Cassander's Campaign Chapter 3: The Falls, an alexander fanfic

Title: "Cassander's Campaign"

Author: Baliansword

Chapter: 3, "The Falls"

A/N: Thank you to my wonderful reviewers. By the way, Angstman –I did not get the link that you tried to send me. It saddened me! Can you please try to send it again? Queendel- Thank you so very much. To all others, thank you for reading. Warning, this chapter has sexual content. Please don't read it if you are not prepared, because I don't want any hate mail.

The sky was darkening not only for the lack of sun, but with dark gray clouds that would soon pour rain upon the Macedonian fleet. Cassander had successfully set up his tent with the help of Hephaestion. Now the two walked side by side, weary of eyes that would see them, but headed for the falls Hephaestion had mentioned. Before long they were stepping through a clearing, and Cassander could hear the sound of the falls hitting the pool of water beneath. Even though it was beginning to darken, the water still seemed the brightest thing he'd seen in such a long time. Hephaestion took his arm and ushered him closer, letting go of the branch he held. In doing so it seemed as if they'd been locked away in this small clearing and no others would be able to find them in such a place.

"It's beautiful," Cassander said before he could stop himself. Hephaestion smiled over at him. He reached to him and pressed his lips lightly against Cassander's. Hephaestion then knelt and untied Cassander's grieves and tossed them aside. Slowly he rose, taking the sword belted to his side and tossing it away as well. Cassander reached for him, wrapping a hand in his hair, and held him to him as Hephaestion sensitively kissed the pulse at his neck. Hephaestion expertly removed his clothes as he sucked at his salty skin. For some reason the taste of Cassander's sweat mixed with the natural taste of his skin enthralled him. As he removed Cassander's war chifton and heavy breastplate. He tossed the material away and put a hand on Cassander's back. Leaning lower, bending his head so that Cassander could still run his hands through his hair, he brought his lips to a small fresh cut on Cassander's breast.

Cassander slowly removed Hephaestion's clothing, pressing the cloth to his flesh as he moved down his chest. He liked the thought of touching him without his hands. It left him anticipating and eagerly wanting more. Such feelings made the actual thing so much better. He soon had Hephaestion bare before him and leaned closer, finally running his hands over his lover's chest. Hephaestion took his hand and drew him closer to the water. Hephaestion sunk into the water, letting out a slight gasp, for the water was slightly frigid. Cassander slid into the water behind him and kissed Hephaestion's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around his waist.

"I missed holding you," Cassander said as he kissed the spot behind Hephaestion's ear that drove him wild. Hephaestion closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Turning he caught Cassander's lips with his own. Reaching up with a hand he held Cassander's cheek as he kissed him. Slowly he turned around so that his chest was pressed against Cassander's. He continued to kiss him, taking his entire mouth with his own, but he still let Cassander control the intensity of the kiss. He melted into his arms, forgetting the cold water that surrounded him, and just let himself slip into a blissful place where he had only Cassander.

There was something so simple about the way they were when they were together. Neither of them had to mask emotions. There was nothing that they hid from one another. Hephaestion never wanted to compare Cassander to Alexander, as a man, or as a lover. Yet deep within his heart, he knew that he was in love with both of them, but for very different reasons. Cassander wrapped his arms around him, kissing him heatedly as he held him closer. As Cassander shifted weight from one leg to the other Hephaestion felt his length press against him. As the kiss ended Hephaestion looked around the clearing. It made his heart race, the fact that others could be looking at them. Suddenly there was a bright flash of light as lightning struck the sky, shattering the darkness into a thousand shards like a mirror. Hephaestion jumped slightly as thunder pierced the night. Within seconds freezing rain was falling from the sky.

"Curse the gods," Cassander hissed as he felt a shiver down his spine. Holding Hephaestion still to him he backed away to the ledge of the pool. Hephaestion jumped again as lightning struck, this time closer. Cassander crawled out of the pool first and reached down for Hephaestion. Hephaestion took his outstretched arm and let Cassander pull him up. He was shivering from the cold but still tried to smile and dress himself as Cassander cursed angrily at the gods. His curses only brought more rain down upon them though. By the time they were dressed they were already soaked to the bone.

They both made their way back up the path they had taken. Hephaestion tried to hold a branch back for Cassander, but it slid from his hand. Hephaestion heard it slap Cassander in the face and turned, too quickly, for he slid on a wet rock and fell to his knees. Laughing, Cassander reached down and pulled him up, and then led the rest of the way. Cassander led them through the camp. Most of the men were already in their tents with fires blazing. There was another great number of men that had fallen asleep in their blankets and furs. Cassander managed to get them to Hephaestion's tent, and pulled the flap open, pushing Hephaestion in.

"You're shivering," Cassander said as he picked up two logs and placed them on the red embers of the fire already lit. Hephaestion stripped himself of his wet clothes, not embarrassed to do so in the least. Cassander slid out of his clothes as well and dropped them in a wet pile by the door. He then went to Hephaestion and wrapped his arms around him, trying to still his chills. Hephaestion's lips trembled, and he mumbled incoherent words, as he stood against Cassander trying to take in the other's warmth. Cassander drew them to the makeshift bed of furs and pulled the layer of furs back. He let Hephaestion crawl in first, positioning himself carefully, and then climbed in beside him.

Hephaestion wrapped his arms around Cassander as he pressed his chest against his. Cassander smiled softly for a moment, kissing his forehead. He then pulled the blanket tighter over them. Still shivering, Hephaestion entwined his legs with Cassander and leaned even closer to him. He did not know why he was so cold. But he could not remember being so cold in all of his life. He glanced at the cut above Cassander's eye where the branch had hit him. The little cut bled slightly and Hephaestion reached up, putting a finger over the wound. Cassander lifted a hand and put it over the cut, withdrawing and then looking at the blood on his fingers. Hephaestion dropped his hand and let his eyes flutter shut for a moment. Then, opening his eyes, he looked back up and into Cassander's eyes.

Cassander leaned down to meet his lips, eagerly kissing him and pulling at his lower lip. He put a hand on Hephaestion's his and pulled him closer to him. Hephaestion obliged, and let Cassander pull him closer to him so that he could tip his head back and kiss him further. Cassander searched Hephaestion's mouth with his tongue. Hephaestion let his tongue meet with Cassander's and they danced for a moment, battling for a winner, but at the same time the comfort of one another's touch. Cassander pulled away from Hephaestion's mouth, leaving the other gasping, and began to kiss his neck. Hephaestion let out a gasp as Cassander slid a warm hand over his thigh. With his other hand Cassander grabbed both of Hephaestion's wrists and held them above his head as he slowly slid his body over Hephaestion's. When they were together Cassander always took the more dominant role, but tonight, he wanted to let Hephaestion take him.

"Phae," he whispered into his ear, kissing and nipping playfully at his earlobe. Hephaestion tilted his head up, nuzzling Cassander's neck for a moment. Unable to speak, euphoria claiming him, he let out a light moan. Cassander licked the trail behind his ear and then returned to sucking at his earlobe. He whispered his request between playful sucks and nips. "Tonight, take me. I want to feel you as I haven't."

Hephaestion did not complain. Instead he let Cassander move from above him. Cassander lay on his back and Hephaestion propped himself up with an elbow. He let his hair fall over Cassander's chest as he kissed the flesh there. Then he lightly put a hand on Cassander's hip and turned him on his side so that his chest pressed against his back. He put one hand under Cassander's neck, and Cassander took his hand and pressed it to his lips. He sucked on a finger and Hephaestion let out a breath of hot air. Hephaestion let his other hand slide in front of Cassander. He rested his hand on his lower abdomen and pulled him even closer to him. Then, he slid his hand down and cupped Cassander's sensational warmth.

Hephaestion pushed his own erection against the curve of Cassander's buttocks, and the other did not let the feeling go unnoticed. As Hephaestion lightly slid into him he let out a moan as if he'd been starving for the touch. In fact, he had been, for as soon as he felt Hephaestion slide into him he knew he was feeling what Hephaestion felt when he took him. It was an amazing feeling and he felt as if there was no ground beneath him and only Hephaestion held him from falling. Hephaestion took a hand and pulled Cassander's right thigh back, which allowed him to slide further within him. Pulling hair away from Cassander's neck he kissed him passionately, kissing the pumping vein he felt just below a thin layer of skin. As he did, he ran his hand over Cassander's thigh, feeling each scar that Alexander had put there some time ago in a fit of rage. Cassander often didn't want Hephaestion to touch him there, for he considered it to be unworthy for some reason and it brought back the memory, but Hephaestion loved feeling the contrasts of skin. The scars were just as soft as the rest of his flesh, but not as hardened. Each touch sent a tingling feeling down the lower of his spine.

Cassander gasped as Hephaestion began to move against him. As he did, he felt Hephaestion wrap his hand over his length. He moved his thumb up and down his length as the rest of his fingers lightly tensed. Cassander reached down and grabbed Hephaestion's elbow. Hephaestion pressed himself completely against him. Feeling him against him caused Cassander to bite his lower lip, not only because it hurt slightly, but also because the feeling was far too much for him to handle. Hephaestion thrust into him, carefully knowing the initial pains of love, and kissed the nape of Cassander's neck. Cassander on the other hand cried out at his climax and spilled himself onto Hephaestion's hand. Continuing to fondle him Hephaestion blew lightly on Cassander's ear. Cassander sunk into him, gasping all the while.

Hephaestion lightly thrust into him once more before be let himself go, sending a warm sensation through Cassander's body. Gasping at the feeling, Cassander let go of Hephaestion's elbow and dropped his hand back to the soft furs. Hephaestion pulled away from him, letting Cassander fall onto his back, but then brought his lips to his chest. He kissed Cassander's upper torso, gliding his tongue over the hardened muscles there. Cassander continued to pant heavily. His breaths were calming until Hephaestion began to kiss his thighs, lapping at the warm liquid there. His breathing again became heavy until Hephaestion was done taking all of him in. Hephaestion brought his lips to Cassander's brow as he towered above him. He kissed his brow, sucking away the beads of sweat away.

Cassander reached up and wrapped his arms around Hephaestion's chest. He lightly pulled at him, urging him down. Hephaestion lay closely next to him and lifted his head to stare at Cassander. He pulled a strand of dark hair away from his forehead, which was damp with his sweat. Cassander looked over at him, staring into the depths of his cerulean eyes. Lips parted and still panting, he smiled softly. Hephaestion wiped more sweat from Cassander's neck, but continued to stare at him, waiting for the other to speak.

"Does it always feel that wonderful," Cassander asked, breathless still. Hephaestion smiled softly. Cassander reached up and ran a finger over Hephaestion's lower lip. He then tossed a lock of his long hair over his shoulder.

"It doesn't always hurt so," Hephaestion told him softly as he kissed his forehead. He put a hand against his neck and rubbed a tensed spot with his thumb. Cassander tilted his head back a little further, not used to having Hephaestion be so tender with him after their lovemaking. But he could not deny liking it, as odd as it seemed that Hephaestion cared for him, when it was generally the other way around. "It may ache tomorrow."

Hephaestion lowered himself, placing his head on Cassander's chest, and listened to his heartbeat. Cassander's breath was returning to normal but was still slightly quickened. Glancing up Hephaestion looked at him. For a moment he was worried, wondering what Cassander thought of. Yet Cassander smirked and looked down at him. He laughed playfully then ran a hand through Hephaestion's hair.

"It did hurt a little," he admitted. Then, in a more serious tone he added, "But it was worth it."

After a few moments he closed his eyes and began to slip away to sleep. He felt Hephaestion resting against him, his body warmer now. Before falling asleep Hephaestion pulled the fur blanket over them. Closing his eyes, he pressed himself closer against Cassander, and fell asleep knowing that he'd awaken with him in the morning.

Alexander had already known that Cassander was not in his tent. He didn't need to send his page to look but had done so anyway. Sighing, he crossed his arms and looked down at the map. He picked up the parchment and threw it to the ground. Turning he saw Bagoas in his bed, sleeping soundly, and quite nude. Alexander cursed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't know why he kept slipping back into bed with the Persian eunuch. Perhaps it was the complete lack of commitment. He never had to explain things to Bagoas. He just had to sit there and let the Persian work his magic. Most of the time he never even needed to touch him.

It had never been like that with Hephaestion. Things were more complex and for some reason he couldn't always handle that. He loved him. He wanted him more than anything! Yet for some reason there was something keeping him from Hephaestion. It was not a lack of love or desire. He didn't know what he lacked. Yet it was not there. So when the page had come back and told him that Cassander was not in his tent, he knew where the other was. He was with Hephaestion, sleeping comfortably in his arms no doubt. He sat silently on the ground with a pillow for what seemed like hours, just staring at the ground, and thinking. Wondering what it was that had slipped away from him and Hephaestion.

"Alexander," Cassander said as he entered the tent. He didn't announce himself. He knew that he didn't need to. Alexander looked over at him, wondering what gave him the nerve to stand before him. Cassander only shrugged as he let the tent flap fall. He glanced at the Persian in the bed and raised an eyebrow as Alexander stood. "I heard that you had requested my presence."

"I only wanted to know were you were," Alexander replied, grabbing Cassander and pulling him with him out of the tent. He shoved him away, making sure that not too many were around. Luckily most of the men had built a large fire some feet away and were roasting a goat on a spit. Alexander glared at Cassander, who only laughed and smiled. It only angered the king all the more. "Knowing, I wish that I didn't!"

"I see," Cassander said with a nod. "Is that the reason then?"

"Reason for what?"

"Sending me away. Is that why you did it, to keep me away from Hephaestion? Because if I were in your position I would do the same thing. But Alexander, if I were in your position, I never would have let him slip away."

"You know nothing!"

"Then I would rather know nothing than whatever you know," Cassander said. With that he turned and walked away. He returned to Hephaestion's tent and found Hephaestion still asleep. Cassander entered the bed again, wrapping and arm around Hephaestion's waist, and stared at his face as he slept. Staring at him, facing him, he knew that there was no other that would ever compare to his beauty. Slowly Hephaestion's eyes fluttered open and he looked at Cassander through his lashes. He blinked a few times before smiling.

"Good morning," Cassander said softly.

"Is it late," Hephaestion asked, immediately concerned. He liked to wake early. Yet Cassander had a way of leaving him asleep if he woke first. Cassander would leave him resting for hours, doing his work for him, before coming back to lie with him. Cassander only shook his head and Hephaestion relaxed again. As long as it was still early he could remain calm.

"Phae," Cassander whispered softly to him. "There is something that I want to tell you. But you have to swear never to mention it to Alexander."

"What is it?"

"I found something," he told him, "in the jungles. A tribe of men, and women and children. They were harmless Hephaestion. All of them were so unconcerned with who ruled the world. Instead they gave me shelter, and the men, and then sent us on our way. I was supposed to tell Alexander if I saw anything out of the ordinary, any tribes for sure, but I didn't."

"It is for the best," Hephaestion assured him. "I understand your hesitation to tell him. I likely would have hesitated too. I trust your decisions."

"I found something there." Cassander moved to the edge of the bed and picked up a leather satchel. He untied the leather that bound it and opened it. Sitting up, Hephaestion leaned against him, watching as he opened the satchel. Cassander pulled a light translucent azure fabric from the bag. Hephaestion recognized that it was a sash of some sort, more beautiful than any fabric he'd seen in Persia. Cassander held it lightly in his hands and turned it so that a silver colored threadwork could be seen. Hephaestion looked at it, reading the first line, but in some foreign language. He wasn't sure if it was Indian, but it was not Persian, or any other language he'd known in the western world.

"What does it say," Hephaestion asked as he ran his fingers over the thin silver threads. Cassander placed it around Hephaestion's neck as he turned to him. Running his fingers over the translucent cloth he felt the touch of Hephaestion's skin beneath and it drove him mad. The azure matched perfectly with Hephaestion's eyes and skin tone as he'd hoped it would. With a soft smile the then answered Hephaestion.

"It says 'Sing to me oh Muse'."

"From the Iliad?"

Cassander nodded. "The man who gave it to me said he has never heard of the book, nor the story of Achilles or of Troy. He said only that it said 'Sing to me oh Muse', and I knew then that it was for you. I'm not sure if it is Homer that they quote. But you are my muse Hephaestion."

Hephaestion smiled as Cassander ran a hand over his cheek. He then looked back down at the sash. It was far too fragile to wear outside of the tent. It appeared so light that if air were to blow against it the fabric would deteriorate and float away. Yet it was beautiful, and it was the only thing that Cassander had given him. He looked up at him, hoping that the other did not think that worldly gifts would impress him. He already loved him and nothing would change that.

"Cassander," he began but was cut off.

"I know," Cassander told him as he silenced him with a kiss. Of course he knew. Hephaestion had told him more than once about how he wished Alexander would love him instead of giving him gifts. Immediately he felt foolish for thinking that Cassander would do the same. Cassander only kissed him again, kissed him for some time, until both knew that they had to get dressed and get on with their duties of the day. One of which involved a meeting with Alexander and the rest of the Companions.

A/N: Again, thank you for reading. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can. Please review, don't be shy, I love feedback. Otherwise, look forward to the next chapter!