They're back! I have seen several stories with similar themes from time to time, but the boys were bouncing around in my head again, and this is what they wanted me to write about. As you well know, Alexander is the King…and you have to do what the nice King says. As for Phai…*sigh* Hell, I'd stand on my head naked if he asked me to.

I know the sequence of filming is wrong, the locations are wrong, etc., etc. I only wanted to use certain scenes and I had to cram it into a short period of time, so flame me all you want!

So….forgive me if this is familiar territory and not completely accurate, but this is my version of things.

Thanks for the inspiration, boys.

Now for the obligatory disclaimers: I don't own the characters, the movie, Jared, Colin, the song, or anything else involved in this story. I merely borrowed them for my own amusement. I still want to keep Hephaestion, but so far, that isn't working out.

Rating: M, definitely! No explicit sex, but frequent use of the "F" word and other curse words. I know both men use that word in real life, so I tried to make it sound like I thought they might actually talk.

***I have about 15 chapters written so far. I will post a few at a time, so be patient and hang in there with me!****

Hephaestion woke, and stretched languidly, folding his arms behind his head as he lay in the soft grass. The sun was warm, but not hot. There was a pleasant breeze. Birds sang, the stream danced happily over the rocks. There were no annoying generals constantly interrupting them, and no stacks of paperwork that needed his attention. This was paradise. He smiled softly to himself. He also felt a pair of eyes on him and the presence of someone beside him.

He spoke without opening his eyes. "How long have you been doing that, Alexander?"

"Doing what, Phai?"

Hephaestion opened his eyes, blinking to adjust his vision to the bright sun. Deep cerulean eyes met darker grey ones.

"Staring at me. How long have you been doing that? And why?"

"Just a little while. I like watching you sleep. You are very beautiful, you know."

"So I've been told" Hephaestion smirked.

Alexander was lying on his side with his head propped on his hand. He reached his free hand over and lightly traced Hephaestion's collar bone, causing the man to shiver slightly. He sighed, and Hephaestion studied his face briefly.

"What are you thinking about Alexander?"

"Phai, why do you love me?"

That caught Hephaestion a little off guard. "What? Why do you ask me that?"

"I don't know. I was just wondering. Why me? You could have had anyone you wanted. Why do you love me? I mean, I know I can be difficult…"

"Aye, that you are."

"And I know I drive your crazy sometimes…"

"Yes, you do."

"So…why then?"

Hephaestion thought for a moment. "You know, I have asked myself that question many times. Especially when you are in one of your moods."

Alexander frowned and swatted Hephaestion's arm. "I do not have 'moods' as you call them."

Hephaestion sighed, giving Alexander an indulgent smile. "Yes, love, whatever you say."

Alexander pouted. "I don't like you, Phai."

Hephaestion smiled. "I don't like you either, Alexander. Now come here."

He pulled Alexander down for a passionate kiss, only stopping when they needed to breathe. "I do, however, love you, you cantankerous pain in the ass. I have loved you since we met as children. You already know all this. You are the other half of my soul. You are what I am not, and I am what you are not. We fit together as one. I need no reason beyond that"

Alexander grinned. "I can live with that explanation." He lay back, smiling happily. "What do you want to do today?"

Hephaestion plucked a wildflower, reached over and stuck it behind Alexander's ear. "Let's see, lay about like this. Eat too much. Make love. Listen to you ask me silly questions. You know, the usual."

"Do you ever miss it all, Hephaestion? The life we once had? Traveling, the thrill of battle, the feeling of victory? Sometimes I miss it, a little at least. I wonder where we would be if we had both lived. What new worlds would we have conquered together? Would we be grandfathers by now, with grandchildren born of both our blood? I shouldn't do it, but I wonder about it."

Hephaestion pondered this question, looking out at the total paradise that was now their home. The Elysian Fields* were perfect. Everything here was perfect. He had never been happier.

"I do wonder at times, but I am glad for what I have now. I would not change it."

"What do you like best about being here, Phai?"

Hephaestion smiled. "Getting to spend every day by your side."

Alexander blushed slightly. "And what do you like least about it?"

Hephaestion smirked. "Having to spend every day by your side."

Alexander glared at him, but playfully. "You, my friend, are an ass."

Hephaestion laughed. "And yet you love me!"

Alexander was preparing a snide response when they were interrupted by someone approaching them at a fast pace.

Hermes stopped in front of them, looking them over briefly, thinking they were both gorgeous. He smiled at them brightly. "Gentlemen, Zeus requests your presence this evening. There is nothing to fear. I was told to tell you that."

"Good" Alexander whispered, "at least we are not in trouble."

Hephaestion nodded his head. "Thank you Hermes. We will be there."

At that, the messenger turned and was gone in a flash.

"Well, I guess that answers the question as to what we are going to do later today. I wonder what he wants of us?" Alexander asked.

"I suppose we will find out soon enough." Hephaestion leaned over and kissed Alexander. "As for now, I think I have a great need to take advantage of you."

Alexander smiled and let him.

*For those who don't know, the Elysian Fields, or Elysium, was basically Greek mythology's version of heaven. It was the place where those chosen by the gods were sent after they died.

I like how it is described by Hesiod in his "Works and Days". He states "And they lived untouched by sorrow in the islands of the blessed along the shore of deep-swirling Ocean, happy heroes for whom the grain-giving earth bears honey-sweet fruit flourishing thrice a year, far from the deathless gods…"

I like to think of Alexander and Hephaestion living with no more sorrow.