Chapter 2 - Liquid Gold

It was heavy, strong and it's skin a tad rough; this hand that was still holding his. As this skin had touched his own the world seemed to pause its turning, colors seemed to drain and the raindrops seemed to stop midair. His mind went blank as his eyes affirmed what his heart had known right away.

Standing right before him, with hair like liquid gold, honest brown-green eyes, lightly tanned skin and overall soaking wet was Alexander, the one person he had least expected here.

His intense gaze sent shivers down Hephestion's spine while his whole body seemed to be frozen. He didn't even feel the cool raindrops that started falling on his head. It was a small movement the man before him made that caught his eye and freed him from the blond man's spell.

Alexander's left hand moved slowly, without breaking eye contact to the tube of Hephaistion's umbrella which had tilted in his hand, leaving the brown haired man unprotected to the rain. He moved it carefully back over Hephaistion's head that seemed to have forgotten about the black umbrella in his left hand. A smile graced the blonde's lips.

"What the hell are you doing here?" His voice came out in a weak whisper.

Alexander cocked his head, his smile spread. "Oh, it's nice to see you too."

"I'm… I'm sorry. I just wondered…" Hephaistion blinked, as this strong hand that stubbornly held onto his was squeezing now. The simple gesture made him relax and he finally returned the smile. For Alexander this was the moment the sun shone through thick grey clouds, gently warming his heart.

"It's good to see you too, Alexander."

Now it was Alexander's turn to shiver. No one in this huge world had ever spoken his name in such a wonderful way like this man. It was like the softest purr and it made Alexander go wild.

He pulled the brown haired man closer. "Want to get some coffee somewhere more pleasant?"

Hephaistion raised an eyebrow. "There is a funeral feast and I think I should…"

"Do you really think they will care?"

"Well, I am... was… his son and I think I should…"

"Do you even know half of the people?"

Hephaistion dropped his gaze in a thoughtful manner. Alexander was right, he didn't know most of the people that had shook his hand moments before, and he also didn't care for the ones he actually knew. This, all of this was a burden, an obligatory act that had to be done.

He took a deep breath before he met Alexander's eyes again. "I guess my duty is done. Fine… coffee sounds good."

The silence wasn't an uncomfortable one since both parties were deep in thought. And still, one of them felt like his heart beat so loud, that the other just had to hear its fast and nervous pace. He hadn't felt like this in such a long time.

There was nearly no sound in this ridiculous expensive car. The seats' leather still smelled fresh and he couldn't believe that a dripping wet Alexander was sitting behind the wheel of a black Aston Martin Vanquish, smiling madly and apparently not caring that he was ruining his car's interior.

From the corner of his eye Hephaestion discreetly observed Alexander and it seemed like this guy hadn't changed at all, just seemed to have grown up on the exterior. At least he still seemed to be the reckless, bullheaded boy that acted regardless of consequences. He admired this capability because Alexander's way was always one of success and he was sure this hadn't changed over the years.

They hadn't seen each other for nearly ten years, which felt like an eternity and he would lie if he claimed that he had forgot about him. Alexander had been in his thoughts continuously, never leaving his mind, always torturing him.

He had missed his friend, fervently.

His hand stroked over the side of his seat, feeling the smooth leather. "Seems like your business is booming."

"Hm? Oh yeah, can't complain."

Hephaestion nodded absently. "So, it is your business now?"

Alexander's merry expression faded momentarily, being replaced by a serious frown. "Yeah."

"He retired?"

The frown deepened. "Ha, as if he would have let go of his precious company voluntarily." He sighed deeply. "He actually wanted to disown and disinherit me. At least one of our last conversations was about how much I am like my bitch of a mother and that he couldn't watch me aka my mother leading his business. Unfortunately he had no chance to do so since he died from a heart attack a few days later while having a fierce argument with one of his VPs."

He had felt his crabwise gaze the whole time and that already was hard to endure. But now his blue eyes were watching him directly, these deep wonderful blue eyes that always shone soft and serene always were calming him down. And this effect seemed as strong as ever.

"I'm sorry."

Blond locks dangled as Alexander's head shook. "Don't be. I respected him for the leader he was. But… it's fine now."

The car stopped and Alexander took yet again Hephaestion's hand. "Business is well and… my life was fine. Today it got awesome and complete again, my Phai."

Blue eyes widened, cheeks flushed and body shuddered. Ten years he hadn't heard this nickname that only belonged to one person.

Hephaestion looked bewildered, while his jaw dropped slightly as Alexander's free hand touched his cheek.

"It's really good to see you again."

Brown-green eyes stared at him and he felt naked in this very moment. Alexander seemed to have this amazing power, which paralyzed his limps, which made his usually lifeless, boring heart jump until it hurt, which built a tension within him.

Before this very tension could rip him apart, Alexander smiled and let go of him. "Well, we've arrived."

It took a few seconds until Hephaestion found his breath again. He cleared his throat to get back to his senses and got out of the car. It didn't surprise him that the car had stopped before a quite luxurious place. It did surprise him however that this place seemed fairly private.

He hadn't concentrated on the road so he hadn't noticed that they were driving through a very long private driveway, which seemed like a huge garden. Everything was tidy and green around them with a white modern mansion in the middle. And he could hear the sound of crashing waves.

"Is this…"

"Welcome to my home. Come in." Alexander was opening the front door, which was more like a portal but a door and waving for him to enter.

He couldn't be serious….

"You were talking about coffee." Hephaestion's voice sounding grave; this wasn't what he had agreed to.

"Oh, my Jura Capresso cooks some wonderful coffee."

And then again, this was Alexander, so he was deadly serious.

Hephaestion hesitated for a moment, this whole day followed a very different tack than he had expected.

He sighed deeply and walked through the door, passing a yet again silly smiling Alexander. He suddenly felt like walking willingly into the territory of a predator.

He always had imagined Alexander as a lion. Strong, proud, heroic and shining with this golden glow that made you respect him the second you laid eyes on him. Though he also was never predictable, always wanting more, never being satisfied, always searching. He wondered if the once little teenage lion cub still held all this characteristics now that he had grown up.

"Welcome in my humble house, make yourself at home, Phai."

The brown haired man ignored the use of his nickname that made his whole body tingle and grunted. This house was all but 'humble'. This was most likely the most luxurious house he'd ever been in.

Right now he stood in a huge, light-flooded room. Raindrops clashed against ceiling to floor windows and a huge white couch faced the glass façade. The perfect place to enjoy a great view over green gardens behind which you saw rough waves rolling angry against a cliff.

He looked around himself, stunned and kind of feeling out of place. It wasn't surprising that the furnishing was high class as well.

The lion's territory was breathtaking.

But what literally took his breath away was the bear hug he was pulled into. Alexander wrung his arms around him, pulling him close just like when they were young. He apparently still wasn't aware or just didn't care that he was soaking wet.

"I missed you, my dear friend." His voice was muffled against Hephaestion's neck.

Warm breath caressed his neck, sending a comforting sensation down his spine, while a strong body clung to him. He allowed himself to close his eyes and bathe in the feeling that sent him back into a time he hadn't felt lonely, in a time he hadn't even know the meaning of this word.

Alexander used to hug him like that, to greet him, to say goodbye or just to show him that he cared for him. He had missed this gesture just as much as he had missed Alexander himself. It told him someone was there for him, it made him feel at home, it made him feel warm.

And it hurt to finally place his hands on Alexander's breast. They pushed gently but emphatic. Alexander let go unwillingly, looking inquiring in Hephaestion's blue depths.

The brown haired man stepped back and brushed his now slightly damp jacket. "You should change into something dry or you will catch a cold."

Alexander blinked, looking down at himself. Not one second had he felt or cared about the wet clothes that stick to his body, slowly cooling him down to an uncomfortable level. Inwardly he cursed the damn weather; rain was rare in this season and yet today it had to pour down buckets.

He didn't want to waste one second he could spend with his long lost friend, though it couldn't be helped. Goosebumps were forming on his skin and he had to suppress a shiver. He cursed himself and his physical weakness.

"I'll change quickly and…"

Hephaestion raised a hand. "I can wait for that fabulous coffee you promised for a few minutes. Take your time, its fine."

Blue eyes watched as Alexander nodded and hurried up some stairs in a nearly clumsy haste. He couldn't help but smile warmly about such a childlike behavior.

Hephaestion took a deep breath. Suddenly standing alone in this huge bright room felt peculiar. He had left such a long time ago; had left his life and friend behind; and yet just spending a few moments with Alexander felt like no time had passed. It was like they still were these two friends, spending every possible minute with each other.

Alexander's presence still lingered around him; he was in his home after all. Hephaestion let his eyes roam around the room. Everything around him was elegant and exclusive. The furniture was held in cream, anthracite and black; very modern and restrained.

Though what gave the room a breath of warmth was the decoration that was put on shelves and chest of drawers. His fingers traced the cool material of a silver elephant figure, which was decorated with fine exotic intricate patterns. He also spotted a bronze lion, standing strong, powerful and proud, while growling dangerously.

His eyes shifted to a papyrus roll that was framed in glass. It showed an effigy of Ra, the ancient Egypt sun god. The roll seemed to be old and original, since it was already chapped and the colors faded. The god's falcon head balanced a faded orange sun disc while being worshipped by several Egyptian people. It was a beautiful piece of art and he was sure this was something you usually only were able to see in a museum.

There also was a beautiful amphora on which a few black figures fought each other, while one black body lay on the ground*. A shudder ran through his body as he remembered the meaning of this scene. His heart felt suddenly heavy and he had to avert his eyes.

It was obvious that all this things meant a lot to Alexander and that he had selected and collected them with care. But he knew that this Amphora was the most precious thing of all of them.

A shaky sigh passed his lips as he walked through the room. He stopped in front of a silver picture frame which stood alone on a small classy drawer. As he took it in his left hand while his right forefinger traced the charcoal lines through the frame's glass his hear skipped a beat.

A fresh breeze wafted through soft brown strands. The boy closed his eyes, enjoying the titillative feeling of grass under his crossed legs. He took a deep breath, taking in the aroma of fresh hay and the sun warmed air. It was a wonderful early summer day.

He opened his eyes as a shadow fell over him, blocking him from the sun. Big black eyes were watching him and he could see his own smiling face mirrored in them. He placed a hand on the horse's bridge of nose.

"Hey there, Bucephalus."

Bucephalus imposing head was replaced with a blond mop of hair and the irritated looking face of Alexander. "You acknowledge my horse before me?"

Hephaestion rolled his eyes. "We got here together and you left just five minutes ago to free Bucephalus." The horse had hurt its left front leg during a hunt and the poor thing had to be in its stable for a few days to favor the injured leg. This restriction had been hell for the dynamic creature for sure. Just like its master it loved its freedom and autonomy.

Hephaestion remembered the day the two spirits had met each other, being drawn to another from the start.

Bucephalus was beautiful; a creature of pure, shining black; huge, strong and stubborn. That was the reason why Philip had bought him without thinking twice. He had let himself blind by the horse's beauty, a trait that seemed to line Philip's life.

The first time he had tried to lay a hand on the horse it simply bit him. The first time he had tried to mount it, it lashed out before he had a chance to swing his legs over its back. The first time he took its bridle, the horse pulled back so hard the force injured Philip's hand.

The horse didn't give him or any other one the chance to do one thing with it. All until Alexander accompanied his father to the stables. The day Philip wanted to get rid of the stubborn horse was the day Alexander found a new companion.

When the young blond boy met the huge black horse, they greeted each other with respect. Alexander had been the first person allowed to touch the beast, the first one to take care of it and the first one who was allowed to mount and ride it.

Hephaestion hadn't ever seen Philip so proud of his son.

Ever since that day the two friends had spent a lot of time here. The stable was Philip's property and harbored lots of very expensive and noble horses. It was one of Philip's few hobbies, next to hunting, parties and alcohol.

Hephaestion grew to love this place. The stable was built in the middle of a nature reserve and it showed that money could buy nearly everything. Philip was even allowed to go hunting around here.

It was however one of the most beautiful places Hephaestion knew. There were only fields and forests around them, the air was pure and clean and they were surrounded by the soft and silent music of nature.

The boy watched as Alexander leaped up the high back of Bucephalus. He sat there for a few seconds, his head held high and Hephaestion watched the two proud creatures with awe.

With a small movement of his heel Alexander commended Bucephalus to move and the horse dashed forward. The black horse threw its head back in pure elation, being happy to finally release its energy. Its movement showed its strong muscles while its long mane wafted in the wind. Alexander was holding tight to a few strands of pure black hair and he had to leech his legs strong into the beast's back to not fall off.

Bucephalus whinnied in bliss and with a sudden halt he reared his huge form. Hephaestion eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped a little. The sight was pure beauty and it made his heart skip a beat. It only lasted for a few seconds but Hephaestion knew that he would never in his life forget this wonderful moment. A moment he was able to see pure power and pride.

The black horse now was trotting in the high grass, enjoying its freedom and carrying a just as happy Alexander.

Hephaestion reached for his brown messenger bag, withdrawing his most precious property. He opened the smooth leather binding of his sketch-pad and started to draw.

Rubbing his hair with a towel his bare feet stepped down white marble stairs. He suddenly stopped in his tracks in the middle on his way down, taking in the sight right before him.

Hephaestion stood side-faced to him; his heavenly blue eyes held a dreamy, faraway gaze. A few strands of his chestnut brown hair were loosened from the otherwise neat bun and fell over his high cheekbones, framing his face while a five o'clock shadow gave him a rugged appearance.

He strode down slowly, standing right behind the brown haired man. Hephaestion stared down on something in his hand and to get a better look Alexander placed his right hand on his friend's broad shoulder to lean in, his breast touching the other's back. He felt Hephaestion's muscles tense under his touch.

The contact had snapped him out of his thoughts and he could see Alexander's chiseled profile, his brown-green eyes fixed on the picture in Hephaestion's hand, expression unreadable.

"You did keep it?"

Alexander smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes, and sighed softly. "Sure. It was the only picture you gave me… willingly at least." He squeezed his shoulder. "This is the most beautiful image I have of him and myself." The charcoal drawing was showing pure beauty and power in all its simplicity.

With his left hand Alexander reached for the picture frame, stroking Hephaestion's hand while doing so.

"This is one of my most precious keepsakes." He could feel Alexander's breath and a few moist strands of hair against his neck. He did his best to suppress a shudder. Damn! Why did he have to be so close?

"So…" his voice came out husky. "How is this beautiful horse of yours?"

A shadow clouded Alexander's features and he finally let go of his friend. He wandered through the large lounge-like room, heading to the polished anthracite and silver kitchen.

He was silent for a while, preparing the long promised coffee.

Hephaestion put the picture back to its original place and watched the blond man. His expression was serious, his jaw working. A stern Alexander was something he hadn't seen the whole day and it could only mean one thing.

"He died a long time ago." A melancholy sigh escaped his lips. "It was my fault, I pushed him too hard."

Hephaestion seated himself on the white cozy couch; its leather creaked under the movement. "I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sorry you lost your best friend."

A brown brow was raised as Alexander handed him the steaming cup of coffee, his gaze utterly astonished.

"You can't be serious, can you?"

A/N * The Amphora I mentioned here does actually exist and shows the fight over Patroclus' dead body.