Title: By my side (7 of ?)

Author: Adsagsona

Type: Romance

Rating: PG – PG 13

Disclaimer: Nothing about the movieverse Alexander belongs to me, I don't own a thing, sadly enough. I believe the real Alexander the Great and his companions belong to history and themselves.

Warnings: Mild slash.

Beta: None.

Pairing: Alexander/Hephaestion

Archive: Note: It is a slight AU from the Alexander movie verse. Hephaestion is not the son of Lord Amyntor, but a slave.

I have very little time this week, so next update might be only for Friday or Saturday! I'm sorry! I'll make the wait worth it, though!

Spoilers: For 'Alexander'

Summary: At a young age, a slave gets captured by the soldiers of Philip. Alexander needs someone to wrestle with, because his friends always let him win. Too stubborn for his own good, the slave causes problems.

By my side – Chapter 7

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The young Prince had been unsettled by the behaviour of the slave, but he had never been too occupied with the punishments and orders alike. He would not have the time to dwell on it either, as his private lessons with the philosopher Aristotle commenced early in the morning. Those his friends could not attend with him, as he alone would then be fit for kingship. However, it seemed today had a few other surprises for him.

"There will be no classes today, young Alexander. You are expected at the palace in Pella for the weddingfeast of your father."

How he had dreaded this day. His mother had warned him that he would not longer be the only one for the throne when this day would come. He had not believed her, but it seemed like reality was closing in on him.

"Of course, sir." He answered with a slight bow towards his teacher and walked outside, back towards his room where he could pack some necessary things. Hephaestion had returned to help him pack however, although the young man did so in silence. His hands working fastly, he did not look up at the Prince.

"Hephaestion."

He startled at the calling of his name, not realising someone had been standing at the door. Bowing his head slightly, the long tresses of his hair fell over his face, obsuring it completely from view.

"My Prince."

"It seems like you do know what to pack for this journey."

"I have done so before, my Prince."

Alexander was amused by this answer, the young man took pride in his job.

"Are you coming with me to Pella?"

"I am yours, my Prince, where else would I go?"

The question was uttered so softly, Alexander almost did not hear it. He had done wrong by proclaiming Hephaestion was his possession, but he couldn't take those words back anymore. He could soften them however. Walking up to the young slave, he took some of the robes out of his hands and gazed at him. Hephaestion dared to look towards him and found a soft expression on the face of Alexander.

"I am glad that you are with me, to take care of me. You know that I need you here."

"Thank… thank you, my Prince."

Like always, the Prince wondered about the lost confidence of his caretaker. What had been his previous assignment that he had been treated so badly? But he had forgiven Alexander for the part he had played in his second capture after their wrestling.

Cupping the cheek of the slave, he made the other look at him.

"I am merely speaking the truth. You are a wonder." With that, he softly pressed his lips on those of Hephaestion and received a gasp from the other, who had been caught by surprise. Hands pressed against the chest of Alexander, but soon the pressure disappeared and Hephaestions fingers curled around the fabric of the light chiton he was wearing.

As he slowly pulled back, shocked blue eyes looked back at him. Immediately the other dropped his hands to his sides and took a step back.

"What have I done?" He asked softly as he seemed lost. Another rule broken, it had not been the first time. He flinched as Alexander made to take his hand.

"Don't… please, don't." He whispered in response as he shook his head.

"Why do you worry so? We have kissed. We will not be the first and we won't ever be the last. What is there that is so wrong?"

Hephaestion glared at Alexander, did he really not understand? He forgot about the boundaries set between royalty and their servants. He spoke his mind.

"You dare to ask this, while you hold a slave in your arms?" He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Of course it was common in those times, but it was quite different for Hephaestion. Even though he had obeyed until this very moment, he had not lost his pride and would not be the toy of Alexander. "I am not your whore, my Prince… you can have me beaten for my disobedience, but I will not give in."

The cold words of the other young man were like a slap in the face of the Prince. He was physically hurt by Hephaestion, who now looked at him almost like a superior, the coldness which shown from his eyes close to that of his father. He realised he knew nothing about the past of the young man before him and vowed to himself in one way or the other. The cold reaction of Hephaestion made him angry as well.

"Have I ever wished for that, Hephaestion? That you were playing tricks on my mind, making it difficult for me to eat or sleep… did you think I have actually wished for that?" The stormy clouds behind Alexanders eyes became apparent, but Hephaestion did not step back, although he now regretted his words.

"Who are you, Hephaestion… what happened to you?"

The question threw the young slave off completely and for a moment he was left speechless. He had not thought that Alexander would think so far that he had been someone else than a slave.

"Can't you understand what happened, my Prince?" The question was put more softly, as if pleading with the other young man in stead of putting him into his place. Hephaestion now asked for a bit of understanding for his behaviour and Alexander knew that he was going to give more than only that.

"I am trying." He therefor answered, so that the other would continue.

"Not all men and women need a slave who talks back at them." Hephaestion began as he sighed. "I got hurt a few times for my disobedience and as a child, you are easily persuaded to hold your mouth."

Alexander began to understand. Was that the way the old man at the desk had decided to 'teach' Hephaestion? By beating him when he did something wrong at every turn?

"I never wanted for that to happen. I am sorry that you have to go through that…" Alexander said softly as he brushed the others cheek. The young man before him gasped and closed his eyes.

"And I am sorry about my words, my Prince. I did not mean them."

"Of course you did, or you wouldn't have spoken them."

"I couldn't possibly have known." Hephaestion defended himself as he finallly took a step closer. "I am truly sorry about my words… I spoke foolishly." He lifted his face and now initiated the kiss himself, but feared of getting rebuked.

The fear was not founded, as he was welcomed in the arms of his slightly younger master. Alexander answered the kiss and lifted his arm behind the head of Hephaestion, not letting him go. The young slave moaned softly as he permitted entrance to the other, Alexanders tongue lapping at his lips before slipping inside.

It was a small piece of the heavens which was granted to Alexander, this young man. The Prince was sure that he had never tasted such sweetness like the mouth of Hephaestion. When he finally pulled back, the both of them were panting heavily. Their foreheads touching, Alexander did not let go of Hephaestion… but it seemed like the other did not want to be released either.

"I feel like I was mistaken… I am as much yours as you are mine." He whispered to the young slave.

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Lexy: Sorry, I didn't listen. But you're going to be glad, because this chapter is way longer than the other. :-)

Queendel: It is not a full explanation, but it's a start.

Josephine: Thank you!

Nelia: Sadly, I don't know either… when I have the time, I might do some more research.