Disclaimer: Blahblahblah, I don't own any of the characters. If I did, I would most definitely be having Hephaestion's babies right now. (Haha, just kidding, I don't want kids.) The line at the end in bold and italics (which is, for future reference, always from a song or something), is from "Blueprints for Future Homes" by Norma Jean.

Author's Note: So I won't be updating a chapter a day forever. That would be nice but I doubt I could pull it off. It just so happens that I've already finished a few chapters, so the first few will be put up once a day. Thanks to Kizzykat and angstman for the review! Enjoy!

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Alexander rubbed his brows in irritation. So, after all he had said, the Athenian "king" had allied with the Thebans, and led his people to revolt once again. What a hassle. They were leaving for Persia, soon, and it was distractions like this that could not be afforded.

His eyes fell back down to the report in his hands, and then rose to survey his generals, all seated around a table. The meeting had been called to decide the fate of Athens and Thebes.

With a deep sigh, he spoke, "So then, they are to be made an example of."

"There is no other way," Cleitus agreed readily, "Countless times we have let them of with a small battle, or treaties. This kind of rebellion cannot be tolerated, for the good of your empire."

"He is right," Parmenion agreed, "If they are allowed to do as they please, others will think it acceptable to do the same. It is high time we teach them a lesson."

Alexander nodded, slowly, trying to control his anger towards those selfish, insolent "rulers".

A true ruler, he told himself, Thinks of his city and people before his power and pride.

"We start with Thebes, then. We will desecrate the city, and then move to Athens. Athens, I will not destroy, it had too many buildings of importance. However we will enslave it's people if Amyntor is too proud to surrender," Alexander announced, "We will leave tonight to attack."

There was a grumble of collective approval.

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After the battle at Thebes had been won, and the city had been laid to waste, Alexander and his army rode traveled swiftly to Athens. There, they had stormed the city, and ultimately the palace.

They found the royal family and its guests grouped together in the banquet hall. When Alexander strode in, obviously full of rage, Amyntor rushed forward, "Please, your majesty--"

"Silence!" Alexander bellowed. When the man obeyed, Alexander growled, in a voice for all to hear, "I have treated you with mercy so far, and yet you continue to defy me. Did I not make myself clear, the last time we met? Your city could have been safe, filled with free men! But you; you and your selfish pride have now cost this city greatly."

Amyntor bowed his head, "You are right, you are absolutely right."

"Did you think you could win, foolish man? Have you learned nothing from the past?"

"Forgive me you majesty! Please have mercy! I swear to you, on the gods, and on my grave, it shall never happen again. Kill me if you wish, but do not make Athens pay! I beg of you..." The former king sunk to his knees.

It was at this moment, as the king was groveling, that Alexander noticed Hephaestion. He was standing in the front row of the royal family and nobles, a look of infuriation and disgust on his face. Alexander realizes that if Phillip had ever done anything like this, he would no doubt feel the same. Still, even distorted with anger, the prince's face was beautiful, and the sight of it made his anger slip a notch. Curious, yet Alexander hadn't the time to dwell on it. He turned his attention back to the man at his feet.

With a scowl, now more irritated than angry, Alexander answered with contempt, "Give me one reason I should spare your city."

"Anything, you may have anything you wish..."

Anything...? Since he was a boy, such a statement had been music to his ears. His mother used to laugh and say, "Alexander gets what Alexander wants."

And suddenly, Alexander knew exactly what he wanted. A devilish smirk crossed his face, and his generals exchanged worried glances. It was the face he had gotten just before volunteering to tame Bucephalus. The same glint in his eye now had been there when he had rushed to kill his first boar, an animal that had been much bigger and stronger than he was at the time.

"Hephaestion."

The boy's head snapped up, obviously surprised to hear the king's sudden utterance of his name. His expression changed to one of loathing and suspicion.

"My son...?" Amyntor rose to his feet, obviously confused.

"Has he chosen an erastes yet?" Alexander inquired. A gasp went through the crowd of nobles. A few choked noises came from behind Alexander, along with Cassander's hiss of, "Alexander...!" Hephaestion's face flushed slightly, and he immediately looked down.

"Well, no, your majesty, but..." Amyntor looked flustered.

Alexander smiled triumphantly, and then stated, "Well then, Amyntor, I have an offer. I will spare you, your family, your city, and your people. And in return, I will take Hephaestion as my eronomous and captive. And if, for any reason, you ever attempt a foolish revolt again, or try to harm myself or my army, then I will kill him."

There was a hushed silence, where you could hear a pin drop. Hephaestion looked stunned.

After a length, Alexander spoke again, "These are my terms. Do you accept?"

Finally, Hephaestion was raised from his stupor, and he exclaimed with a fiery passion of defiance, "No! Never! You think my father would sell me as a common whore? How dare you!"

Alexander smiled slightly. The boy had spirit. It pleased him.

"Do you accept?" He repeated.

"No!" Hephaestion repeated haughtily, "Father, tell him no!"

"Now, wait a moment, Hephaestion..."Amyntor attempted to soothe the boy, but to no avail. Hephaestion looked ready to kill the king himself. Amyntor turned to Alexander, his brow furrowed, "We will need... some time... to consider this... proposition."

Alexander nodded, "In three weeks time, I expect to be in Persia, seated on the throne of King Darius. I will send for him as soon as this happens. Until then, think long and hard... If I do not get your son, then I will take your city. This time, I will have no mercy."

Can you feel the interruptions in the air? Can you feel the static?

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Author's Note: So? What did you all think? I told you I was going somewhere with this. So I know there hasn't been any real Hephaestion/Alexander interaction, but it'll happen, I swear. Reviews?

xoxo