AN: Today marks exactly a month until my first T shot, so I felt the need to write something to mark the day. I've also realized I'm a demiboy as well as nonbinary and transmasculine, so that's what this chapter tries to show. There will be another chapter connected to this one, so be on the lookout for that. Enjoy!

Alexander watched for weeks as Hephaestion became closed off, wearing sweats and sweatshirts whenever possible, and began complaining that their ribs were bothering them more and more as they wore their binder daily.

He aid nothing, but tried to make it so that Hephaestion was comfortable at home and validated when they went out, but let Hephaestion take their time to tell him exactly what was wrong. It never happened, but Alexander was patient.

Then it all came a head one night.

Hephaestion moved around the apartment like a tornado, arranging their papers that sat in the living room, then nearly flying to the kitchen to check on the soup they were making for dinner, nearly falling into the pot a they did so, before rushing to the hallway closet to grab the vacuum. At this point, Alexander, who was all but trapped on the living room couch by the restless, anxious energy of his partner, spoke up.

"Love, do you need help? I can finish dinner."

"No! I've got it. You just relax. I know that you had a long, hard day at work. You deserve to rest for a while."

"Dinner is nothing, Love. I'd be happy to help-" he went to stand.

"No!" Here, Hephaestion realized their mistake, as Alexander froze and stared at them in shock, "I-I mean-"

"Love, something has you all worked up. If you're simply doing too many tasks at once, I can help with one or two, make things easier on you. Or is it something else? You know you can tell me anything, don't you?"

"There's nothing to tell! I'm fine! And I don't appreciate being grilled like this, especially when nothing's wrong, Alexander!"

"I'm not going to hurt you, Love. I can see you're hurting, and I want to help you."

"I-I-" Hephaestion's hands began to shake and they swayed on their feet.

"Phai? Are you okay?" Alexander reached out to his datemate, concern painted on his features.

"Wha-what's-?" Hephaestion realized that they were shaking, and their breath started coming fast and heavy.

"You're having an anxiety attack, Love. You're not alone though, I'm here. It will be okay. Just breathe and relax each part of your body one-by-one. It will be all right."

"I-I can't- You don't-"

"I don't what, Love? No matter what you tell me, no matter what you're scared to tell me, it doesn't matter, okay? I love you and I will always love you. No matter what, alright? There's nothing you could do or say that would make me stop loving you. Nothing, do you hear me. Absolutely nothing. You are safe."

Hephaestion hook their head, a sudden dry sob choking them, "I-I lied…"

"How did you lie? About your identity? Love, identities change constantly. If you feel a label no longer fits for you, that's okay. It doesn't mean you lied about anything. You don't have to tell me right now, but when you are, I'm here to listen. I love you so much, Phai."

"I- d-don't know -what's wrong with me…"

"There's nothing wrong with you, Love. You're scared, but it will be okay. I promise."

Hephaestion took a deep breath then, looking into their boyfriend's honest and full-of-love eyes, "I feel more nonbinary than trans sometimes, or sometimes it's the opposite, or my gender doesn't really matter. I'm so confused… After all you've given me…"

"You mean your transition? You've done more than I have, Love. Your transition is all you, and I'm so proud of you. And it's okay to be confused. We'll figure it out. Together."

AN: I first saw the word "demigender" or "demiboy" while reading a fanfiction on another site, but I struggled to understand what it meant for a long while, but I just want to say that if you find another label for yourself or need or want to have multiple labels, you are valid!