To lvingphai: The chapter about Philip is on the way… only because you and Annie asked for it! But it is actually rather interesting and does add something to the story. Be patient just a little longer, I'll post it soon. But what are you saying about Alexander killing Hephaistion? That would be rather sad… lol. I doubt he will really kill his lover though. Perhaps he will just play a little…

To secret08: I'm glad you like it, and here's the next update already. :)

To Mamanchat: Who cares about constructive reviews lol, as long as you're affected by my story I'm happy. I hope it won't become too much for you! There'll be some heavy chapters in the future… ;)

To annakas: Happy conclusion… Oh yes, I'd almost forget, there has to be a happy conclusion, if these Alex and Phai are ever going to be the same as the ones in 'A snake's advice'… Have to keep that in mind… No seriously, I'm sure he'll find himself a way out of this… somehow…

To hephychick: You know, just your amusing reviews would be enough for me to keep writing this story, LOL. Slow moment… indeed. ;) I'm glad you think I did okay with the flashbacks, I was a little worried about that, but I just knew I wanted them in there. In this chap there'll be another one that I just couldn't leave out. I love little arrogant Hephaistion…

To Siobhan: Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story, even though Philip should really learn to behave… lol.

To Annie: It's a hard situation, but we'll just have to have faith in Hephaistion's ability to get himself out of this. I think he'll soon be forced to undertake some action… I really hope I'll be able to keep updating this quick, I'll do my best! I'm glad my hard work is appreciated. ;) Oh and btw, darling Alexander is the main character in this chap again… Hehe, enjoy.

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Did Hephaistion think him a fool? Did the other truly think he wouldn't notice anything? Alexander had woken up just a few minutes ago, alone in his bed once more, and had suddenly realised he could leave this no longer. The longer he thought about it, the more he realised something was wrong. He had this strange feeling Hephaistion had been lying to him… So now he was hurrying towards his friend's room for the second time this week, memories echoing back and forth in his mind.

The first alarm bell in his head had gone off when the other had tried to convince him he needed to leave his room for the last hours of the night. How was it possible Hephaistion had sounded exactly like his mother on that moment? "It is for the best, I believe, Alexander." Why did the people he loved and trusted always speak to him like that? His mother just thought him still a child, but Hephaistion? Hephaistion had, ever since they had finally become friends, always treated him like an equal.

Hephaistion had remembered him of that occasion only yesterday afternoon, in one of those melancholic moods the other had all the time. First, his friend would make love to him so intensely it was nearly scary, then he would smile, but there really was no happiness in his eyes, and then he would start about something – like when they had become friends. It was not a memory that he particularly liked to think back on, yet vivid images and all the emotions involved hit him every time he was reminded of it.

-

Blue eyes sparkled wildly above the other's challenging grin.

Alexander clenched his jaw, then without thinking hit the older boy with his fist as hard as he could. Hephaistion was unprepared, caught the blow full upon his face and stumbled backwards.

The young prince felt like cheering. His hand hurt but it was worth it. Finally he had taught this arrogant boy a lesson, as he had promised himself so often lately! Hephaistion deserved this for all the times he had bullied him, ridiculed him, criticized him on everything he did. Finally-

His thought was interrupted as the other, who had stumbled backwards with one hand over his nose, tripped over a loose stone and released a short cry. Too late to catch himself he tumbled down, his head hitting the solid rock behind him.

"Hephaistion," Alexander breathed after standing motionless for a moment, watching the other's limp body. His insides turned to ice. This couldn't be…

He rushed forwards and knelt down, his panic increasing when he saw the blood that mingled with the dirt. "Hephaistion!"

-

He had sat by Hephaistion's bed the whole following night, anxiously awake, and when the other had finally woken up he had cried like a baby. Hephaistion had soothed him and told him it was alright… and kissed him.

But why had Hephaistion brought that up, as if they had to hold that memory close, when there was so much more good in the future than the past? Surely the other believed they had a long way to go yet, surely Hephaistion was not expecting to have to leave him… What else, what else could it be?

He threw the door open, it smacked against the inner wall with a thud. The room was empty. No sleeping Hephaistion. He had been lying. Lying. Lying. Alexander swallowed as a little voice in the back of his head whispered: "Please believe me when I say it is for the best to not put your trust in him like you do."

It could be that… No, Hephaistion was certainly not sleeping with anyone else, it was impossible. It was something Alexander refused to even seriously consider. There was another explanation for this strange behaviour… Perhaps he was just… elsewhere… thinking… He scowled. By the gods, it had been enough!

Angrily, Alexander turned around and left. Hephaistion would have to feel what it was like to have someone lie to you.