Authors note: even a love like Alexanders and Hephaistions would have had moments that they had a fight with each other. Even though Alexander would do most of the fighting, Hephaistion is still in my eyes strong willed.

Alexander came through the doors of Hephaistions small estate. It was cosy and homely; the way Alexander wished his home had been as a child. There Hephaistion lay, he was tucked under thick woollen sheets, his arms lay dangling at the side of the bed, and Alexander smiled.

"Hmm" Hephaistion smiled as Alexander kissed his forehead,

"Morn" Alexander face was bright and cheery, much to Hephaistion's astonishment.

"You look happy, Alexander. What news do you bring?"

"A party Hephaistion" Alexander's eyes were so bright and big Hephaistion's heart raced just looking at them.

"A party? What kind of party?" Hephaistion asked him, rubbing his eyes.

"Termeh is 17 this week. She can be legally wed. Mother said it would be in my best interest to go… and since we rarely go to special occasions except for my fathers, I thought this would be great time to be together"

Hephaistion nodded. He knew too well why Olympius wanted Alexander go to this party. For Alexander to become a father and a husband. His eyes lowered slightly,

"I'd be happy to go, Alexander" Hephaistion smiled, but Alexander saw more in Hephaistions eyes.

"You don't want to go do you?" Alexander asked him, Hephaistion shook his head, "I never said I didn't want to go"

"Your eyes" Alexander said, pointing at them, "Your eyes are telling me…. You're lying to me Hephaistion"

Hephaistion gasped a little, "No, never Alexander"

Alexander's brow furrowed, "You know how I feel about lies, Hephaistion" he muttered lowly, "Look at what pain my mothers lies have caused me, and my fathers…"

"Alexander, no" Hephaistion defended himself, "I'd never lie to you"

Alexander took a deep breath; Hephaistion could tell by the way Alexander was now standing he didn't believe him. Alexander always believed him, what changed this time?

"I don't like parties, but if you wish I will attend" Hephaistion offered, " Every time I have gone with you I have caused you trouble"

'Nonsense, you've saved me from trouble" Alexander smiled, "I need you beside me, Hephaistion. How can I go without my partner? Then the girls shall assume…"

"Then let them assume" Hephaistion brushed past Alexander to the bathroom, Alexander watched him.

"What would you have me do, Hephaistion? Not go to this party… not present myself?"

"I'd have you do what you want" Hephaistion tilted his head slightly, looking at Alexander, "I'll go, so stop fighting"

Frustrated Alexander sat down on the bed; Hephaistion rubbed his hair dry and looked out at him,

"Don't be this way, Alexander. So I do not enjoy parties, doesn't mean I think less of you if you do"

"Its not that" Alexander muttered, "I know you know the real reason about this party… I know you feel like I'm going to betray you… but there comes a time in a mans life when he must sacrifice, Hephaistion. I will eventually be King"

"I know Alexander" Hephaistion smiled, Alexander returned it weakly, "You always know"