Chapter 2

Title: One Hot Summer Day
Word Count: 400

Maybe it was just a trick of the sun. The heat of the summer at midday became unbearable even in Mieza where the temperature was slightly cooler than Pella. Aristotle looked around at his students who were all sitting in the shade on the stone benches under the big oak tree. He realized quickly that it was almost impossible to keep those young men's attention to the subject matter that required thorough examination of the fact and comparison.

Nearchus' eyes were almost closed, his elbow rested right above the knees, and the hands cupped his red round face to support its weight. Cassander was just about to flick a pebble between his fingers aimed at Ptolemy, and Ptolemy was looking at a dragonfly perched on the top of Aristotle's cane, which rested against the bench.

And there was Hephaistion. His cool pair of clear blue pools were the only eyes that were looking in the direction of Aristotle. Aristotle smiled at him to reward the young man's attentiveness, but soon noticed that his eyes were not focused. They were looking through Aristotle as if they were daydreaming.

Aristotle took this opportunity to study this beautiful youth. The sun was just starting to invade the shade where Hephaistion was sitting, and the right half of his face was exposed to the sun. His silky hair shone in copper blond adding a halo effect around his high cheekbone that was covered with soft downy hair of ripened juicy peaches. Aristotle had to use all of his will power not to be lured to run his fingers over it.

His sun kissed honey golden skin was sheathed with a thin film of perspiration. The bare skin just under his collarbones radiated with moisture, and looked so smooth and soft, inviting to be licked and touched. Aristotle swallowed hard being lost in the gorgeous sight of the youth. A stray bead of sweats ran down from Hephaistion's temple and settled right by his moist full lips.

Aristotle licked his lips unconsciously. He almost could taste Hephaistion's sweet and salty essence on the tip of his tongue. He forced himself to tear his gaze off the object of pleasure when he sensed another's eyes upon him. He met with Alexander's astonished look. Aristotle smirked and replied in silence.

"Yes, Alexander, even an old fellow like me is not totally free from pure temptation."


Title: Another Hot Summer Day
Word Count: 500

The tension was building up. It was so strong that it almost hurt. Hephaistion wanted to move, but he knew better. Instead, he sunk himself deeper against the tree trunk and closed his eyes. The only sound he could hear was the panting breathings of him and Cleitus. Hephaistion felt Cleitus' heated body tightly pressed against his, covering his entire back. Cleitus' harsh and hot breath lingered around his nape.

Hephaistion did not want to dare for Alexander to find them. It was not a fear, but more of a pride. He refused to taste the bitterness of defeat. Alexander should not always have his way. Yet at the same time, somewhere deep in his heart, Hephaistion wished to be found, wished to be freed. He shivered in Cleitus' arms when he almost sensed what to expect when Alexander found them. The sound of breaking branches broke the absolute silence.

At the moment when Hephaistion's body became rigid in alarm, Cleitus pushed him harder against the trunk, knocking all the air out of Hephaistion's lung. Hephaistion screamed out loud, but it was muffled with Cleitus' large hand. Nevertheless, it was too late. Alexander's sharp ears had already heard him, and he rushed toward them with Ptolemy at heel.

Hephaistion knew that it was over. He knew that it was too late to run and hide. All he could do now was to accept the consequences with dignity. Cleitus groaned.

"Just a little longer, Hephaistion, and then we could have made it. You should learn how to control yourself to keep quiet."

Hephaistion protested.

"If you were not so rough, and did not push me so hard, then I would not have had to scream!"

"I knew it! There you are, I finally caught you!"

Alexander huffed heavily. His face was red, and his eyes were glittering. Hephaistion let out a faint sigh, and bowed his head deeper into his chest, feeling defeated, and being intimidated. Alexander grabbed Hephaistion's wrist, and yanked him with full force making Hephaistion stumble.

"Now you know what is going to happen to you Hephaistion?"

Alexander gave an evil grin. Hephaistion nodded, half dazed, and half daunted.

"Now, it's our turn! Find us if you can!"

With this, Alexander ran off with Hephaistion leaving delightful laugh behind.

Ptolemy and Cleitus sighed deeply and rolled their eyes. It happened each time when the Prince wanted to play this game of hide and seek. First, Alexander wanted to hunt, and then he claimed his prey with passion.

Hephaistion's scream of bliss echoed out loud in the air traveling through the forest, but Ptolemy and Cleitus knew well that they should not try to find them at least for another two hours or so, and to pretend not to hear anything.

"Let us get some wine, Ptolemy. We have plenty of time. Besides, it would be all forgotten by the time when we find them anyway."

Cleitus winked. Hephaistion indeed needed to learn how to contain his vocals.