First of all, amazing thanks to all people who reviewed! You have really inspired me!
I'm afraid I have sad news for you though, since this will be the last chapter. I was actually already planning to make chapter 8 the last chapter, but since I realised I could not leave you that suddenly I decided to write this, so that it really has ended in a clear way. The chap may not be as interesting and full of tension as the other ones, but I wrote it for you guys so I hope you appreciate it. ;)
There's good news also though, since there is already a sequel on its way. Don't forget to check on it, it will be up soon! Perhaps there will be even more stories in this 'universe' of Alexander that I've created with this story, about how they shared their first kiss perhaps? I'll have to see if inspiration hits me.
Now my responses:
To Valo: Good, I'll expect to see you around with the sequel then! ;)
To Rothalion: Thank you, thank you!
To Gabo0: I'm afraid Hephaistion is around no longer…
To Katatonia:
>> You seemed to have really captured the characters as they should have been in the film
That's really sweet of you to say! I think the Hephaistion in the movie had less of a temper, and more like followed Alexander around. But I must say I like my Heph a little spicier… :P
>> and as they probably were in real life
Here I'd have to disagree with you though. I recently saw a tv-program about Alexander the Great, and I read a good deal about him, and I don't think he really would've been like this. It disappointed me that he was rather brutal and definitely very arrogant, perhaps not such a nice man at all. Oh well, who cares anyway…
>> The mark of a great fanfiction writer, it seems, is to do this with full and utter confidence, and to succeed. Therefore, no one could call you anything but a great fanfiction writer.
Thanks, that is of course the best compliment a girl can get! I'm really glad you see it this way, though I must assure you that I am not always feeling that confident… It's coming though, with all these wonderful reviews. :))
To hephychick (or Tionsbabe, whatever ;)): I'm so glad you like it! I understand it may seem unlikely Hephaistion would demand an apology to Bagoas… But he had his reasons. As for you feeling for Bagoas, so do I! Hence the sequel I've just written. :)
--------------------------------
Alexander was deeply hunched over maps of Persia, a frown on his forehead. He was not really studying them. He was waiting for Hephaistion, waiting for him to come back. He knew his lover had left on his horse hours ago, he had known it on the moment Bagoas had come back to tell him Hephaistion was nowhere to be found. It was no use to go after him. When Hephaistion wanted to be alone, he wanted to be alone, evenif Alexander was dying to finally put an end to this madness. Besides, he had no idea where Hephaistion went, and calling up a search seemed too much trouble. If only he would just return! Alexander nervously pounded with his fingers on the table and his gaze drifted to the window. How long would it still take? Why was Hephaistion punishing him so?
Or… had something happened? No… no one could hurt his Hephaistion.
Finally, when the sun was already halfway it's path down the sky, he heard footsteps down the hall. He looked up expectantly. Leather boots! When the door opened without hearing anyone knock, Alexander had the urge to smile brightly, but he held himself back. You never knew what to expect with Hephaistion. "You are back?" he asked, asthe rather dishevelled form of his lover appeared in the doorway.
Hephaistion glanced up, brushing back his dark hair that still dusty from his long ride. He looked almost ashamed. "I came as soon as I heard… Look, I'm sorry. I really thought I had lost you. But apparently you were not as far gone as I thought."
Alexander smiled and stood up from his desk, al worries forgotten as he looked upon his lover's face. "Oh but I am. I am very, very far gone. Beyond hope, even." He walked closer and pulled his lover away from the doorway. After he had pushed the door shut, he took Hephaistion's arms and put them around his waist, gently leaning forward to let his lips brush over Hephaistion's. "But rather than anything, I'd have my heart be my downfall."
"Alexander… Thank you." Hephaistion's lips turned into a tiny curl. "I will try not to be your ruin. It'll be hard on me, but I could always try."
Alexander shook his head and smirked. Hephaistion only sighed and leaned his head against the strong shoulder offered to him. "Let's not ever do this again? I don't like being such a demanding lover."
Now Alexander couldn't suppress his laughter. "You don't? Since when?" He pulled the other closer and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Ah, my Hephaistion, you have changed so little in all this time. And I'm glad for it. I would never want you any other way. But I agree, you might try to go easier on me next time. I mean, punching me?"
When Hephaistion leaned back his eyes gleamed. "Consider it payback for that one time you nearly hit me unconscious. I'm sure you still remember?" He playfully stuck out the tip of his tongue.
"Oh, please…" Alexander rolled his eyes. "How often are you going to use that as an excuse? It was ages ago, and not even really my fault! Besides, I think I was punished quite enough for that. I was terrified that I had seriously hurt you."
"Oh well. Just this last time then?" Hephaistion licked his lips seductively.
"Fine," Alexander laughed. "Fine! Now let's quit the talking, I've had quite enough of it." And with that, he roughly pushed his lips down upon Hephaistion's, ready to make up for all what happened and show his undying love, time and time again if needed. Hephaistion responded in kind and had already eagerly undone his belt. Alexander smiled into their kiss. Hephaistion was truly the most wonderful downfall in the world.
The End.
