Title: By my side (20 of 25)

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: None.

Beta: None.

Pairing: Alexander/Hephaestion

Archive: Right here.

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

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 20

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It was soon after that they left the cave and found a kind of civilisation. They seemed to be farmers, but that came out to be a lie, as they set out to rob the two boys who had lived on the edge of their land.

"Alexander… Wake up."

The shake on his shoulder was sufficient to wake him and his eyes fluttered open, instantly up and about. A sword, his sword, got thrusted into his hand by Hephaestion, who had taken up watch for the remainder of the night. They had felt that these farmers sought them out as victims, but they would not relent.

"There are armed… armed men on horseback here. I do not know where they came from, but they seem dangerous."

"That could not be those farmers. They do not own army horses."

He followed Hephaestion outside, who insisted that he go out first. If there were arrows pointed at them, at least he would be there to catch the first. Although Alexander had protested against this numerous times, the former slave waved it off. He was a Prince, wether he liked it or not, and had to live with it.

When the both of them took a few steps outside, they were greeted with the most menacing sight. Seven men on horseback, dressed in full battle armour, stood stock still a few feet from them. But then, one of them gave a loud whistle, which Alexander remembered from his childhood.

"It seems we came just in time to save your stubborn hide, Alexander!"

He would recognise that voice anywhere.

"Cassander!"

A laughing young man revealed himself by taking off his helmet, as did the rest of the seven. All of his friends whom he had known for all of his life, stood there. He felt close to weeping out of pure joy, but knew that he would not. As he embraced them one by one, Hephaestion stepped aside and let the group be.

He was glad for his Prince, truly, because this meant that there would be happiness again. For the others at least. Hephaestion had stopped caring about his own destiny, as it was so closely interwoven with that of Alexander, that he knew that he would survive all to be with his Prince once again.

"Ptolemy, Cassander, Leonnatus… Come."

They had all dismounted and found themselves sitting on the caves floor, listening to the tales of the young leader Alexander had become. All wondered about the young man who sat at the entrance with his back turned towards them. Alexander seemed not too keen on saying who he was or why he was there, but they all knew. The personal slave of the Prince had followed him this far. Although they could only admire such loyalty, they were jealous that Alexander had not chosen one of them.

"Hephaestion. Why do you not sit with us?"

Startled blue eyes locked with deep brown ones for a moment, before the young man nodded. It seemed to the others as a shock, that their Prince would invite a slave, albeit his favourite, to the table to drink with them.

"Alexander, this is…"

"We are not in the palace here, Cassander. Hephaestion is a free man since the day we left it and he will be once we return. He has fought for me and has every right to sit here by your side. Will you be the one to take that from him?"

Challenged, Cassander could do nothing but be silent. This young man would once be his king and even now, he was calculating how quick he would fall out of his good graces. So he said nothing and let the former slave sit and drink with them. But Hephaestion did not drink much and stayed still.

"What is the reason for you being here? You could not have found me this easily."

They hesitated but finally it was Ptolemy who took the word.

"We want to take you home, Alexander. Your father said that no harm will come to you if you let your stubborness be and come home. You are still the Prince… there is no other."

"Does he not want an apology?"

"Yes, but not a public one… to him, as a father, you are obliged. Alexander, it would make your life easier again. Your father loves you, you know that."

Alexander nodded and waved his hand.

"Leave me to think, make your camp. Tomorrow I will give my answer."

"But Alexander…"

"You heard him."

It was he first time Hephaestion spoke and they were amazed by the strength in his voice. Nobody would doubt the judgement of Alexander and he would take care of that. His Prince wanted to think, so they would have to grant him time.

"Alexander, do you allow him to speak to me like that?"

"You should guard your own tongue better than, Cassander. He only wants what is best for me, as should your advice be as well. Now leave me be for the day."

Reluctantly they left and Alexander sighed. He beckoned Hephaestion to come closer and the former slave obliged, sitting in front of the Macedonian. He gave a soft smile and waited for the questions of Alexander.

"Should I…?" He began, but hesitated.

"I was hoping that you would accept, Alexander. Your father will not forgive you, but he has swallowed his pride by not making you apologise in public. There is not more that you will get from him. Do not prolong your exile like this. Become the man you were born to be… you will only fulfill your dream at your fathers side."

Alexander nodded, he was right. He would tell his companions that they would all be going back to Pella.

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Nelia: I didn't steal it, I swear! (Joke.) Thanks for the compliments, luv.

Lexy: Mwoehaha, I have influence… luv! –smiles-

Xzanayu: I'll continue for as long as you'll have me, luv.

Riah: Thank you!