Lucian records an instance the morning of the battle of Issus where Hephaestion spoke the wrong greeting to Alexander, wishing him health instead of joy (basically like saying goodbye or paying final respects) when they came to Alexander's tent. The other generals took it as a bad omen, that Alexander would die. Alexander had to reassure them.

Truth be told, it was because Hephaestion had spent the night with Alexander and was leaving tent, not arriving like the others.

This is my take on what went on the night before.

Mostly fluff and smut, with a tiny bit of plot thrown in for good measure.

(a kind person pointed out a couple historical inaccuracies in my story, which I now have hopefully fixed)

"I knew I'd find you here."

Hephaestion chuckled softly. He knew who the person approaching him from behind was before he ever spoke a word. "I thought you went to bed."

Alexander moved to stand beside Hephaestion, shoulders touching. "Yeah, well…" he shook his head. "You know how I get before a battle sometimes."

Hephaestion sighed, taking in the scene before him. From where they stood high on a mountain pass, they had a clear view of the valley below and the flat plain that seemed to stretch on forever. In the distance, the glow of thousands of campfires could be seen. Stars were brightly visible in the cool, clear night air. Faint sounds carried on the wind from the camp below.

"Are you nervous, Alexander? We have a daunting task ahead of us tomorrow. Darius' army is huge. A lot of the men are apprehensive. They trust you, but…"

"I know. I expect that. A little fear is a healthy thing. Keeps them on their guard. I trust you told the others to make sure their men are well fed and well rested?"

Hephaestion nodded. "I did." He turned his head slightly to catch Alexander's gaze, his blue eyes twinkling in the faint light. "You should rest as well, Alexander."

Alexander shook his head. "I'm too restless to sleep just now. And you, you should be resting yourself, Hephaestion." He smiled softly. "But I knew you wouldn't be. I know you too well."

"Just thinking, Alexander. And enjoying the peace, the calm before the storm, so to speak." He was silent for a moment as his eyes locked with Alexander's. A smile slowly curved his lips.

"What?" Alexander cocked his head slightly. "What is that look for?"

Hephaestion turned to face Alexander fully, reaching his hand up to card his fingers through Alexander's blonde curls. "I think I know just the thing to relax us both."

Alexander leaned into the touch and grinned. "And just what do you suggest that we do?"

Hephaestion's other hand reached for Alexander's waist, pulling him a little closer. "This" he stated as he leaned down and brushed his lips lightly, teasingly, over Alexander's. "And this" he deepened the kiss slightly, his tongue gently probing. "And definitely this" he said as he wrapped both arms around Alexander, pulling him in tight and claiming his mouth in a kiss that left them both breathless. He pulled back a little, a wicked smile dancing on his lips. "Or perhaps this" he breathed in Alexander's ear. His hands slid down to the firm cheeks of Alexander's ass, pulling him closer still and pressing their groins together, both of them already growing hard.

A soft moan escaped Alexander's throat as Hephaestion backed him against a rock wall and pressed the full length of his body against him, his lips fastened to Alexander's neck. Alexander leaned his head back, exposing his throat, and tangled his fingers in Hephaestion's silky hair. "Gods…" he gasped as Hephaestion's teeth nipped playfully at the tender area just below his ear.

So far this was proving to be a wonderful distraction from the thoughts of their upcoming battle that had been whirling around in his head all evening.

Hephaestion's hands explored Alexander's back and hips, and one hand started to slip down between them, his intended target straining eagerly against the thin cloth.

The quiet cough from one of the guards that had accompanied Alexander startled Hephaestion, and he suddenly remembered that they were not alone. The guards could not see them where they stood against rock wall, but it wouldn't take too much for them to figure out what was going on…especially since they both tended to get a bit vocal in times of passion. With a reluctant groan, he pulled back from Alexander and took a deep breath to calm himself. "Perhaps we should take this somewhere a bit more private, Alexander."

Alexander nodded. "My tent. Now." He turned and began walking quickly down the path with Hephaestion on his heels. They walked without speaking, flanked by guards who struggled to keep up with them. They reached Alexander's tent, and he turned to address his guards. "Admit no one. I am not to be disturbed." He turned to Hephaestion. "Come with me."

Alexander quickly dismissed his pages and slaves, leaving them alone. Once they were securely inside the inner chamber of Alexander's tent, he turned to Hephaestion and smiled. "Now…where were we?"