Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.
Mara: Yeah, sweet little Peritas, couldn't forget about him now could I? Thank you for reviewing.
Shioban: The story simply follows Alexander youth and his and Hephaistion's growing relationship during that period. Thanks for reviewing.
Valo: They are indeed bonding, facing death together will do that. Thank you for reviewing.
Emerald Amber: Glad you feel better Thanks for reviewing.
XZanayu: Thank you so much! Thank you for reviewing.
Kwannom: I am currently looking for one, thank you for the tip. Thanks for your review.
Queendel: I couldn't simply forget about Peritas, he was a big part of Alexander's life. They are indeed growing closer. Thank you for reviewing.
Veronique: Thank you so much. I had a weeks vacation so I was able to write and post a lot but I fear the next week will be harder but I will try my best to update as soon as I can. Thanks for reviewing.
Special Thanks To My Beta Shioban who helped me correct my mistakes.
I would die for you,
Climb the highest mountain,
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do.
- Love Will Keep Us Alive by The Eagles. -
Chapter 11: Nightmares.
Alexander and Hephaistion stayed outside until the sun set and it became too dark to continue reading. Hephaistion, whose head was still on Alexander's shoulder sighed as Alexander rolled the scroll back up.
"Who is favourite character?" asked Hephaistion after a long silence, watching Alexander pet Peritas who had fallen asleep in his lap. Alexander cocked his head to one side, a habit that reminded Hephaistion of a deer listening in the wind. Alexander and answered without any doubt.
"Achilles…"
"Why?" asked Hephaistion, knowing fully well Achilles was his favourite character, he heard it in the tone of his voice when he was reading earlier. Alexander sighed slightly,
"Two reasons I guess…" Hephaistion nodded slightly urging him to continue, "… first because I am the last descendant of Achilles…" when he saw Hephaistion's shocked face he explained, "…my mother told me so, she comes from his royal bloodline…" Hephaistion was shocked at this revelation but decided not to comment, sensing Alexander reluctance to talk about it, instead he said;
"What's the second?" Alexander blushed slightly, making Hephaistion raise an eyebrow in wonder,
"Because he loved Patroclus and avenged his death…" Hephaistion smiled at the confession making Alexander blush even more. Alexander covered it up by coughing slightly and asking,
"And yours? Who is your favourite character?"
"Patroclus." Hephaistion said it in such a way that Alexander needed no explanation and simply accepted it.
A rumbling sound interrupted their conversation. They both chuckled as Alexander scratched his head in embarrassment. "I guess I'm hungry…" Hephaistion laughed as well, not believing how different Alexander was when it was just the two of them. He really liked Alexander this way and enjoyed his company very much. He looked into Alexander shining eyes and his heart skipped a beat. He tried to control the butterflies who had free range in his stomach and blushed slightly. He was deep in thought and didn't notice Alexander stand up and extending his hand to help him up.
"Hephaistion?" Alexander voice snapped Hephaistion to the present and he looked up embarrassed at being caught daydreaming. He extending his own hand, grabbing Alexander's who hauled him up. His leg, stiff from sitting down made him stumble a little and he tripped bumping into Alexander who steadied him with one hand, since he carried Peritas in the other. Alexander chuckled unaware of Hephaistion face who had turned red at their closeness. Hephaistion took a step back and said,
"Come let us go and get some food in that stomach of yours."
Alexander chuckled and together they walked back to the school. Before going to their rooms they decided to make a stop at the galley, hoping to find some leftovers. They silently crept towards the kitchens hoping to find is deserted but no such luck. Inside they found Ptolemy sitting at the table like he belonged there, somehow knowing they would make a stop. He nodded as they entered,
"Boys…"
"Ptolemy, what are doing here?" asked Alexander in gruff tone making Hephaistion sigh at the change.
"Waiting for you." answered Ptolemy, not even blinking at Alexander's tone.
"Why?" asked Hephaistion, laying a hand on Alexander's shoulder, calming him down.
"Your mother is in quite a state you know…" started Ptolemy ignoring the question, "…she thinks your were kidnapped or something but I saw you two running of this afternoon and knew you would be back late and hungry so I decided to wait here…."
Alexander sighed letting down his guard before sitting at the table, across from Ptolemy, Hephaistion sitting down next to him. Ptolemy stood up, picking up a plate and pulling of the cloth that covered it. He placed the plate down in front of the two boys, alongside two goblets filled with watered down wine, both boys looked at down to see cheese, honey, bread, grapes, dades and pieces of apple. They both nodded in thanks before starting to eat. Alexander offered a piece of bread to Peritas, who tried to chew it but didn't quite succeed. Ptolemy gave him a bowl of milk instead, which he quickly drank. Ptolemy smiled before scratching the dog behind his ears.
"Who's this little fellow?"
"Peritas…" answered Alexander with his mouth full. Ptolemy nodded while he played with Alexander's dog while he and Hephaistion ate. After a long silence Ptolemy stood up handing the puppy back to Alexander.
"Your mother is still in your room by the way. I thought you'd like to know." And he quickly left leaving both boys staring after him.
Reluctantly Alexander stood up picking up Peritas while Hephaistion put the plate and goblets away. Together they walked in silence until they reached their rooms.
"Well, goodnight…" whispered Alexander before bracing himself, staring at his door, knowing there was a world of trouble behind it. Hephaistion bit his lip before grabbing Alexander's arm stopping him in his tracks.
"You can stay in my room, if you like…" whispered Hephaistion as Alexander slowly turned, seeing Alexander shocked face he quickly added, "…your mother is asleep by now in any case, it's a shame to wake her up…." Feeling embarrassed at his suggestion and lame excuse he started babbling, "…you don't have to of course, it was just a suggestion…" suddenly a hand covered his mouth ending the waterfall of words.
"I would love to."
Hephaistion smiled relieved and moved aside to let Alexander in. At first he was afraid of Alexander's reaction but now he was glad he excepted, he didn't want Alexander to leave yet.
While Hephaistion closed his door and lit some candles, Alexander looked around noticing their rooms where quite alike though Hephaistion's was more messy then his. Scrolls were scattered on his bed, chiton's were thrown over a chair while a pair of sandals were kicked into a corner. He smiled at the mess, he wasn't allowed to make. He turned around just as Hephaistion lit the last candle and began gathering his scrolls he had carelessly thrown on his bed when he wanted to get to Alexander earlier that day.
"Sorry for the mess…" apologised Hephaistion and dumped his scrolls in a nearby chest.
"It's ok, I don't mind much…" smiled Alexander petting Peritas. Noticing the dog, Hephaistion grabbed some old blankets and threw them together in a corner near the bed.
"Peritas can sleep here…" Alexander nodded before gently placing, the now sleeping puppy, on the blankets. He gently petted the dog before bending down and kissing the puppy on it's little head. Hephaistion smiled at the sweet scene, staring at Alexander's face cast in the candle light, he felt the butterflies return again and suddenly became nervous. Alexander turned and their eyes connected. They stared into each others eyes for the longest time. Alexander looked into Hephaistion blue eyes, filled with candle light and he lightly gasped to himself realising just how much he wanted to be here and how much he actually cared for his friend. He felt his gut clench at the realisation. Hephaistion however saw the change in Alexander's, two-coloured eyes, and he trembled slightly. A sudden noise made him blink, severing their connection. Alexander cleared his throat standing up, while Hephaistion wiped, his suddenly sweaty hands on his chiton.
"You can have the bed, I will sleep on the floor…" whispered Hephaistion motioning to the bed while grabbing some new blankets for himself.
"This is your room, I shouldn't…." protested Alexander.
"You are still recovering Alexander, it wouldn't do well for you to sleep on the floor." Argued Hephaistion,
"So are you…" stated Alexander gesturing to Hephaistion's leg.
"I will be fine, but you won't if you sleep on the floor." Replied Hephaistion,
"But…" began Alexander but was quickly stopped by Hephaistion's pleading voice.
"Alexander, please…." Staring into Hephaistion pleading eyes, Alexander groaned relenting,
"If you insist." Hephaistion nodded and began spreading the blankets on the floor next to the bed. Meanwhile Alexander went to the adjoining bathing room and washed up before entering the bedroom again, passing Hephaistion who entered the bathing room as well. He pulled his chiton over his head, leaving only his loin cloth. He put out some candles before standing on the balcony staring at the full moon, head tipped to one side staring off into the distance.
Hephaistion after having washed himself, pulled of his chiton as well throwing it on top of Alexander's on the nearby chair. He noticed some of the candles were put out only leaving the ones near the bed. He looked towards the balcony, after catching a movement, and stared when he saw Alexander's bared back. He'd seen Alexander's bare chested many times before but somehow this time if felt different, more intimate. He closed his eyes, biting his bottom lip, collecting himself before he did something rash. When he felt ready he joined Alexander on the balcony, standing close to him, almost touching, they both stared into the distance, enjoying each other's presence.
"What do you think is out there?" asked Alexander suddenly,
"I don't know…" replied Hephaistion softly,
"We will find out someday. You and I…." murmured Alexander, while Hephaistion listened to his voice filled with hopes and dreams. "…We will climb mountains and cross seas. Meet new people and find new riches. We will go further then anyone has ever been. Further then Heracles even… I will have the largest kingdom of the world. Will you come with me Hephaistion when I do?" asked Alexander turning towards Hephaistion.
"Always Alexander. I will follow you everywhere, even death won't stop me…" replied Hephaistion honestly, knowing that he won't be able to live without Alexander anymore and would follow him everywhere. Alexander smiled before hugging him close, for a moment it seemed like the wanted to say something but changed his mind. Hephaistion frowned but Alexander shook his head with a smile and walked round Hephaistion climbing into bed. Hephaistion sighed before following Alexander and laying down on his self-made bed. He whispered,
"Goodnight." Before blowing out the last candle and laying down. After a while Alexander breathing evened out and Hephaistion felt himself grow tired and drifted of.
A few hours later he woke up not knowing why, suddenly he heard a moan and he sat up listening intently, making sure he heard correctly. When a second moan followed he stood up and looked at Alexander. In the light of the moon he could see his friend clearly. He was twisting and turning on the bed, biting his lip to try and keep silent. When Alexander began crying and sobbing in his sleep Hephaistion quickly sat on the bed and softly shook his shoulder.
"Alexander…. Alexander…"
Suddenly Alexander's eyes snapped open and he stared at Hephaistion with teary eyes, questioning,
"Hephaistion?"
"I'm here. You had a nightmare….." Hephaistion suddenly found himself arms full with a trembling Alexander, "…Shhhh, it was just a dream. Just a dream." Alexander trembled for several minutes while Hephaistion rubbed his back until he calmed down. When the trembling reduced to shivers he asked,
"Do you want to talk about it?" when no answer came forth he added, "….You don't have to if you don't want to…." Alexander settled his head in the crook of Hephaistion neck and sighed before starting to talk.
"I have had this nightmare for as long as I can remember…." Started Alexander. "….I am in a place I have never seen before, it's big and luxurious, everyone is wearing beautiful clothes. Then I am alone but for one person laying sick in a bed. I can always tell this person is very dear to me and I am worried. When I come closer this person has no face but still I seem to care a lot about him. And then…." Alexander trembled again and Hephaistion holds him closer caressing his back and arm. "… that person dies and I am filled with despair and loneliness. My heart breaks and my soul hurts…"
Alexander sniffled again and Hephaistion kissed his head whispering,
"It's just a dream. It might not happen."
"I know but…" murmured Alexander, "….there was something different tonight. Something that has never happened before."
"Oh?" exclaimed Hephaistion urging him on,
"He had a face today…." Stated Alexander before sitting up staring at Hephaistion "…It was you…" Hephaistion stiffened in shock while Alexander continued, "…But not you now, it was an older you somehow. You had scars on your face, here and here…" whispered Alexander caressing Hephaistion's face where the scars would be. Hephaistion stilled Alexander hands by taking them in his hands, staring into Alexander eyes filled with despair.
"I will never leave you willingly. Not if I can prevent it." Alexander stared at him for the longest time before asking in the tiniest voice,
"Promise?"
"I promise on my father's life…" replied Hephaistion. Knowing what his father meant to his friend he hugged him close feeling relieved.
"Now, go to sleep…" said Hephaistion softly pushing Alexander down, but before he could leave the bed a hand grabbed his and he looked into Alexander's tired, red eyes.
"Stay with me?"
Hephaistion nodded and Alexander moved over making room for his friend. Hephaistion climbed in and settled down in the soft cushions sighing in relief because his back was already hurting from sleeping on the floor. He felt Alexander settle his head on his chest before drifting of, Hephaistion however stayed awake for some time enjoying the close contact before drifting of himself. Both of them slept truly peaceful for the first time in their lives.