Chapter 3

:: Lost ::

Sphinx had been acting weird lately, but he tried to hide it around Tut. Almost as if he didn't want him to see what was happening to him, whatever that thing was. It was…awkward…to say the least. Tut acted like he was walking on glass around the demigod, and the latter was acting even quieter than usual. Tut looked across the room to see where Sphinx was standing against the wall, carefully observing the dining hall that they were seated in. Tut brought the soup to his lips and sipped slowly. It was rather hot…

Hazel eyes took their time in moving to rest upon the King and Tut looked down at his food the moment that their eyes met. He was beginning to grow nervous and it was killing him inside. He disliked how he wasn't able to control his emotions and actions as well as Sphinx could. It was annoying. It wasn't fair. He was the king and yet he wasn't able to even control himself, much less a kingdom. With a heavy sigh he placed his spoon down beside the bowl and stood, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. Big brown eyes looked at everyone in question before he excused himself, leaving for his room. It was getting rather dark…and rather chilly…

As he left he heard Nefertiti quietly reprimand someone before Sphinx followed after him. The two walked in silence and Tut looked over to see Sphinx fully focused on where he was going. He had such a handsome face…why on earth was he even here? He could go anywhere and get a woman to do basically anything for him and yet he stayed here with him…protecting him…The paint on his face was a constant wonder to the king on how it stayed there. He had never seen the demigod without the face markings, without his helmet either for a matter of fact. His eyes wandered down his body and saw his tail flick behind him. His tail was always a dead giveaway to his inner emotions and thoughts. It was the key in figuring out his troubled mind. Sphinx reached over and took a soft hold of his upper arm, holding him beside him when he moved to take another step. His eyes looked up to see hazel eyes gazing down at him in question before he spoke.

"I believe that this is your room." Sphinx reached across the thin man to take a hold of the handle, pulling it open easily. Tut watched the arm in front of him flex as he pulled it open, relaxing after it was open as the tension in his arm was released. Tut looked up at him to realize that his face was mere inches away from his. Sphinx raised an eyebrow at him, acting like he was going to come closer, but Tut moved quickly under his arm, entering his room hastily. Sphinx watched him as he turned around before bowing at the waist and shutting the door. Tut watched his form disappear between the crack as the doors were firmly closed. Tut let out a rather hefty sigh before turning back to his room. Walking to the center he turned to where his closets were and went ahead over, changing into more appropriate attire for sleeping. He then went over to his bed and slipped under the thin Egyptian cotton, removing his headdress and placing it on the dresser beside his head. The short brown mop that was on his head was rustled as he yawned, stretching his arms. As he lay down in the bed he looked at the headdress that seemed to stare at him even though it had no eyes. Looking at it for too long began to mess with his head and he rolled over, closing his eyes as he curled slightly.

Sphinx watched the door from his dark corner across from the King's chambers and a little to the side. Two guards approached and stood on either side of the door before Nefertiti came forth, speaking to each individually before turning to look at Sphinx. Her green eyes narrowed as she approached.

"Hawking are we? I didn't figure you a bird Sphinx." She earned a deathly glare from the demigod before he heard the slight shuffle of sheets within the room. He squinted in thought as Nefertiti continued to speak nonsense. There was another, much more obvious rustle of sheets and he narrowed his eyes. He never shifted that much in his sleep. He had been listening to his sleeping patterns for six days. He knew for a fact that he never moved so much as a muscle as he slept. Sphinx stood up straighter and moved towards the doors but was stopped by the guards and Nefertiti's ever present annoying voice. "You aren't allowed in there past nightfall demigod. Why would I change my mind now to let you sleep in the same room as my fiancée?"

"Something's wrong." He looked back at Nefertiti to see her look at the door behind him with a somewhat inquisitive look before glaring at Sphinx. She stared at him, waiting for a better answer. "What is with you lady?ཀ You ask me to protect him and you're preventing me from doing so properly." He growled the words at her, leaning down to look her in the eye. She swallowed quietly, remembering how he had knocked her down without so much as trying.

"You do not need to be in the same room to protect him. Guards don't normally watch their majesty sleep, they obediently wait outside to be called upon when needed." She flipped her hair nonchalantly before looking at the two guards on either side of him before turning back to look at him. His eyes were sparking.

Sphinx looked back at the door and listened. There wasn't any sound coming from within and it gnawed on his nerves and conscious to the bone of his thoughts. He stared at the door waiting for some sort of movement or sound to let him know that he was okay. There was a small sigh of breath and Sphinx's head tilted to the side at the peculiar sound. It wasn't a peaceful sigh of restful sleep but more of a…why, it was more of a weak attempt at making a small noise than anything. He watched the door before his arm was pulled back by small, fragile hands.

"We need to let him sleep. Come now, you can watch him just as well out here as you can in there." She urged him away from the doors and he pulled his arm away from her with a simple pull. His eyes looked down on her as he slinked back into his dark corner, body seeming to melt into the darkness as he sighed. His hazel eyes peered out at her before she finally decided to leave. When she did his eyes were once again trained on the door, watching and listening for his King's presence.

SKIP

"Search every nook and cranny within this palaceཀ I want him foundཀཀ" Nefertiti's voice echoed within the palace walls as she commanded every able person whether it was a servant or guard to search the palace. Sphinx simply sat back and watched the people scurry around like the rats that inhabited the palace along with them. He smirked as Nefertiti saw him doing nothing. She stalked over with her shoulders back and chin held up high as she approached him. Her pointed finger stabbed at his chest and he looked at her defiantly. "You. Why are you not doing anything? He was your responsibilityཀ" At that comment he stood up taller and looked down on her with dark eyes.

"Well, I believe that if I were able to watch over him like I was supposed to it would have never happened." He licked his lips in agitation, looking over her to where the guards were discussing search tactics. When he looked back at her she had her lips pursed as green eyes sparkled. He saw that she was going to say something and interrupted her. "You do know that its your fault don't you? I told you that something was wrong."

"I know." She closed her eyes, throwing her hands down at her sides before grabbing her fingers with the opposite hands. Taking a deep breath she calmed down her static emotions and raging temper. She sighed before speaking again, having collected herself enough so as not to express her annoyance. "I…could you find him?" Green eyes looked up at him with concealed anger and Sphinx crossed his arms, looking at her with a smirk he quietly responded.

"Say please." He earned a fiery glare from the emeralds before she bit out the words with benevolence.

"Please."

"I don't think you mean it there Princess." Hazel eyes watched her closely and when she didn't respond he shrugged, walking past her and down the hall. He was stopped when she spoke, voice breaking halfway through her plea.

"Sphinxཀ I need you to find himཀ Please…."

He watched the hall in front of him quietly, thinking about how desperate she was. He looked over his shoulder to see her close her eyes to keep back tears. He sighed before looking up, replying with a detached tone as he thought about his own motives for looking for him himself.
"Fine."

He exited the palace and moved through the town, sniffing every now and again to find his king's scent. He picked it up heading to the Western exit. He followed it with ease, paying no attention to the other people in the streets while unconsciously paying close attention to what every person around him was doing. For instance, when one of the venders placed the basket of fruit on the very edge of the counter, Sphinx maneuvered himself out of the way, not really caring that the food got dirty.

Nefertiti wasn't the only one who wanted to find Tut.

He followed the trail out of the kingdom and into the desert before losing it at nightfall. He stood on the sand dune and looked around him. There was nothing in his line of vision except for endless sand and sky. There was a slight breeze that lifted up small cyclones of sand around him and he looked around for a little while longer before sighing, dropping his head onto his chest. He honestly did not want to have to do that. He looked up at the stars glittering almost mockingly in the sky as he cursed under his breath.

He needed help…

"Well, well Sphinx. I never expected to see you here so soon…" The voice came out of nowhere and Sphinx looked around the ancient temple and the pool of lava between him and the giant statue of Anubis. Sphinx barely had time to step out of the teleporting statue before there was a figure in front of him, grinning at him with sharp canines in his muzzle. Sphinx looked at him for a moment before sighing, rolling his eyes. "Aw, that isn't the way to greet a god Sphinx…" The black dog approached, ears perked toward him as he waited for a response.

"I need your help." Sphinx closed his eyes the moment he asked and heard the clawed feet stop approaching. There was silence before Anubis replied.

"No."

"You don't even know what it is yet. It might involve a little something for you…like, maybe a few souls…?" Sphinx looked at him, trying to convince him to help. Anubis looked over with narrowed eyes and a raised eyebrow. "I need information on where King Tutankhamen is." Anubis glared at him, turning away from him with a scowl.

"I don't want to help you find that fool."

Sphinx approached, leaning closer to him as Anubis turned toward him. He placed his hands on his shoulders, pressing his body against the others like the sly cat that he was. "Are you sure?" Sphinx lifted his head slightly, breathing the words against the perked black dog ear on the top of his head. He watched the ear twitch before him with an arrogant smile. Anubis didn't answer and he moved back a little bit, sliding his hands down and around to the small docked tail that sat between the two pieces of cloth that circled his waist. A shiver passed through his victim and those dark eyes looked up at Sphinx.

"He's in the dungeon of the rival Kingdom in the West." As Anubis spoke Sphinx leaned close to his lips before kissing his nose, backing up into the teleportation portal behind him quickly. He lifted a clawed hand and smiled at Anubis with the arrogance that came with being a demigod, waving goodbye as Anubis watched him blankly. He seemed to be processing what just happened and when he finally realized it Sphinx was dissolving on the pad, dust being sucked into the sphinx statue behind him. He heard Anubis yell his name as he disappeared. There was cocky smile of confidence as he appeared within the palace walls of Tut's kingdom. Nefertiti was awaiting him in the dimly lit room.

The smirk disappeared when he saw her, stepping off quickly he started down the long hallway to the exit. Nefertiti strode along beside him, questions exiting her mouth faster than her feet were moving.

"Have you found him? Do you know where he is? You know you can't kill anybody, I'm forbidding you from doing so for Tut's sake. Who did you speak with? What took you so long?" Her voice began to echo within the confines of his head and he stopped and looked down at her with clear agitation and she stopped. He closed his eyes in a gesture of thanks before brushing past her. He pushed open the door that led out of the dark room.

"Sphinx…get him back…" Her voice was wavering with uncertainty and sorrow. He could hear her breath hitch as she nearly broke into tears. He stopped in the doorway, both hands holding onto the doorframe on either side of him. He looked over his shoulder, eyes quiet as he looked at her. He turned away before leaving, no words spoken at all. He missed him just as much, but there was no way that he could allow that to show others that he had a weakness. There was no way that anyone was going to see him missing someone. He couldn't afford the risk. He was invincible; he didn't have a weakness…

Hazel eyes looked out over the sands as Sphinx stood at the West gate, watching the wind blow up small dust bowls throughout the barren land. He sighed before heading off at a jog, padded toes spreading equally over the sand so that he didn't slip or sink. He ran for at least a couple of hours, reaching the Western kingdom before nightfall. The guards at the gates looked at him and he introduced himself. Once they registered who he was they allowed him passage. Getting in was the easy part.

Sphinx walked through the city before stopping near the castle. He looked at the guard that stood guarding the side entrance before sniffing the air. Tut was nearby. His eyes wandered around the square before landing back on the guard. Walking over, they lifted their lance to block his way. Sphinx sighed, looking at the thin pole of wood with displeasure.

"You cannot pass. No civilians are allowed." He was strict and commanding but when the figure before him didn't move an inch he looked up to see Sphinx staring at him.

"I'm not a civilian. I'm a…tourist. I don't want any trouble, just let me through and you'll be fine." Sphinx was calm and he raised his hands with the intention of not hurting anyone. The guard narrowed his eyes before repeating it again.

"You cannot pass. No civilians allow-"

Sphinx lifted his knee and held the guys' shoulders as it hit him in the guts. The body slumped down but not before he let out a small cry of pain. Sphinx dusted his hands before his ears picked up on the sound of footsteps approaching from inside the castle. Sphinx watched the group of men surround him with weapons drawn. One of them was checking on the unconscious guard when Sphinx spoke.

"He'll be fine. Maybe a cracked rib at best." Sphinx looked at them with curiosity as they checked the other man's pulse. The weapons that were drawn were raised toward Sphinx. He slowly raised his arms, eyes narrowing as they moved closer, the tips of their weapons getting close enough to his skin that he shivered. The cold metal making goose bumps momentarily appear on his skin. "I really do not think you should attack a cornered animal…it's dangerous."

Before the guards had time to react he grabbed a hold of his sword, pulling it out and dodging the weapons before laying the sword against one of their throats. He paused before slicing off his head. The guard was looking at him with wide eyes as the other members tried to figure out what just happened. Sphinx closed his eyes, sighing as he lowered the sword. They swallowed loudly and took in a breath to say something when Sphinx head butted him, knocking him back while he sheathed his sword. Hazel eyes turned to the crowd behind him before they charged.

They all ended up on the ground, unconscious or unable to move. He looked around him at the bodies before stepping over one and walking down the hall. He caught a small movement beside him and he moved before they even had the chance to attack and pinned them to the wall. They dropped their weapon and looked into his eyes fearfully as they continually sputtered out apologizes and pleas, asking to be spared. Sphinx glared at them before speaking, silencing them with a single look.

"If you keep talking you might loose your tongue." At Sphinx's words they silenced immediately. "You wouldn't, by chance, know where the dungeons are…would you?" Sphinx looked at them up then down as they nodded their head vigorously. He let out a small sound of approval before dropping him into the dirt that sat beneath them. "Show me." Sphinx watched as they stumbled to their feet, crawling into a standing position as he moved down the dark hall. He looked behind him to see nothing but the groaning bodies of his comrades. He looked around, confusion and hope making his body cease its trembling. "Before you even think of running or calling for help, I will bring death on swift wings and you won't be so lucky the second time." Sphinx looked down at him from the rafters above him and the bobbing head before he went forward.

The moment that the dungeons came into sight and the two guards saw one another Sphinx dropped down behind him just as he was about to speak a warning, knocking him out with a swift blow to the neck. The other guard started and was about to cry for backup when Sphinx ran up to him, pressing his forearm against the man's throat as his hazel eyes searched the darkness for his king through the small barred window.

"Tut?" He called it barely even above a whisper and when there was no reply he turned those eyes on the guard, the small green around his irises sparking as he pushed him harder into the door. "Where is he?" There was a subtle hint of death in his voice should he answer wrong or not at all so the guard hurriedly lifted his hand to point at the door he was against. Sphinx looked back through the window before raising an eyebrow, wrapping his fingers around his throat. "Well…why don't you show me then?" He backed up a few steps before throwing him into the door, sending both of the solid objects into the dark room. Hazel eyes looked through the darkness and his pupils dilated to see in the dark room.

A figure stirred in the corner and Sphinx's attention immediately moved to where there was a person trying to hide in the corner. Sphinx walked over, feet barely even making any sound as he approached the hunched over, trembling figure. When he was close enough he laid a hand upon his shoulder and they immediately lashed out. The moment that they moved their body to face the demigod, Sphinx was already aware of their intent, catching the wrists as they flew at him, crossing them and pulling them against his chest, drawing Tut against his sturdy frame. Tut tried to free himself before Sphinx whispered in his ear comfortingly. Tut opened his eyes to see the familiar material that hung around his neck and tears gathered in the brown corners.

"You're fine...relax Tut..." Sphinx placed a hand on the back of his head, pulling it close to rest his chin upon the rustled brown mop of hair. He closed his eyes, letting out a subtle sigh of relief. Tut tensed up before tugging his hands free, wrapping his arms around the thick body that rested before him. "You're body's shaking...you're such a weakling Tut..." Sphinx chuckled lightly before he heard footsteps coming down the castle hall. He lifted his head and looked attentively at the doorway. He watched as a guard rushed past the open doorway before backtracking to look inside. Without a word he grew cold and scooped up Tut, standing as he did so to his full height. They reached for their weapon and Sphinx dashed at him, knocking him into the cold wall on the other side of the hall with his shoulder. They let out a pained grunt before sliding down to the floor unconscious. Tut had wrapped his arms tightly around his neck the moment that he had moved and was curled as much as he could be, holding onto Sphinx for dear life.

Sphinx looked down at him before leaving the palace with rushed movements, wanting to get him back into the safety of his own bed as quick as possible. Tut didn't move or say anything the entire way back and Sphinx was a little hurt by it, but hid it from everyone acting as though it was nonexistent. He even fooled himself for a short time.

The moment that Tut's bare feet touched the floor Nefertiti was there, hugging and holding him as close to her as possible. She spoke incessantly about missing him and babied him as if she hadn't seen him in a decade. Sphinx rolled his eyes at the show of affection, keeping the predator within him complacent and relaxed while he secretly admired Tut's bare back and butt. He was wearing a smaller skirt than normal and it stopped a few inches above his knees and seemed to fit him a little better than the rest of his wardrobe.

Tut grew more and more anxious each passing moment as he was coddled by his fiancée. He pushed her back, causing his own body to move away at the sudden force and Sphinx steadied him with his shoulder as he tripped over his own feet. Tut lifted his face to smile at him, thanking him quietly as he was lifted back onto his feet. This brought Nefertiti's attention back onto him.

"So Sphinx…how many people did you manage to send to the Gods today?" She crossed her arms over her bosom, glaring at him as if he were some anathema to the world. She quirked a curious eyebrow as she waited for him to respond. Sphinx looked down at Tut before rolling his eyes, taking in a large amount of air to relax. Hazel eyes glared back at her with the same amount of intensity as he spoke.
"Zero, if you must know. They might have a few broken bones and a couple may be unconscious for a while, but they will all survive." Sphinx heard a small amount of movement and glanced down to see Tut looking at him with big eyes full of curious compassion. He managed to somehow press his body more against Sphinx's side and he let out a slow breath. Sphinx looked back at Nefertiti before taking a small step back, closing his eyes as he bowed at the waist.

"Well…this won't do…" Tut's voice was softly spoken as he looked around the room. All of the guards and servants were crowded around them, and every single one of them had weariness written all over their faces. Brown eyes looked back at where Sphinx remained bowed at the waist before back at Nefertiti's green eyes. "Everyone here is tired and exhausted. I can't possibly put them through a wedding ceremony tonight…" He looked down at his feet while whispered words circulated the room.

"Tut…if not today then-"

"We can do it tomorrow. Give all of my people time to rest…It will be tomorrow night…" Tut looked up at each individual face before turning to face Sphinx. He went up to him and tugged on his arm to make him stand. Hazel eyes were cast down as he looked up at him. "Come on. I believe it is time to go to bed." He looked over his shoulder at everyone before raising his voice. "That goes to everyone. Have a good sleep." Tut pulled Sphinx after him as he made his way out of the main room. Nefertiti caught his arm before he was able to escape.

"Tut, what are you doing? Sphinx still isn't allowed to be present in your chambers. I won't allow it." Nefertiti glared at the taller man behind him. Tut looked at her coolly, taking his arm out of her grasp.

"You have no say in the matter. I am in charge and I say he guards me however he sees fit, even if it goes against your own agenda. I do not wish to get kidnaped again due to his inability to watch over me." He turned around on his heel before she could respond and made it to his room quietly. After they made it inside Sphinx stood off to the side, slipping his hand from the other man's grasp as he did so. Tut looked after him before going into the room and entering the portion where his bed was. He sat down and looked up at the small fountain in the center of the room, waiting for Sphinx to walk over. After a few moments of no movement, Tut sighed. "Sphinx…come here…" He crossed his ankles and folded his hands in his lap as he heard the demigod approach.

"What is it? Do you require something before you sleep?" Sphinx watched him as he fiddled his fingers, giving away his nervous demeanor without even trying. He was nervous about something but Sphinx could think of no reason for him to be anxious.

"I…want to thank you…You saved my life…again…"

"I'm sure that they didn't mean you any harm. They wouldn't risk harming the king of a powerful kingdom such as this."

"No…I guess not…" Tut laughed nervously and when he opened his eyes he saw Sphinx staring at him, eyes almost glowing in the dimly lit room. He swallowed before looking back down at his hands. "Sphinx, you're always protecting me without being told to do so…you didn't have to come after me but you did…and I want to thank you…" Tut's voice was growing quieter with each phrase as his confidence slowly diminished. Maybe he shouldn't do it…but…he wanted to…he deserved it…

"I did. It was made my duty when I became your body guard. Nobody forced me to make that decision." Sphinx could feel his self-control slowly slipping away the longer that he was able to see the pale thighs that were beneath his intertwined fingers. Brown eyes watched him with innocence as Tut prepared himself to say something. Sphinx could tell that he was finding it difficult. "You have no need to thank me." He moved closer and touched his chin, making him look up at him with those same, big brown eyes. Sphinx lightly touched his lips to his forehead, closing his eyes as he etched the feel of his skin against his lips into his memory to hold onto for eternity. He pulled away reluctantly, stepping back with eyes still closed while he fought the urge to jump the innocent in front of him. "Goodnight…I will be over here as you sleep."

"Sphinx." Tut's voice crept under the demigod's skin and stabbed at his heart as he stopped with his back turned to Tut. There was movement and the sound of feet on the floor followed by a small rustle. Sphinx could feel his tail beginning to move around in excitement as he heard the bed creak under the small shift in weight. There was awkward silence between them before Tut spoke again. "Please...I don't...I don't know any other way of thanking you..." Tut's voice was barely above a whisper and when Sphinx turned the air slammed out of his lungs at what he saw. Tut was sitting at the edge of the bed, legs shyly crossed as he sat there with nothing on. His eyes were aimed at the floor and there was a heavy flush on his cheeks. Sphinx could hardly believe what he was seeing.

"Tut...what are you-"

"Let me thank you. It's...it's the least I can do..." Tut finally got enough courage to look up at him to see him unmoving a few feet away. He saw those hazel eyes move over his body and the pink on his cheeks darkened at the attention. A short shiver moved up his body and he wrapped his arms around his torso. "If...you don't make a decision soon I'm going to forget this offer ever occurred...its cold out tonight you know..." He raised his eyes as he heard movement and looked up in time to see Sphinx press his lips against his forehead, pushing him back onto the bed with little effort. Tut felt his hands carefully move over his shoulders, fingers splayed wide to absorb as much skin as they could. A shaky sigh escaped Tut as they moved across his chest.

"Hm...?"

"Your hands...they're really warm..." Tut reached up to grab one of them and covered the larger hand with his slender fingers. He looked at the difference between them at that moment. The thick, bulky arm and chest of Sphinx was that of a man of power while his scrawny limbs barely even resembled a king. He closed his eyes, thinking of how skinny he had been...he had been nothing but bone before...

"What are you thinking about...?" Sphinx nuzzled his neck, a quiet purr resonating within his throat as he kissed his chin and the small wrap that protruded from it. He pressed his body against Tut's and he gasped at the sudden heat. Sphinx looked back up at him to see him flustered. Hazel eyes softened as he lifted his upper half to lean over Tut's outstretched body. Tut watched with wide eyes as he leaned down, gently pressing his lips against his own. Tut could only feel warmth and passion in his touch and when his tongue lightly brushed against his bottom lip he willingly parted his lips without thought. His eyes drifted shut at some point and during that short period all of his other senses were alive like they had never been before. The fingers that were slowly moving up his sides and the warmth of Sphinx's body was like a narcotic to him. He had never felt anything like it. Sphinx took his time tasting him and Tut managed to learn that the only way he was going to breathe was through his nose.

As Sphinx pulled back slowly Tut was completely out of breath and his body seemed to be raging at every emotion that was racing through him. His lashes slowly lifted to see a similar reaction with the demigod. The pink on his cheeks was somewhat camouflaged but still there nonetheless. Tut laughed lightly, or at least he tried to as he reached up, brushing the pads of his fingers along his cheek.

"I've...never seen you...blush...Sphinx...its rather...sexy..." Tut didn't know what he was saying. It was just gibberish to his mind. He wasn't even sure if he could go through with it, after all...it would be his first experience with 'it.' Sphinx let a small smile creep onto his lips and he closed his eyes, nuzzling the thin throat beneath him affectionately. Tut carefully placed his hands on the biceps that held Sphinx above him and the demigod looked up at him. Tut was busy focusing on the feel of the muscle and was slightly amazed at how thick they were. Sphinx smirked at him before sitting up, pulling Tut up to sit in front of him. The smaller man was slightly shocked at the sudden movement and looked into the painted face as Sphinx lifted one of his slender hands, placing the palm against his chest.

"Go ahead…."

Tut looked up at him before focusing on where his hands were, sliding them up beneath the material around his neck, which Sphinx lifted off as his slender fingers snaked over his shoulders, feeling his neck. The heat of his skin was somewhat akin to a bonfire, big and hot. Brown eyes looked at the small scratches that littered his arms as Sphinx slowly removed the gauntlets, sliding them off and tossing them to the side. Tut's hands managed to find their way over the hills of his abs, curving around his sides in wonder at how such a body could possibly be made. It made him a little envious of the demigod but at the same time reminded him of the wonders of the world above. As his hands moved down his back and felt the base of his tail, his body tensed and immediately Tut moved his hands away, afraid that he had done something wrong. His hands were taken into Sphinx's larger ones and placed back where they had been.

"It's just…sensitive…" Sphinx closed his eyes as he pet the fur, sliding his fingers down the length of the furry appendage. The tip of it found the pale foot resting beside his thigh and managed to wrap itself around his ankle, holding on tightly. Sphinx wanted to do the same thing, he didn't want to let him go after this…he knew he wouldn't be able to even if he tried. Tut quietly moved his fingers over his tail before returning to his back.

"Is that why you didn't want me wrap your tail before…?" Tut shyly moved a little closer, feeling the tail squeeze his ankle weakly. Sphinx nodded in response before Tut felt the fabric of his pants, squeezing the flesh that he found beneath it. Sphinx jumped like a cat would if you suddenly grabbed their tail when they don't know you're there. Tut laughed lightly before letting him go. "…is that sensitive too…?" Tut grinned up at him and Sphinx narrowed his eyes, slipping his hands behind the Pharaoh to brush his fingers against the pale, round flesh that he sat on. He jumped up at the sudden movement of his fingers as he squeezed teasingly.

"Try that again and I might go further this time…" Sphinx released the flushed man before unbuckling the confusing material that strapped around his torso, connecting to his waistline. Tut watched, fascinated by his graceful movements as he slipped it off his shoulders and discarded it. Tut then looked up at his face to see the famiilar serpent arching from his helmet and reaching up, he placed both hands on either side of his head. The metal was cool to the touch but the longer that Tut held it, it gradually grew warmer. Sphinx grabbed his wrists, watching him warily before Tut pulled lightly.

"I want to see…" Tut pulled but Sphinx didn't allow him to lift it even an inch from his skull. Tut frowned and pulled harder. Sphinx remained silently defying the Pharaoh's wishes. "What is there to hide? Are you secretly bald or something? …are you really that old?" Tut looked discouraged and removed his hands as he thought about all of the reasons that he might have been hiding what was beneath the helmet. Sphinx quietly watched him before sighing in defeat, reaching up he took hold of the metal before carefully lifting it off his head. Tut looked up the moment that he placed the helmet on the bed beside him to see Sphinx looking away with a pinkish tint on his cheeks. Tut smiled as he saw the mop of black hair that was now visible on top of his head. Reaching up he was about to touch it before pausing, eyes moving over Sphinx's face for silent approval. Sphinx glanced at him before looking away again. He leaned forward slightly, and Tut saw the movement as a form of submission from the demigod before happily brushing the pads of his fingers against the black fluff. It was short and messy and the moment that he touched it he played with the soft strands. They felt like silk to his sensitive fingers and he giggled lightly, smiling as he moved closer to press his cheek against the soft mass. Sphinx allowed it for the time being, purring as he ran his fingers through it again and again, eagerly combing the unruly mess.

Sphinx moved his head closer and with a small nudge he pushed him back until he fell down, legs still beneath him as his tail was still tightly clinging to the thin ankle. Sphinx looked down on the breathless king as a smirk curved his lips up lightly. "I think you've had enough fun…" Sphinx leaned down and touched his nose to the exposed throat. Tut let out a shaky breath as a shiver passed through him at the cool wetness. He slowly made his way down his neck to kiss his collarbone, stroking his fingers over his arm and the cold metal that was wrapped around his bicep, or what would have been a bicep had he any muscle. Tut was slowly growing more and more restless as the heat in his body gradually grew unbearable. Sphinx took his time, being sure to pay close attention to the pink nipples that were carefully sculpted onto his pale chest. Those lips made their way down to the small patch of brown hair below his belly button and Sphinx glanced up to see those innocent brown eyes glazed over as his chest moved up and down in an unsteady rhythm. The moment he licked the pale member that rested between his legs, he earned a strangled cry of surprise.

"Sphinxཀ W-what are you doing?ཀ" He sat up and pushed at the head between his legs and Sphinx reached up and placed a hand in the center of his chest, pushing him back onto the bed. He maneuvered his body so that he could keep him held down and continue what he had been doing. "Sphinxཀ" Tut's voice was breaking as he tried to regain control of the situation. He was more than embarrassed at what the demigod was doing. It wasn't something that people were supposed to doཀ At least…no, he couldn't say much about that kind of stuff because he didn't know anything and-great Osirisཀ What was that feeling going through his body?ཀ "Sphinxཀ" The Pharaoh's voice didn't hold anything but excitement that time and Sphinx lifted his head to look up at him. He was pressed back into the mattress with flushed cheeks, uneven breath and dark eyes. He smirked before licking his lips and going back to what he was doing, flicking his tongue over the engorged member quickly before he took it into his mouth. Tut didn't know how to react to it, but he presumed that he was doing something right because the demigod didn't so much as stop.

Tut glanced over to look at the visible part of Sphinx's body that was lying adjacent with his own. He had managed to remove his tail from his leg in order to move, it must have been difficult because it normally never released Tut that easily. His eyes watched his tail flick from between his thighs before his attention was drawn to the stretched fabric at the junction of his legs. Tut looked back to see Sphinx still pleasantly doing what he had started. Seeing that he was still preoccupied with that, he slipped a hand beneath his body to brush his fingers against the bulge. Sphinx's body jolted and Tut feared for his manhood when he felt teeth lay themselves against the sensitive flesh.

Sphinx lifted his head and leaned his cheek against the pale thigh beside him, trying to regain his breath. It had been so sudden...he looked back to see Tut unsure of what to do and Sphinx moved his body slightly so he couldn't reach that area. He couldn't have him distracting him that way. Not if he wanted to take it slowly and carefully. Sphinx knew that if he allowed him to touch and caress him, there would be no way of controlling his actions when it came to their moment. He looked back at Tut's member to see it quivering, liquid slowly tearing from the tip. Sphinx moved his tongue slowly up the length, earning a shaky breath of air against his arm.

It didn't take much longer after that for the Pharaoh to come. Sphinx lifted himself from the limp body, sitting on his knees beside Tut as he looked down at the panting man before him. Tut opened his eyes and looked up to see Sphinx watching him with light eyes, a dark blush on his cheeks. Tut sighed in relief and moved to get up when Sphinx grabbed a hold of his hand. Brown eyes looked up in confusion before Sphinx smirked, pulling on his wrist until he fell onto his stomach.

"I'm not even close to done your majesty..." Sphinx grabbed his hips, lifting his buttocks up as he sat down behind him. Leaning forward he kissed the pale skin tenderly, watching as Tut lifted his upper half to turn and look at him. Sphinx gave him a knowing look before grabbing each rump and pulling them slowly to reveal the small, pink entrance.

"S-sphinx...wha-what are you doing...?" Tut watched as he bent his head, just as he had done to his genitals moments before. He cried out as the rough tongue moved over it, sending a strange feeling up through his body to attack his brain with unknown feelings. It was...something akin to pleasure but...it was also a little weird. Tut could feel his body moving into him without thought and he tried to pull it back and farther from the awkward feelings that Sphinx was making him experience. His body jerked as he pushed his tongue inside and Tut gripped the blanket, pressing his face into it as a broken cry left his lips. The longer that Sphinx tenderly massaged his member while probing him with his tongue, the more that Tut lost himself to his body. Tut lifted his head as something shot through him. He looked back at Sphinx in shock to see the Demigod close his eyes and lick the area slowly, pressing his tongue against him as much as possible. Tut felt that feeling again and his eyes narrowed in pleasure before he came onto his sheets.

He had just come from that...a tongue...in his private area...he must have been going to the underworld for enjoying this...

Tut panted heavily against the blankets as he waited for something else. Anything else that would help put out the burning fire within his body. He felt a hand on his shoulder and Sphinx kiss his back before something slowly pushed inside. He bit his lip at the slight twinge of pain and the burning that came along with it before thumping his forehead against the bed. Sphinx paid attention to his back, brushing his nails lightly over the pale body that was coated with a thin layer of sweat. Tut was simply waiting for him to fondle him again, but the demigod never did. Tut could feel a sort of friction growing and when he opened his eyes he saw that his member was already hard and dripping. Tut looked at it and began to feel the remaining blood in his body move up to his face and he lifted it to get fresh air into his system. Sphinx's fingers were moving ever so slightly and so slowly that he felt like he was growing mad, that perhaps he was dreaming about this entire situation until he moved them again, then reality would smack him back to his defenseless self.

It seemed like forever before he finally came again and he slumped into the bed, completely exhausted and overly embarrassed. Sphinx removed his fingers carefully, lightly rubbing the pads of his fingers along his insides before removing them. The moment that he released his butt, it hovered where it was before his shaking legs gave out and it dropped onto the bed. Sphinx chuckled lightly before crawling up and placing a kiss on his temple before slipping off the bed. Tut turned his head to see what he was doing but immediately covered his face back up as he saw his pants drop from his waist to land around his feet. The glimpse of golden skin made him remember what he was doing. It seemed like his mind was trying to corner him in such a way so that he would never forget making this choice. Tut let out an aggravated sigh before Sphinx crawled back on and lifted Tut's face to look at him.

"You ready?" Sphinx looked at him with such a soft gleam in his eyes that Tut simply stared back at him dumbly. "I'll take that as a yes..." He reached under Tut's arms and lifted him as he lay himself down on his back, setting Tut on his stomach carefully. Tut's body shook at the feeling of the hot skin against his sensitive body. Looking down big brown eyes admired the built up body that he sat on and they moved over each ab until they met up with the pale skin of his own body. He shuddered as he relaxed, the small hills of his abs pressing between his cheeks to push against his entrance. When he looked up at Sphinx's face he saw his lips stop moving in the midst of a word before he narrowed his eyes. "Were you even listening...?"

"...I..." Tut looked down to where his hands were resting upon his body, blushing ferociously before a clawed hand reached up to catch his chin. He looked up shyly to see Sphinx close his eyes with a small shake of his head.

"Its alright..." Sphinx slowly opened his eyes to show a burning gleam deep within the green iris. "I was simply explaining what needed to be done for this to work. I've done my best to prepare you, but it will still hurt a little. Your body isn't used to it so I will do my best to ease the pain. You have my word." The truth was all in his eyes and the soft tone of his voice as he spoke caused Tut stared at him even as he held onto his waist, lifting him up to hold over his groin. Sphinx had been growing uneasy the longer that Tut had been sitting on his stomach, the heat emanating from his entrance was eating away at his self control and if he let it go on much longer, he wouldn't be able to do what he had just promised. Just as Sphinx was about to lower him onto his shaft, Tut started to fuss, grabbing onto his forearms and whispering at him fiercely.

"S-stop...stopཀ Sphinx, stopཀ Pleaseཀ Sphinxཀ I-" Tut gripped the hard muscles of his arms tighter before sputtering out what he had been meaning to say. "Waitཀ ...wait..." Tut finally managed to peel open his eyes and saw Sphinx watching him heatedly with a hint of annoyance in their depths. "I...can I...do it...?" His voice betrayed his uneasiness and the look of pure shock that Sphinx wore when he spoke added to his uncertainty. Sphinx blinked a few times, watching him closely before nodding. He slipped his hand down to hold his shaft straight as Tut placed his hands on Sphinx's abs, feet pushing back the blanket as he balanced his weight. As Tut slowly lowered himself, Sphinx wanted to help him feel as much pleasure as possible and frowned slightly at the small flinch that moved Tut's shoulder ever so slightly. He wanted to touch him, but with one hand holding himself and the other holding his body up he was unable to do so. Something soft brushed against his fingers and he looked down to see his tail wrapping around his own member, holding it in place for him.

"Haa..." Sphinx leaned forward slightly, moving his hips up to press lightly against Tut as his tail squeezed his member in anticipation. Dark lashes lifted to show Sphinx Tut's eyes as he pushed himself down slowly. Those dark brown eyes were blurry and the flush on his cheeks was dark as he stopped for a moment, giving his body time to adjust. Sphinx reached up and touched his cheek, whispering against his skin ever so softly. "Relax...it will ease the pain..."

"Easy...for you...to say..." He glared at the demigod before his eyes were forced to close as he pressed a light kiss on each eyelid. Tut lowered himself a little more, taking more of Sphinx into his body. He took in a deep breath, trying to relax his tense body and, he was able to accomplish relaxing his body, if only slightly. And to his amazement, it actually did ease the pain a little. He managed to get about half of him inside him before he felt like he was going to tear apart. Opening his eyes he saw Sphinx watching him, eyes like molten lava, one hand continually moving over his arm or thigh, brushing against his genital to try and help. "I...Sphinx...I don't think I can..." The pain was getting to him and it was causing him to doubt himself. Sphinx hushed him, lifting his hand to brush against his cheek, finger wiping one of the tears from the corner of his eye. He slowly started to coax him through it, pressing his lips against his cheeks, tongue going over his lips as he made his way down his body. Every now and then Tut would feel his teeth pinch his skin and he'd gasp at the weird sensation that drew his attention away from the dull throbbing in his lower half. As he licked one of his nipples Tut shivered and accidently let his body slip onto him further. "A-ah..."

"You're so cute Tut...ever since you've returned to yourself I have had to fight this urge...I've never felt like this before...you are the first person who has, or ever will see me like this...Tut you know that I care about you...don't you?" Sphinx looked up at him and Tut held his breath without thought at the emotion that rested in those hazel eyes. He felt a pang of guilt stab at his heart as Sphinx leaned up and kissed his neck, nuzzling it in affection as he placed his hands on his hips and slowly pushed him down. The pampering and tenderness that Sphinx was showering him with seemed to conquer the pain and he let out a soft moan as he felt soft fur against his bare butt. He reached up, abandoning the thought of being in control and grabbed a hold of Sphinx's head, fingers grabbing at the short, soft strands on top as he was carefully held in place for his body to adjust. There was a burning need inside him and simply sitting there wasn't doing much for it. He shifted his hips but Sphinx took a stronger grip and held him in place. "You need to let your body adjust...don't rush yourself..." Sphinx licked one of the nipples before him and Tut gripped his head, pulling his face up to see large, needy eyes.

"S-sphinx...I... I need more..." He watched as Sphinx slowly smiled at him, eyes shining as he leaned up and took his lips, tongue slowly caressing his bottom lip before taking control of his mouth. Tut could only imagine what it must have been like for him. How hard it must have been to be there, right beside him everyday and not be able to do a thing. That he was powerless to fulfill his own desires. Tut was glad for it though...he wouldn't have taken something like this lightly beforehand. He was happy though...that he could give Sphinx something that he could hold onto forever and move on to live his life. Something shot up through his body and he let out a strangled cry of pleasure as Sphinx lifted his hips, slamming him back down with a little too much force. He held his head closer to his heart as his eyes looked off hazily at the wall of the room. "Ge-gentle...first...time..." His voice barely managed to escape him and he could feel the thighs beneath him tense before Sphinx sighed against his heated skin, adding to the burning fire inside his body. The moist air added to the sensations coursing through his body and he panted as his senses went into overdrive.

"...yes your majesty..." Sphinx obliged by loosening his grip and moving him with more care. Tut didn't even have to think about what he was doing as Sphinx was the one doing all of the hard work. Even if he did have to think, he wouldn't be able to. His mind was overheated and felt like it had melted in his skull as all he could feel was pleasure. He kissed Sphinx again and again, pulling at his hair and moving over the muscles of his neck and arms, carving them into his subconscious memory while his toes curled against the sheets. Sphinx returned every kiss with equal passion, if not more, and Tut had a fleeting thought of what he was doing and the consequences that may follow. It was to thank him...that was it...

He just prayed that this would be enough to satiate his hungry soul.

As Tut opened his eyes, the bright light of the morning sun seemed to burn his pupils to the point of pain. He groaned, rolling over with the blankets to hide his face. He threw his arm over as he rolled, expecting there to be a body lying beside him. At the feel of cool sheets he immediately opened his eyes and sat up, looking around the room with wide, attentive eyes. He went to lift his body higher to look better but pain shot up his back and he dropped back onto the bed, moaning as a hand slipped onto his lower back to attend to the sore area.

"It will hurt for a while Tut, you didn't expect to be up and lively today did you?" Sphinx walked in holding a tray of fruits and a small container of some peachy cream. His eyes were playful as he placed the tray on the bed, tail happily wagging behind him. Tut looked him over before looking into his eyes. He sighed before turning onto his side, reaching for a grape as he observed the demigod with narrowed eyes.

"How does your face paint stay on even after the way your skin was dripping wet with sweat last night?" He chewed the small fruit in thought as Sphinx gave him a quizzical look. "I mean, I've never seen you without it on. Is it like some kind of tattoo or something? Or have you just come up with some sort of face paint that is resistant to all liquids?" Sphinx closed his eyes in response, shrugging his shoulders before looking out the window across the room.

"It doesn't matter." His voice was quieter then normal and Tut looked down at his food at the look of sorrow in his eyes. Seeing him look like that almost got rid of his appetite but due to the excessive loss of fluids from the previous night he found himself hungrier then a starving man. He picked at his food, glancing up at Sphinx every once in a while to see him expressionless and inattentive as he sat there with the chair backwards, chin resting on the high back of the chair. His tail flicked lazily behind him every now and again but other then the small movement the demigod didn't move a muscle.

"Well...what is this for?" Lean fingers took a hold of the small container of peach cream before holding it up to examine. He moved to sniff it when it was lifted by clawed fingers. Brown eyes looked up to see Sphinx dip two fingers in, hazel orbs watching him with a quirked eyebrow.

"I don't think you want to know. Just know that it will help ease the pain." He crawled onto the bed, pushing Tut onto his stomach as he straddled his thighs, moving the blanket so it just barely covered his butt. Tut let out a few words of protest but as soon as Sphinx's fingers glided over the small of his back along his tail bone he sighed as warmth seeped into his back, relaxing everything that had been aching. He dropped his head onto the pillow and let his eyes drift shut as he applied some more to the area so that no aching muscle was left alone. He must have drifted off to sleep during the process as he was soon being awakened to be rushed into his ceremonial clothes.

There was no sign of Sphinx throughout the entire ceremony.

He looked at Nefertiti who stood before him in a beautiful white gown and focused solely on her. The way her red hair shimmered in the sunlight and her green eyes as they sparkled in happiness. Her mouth was curved in a genuine smile instead of snapping open as she barked orders at anyone who gave her trouble. It was awkward for her to be so silent but Tut managed to remain thinking of her through all of the rehearsed lines and cheers that erupted as she pulled him closer, pressing her lips against his.

It was...simple...there was love in the small gesture, but it wasn't full of it. There was affection there, and happiness, but overall it was...lacking...He felt bad for even thinking the thought as he pulled her into a hug, arms awkwardly wrapping around her smaller frame.

He wanted to wrap his arms around the solid figure that had held him the night before. He wanted to kiss those passionate lips that had burned his skin. He wanted to feel those large, clawed hands moving over his body as he cried at the pleasure wracking it.

He wanted Sphinx...

He closed his eyes and smiled outwardly for everyone, pushing those thoughts back as he prepared himself to rule over a kingdom that he didn't even want. He had a doting wife at his side. He had everything he needed to properly be a king. He had loyal guards and supportive people. He had everything that he needed to be happy.

Sphinx watched a small smile touch his lips as he pulled Nefertiti against his side, hands positioning themselves high on her waist as he looked upon his people. His eyes were dark as he gave the impression of happiness to all the people around him. Sphinx knew better though...Sphinx knew the look of loneliness in his eyes. He knew it all too well...

He had to ignore it though, in order for him to do as he was expected. The emotions that had overflowed the night before were carefully sealed into a canopic vase inside him and locked away where they couldn't reach him. Hazel eyes watched painfully as Nefertiti kissed him again, holding his head with both hands as she smiled against his lips. One of his hands curled into a tight fist, nails biting into his palm as he swallowed, lips tightening. He had to ignore those feelings...there was no other way he could do it.

He would stay by his side, no matter what. He would remain as his guardian and do what he was told. He would wait for the moment that his King needed him. It was all he could ever hope to do for him.

-END