Disclaimer: Oliver Stone and Warner Bros. own this, not me.

A/N: Random ficlett written very shortly after I saw the movie (the day it came out in San Jose.) Please review. I appreciate comments greatly. Wish my beta a quick un-grounding so she can fix any mistakes you may see here.

Stretch to Eternity:

I feel pain. I know I am dying. But I'll lie to you. It's not what I do–but I do not ever want to see that shattered look in your eyes.

Your voice offers a constant comfort. My lullaby. You tell me of a future I'll never see. And something in me says, it is never to be. That you won't see this future either.

I do not what it is. But I feel wise. Far wiser than I have ever felt before in my rather short life. And I know I am dying. But I will not tell you, it would hurt you. And I would never want to do that. So I will lie to you.

It is what I must do to protect you from pain. I would not cause you pain.

The sun illuminates the ring on your finger. Ring I gave you...So beautiful on your hand...It will someday be worn by others. But it will never look so lovely on their fingers.

I am sure that the maker of that ancient thing knew upon the moment of his death, that one day someone Great would wear it. You are Great, Alexander. Never forget.

I know you will not. You will have no time. This death, this is a moment of all knowing. I know you will not live to grieve me long.

Nor will you ever hold your only begotten son. Cruel gods. They must have you so soon. Why could They not allow the man who conquered fear to conquer death once more?

You scared me then, you know. When I saw you fall...My heart beat abnormally until the moment you limped into sight. Alive. Unconquered. Still only me, eh?

Keep talking. It soothes me. Like nothing else, it soothes me. Can a moment stretch on to eternity?

Let this one go on. I may suffer, but I do not wish to leave you yet. Keep talking.

Talk about our future, about the children who together would play. Taunt me. This future will not be, cannot be. The dying man knows all.

I know I am swift-fading, leaving my body so fast. But can a moment stretch on to eternity? This one won't.

My eternity ends. I love you. Do not mourn me too much. Do not cry for me. I love you. And if only I could know that you had more time on this earth...Gods...There is so much pain! And then, there's only the drifting freedom.

A/N: Review it...