Alexander opened his eyes the next morning to Hephaistion's still sleeping face opposite his, sharing the pillow. His arm was around his waist, while Hephaistion's legs and his were loosely entangled.
Early morning sunlight with all its possibilities streaked into the room. Birds could be heard chirping, somewhere a child shouted. Alexander studied his lover's face, widely smiling as he recalled the words Hephaistion had lavished on him continually the previous night. They were both still naked and Alexander could feel a slight strain on his muscles after his exertions. He coloured slightly and smiled even wider, thinking that he'd never had such good sex in his life as he'd had with Hephaistion in less than a week. And, Hephaistion loved him. He almost willed his lover's eyes to open, then he noticed the slight puffiness of his eyelids. Alexander frowned. Although he was glad that they had finally discussed their past love lives, he was saddened that Hephaistion had endured such pain. It was one thing to have a mother's meddling;quite another to have a lover die. But if Hephaistion was his Patrokles as he believed, Alexander suddenly thought, then Hephaistion would die first and thus be spared the pain of losing another lover. Alexander shuddered, the thought of his beautiful lover's death shook him. He pulled Hephaistion closer, gently stroking his hair, seeing the beautiful smile, hearing him moan his name, tasting his lips, smelling his tanned skin fresh from a bath- needing to know that he was there.
Hephaistion stretched his legs, yawning softly as his eyes opened. He stretched his neck, smiling gently at Alexander,"Morning."
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"Did you?"
Alexander rolled his eyes at Hephaistion's tone, pulling him flush against his body. He brushed his hand against his lover's cheek, meeting his eyes briefly before they closed, savouring their first kiss of the day.
Hephaistion smiled widely, wrapping an arm around Alexander's neck," I love you."
Alexander kissed him again,"And I love you."
They smiled at each other, silent for a moment until Alexander's stomach grumbled. They chuckled.
"Breakfast then," Hephaistion winked.
"I can't bear to leave you," Alexander said, making a valiant effort to sit up. He pushed back the covers, swinging his legs to the side of the bed. "Come with me."
Hephaistion giggled and then refused," Come back to bed."
Alexander looked back at his lover, trying to prevent his smile," You like the sound of my stomach grumbling?"
"I can make sure that your body makes a different sort of sound," Hephaistion replied, pushing the covers further to reveal his erection. He smiled lovingly at Alexander." Come take care of me first."
Alexander couldn't help it; he smiled. He straddled Hephaistion's hips, feeling his lover spread his legs, pushing a finger into Hephaistion. " You're still wet from last night."
Hephaistion pushed against his finger, "Thanks to you, love."
Alexander kissed him softly, extracting his finger and entering with his erection, stopping from time to time until he was fully sheathed. They both moaned. Alexander thrusted gently, taking his time to pleasure his lover.
Hephaistion gasped as Alexander found that spot that undid him," Alex!"
Alexander smiled languidly," Shh, I know." He pushed his hardness firmly against that spot, trying to control himself to go even slower, wanting his lover to feel every thrust.
Hephaistion squeezed his butt, clamping down tightly on Alexander's thickness inside him. Alexander gasped and lost his rhythm for a moment. "Stop that," he said breathlessly," Let me pleasure you."
"I love you," Hephaistion replied earnestly. Alexander understood and they settled into a new rhythm, just as gentle, Alexander thrusting steadily while Hephaistion rocked his hips slowly, clamping on Alexander's erection from time to time. Finally Alexander could feel himself coming and thrust hard against Hephaistion. They came together, moaning each other's names.
They kissed deeply as Alexander withdrew himself, wishing he could've stayed inside for ever.
Hephaistion fingered Alexander's neck," I love you so much."
Alexander kissed his nose, "I love you, too."
"Especially for the sex?"
Alexander laughed," Especially for the sex."
Hephaistion gave him a smacking kiss and then pushed him off his body," What are you doing today?"
Alexander couldn't stop smiling," Reviewing your army. Then lunch with the 10 generals."
Hephaistion's eyebrows shot up," Alex, that's important. What time must you be there?"
"We've got ages till then. It's probably only the 7th hour now. I must be there the 11th."
Hephaistion nodded," I know our army's proved itself almost pathetic but it's still essential in the people's opinions. I wouldn't want you to make a bad impression."
Alexander nodded, still smiling. His eyebrows furrowed for a moment and he reached up to trace a mark on his lover's neck," I marked you."
"More than once," Hephaistion added with humour, finding three more bruises. He looked at Alexander,"You're full of it, too."
Alexander grinned with wonder, feeling the grooves along his neck and shoulders. Then he froze," I can't let everyone see. Shit, Hephaistion, what will they think? I mean, I don't mind;I love you but other people...I don't-"
"Alexander, don't worry. We'll figure it out," Hephaistion interrupted hastily before Alexander worked himself up too much.
"How?"
"Well, for one, you won't be naked," Hephaistion winked."You'll have a chlamys on. We'll figure the rest out. There's just one that'll be noticeable."
"Noticeable?Hephaistion, I-"
"Alexander, leave it. You're working yourself up. I love you," Hephaistion caressed his head.
Alexander calmed immediately, nodding and gazing at the ceiling. His stomach rumbled. They both laughed and made to get up. "No, stay," Hephaistion grinned, pulling on a chiton."Let's have breakfast alone."
Alexander raised an eyebrow, grinning," Well, impress me then."
Hephaistion grinned, walking to the door. "I will," he called over his shoulder.
In the passage he could hear a servant instructing a slave. He walked over, wishing Eudores, his head of household, were waiting for him. They both bowed. "Where's Eudores?" He asked.
"Downstairs, sir. He thought you said you'd sent for him-"
"Yes, yes that's fine. You can go, Khamen." The slave left. He turned to the servant, " I don't feel like everyone now. I want breakfast in bed, bring it for me, please. A buffet, all luxuries. You can lay it out in my antechamber, I suppose I can make it that far. Thank you, Mystas."
Mystas hurried off and Hephaistion returned to his bedroom. Alexander was still lying in bed. "I thought you might've gotten up. I'm pleasantly surprised that you've managed to keep still."
Alexander reached for him, enfolding him in an embrace,"I've been waiting for you. And I don't mean to bring breakfast."
They kissed deeply until they heard the door open. Both froze. Hephaistion smiled mischieviously, putting his finger to his lips and carefully getting out of bed. "Mystas?"
"Yes sir," the servant replied, laying out a tray on the table. A slave carried another. "There we go. Enjoy, sir. Should I make the bed?"
"No! Thank you very much."
They left and Alexander came out of the bedroom, locking the door. He collapsed on the chaise.
Hephaistion dipped a piece of bread in honey for him and poured some wine, passing it to Alexander.
They ate breakfast talking and laughing about the weather, about the army, about the day, about their sucked a bit of honey offf one of his fingerings, slowly recovering from his laughter after Alexander had shared a tale of Ptomely's love life. They smiled at each other. Hephaistion climbed across the couch to sit on Alexander's lap. They kissed, the sun dappled across their skins. Hephaistion smiled into another light kiss, feeling as contented as laying on the beach in summer and as joyous as racing a horse across the countryside with the breeze in one's face. They kept up the kissing, not really wanting to do anything more but needing to touch pulled back briefly, giggling lightly,"You're stunning."
Alexander smiled at him, somewhat surprised. He couldn't find any words to reply. Hephaistion didn't care. He gently cupped Alexander's penis, stroking it lightly with his fingertips, running them through the pubic hair, loving his lover's scent as he kissed the spot behind Alexander's ear. Alexander leaned back and relaxed, giving in to the love he could feel radiating from Hephaistion's fingertips and lips. It warmed him gently and he felt himself floating as Hephaistion lifted his hips and settled on his now erect manhood. He moaned gently, watching that beautiful body raise itself, moving up and down serenely. Alexander caressed Hephaistion's thigh briefly. Hephaistion caught his breath, a tingle coursing through him due to the love that seemed so tangible in those moments. Nothing felt so good as it did the moment he gave a long moan,coming as he gazed lovingly into Alexander's eyes, also filled with love. Alexander caught him as he fell forward. He wrapped his arms around his lover,cradling him as he continued thrusting. He closed his eyes, love overwhelming him as he reached his climax. Hephaistion leaned back and kissed him softly, his eyes watery.
"I love you,"he murmured when their breaths had evened again. Alexander held his hips as he lifted himself off of Alexander's flaccid penis. He turned around, leaning his back against Alexander's chest,seated between Alexander's legs. Alexander brushed his hair back,"I love you,too."
They lay in silence a while before deciding to bath together before Alexander had to go. Hephaistion called a slave to set up a bath in the bedroom, him and Alexander disappearing to the balcony. They bathed together, chattering lightly. Hephaistion joked that his father had probably been too scared of catching them together to come and enquire about their absence at breakfast. No doubt he had heard about the instructions to the servant. It was lucky Hephaistion didn't have a class that morning or else Amyntor might have prevailed.
Alexander watched his lover dress before they tip-toed to Alexander's room for him to dress. They managed to avoid his companions and any staff, eventually deciding to pass some time in one of the lounges overlooking the first courtyard, chatting about Homer.
As the 10th hour approached, Alexander thought he'd best find his companions and retinue to prepare for the army review. Hephaistion joined him at the door, sharing a deep, yet brief kiss at the door. Alexander held his hand as they descended to the lower floor, relinquishing it as they searched the rooms unsuccessfully. They decided to head back up to the embassy rooms.
"If they're sleeping or still hungerover, I swear by Zeus..."Alexander frowned.
Hephaistion laughed. They heard voices as they neared the grand rooms. Alexander led the way into the richly furnished central room which overlooked both courtyards, with passages leading to the rooms on both sides. His companions were all there, Leonnatus and Perdikkas discussing something intently; Ptolemy listening to Cassander and Philotas' boasting with doubt; the rest staring of into space, drinking. At a desk, a scribe took notes on what Antipater was saying. Amyntor, too, was there, agreeing or disagreeing with Antipater. The guards at the door saluted their prince as he entered. A slight hush fell over the room.
"Alexander," Antipater smiled somewhat awkwardly, his eyes lingering over the Joyeau d'Athens behind him briefly. So it was true what Cassander had said and he himself had suspected. "We were just starting our preparations."
Alexander smiled and nodded," Joy to you."
"You haven't forgotten about today's review, have you, my prince? No-one would blame you," Cassander looked on Hephaistion.
Alexander ignored him and took the wine cup offered by Perdikkas. The room was still generally awkward: Alexander's friends might have teased him but were afraid of embarassing him in front of Antipater and Amyntor;Amyntor afraid of embarassing his son in front of the Macedonians.
Amyntor embraced his son briefly, turning to Alexander," I hope you don't mind if I help. Antipater and I were just discussing some policies that could be hightlighted for the Athenians today."
Alexander shook his head," Of course not."
"Basically, there'll be a review of the troops. Then a lunch with the 10 generals and finally a tour of the walls," Antipater said." What do you think regarding speeches, Amyntor?"
"You won't be pushed to speak but it would appreciated if you did-provided you said the right things," Amyntor replied.
"Will I be allowed to address the troops?" Alexander raised an eyebrow.
Amyntor hesitated,"If you wish but I would caution you strongly then with what you say. The commanders might feel humiliated."
Hephaistion spoke, eyes sparkling," One of our cousins spoke to the army once. He was from Corinth and everyone loved him. Yet he received no reinforcements from Athens because some commanders thought him too familiar with their course it is different now but...they can be very sensitive."
Amyntor laughed," Unfortunately it's true.I think I'd best get going now, unless there's something else."
"Demosthenes."
"Ah," Amyntor sighed. "Athenians love him, he will be there but he will not guide you. You needn't speak."
"Who else will be there?" Philotas asked.
"Mainly the army, really. Some government officials maybe."
The Macedonians began to chat amongst made to leave, Hephaistion followed him. They were at the door when Alexander excused himself from Antipater. "Hephaistion!"He called softly, luckily few heard him. Hephaistion and his father paused in the corridor. Hephaistion smiled at the prince."Are you coming?"
Hephaistion shook his head," It's not necessary."
Alexander glanced briefly at Amyntor, then returning to Hephaistion," What time are you finishing classes?"
Hephaistion coloured slightly at their ongoing conversation in front of his clearly amused father," Around the then I have that meeting I told you about."
"The science school, yes. I'll see you tonight then,"Alexander hovered.
Amyntor bit back a smile and walked further, his back to them.
Alexander leaned forward and stole a kiss. He grinned and Hephaistion bit back a giggle. "See you later, Alexander," he smiled.
Alexander went back inside, grinning and Hephaistion turned tojoin his father on the staircase. Amyntor sighed dramatically, his face amused. He laughed and clapped an arm on his son's back. Hephaistion met his father's gaze and then quickly looked away,flushing.
Amyntor laughed again. They walked downstairs. "So I'm guessing everything's good with Alexander."
Hephaistion tried to control his heated cheeks,"Yes."
"And you had a nice breakfast?"
Hephaistion swore internally, feeling warm-both embarassed and aroused recalling their breakfast sex. He forced a smile. "Yes. Sorry we missed breakfast."
Amyntor nodded," You haven't been together long, I can some other people might not.
Hephaistion followed Amyntor into his study, closing the door and frowning,"What did they say? Who said something?"
"No-one really. Cassander did make some remark but his father shut him up quickly. Something about Alexander's 'slipping standards'."
Hephaistion's eyes bulged,"What? How dare he!"
"Don't worry about it. Come sit here," Amyntor gestured towards the couch he already sat sat as his father continued," You know how breakfast is, it's very informal. It's not like everyone knows you and Alexander weren't there."
"What did mother say?"
Amyntor shook his head,"Nothing. Why would she care? The servant told her you were eating in bed."
Hephaistion calmed slightly,"Were Alexander's companions worried?"
"No, Ptolemy just said Alexander wasn't in his bedroom; that he'd probably gone riding. Of course, he knew."
Hephaistion nodded,"Shouldn't you get ready, father?"
"I want to talk to you first," Amyntor smiled fondly. He brushed a piece of hair from his son's face, revealing a love bite. Hephaistion flushed, seeing his father's face darken and then becoming slightly pink himself. Amyntor swallowed, meeting Hephaistion's gaze awkwardly,"I hope he treats you well."
Hephaistion frowned,"Of course!"
Amyntor nodded, noticing another love bite;unwilling to ignore them."I don't mean to pry, my son, but I can't say I like this. I don't want people to see all this and I know you- you wouldn't either. When I say I hope he treats you well, I mean in bed."
Hephaistion flushed,"Father, do you really want to know about my sex life?"
Amyntor roared with laughter,"No! Absolutely not! But I don't want other people to either."
Hephaistion understood." That's true. Alexander almost had a panick attack; he doesn't want that either." His face softened," But he does love me, you know."
Amyntor smiled,"I can tell. And I know you feel the same. Have you told him?"
Hephaistion nodded, smiling. His eyes sparkled,"Don't worry, father,we're all on the same page."
"I'm glad you're happy. That's what I want for you. I hope it works out, my son, I really do."
"Alexander's not like the others, father. Even with his faults, he's perfect," Hephaistion stated confidently, a slight tone of adoration in his voice. He added with a smile,"For me, at least."
"I'm glad,"Amyntor smiled. They sat in silence for a moment. A knock on the door sounded and Amyntor's secretary entered,"I'm sorry, sir, but we have your horse ready. Good morning, Joyeau d'Athens."
Hephaistion's lips spread into a smile," Good morning, Antiochus."
They all exited the room. Amyntor hugged his son,"Enjoy your day."
"Hephaistion,"Antiochus addressed him." I've told the servants to prepare one of the lounges for you this afternoon. I thought maybe you might meet Alertos here before the meeting, you said you wish to speak to him privately. Is that alright?"
"That's perfect. Thank you, Antiochus."
