Okay, before the flaming arrows start, let me point out something. This story is about how much time they were apart, and how difficult it is for them to find time together even when they were in the same place. As much as I would like to see them humping like bunnies all over the place all the time, that is simply not what this is about. I want to show the hardships, constant interruptions, and responsibilities that keep them apart, and how their love eventually overcomes the obstacles in their path.

So please...do not do me bodily harm. They will have their time, and it will be quite worth it for both of them. :)

Alexander woke early the next morning, stretching and yawning contentedly. It felt so good to sleep in a real bed in a room that wasn't rocking from side to side. He still felt a little like he was swaying when he stood up. As much as he loved being on the ships, he didn't think he would want to do it all the time. Nearchus, on the other hand, seemed to thrive on it. He was quite pleased with his choice of him as admiral.

His attendants had already prepared a bath for him and sat out a tray with a carafe of sweet wine and plump dates. He eased himself down into the warm water, letting it soak the stiffness from his sore muscles, while munching on the sweet dates he loved so much. With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the side of the tub. His thoughts once again returned to Hephaestion. Gods, how he loved the man. He had been disappointed, but not surprised, that they had not been able to have some one-on-one time last night. Being his first night back from his voyage, he had pretty much expected it. He saw the disappointment in Hephaestion's eyes, but also the understanding and acceptance that was always there.

The water had begun to cool, and he reluctantly drug himself out of the bath to dress and prepare for the day. They had a meeting in council this morning, and then he was to take a tour of the new city wall that had been constructed as well as an update on the progress of the wells in the neighboring area. Hephaestion wanted to personally take him on a tour of the docks and the harbor, but they would certainly not be alone for that. Nearchus would want to be present since it concerned the fleet.

He sighed heavily. Time alone with Hephaestion was not looking good. He had all day today and tomorrow morning, but then they were supposed to set out on the eastern branch of the river to explore that. It didn't leave much time for anything of a personal nature. True, he was the king and he could order anything he wanted, but it really wasn't that simple. Besides, he knew Hephaestion would not want too much attention drawn to that part of their relationship. Their closest companions were fully aware that the two were still lovers at times, but he did not want it to be general knowledge. There were many who would think that Hephaestion only got where he was from sleeping with the king…which was NOT true at all…but that is how it would be perceived. Others would think him weak for "losing to Hephaestion's thighs", as the joke went. No, discretion was prudent, though inconvenient. It frustrated them both.

He finished getting dressed and ready for the day and made his way towards the dining hall to have breakfast. Most of his companions were already there, filling themselves up on figs, roast fowl, and sweet honey cakes. He smiled. Hephaestion loved those honey cakes. They used to share them often when they would sneak away to be together.

"Joy to you, gentlemen!" He smiled at his men. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits these days, a fact which pleased him greatly even if it did surprise him as well.

"Joy to you, Alexander!" Nearchus chirped. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. The others nodded to acknowledge the greeting, but were too busy stuffing their faces to speak up. Alexander did not take offense at this. He was just glad to see them relaxed and enjoying themselves.

He looked around the room but did not see Hephaestion. He bit back a frown, trying to hide his disappointment. He sat down at the table and sighed, not even realizing he had done so.

Ptolemy, who was sitting next to him, heard the sigh and glanced over at the king. He knew exactly what that sigh was about. "He is on his way, Alexander. He was detained briefly by one of his engineers."

Alexander stared at him a moment, wondering how on earth the man always knew exactly what was going on. Ptolemy knew better than most the state of his relationship with Hephaestion, and he never judged it. In fact, he seemed happy for them both. Finally, Alexander simply smiled at him and nodded.

He was eating his breakfast when he felt Ptolemy nudge his side gently with his elbow and incline his head towards the door. Hephaestion strode into the room, looking slightly irritated, but his face lit up when he saw Alexander.

Ptolemy and Nearchus exchanged a look. Those two were so obviously in love, at least to anyone who took the time to notice. It made both men smile.

Hephaestion dropped himself into the chair opposite Alexander and rested his chin on his hands, elbows propped on the table. He did not look happy.

Alexander chuckled softly. "Problems, Hephaestion?"

"Aye. I think sometimes I am leading a band of idiots. How something so simple can be made so complicated is beyond me!" he growled.

Perdiccas, who was seated next to Hephaestion, patted him on the shoulder. "You are a perfectionist, Hephaestion, and quite good at what you do. If we had an army of builders who were all like you, everything would have been done in a weeks' time I would bet!"

Hephaestion frowned. "All I know is that after our meeting this morning, I have to ride out to the newest dock site and set a few things straight. Alexander…I am not sure how long I will be. Our tour of the docks may have to wait, again" he said apologetically.

Alexander smiled at him, letting his love for him show in his eyes and not really caring if anyone noticed. They were, after all, among friends. "It will be alright, Hephaestion. The docks will be there. We will find time, and soon."

Hephaestion held his gaze, and for a moment the rest of the world did not exist. He forced himself to snap out of it. He knew that Alexander was not really talking about the docks at all.

Soon. Yes…whatever "soon" meant.