Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.
Mara: You're welcome girl. Seeing as you are my most loyal reviewer, you earned it! Yeah, they used lion's a lot, they stood for strength, valour and honour. Qualities they all valued. And yeah he build one for Hephaistion as well, along with a shrine. Thank you for reviewing.
lingphai: that's ok, I'm just glad you keep on coming back to read it. I try to keep as close to history as possible. Thanks for reviewing.
Special Thanks To My Beta Shioban, Who Helps Me Correct My Mistakes.
WARNING: This Chapter Will Contain an NC-17 Scene. If you do no like it, please don't read it!
I have hours only lonely,
My love is vengeance,
That's never free.
No one knows what it's like
To feel these feelings
Like I do and I blame you!
- Behind Blue Eyes by Limp Bizkit –
Chapter 25: Welcome Back!
Hephaistion barked some remark to one of the boys under his care, as the boy once again fell of his horse.
Ever since they came back from Thebes and Alexander left, everyone of the royal companions had gotten a troop of young Macedonians under their care. Their job was to teach them to become soldiers in Philip's army and later even Alexander's. They've all gotten the job because Philip heard of their skills on the battlefield. And since Alexander was not there, they had to keep themselves occupied and Philip did not want their talents going to waste.
However honoured he was, Hephaistion only relished in the job, simply because it kept him occupied. This way he hardly had time to think about Alexander, hoping he was alright. None of them had heard anything, but rumours in the palace suggested Alexander fulfilled his mission with glory. The rebel greek cities did not only except Philip as their king, they also swore their armies to him and his cause. This was good news, especially for Philip, who always wanted to rule Greece and was planning a campaign in Asia.
The rumour also suggested many other things, like the prince partaking in several parties and enjoying the pleasure of slave girls. They also said he spent money on outrages gifts and drank a lot. Hephaistion however, did not believe any of those rumours, knowing Alexander would not do such things but merely spread the rumour that he did, probably to please his mother and father. But he very much wanted to believe in the last rumour: Alexander was coming home.
Sighing, he once again barked at some young boy, "Keep your heals down. By Zeus, how many times to have to tell you boy!"
"Sorry My Lord." Stuttered the brown haired boy, bowing his head slightly,
"Sorry isn't going to help you in the battlefield boy, you should listen to what I say…" shouted Hephaistion loudly, waving his hands , "… Go on try again. This time keep your heals down!"
"Yes My lord." The boy quickly ran of and mounted his horse again, while Hephaistion watched closely.
A voice interrupted his observation, "Aren't you a bit harsh?"
Hephaistion turned around, to see Ptolemy leaning against a nearby pole, "Ptolemy… No, I am not. It's the only way they learn." Hephaistion gestured to the boy, who rode his horse perfectly now,
Ptolemy nodded, "Yes but still, this doesn't sound like you Hephaistion." Hephaistion merely shrugged, "You grow more short-tempered every day."
Hephaistion wheeled around angry, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"See, the Hephaistion I know wouldn't have done that…" Ptolemy gestured to Hephaistion who shrugged turning back, "… What's bothering you?"
Hephaistion kept silent and simply stared in front of him. "You miss him don't you?" hearing those words, every bit of anger Hephaistion felt suddenly left his body and he sank to the ground nodding.
Ptolemy sank down next to him. "He'll be fine, you'll see."
"I hope so…" muttered Hephaistion. "I shouldn't be feeling like this…" Hephaistion kicked the ground in frustration, "I should be able to keep my personal feelings private. If I can't it will get me killed…" he sighed again, "… I shouldn't vent my frustration on these boys. It's unprofessional and makes me an unworthy soldier." Hephaistion silently cursed Alexander for making him feel this way but his heart wasn't really in it. A heavy hand fell on his shoulder and he turned.
"It doesn't make you an unworthy soldier. Because you care, you take more precautions, check everything more then needed and you are more careful in your actions. In doing so you keep everyone around you safe. This doesn't make you a lesser soldier, only a superior one."
Hephaistion never thought of it this way but he could see Ptolemy's point. He did take more precautions and such, just to be sure Alexander was safe. But in doing this he inevitably kept everyone else close by safe as well. He sighed in relief and smiled toward Ptolemy, feeling grateful. Together they watched the boys ride their horse, giving them tips now and then.
About two hours later, Cassander's group arrived and all the boys began talking closely. Cassander approached Hephaistion and Ptolemy with a wave.
"Did you hear?" asked Cassander exited,
"Hear what?" said Ptolemy with a raised eyebrow, "We've been here all afternoon…"
"Alexander's back!" Hephaistion, tensed and had to stifle a gasp when he heard the news. He looked towards Cassander who was still talking. "His mission was a success, he's reporting to the King right now and probably visit Queen Olympias as well. " Hephaistion shared a look with Ptolemy.
"Is he alright?" asked Ptolemy, sensing Hephaistion's query,
"As far as I heard, yes, some say he looks different though. But didn't say anything specific. I haven't seen him yet…" Hephaistion sighed I relief but still wanted to see Alexander as soon as he could. He looked towards his class again and rounded them together.
"The pit is all yours." Cassander nodded and thanks and the three friends parted. Ptolemy ran after Hephaistion.
"Hephaistion!" He ran until he was next to his friend, "I could take over for now, you go and see him." Hephaistion stopped dead looking into Ptolemy's eyes, seeing nothing but honesty he hugged his friend close.
"Thank you!" Ptolemy laughed and clapped Hephaistion on the back and pushed him of. Hephaistion smiled and ran of. Entering the palace, he stopped the first page he ran into.
"Is Prince Alexander still with the King?"
"I don't think so my lord, I saw him leaving not so long ago." Answered the page truthfully,
"Is he visiting the Queen?" asked Hephaistion getting impatient.
"No my lord."
"No?" Hephaistion was shocked, he was sure Alexander would at least visit his mother after six months separation.
"It's the strangest thing. He left the palace after meeting the King…" stuttered the page, as he was afraid to share such information.
Hephaistion grabbed the page's shoulders, "Where did he go?"
The page looked shocked and trembled slightly as he answered, "I do not know my lord, he left in that direction." The page pointed outside and Hephaistion stared in the same direction. A smile formed on his face as he realised where Alexander went. He released the page.
"Thank you."
The page watched him leave in shock before turning and attending to his duties. Hephaistion in the mean time, ran towards the temple of Zeus, where he thought he would find Alexander. (1) Reaching the temple he noticed Bucephalus standing outside and he smiled. Reaching the horse, who neighed as he recognized Hephaistion, he smiled more and said,
"Bucephalus! Where is your master?"
Bucephalus reared his head, seeming to motion towards the temple. Hephaistion nodded, petting his muzzle, and made his way towards the temple entrance.
Peering inside he noticed he was empty for one crouching person at the altar. Recognizing the blond hair, Hephaistion's heart started to beat faster and faster and he silently move inside. He saw Alexander light some incense and offer some fruit to Zeus, silently murmuring a prayer. When he was done, he seemed to stare at the statue of Zeus and Hephaistion's heart skipped a beat as he noticed the tilt of Alexander's head.
All of sudden Alexander stood up and bowed slightly. Hephaistion blushed as he saw Alexander broad back trough his chiton and swallowed hard, looking down to compose himself. Just as he looked back up, Alexander turned. Alexander's eyes widened slightly as he noticed Hephaistion standing there. Their eyes connected and they stared at each other for what seemed forever. Then, moving as one, they embraced hard. They clutched at each other, reassuring themselves this was not a dream and they were in fact together again. Hephaistion inhaled Alexander scent.
"My Alexander." Alexander only clutched Hephaistion closer, burying his face in Hephaistion's neck. Sighing in contentment. Hephaistion stepped back, needing to see Alexander's face. They parted and touched foreheads, staring into each other's eyes.
"I missed you…" whispered Alexander caressing Hephaistion's face lovingly. "By Zeus, I love you so…" Hephaistion gave him a watery smile, having a hard time containing his tears. Having wished to hear those words for the last six months.
"I love you too, so , so much." Not able to contain himself further, he pressed his lips to Alexander's and kissed him softly. Soon, the kiss became more urgent and they moaned out loud. Alexander panting when they parted for much needed air.
"Not here… " he kissed Hephaistion again "Come…" Alexander took Hephaistion's hand in his and they exited the temple. They both mounted Bucephalus and rode off.
Alexander and Hephaistion rode for a long time. How long neither could tell, they were only concentrating on each others presence as they rode together.
When they reached their destination, a remote flower garden, they both dismounted. Alexander petted Bucephalus' behind and the horse wandered off. Hephaistion looked down, suddenly nervous. He couldn't believe Alexander was finally back.
Alexander slowly turned, just as Hephaistion lifted his head. Their eyes met and stared at each other, like it was the first time. Alexander noted many changes in Hephaistion; his hair was longer and now reached his shoulders. He smiled as he stepped closer and tugged a strand behind Hephaistion's ear. He also thought Hephaistion was more tanned and broader then before, probably from training the soldiers in the hot sun. He cupped Hephaistion's face, seeing tiny freckles covering his nose and cheeks and softly kissed him.
Hephaistion sighed as Alexander kissed him, also registering some changes. Alexander's hair was also a bit longer but not much, reaching just below his ears. It seemed more blond somehow, probably from the Greek sun. Though clearly not having grown, Alexander seemed taller to him and also more bulky then before. His time away, clearly did Alexander a world of good. He reached out and let his hands slide over Alexander's shoulder's, down his back.
Hephaistion legs began to buckle as he surrendered to Alexander deep, passionate kiss. After having missed Alexander for six months, it suddenly became too much and he couldn't keep upright anymore. Alexander however seemed to have anticipated this and slowly lowered Hephaistion down and covered him with his body.
Alexander kissed his way down Hephaistion's neck and licked his soft skin. Hephaistion could do nothing more then clutch at Alexander, holding him close. All of a sudden, he needed to feel Alexander's skin and he started writhing,
"Alexander, please." Somehow understanding what his beloved wanted Alexander sat on his knees. Looming over Hephaistion, who watched through lidded eyes, as Alexander removed his red-golden chiton, leaving him with nothing but his loin cloth. Hephaistion smiled as he saw Alexander's chain slap against his chest and he reached out to touch it lovingly. Alexander took Hephaistion's hand in his and kissed his fingers, lingering on his wrist. Hephaistion had to suppress a moan as Alexander suckled at his wrist before leading his own hand down Alexander's chest.
Alexander sighed heavily, "I missed you… I missed this." Hephaistion understood perfectly, he felt like their souls were connecting again, feeling complete. He felt more at peace, more calm then before and he sighed. Alexander leaned down, kissing him. Their tongues duelled until Hephaistion relented, letting Alexander take control. After they parted Alexander pulled Hephaistion upright and removed his chiton and loin-cloth, leaving him bare. Hephaistion felt humbled under Alexander gaze and his face felt heated. Alexander reached out with both hands, sliding them over Hephaistion's body. Slowly but surely Alexander softly caressed every inch of Hephaistion's body, mapping and printing it to memory. Even with just those soft touches, Hephaistion was reduced to a moaning puddle. The only thing keeping him upright was Alexander solid hold around his waist.
Alexander moaned at Hephaistion flushed and sweaty face and murmured "Touch me…." and Hephaistion did just that. Soon all they could utter were moans and sighs, their erections getting painfully hard. Hephaistion freed Alexander's cock and stroked it, making Alexander shudder and sigh. He dropped his head on Hephaistion shoulder biting his lip, when he felt his release coming, he stilled Hephaistion's hand.
Alexander gasped with much difficulty, "Not yet…" They clung to each other, trying to get their breathing to a somewhat normal rate, shivering now and then at the intension of their feelings. Neither wanted to move as they looked into each other's eyes. Alexander stared into Hephaistion's eyes, conveying a question. He knew he got his answer when Hephaistion nodded, closing his eyes and touching their foreheads together. Alexander trailed his hand down Hephaistion's back to his behind and softly but quickly entered a finger, moving it in and out. When he felt Hephaistion start to move, he entered another. He continued this action until he deemed Hephaistion ready.
Alexander caressed Hephaistion's face "Ready?" When Hephaistion nodded, he raised Hephaistion higher by the waist. "Open Your Eyes…" Hephaistion opened his eyes, just as Alexander lowered him down on his erection. Both moaned loudly in each other mouths, but held each other's gaze. They both waited for a few moments, each getting used to he feeling of filling and being filled. When Alexander felt Hephaistion clench around him, he started moving. Hephaistion raised himself up and down, meeting Alexander thrusts. They closed their eyes, their feelings getting the better of them as they moaned and sighed. Sweat pored down Hephaistion's back as he felt his released coming closer. The feeling of Alexander inside him, hitting his prostate over and over was too much and he groaned grabbing Alexander's shoulders, digging his nails in Alexander's skin.
Feeling Hephaistion's hands clench and unclench on his shoulders, Alexander moved faster, feeling his own released drawing closer. He loved being in Hephaistion, it was a feeling that could never he rivalled. He grabbed Hephaistion by the hair and crushed their lips together hard. The kiss was what threw them both over the edge as they both came. They swallowed each other's moans as they kissed until they were breathless.
Alexander lowered them down and quietly slipped from Hephaistion's body. He laid his head on Hephaistion chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat. Hephaistion sighed at the loss of Alexander and threaded his fingers in his beloved's hair, feeling him tremble down and then. All of a sudden Alexander looked up, saying "I love you." With such an intensity making Hephaistion's heart swell with all the love he held for Alexander. Their time apart had hurt much more then he dared to admit and he never wanted to be parted from Alexander again. He made a silent oath to follow him wherever he went.
He clutched Alexander close and whispered. "And I you my Alexander, so much." Alexander sighed happily and laid back down sighing. Soon, they both fell asleep under the setting sun.
(1) Alexander was very religious and often prayed to several gods including Zeus and Dionysus. Seeing as this is part of his life, I decided to mention it.
I'm not too happy with this chapter. Just consider is an interlude.