AN: A new story for Alexander's birthday! I know this story isn't birthday themed, but it was all my brain could come up with. Besides, who doesn't love seeing father's with their new babies? I might possibly make this into a !verse, so there might be more connected stories to come. Enjoy!
Alexander and Hephaestion laid upon their bed in their chambers with their babies in their arms, marveling over the small beings.
"I can not believe it, Phai…" Alexander whispered so as not to wake his two-day-old son, kissing his dark cheek as did so, careful not to wake him, "They are both here with us, finally…"
"Finally," Hephaestion agreed, letting his month-old daughter's tiny hand wrap around his finger when she began to fuss, shushing her quietly, "Hestia… Hestia, my love, there is no reason for upset. Father's here, I promise you."
She would not settle until he rolled over onto his back and placed her small body on his chest, her ear over his heart.
"Fatherhood has done you well, Phai. She is an angel."
"Try sleeping though the night with her," Hephaestion grinned, joking and glowing under his lover's compliment, "But I would not trade it for a moment."
"I would not either. I just cannot believe it. After trying and failing for so long, I finally have my child. I am so happy," here his eyes became wet with tears, although they did not fall.
"Oh my love, I know," Hephaestion reached out carefully to comfort his soulmate, being sure to not disturb the sleeping prince, "But he is here now, and he is healthy. You do not have to worry any longer," they both knew how difficult each of Roxana's four pregnancies had been, with three ending in devastation for Alexander, "Rejoice in that. Hold him close and let him feel your love and devotion to him."
Alexander smiled softly, running his large hand from his baby's head to his feet as he slept on, just reveling in being close to his little miracle, "That shouldn't be too hard," here he lay down with his head touching his son's, breathing in the newborn, "I can't believe it, Phai...He is here. He is right here in my arms… Hello, my little Aléxandros… Hello, my little defender of men…"
Hephaestion smiled upon seeing Alexander being so gentle and taken with the new babe. The Companions often joked that the only thing that could defeat the king was Hephaestion himself, but watching Alexander now, Hephaestion knew that Alexander had developed another weakness in the form of his beautiful son. The knowledge of that warmed his heart and made his love for the man he had loved for seventeen years grow that much more.