Alexander stood outside Hephaestion's rooms late one evening. It was very late, and all of Alexander's Companions had retired to their respective rooms. As this was the case, Alexander wanted to do the same; in his Sapphire's arms. But, knowing that Hephaestion was probably in the lands of Hypnos and Morpheus at the moment, for it was truly very late, Alexander knocked on the door softly. Not receiving any answer, Alexander let himself into the room and then closed the door with a soft click. Finally, he turned toward the room, only to find the large bed empty and made.

Frowning in confusion a little, Alexander noticed the loss of a sound he had not realized was in the air as he had entered the room coming from the washroom. And then Hephaestion's melodic, slightly frightened voice filled the now empty space.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Alexander?"

Alexander made his way to the open doorway of the washroom, only to find Hephaestion bent over the ivory bath, his hair wet and water still sitting in the bottom of the tub, "Only me, Love."

Hephaestion visibly relaxed with a sigh, "You frightened me Xander, staying quiet like that. Can you help me? I wanted to wash my hair before bed, but it is so heavy when it is wet. It's hurting my neck."

Alexander crossed the room easily, "You could just cut it if it is giving you trouble," he paused a long moment, shocked by what he had just said, "On second thought, don't cut it. I like it just the way it is," saying this, he dropped a quick kiss to the back of Hephaestion's head.

Hephaestion rolled his eyes, "Of course you'd say that."

"I would. Now, don't panic, I'm coming up behind you so I can reach your hair to wash it."

Hephaestion closed his eyes in bliss as Alexander started to run his fingers through his copper hair to make sure it was wet all the way through, "I never panic, not when you are here with me, Alexander."

"Nor I with you, Love. Okay, it's wet enough. Now lay your head in my hand. Does that make your neck feel better?"

"Much…" Hephaestion sighed, and Alexander could tell he was getting tired, "Xan'er?"

"Yes, my love?" Alexander worked to gently and efficiently to soap and then rinse Hephaestion's hair, and when that was done, rubbed his hair mostly dry and then lifted his sleepy lover off the tile floor and carried him to bed, laying him down as gently as he could before giving him his full attention.

"I love 'ou…" and with that, Hephaestion was asleep, soothed by his lover's touch and proximity.

Alexander smiled as he pet Hephaestion's newly clean hair before getting into bed with him and laying down for the night.

"I love you too, my Sapphire Moon. I always will. May Hypnos keep you safe tonight," he whispered, and not long after, he too was fast asleep beside his soulmate.