Title: By my side (23 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: A bit of Slash.

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 23

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"He wants me at the games in Athens in his honour."

The two young men laid side by side, the arm of Alexander slung posessively over the stomach of Hephaestion. The latter did not mind it at the least, the small weight making sure that he was still in the bed, it felt like he belonged there. Even to himself, it became more and more like a reality that his Prince did not only think of him as a servant, but valued him for what and who he was. Hephaestion, not even a name to follow it up, in training of becoming a soldier under the lead of the generals.

"You don't want to go?"

"I rather stay here with you… but I have my duties."

The young man side and snuggled up closer towards Hephaestion, who stretched out his hand to softly caress the hair of his prince. The wisps of blonde hair slid through his fingers as he lowered his eyes towards the bare chest of Alexander. The young prince collected his thoughts and sighed.

"It would be a good sign for your father that you have forgiven him as well. Let him have his pride, Alexander…"

He hated it when Hephaestion was right. He nodded at his words as his hand cupped the cheek of his lover.

"You are too smart for your own good. You'll accompany in the personal guard of Queen Olympias. I've arranged it."

"No."

The answer was short and rather cold, something unusal for the always level headed young man. He raised his hands so that they were his once more and did not linger on the body of his lover. His eyes told a totally different story… he was angry about this, although he would not let it show. Alexander had made this decision for him.

"Hephaestion…"

He shook his head and looked Alexander in the eyes.

"There are rumours enough as it is, my Prince." The formal tone came to him without any effort and he retreated deep within himself, the real Hephaestion hidden from the rest of the world and even Alexander himself.

"They are just rumours, Hephaestion. And besides, they are true to some extent. Why should you care if I don't?" He asked softly as he tried to get the other to look at him. "Please, would you look at me? I just want you near me, I thought that you would like it too. Am I mistaken?"

The young man sighed and turned back towards Alexander. The love he spotted there was enough to let a tear slip from his eyes. He was cursing himself for being so emotional, but that seemed to be one of the consequences of hanging around the crown prince. He just expected the best from everyone, he probably didn't even know it himself.

"Oh Hephaestion."

Before he knew it himself, he was enveloped in the arms of the prince. Swallowing harshly, he let himself be embraced and relented. He had made the decision to follow Alexander into his dream and he would, whatever the cost. Although free, he would not have a life of his own.

"No, Alexander, you are not mistaken. I'll go with you, if you want… but what will your mother say?"

"She has talked to you, she won't mind."

Hephaestion had another opinion about that, but Olympias seemed to have accepted him as someone who was worthy of the trust of her son. A lowly servant, yes, but someone who had never profited from the rank he had been befitted with.

"I don't know if I'm good enough a soldier to fit into the personal guard. My general will not approve if I would get the work of someone more suited."

Alexander smiled and put a bit of distance between them, before smiling at him. Pressing a kiss to his mouth, he seemed overly happy.

"I have seen you fight, you are more than suited."

Now the other young man dared to smile as well. Alexander always seemed quite confident for his own actions and he brought that confidence over upon the people around him. Just like his father, he was able to bring over his message clearly and his soldiers followed him. Hephaestion wondered if they would follow Alexander as well once he would be the king.

"When is this?"

"We leave for Athens the day after tomorrow ,after the supplies for the journey are accumulated. Father wants us to have a large following, so that Greece noticed the Macedonians and recognises him as their King."

"They will… they know when they've lost."

"I hope so, or my father will bring his army to Athens as well."

Hephaestion placed a kiss upon the cheek of Alexander and stepped out of the bed, quickly throwing on the short battle dress he always wore for practice. The prince eyed him with pleasure, before he turned around to face him.

"Are you skipping the lessons?"

"Father wants me to go with Cleitus for the day, so you'll be on your own."

Alexander got up as well and pressed his naked body against Hephaestion. Licking the skin of the other young mans neck, he elicted a moan from his lips. He nibbled at his earlobe as he embraced the other, pulling him closer. Hephaestion responded in time, grasping at the nape of Alexanders neck and pressing their lips together, tongue searching entrance. Five minutes later they parted, panting heavily.

"I should go."

"You should."

Another desperate kiss was exchanged before Hephaestion made his way through the corridor. He was late already and would get punishment for this, but he didn't care.

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Nelia: They'll comfort each other, of course. And my holliday went great, although the weather was bad.

Xzanayu: Hehe, it's like 'go Alexander'.

Lexy: I'm working on a third one-shot, but that'll take a while. Thanks for your comments there though too.