up and kissed him sweetly. "Let's" he pulled away with a bright smile.

Timaeus blinked for a moment, gentle fingers brushed his lips where the kiss lingered and his tongue tasted the sweet flavor of honey and pomegranates and something else that was distinctly Yugi. Once certain, he chuckled "What was that for?"

"A thank you," Yugi said, a blush painting his cheeks rosy. "For the other day."

Timaeus only smiled and kissed the corner of his lips and slipped his hand in Yugi's. "Shall we?" Timaeus led him away, beaming with pride at the light shining off his little consort. Pride, confidence, hope… It made his heart flutter.

One day, and one day soon, he would make a true noble authority.

Not sure how I feel about the title but it just seemed to fit :)

I am SO proud of this section! oh my gosh you have NO idea how hard that scene with Yugi and Timaeus was to write! THAT was the part that took the better part of TWO MONTHS to finish! it was So hard cause i aready had the awesome scenes between them written so now i Had to work backwards phew!

Well if you'll all remmebr back in march i took a break due to block for these chapters and prewrot the earlier ones...well i am pleased to announce TIMAEUS UPDATES WILL BE BACK TO WEEKLY! (angel choir!) thank god!

Still figuring out a good day so let me know what works for everyone otherwsie i think I'll stick with Wednesdays :)

NEXT TIME: Timaeus and Yugi have a serious discussion about their marriage and upcoming nuptuials and a sudden storm leads to an unexpected surprise...

As always read, review, critique, comment, ask questions and go nuts!