The men shared breakfast in the dining hall, excited about their trip down the other branch of the river. Despite the few hardships they had encountered, the previous trip had been interesting and productive. They hoped this would be the same.

Nearchus was in a great mood, as was typical of him these days. He still had not come down from his high of receiving his new title of admiral. "I have everything ready to set sail, Alexander! Our supplies are stocked and the men are ready and waiting for your word."

Alexander grinned at him. It was good to see most of his men happy. "Nearchus, my friend, you seem impatient!" He gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "We will be off soon, I promise! I have my pages preparing my things and getting them loaded onto the ship as we speak." He looked around at the faces of his trusted friends. "There is so much to explore and so many lands we can conquer on our way home. I do not want to waste any opportunity that we have. Do not worry, though. We ARE going home, and you will all be richly rewarded for your service and devotion." He raised his wine cup in a toast. "To the most powerful army in the world, I am most proud of you all!"

They toasted him in return. For now at least, his men were once again happy to follow their king. Alexander was in an exceptionally cheerful mood and was happily chattering away with all of them.

Ptolemy watched Alexander and Hephaestion as they laughed and talked, sitting close enough together that their shoulders touched most of the time. He suspected he knew the reason for their good moods. He had not seen Hephaestion this relaxed in some time. He caught Hephaestion's eye and gave him a knowing look. Hephaestion actually blushed slightly, which Ptolemy found quite amusing and he laughed softly.

Alexander rose to leave after finishing his breakfast. "Gentlemen, I take my leave of you for now. I will see you on the ship, Nearchus. Health to you all!" He turned as he started to walk away. "Hephaestion, would you come with me please?"

Ptolemy winked at Hephaestion and grinned. Hephaestion shook his head and laughed.

Hephaestion rose to stand beside Alexander and gave them all a playful glare. "I will leave you all to gossip like a bunch of women! Health to you."

Alexander threw his arm around Hephaestion's shoulder, turned and winked at his men, who were all laughing and smiling at them. He grinned, and then left the room with Hephaestion by his side. He did not care if they knew, he was too happy for it to matter just now.

Hephaestion followed Alexander down to the harbor and out onto the dock towards the ship that he was to board soon.

"Where are we going, Alexander?"

Alexander smiled at him, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I wanted to show you something on the ship before we set out."

Hephaestion tilted his head and cocked an eyebrow, wondering what was going on in that head of his. The only response he received was a wide smile from Alexander, who gave him a slight push up the ramp to the ship.

Alexander had paused to speak briefly with the two guards keeping watch over the ship, and then hurried up the ramp to catch up with Hephaestion, who was standing on the bow of the ship, looking out over the river. "I am trying to picture the scene you described in your letter, Alexander. Water stretching as far as the eye can see and the sun dancing on the waves. And at night…the way you described it was beautiful. I wish I had been with you."

Alexander reached for his hand and laced their fingers together. There was no one else on the ship at the moment. "I wish you had been there as well, Phai. It was beautiful, but not as beautiful as you, my love. Somehow none of this means as much if you are not there to share it with me."

Hephaestion turned to look at him. "You sound like a silly school boy, Alexander" he smirked. "Your men have no idea what a big mushball you really are."

He pulled Hephaestion inside to where his sleeping area was. There was nothing fancy about the accommodations on the ships. They were functional but quite Spartan in their design. He did, however, have a cot in a covered area on the deck where he could rest. He wrapped his arms around Hephaestion's neck and smiled at him. "Are you complaining, my beloved?"

Hephaestion shivered, feeling Alexander's warm breath on his neck. "Oh no, Alexander. You may be the biggest mushball you want with me. It is cute, coming from the mighty King of Asia."

Alexander licked the tender spot below Hephaestion's ear and purred. "General Amyntoros, as your king I command you to shut up and kiss me."

"Yes, sire. It shall be done". He grabbed Alexander around the waist and pulled him tightly against him before thoroughly attacking his mouth until they were both breathless. He leaned back slightly and smiled.

"That was some kiss, Hephaestion. I think we should try that again…"

Hephaestion proceeded to do just that.

The guards outside the ship heard the noises coming from inside. Moans, gasps, thumping sounds, the sound of something falling and breaking, followed by laughter, and the soft cries of ecstasy. They looked at each other and shrugged. It was quite obvious what was going on in there and with whom, but they knew better than to say a word to anyone. Alexander would surely have them killed if they did.

Alexander and Hephaestion were lying on the floor. One of the legs of the cot had broken and it was lying in a heap in the middle of the room. There was a broken wine carafe against the wall. Clothing was strewn all about the room. They were covered in sweat and breathing hard, staring at each other.

Suddenly, Alexander started to laugh. Hephaestion's lips curled in the beginnings of a smile, then he too began to laugh. They rolled on the floor, laughing until tears sprang from their eyes.

"Holy shit, Phai! We have destroyed my quarters!" He looked around the room. "How in Hades did we end up on the floor, and why is my bed broken?" He looked around again and shook his head.

Hephaestion wiped the tears from his eyes, still laughing softly. "It would seem that you are feeling better, Alexander. I, on the other hand, think I have enough bruises and bumps to last me for some time." He grinned at Alexander. "I think am the one who needs to rest now!" He leaned over and nipped at Alexander's lower lip playfully. "You have drained me, my love."

Alexander stood and offered his hand to Hephaestion, helping him up. He embraced him and pressed a soft kiss to lips now swollen from their passion. He sighed. "I suppose we need to get back. I have a few things to do before we go, and I think Nearchus will be heading this way very soon. I am surprised he isn't shouting at us already for taking over his ship!"

They managed to straighten up the room as best they could and dressed in their rumpled clothing. They looked a bit like they had been in a battle.

Hephaestion's face grew serious. "You know, Alexander, that we were not very subtle about this morning. They all obviously knew we had been together. And I am sure they suspected the reason for you dragging me off after breakfast. I thought you said we needed to be more discreet?"

Alexander nodded. "Yes, I did say that. And in front of most of the men I would not have allowed any of them to know, but we were among friends this morning, and all of them already know of our relationship. As long as we don't make out in front of them, I believe they will do nothing besides tease the both of us about it. That I do not mind. I will not hide you entirely, Hephaestion. I do not mind if our closest friends know how much I love you." He smiled. "Now, come on. Let's get out of here before they come looking for us."

Hephaestion shot a look at the two guards as they passed them. "Not a word" he mouthed. They both nodded their agreement, but exchanged a quick glance and smile after the king and his favorite general had passed.

"I have things to attend to, Alexander. I will come back when you leave to see you off."

"Health to you, Hephaestion. I will see you soon."

Both men returned to their rooms with a huge smile on their face.