Disclaimer: Still don't own them. Too bad for me.

Notes: Rothalion, don't hate me for.. erm.. 'borrowing' Hephaestion's pet name. I saw it in The Punch Temp (omgsogreat!) and I had to use it. It's too perfect and so right. So thanks for that.

Thanks so very much to everyone who has read and reviewed thus far. I'm doing my best to overcome my laziness to continue this story just especially for those of you who liked it. It will be abandoned inevitably just like everything I start, but your harping has postponed its hiatus. So please continue to review.

Also! All of you Alexander fandom writers: your stuff is all so good! I'm proud to be lumped into a fandom with so many talented authors.

Anyway. Enough of my babble. Onto to goods.

I start to leave the room just as quickly as I entered, but your hand on my shoulder stops me.

"What is it?" It is more a demand than a question. You whisper in my ear. I flinch.

"Please do not be angry."

"Who is angry? I am not angry." I am not entirely lying.

Your voice is pleading. "Phae, please?"

I sigh and face you. You are nearing tears, I can tell. With a deep breath I scan you and the scene behind you. Your right hand is holding closed the bedcovers that are barely covering you below the waist. Behind you, a debauched looking and smug Bagoas is stretched languidly, nay, triumphantly across your bed.

"Did you assume I would forget that you sent for me tonight simply because you did?"

"I…"

"It's quite alright. I understand how distracting he can be. Obviously he can be extremely distracting as I have not set foot in this room for nearly three weeks. But between a wife and whore who has time for a best friend. Am I correct, Alexander?"

I hate how bitter I sound. It makes Roxane's hatred of me seem validated.

I've wounded you. I am instantly sorry, but when I open my mouth to apologize, you have already beaten me to it.

"Yes, I suppose you are correct. I am sorry, Hephaestion. I should have been more attentive to you."

Without looking away from me, your voice addresses your eunuch.

"Bagoas. Please leave us."

With a slight pout and a glare to me behind your back, he throws on a delicate and pretty robe and disappears.

I suddenly feel like a fool. I avoid your eyes.

"I did not mean for you to send him away."

"Yes you did." But you don't sound accusing. You even smile.

I smile too and hang my head. "Yes I did."

"I apologize for my negligence, Hephaestion."

"And I for my jealousy."

But we both know that the apologies were unnecessary because we reach for each other at the same moment and, for now, all is forgiven.