Chapter II

Prompt: Cross
Title: Crossing the Line

Bagoas panted softly putting down the scroll as he sunk heavily on the couch. His palms tingled, and he opened them while stretching his fingers. He was amazed to find out how tightly he had been holding onto the scroll; the markings of crescent shaped indentations appeared in the middle of his palms. His cheeks were flushed and his breathing was heavy and quick as if he had just finished running a two-stade race. No matter how many times he had read it, it always gave him the same effect.

'I am quite a writer, aren't I? I can clearly visualize that erotic scene by reading this. Ah, they were so hot together. And the best of all, I managed to sneak into the cottage at the end. '

Bagoas sighed while looking into space with dreamy eyes.

'My skin still burns for just remembering their arms draped over my chest and torso when I woke up. Too bad that I do not recall what actually happened to the three of us that night though. Maybe it is the best, since Alexander can be so jealous when it comes to his Chiliarch. Oh, come to think of it, I was lucky waking up first to leave before Alexander saw me in Hephaistion's arms. But it is just making me crave Hephaistion's body more.'

Bagoas dropped his gaze one last time on the scroll he had written, and sighed again. His body kindled ever so much brighter with passion that it was almost painful.

'I'm afraid that I will burn to death if I don't do anything. But, what can I do? I know that Hephaistion has become less serious with me these days, and a bit more playful, but he would never cross the line. I have to think very hard. Oh, no, it is already this late, I'd better see to Alexander if he has anything for me.'

Bagoas hurried to Alexander's chamber. As soon as he opened the door, Alexander motioned him to come closer.

"Good Bagoas. I was just about to send a page for you."

"What can I do for you, my King?"

"I am going to meet with a satrap of Teredon, and I want you to pick Persian style clothes for me that are suitable for an official meeting."

"I will get on it right away. When are you leaving?"

"I am planning to leave tomorrow morning. "

"Should I chose clothes for Hephaistion, as well?"

"No, he is not coming with me this time?"

"He is not?"

Bagoas made sure that his voice did not sound too excited.

"No, dumb Eumenes became sick, and Hephaistion has to fill in for correspondence. I will take Ptolemy instead."

Alexander replied irritably.

"I understand."

Bagoas felt his face burning with anticipation. If Alexander was planning a trip to Teredon, it would take at least three days to get there, two days in town, then another three days to come back. He would have enough time for plotting to seduce Hephaistion without interruption from the King.

"Bagoas, what is wrong with you? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

With this, Alexander placed his palm on Bagoas' forehead.

"Hum, it's a little warm."

"Ii is nothing. I feel fine. Maybe my face is flushed because I ran here."

"All right, but make sure to visit Glaucus just in case. Lots of soldiers are getting sick lately, and I do not want you to catch it, since I would like you to keep an eye on Hephaistion. He tends to overwork if there is nobody around to stop him. You will see the consequence if Hephaistion is not in good health when I come back. Understood?"

"Yes, my King. Please do not worry."

"No dirty tricks though, Bagoas."

"I will not. And I promise to take good care of Hephaistion."

Bagoas stuck his tongue inwardly. There was no way on earth that he would not take advantage of the situation. Alexander looked at Bagoas somewhat suspiciously, but he did not say a word.

Alexander left early next morning with Ptolemy and about twenty of the strongest guards. He wanted to take just a few with him so that he could make a quicker trip, but Hephaistion did not approve.

"Come on, Hephaistion, nobody would rebel against the King of Asia around here. Besides, it is only a few days trip. "

"It is better to be overcautious than overconfident. And the group is small enough not to overwhelm the locals, but strong enough to protect you to get you to safety. Just pretend that you are going on a hunting trip. You take that many in your party on a hunting trip, don't you?"

"All right, all right. As you say my Chiliarch. I wish you could come, I'll miss you, Hephaistion."

"I'll miss you, too, Alexander. Come back soon."

With this they embraced each other tightly as if it were for the last time. Ptolemy rolled his eyes.

"Sorry that I am not Hephaistion, but I will let you hold my hand if you get too lonely, Alexander."

"I am not a kid, Ptolemy!"

"But, you sure are acting like love struck teenagers."

oooOooo

Hephaistion spent all day long from early in the morning till late at night in his chamber working prolifically. He did not mind working hard; rather he appreciated being busy. It made his days go faster.

On the other hand, Bagoas was uneasy. First of all, he was not successful in making Hephaistion rest enough as he had promised to Alexander, and secondly, he had not had a chance to seduce Hephaistion yet, which was his sole purpose, and he so longed for.

Bagoas tried everything that he could think of.

"Hephaistion, look what I got. A new scented bath oil from Egypt. Would you like me to prepare a nice hot bath?"

Bagoas swayed a little glass bottle under Hephaistion's nose.

"Hum, it smells good. Save it for me. I will enjoy it with Alexander when he comes back."

oooOooo

"Bagoas, what are you hiding behind you?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me. I see the edges of scrolls peaking from behind. Put them back."

"Why don't you take a rest and have a little fun with me?"

"I would like to finish everything before Alexander returns, so that I can spend more time with him when he comes back."

"But Alexander told me to make sure that you did not over work. He would kill me if you got sick, or something. You know that the nasty cold is going around, right?"

"Don't worry Bagoas, I am not that weak. Besides, the time passes faster when you are busy."

Bagoas sighed in defeat.

oooOooo

'It's been already four days since Alexander left. I will never have a chance if I don't come up with something really soon. What can I do to relax that workaholic? I got it! Maybe I can make him relax if I get that purple Kush from Glaucus.

Wait, then I would not remember if I stayed in the same room with Hephaistion while it burns, and if I want to remember, then I have to wait until it wears off. Hephaistion would never agree to this! Oh wait! There must be more than one way to enjoy that Kush. I have an idea. Again, I am a genius!'

Bagoas hurried to Glaucus' infirmary almost skipping, but he put on a serious face before entering. The room was so filled with sick soldiers that it took for a while for Bagoas to spot an exhausted doctor.

"What do you need Bagoas? If you can still stand, you should not be here."

"I have a terrible headache and cannot sleep. I am wondering if you had something to ease the pain."

"I am out of concoction. I haven't had time to make a new batch. Why don't you take some herbs from my medicine chest, and make it by yourself. "

"Thank you doctor. I will."

'Oh, that was easy. I already feel lucky.'

Bagoas picked up a big head of purple Kush, and then walked to the kitchen to make a honey cake, Hephaistion's favorite food. Mixing the crumbled plant with flour, egg, and honey, Bagoas whispered to himself.

'It should work. This way, I can get the maximum effect of this herb from Hephaistion, and I will remember everything.'

As he suspected, Hephaistion was deep into a pile of scrolls when Bagoas entered the chamber. The Chiliarch was so into it that he even did not seem to have had a supper yet. Hephaistion lifted his eyes lured by a sweet smell.

"I brought you a honey cake. Would you like to take a little break?"

" I should finish this pile first, but it smells so good. "

Taking it as a cue of acceptance, Bagoas pushed the scrolls out of the way. He set a tray of honey cake on the desk, and poured wine into a cup. Hephaistion did not protest.

"Hum, Bagoas, this tastes very good. What is the secret?"

"It is just a regular honey cake with some herb I got from Glaucus. It is good for you."

"Whatever it is, it is so delicious that I cannot stop eating."

By the time Hephaistion had finished the last piece on the tray and several cups of wine, he was all relaxed and happy.

"Come to bed with me Hephaistion."

Bagoas whispered into Hephaistion's ear making him shiver slightly.

"Good idea."

Hephaistion swayed as he stood up, and mumbled.

"Why do I feel like I am drunk already? I just had a couple of cups of weak wine."

"Ah, don't bother, Hephaistion, come with me."

Bagoas guided Hephaistion back to the bedchamber impatiently while Hephaistion stopped and chuckled each time he stumbled. After a struggle, they finally made it to the bed. Climbing up onto the huge bed was another challenge.

"Here, let me help you to get more comfortable."

Bagoas positioned himself over Hephaistion by putting his knees either side of the taller man's hip. He unfastened the sash that was holding Hephaistion's robe in tact, and opened it up exposing his smooth yet muscular chest. Bagoas could not help but run a finger down the crease.

Hephaistion arched his back with a soft moan.

'Oh Hephaistion, you are so responsive. Let me see if I can find more sensitive spots.'

Bagoas traced Hephaistion's exposed Adam's apple with the tip of his hot tongue, which drew a shaky sigh. Hephaistion's body was like a lyre; whichever string that was played reverberated with the other. His god was so beautiful. A strand of his long hair fell decadently over his face. As Bagoas' skillful tongue flickered the hard nipple, Hephaistion pushed up his hip seeking more contact.

When Bagoas thought that his dream had finally come true, he heard unmistakable footsteps, and jumped off the bed. Even though his mind was occupied with action, his trained ears did not betray him. Bagoas quickly gathered his clothes, and hid himself in the wardrobe.

"Hephaistion! I am …"

Alexander's voice trailed off as his mouth dropped open. The sight in front of him was incredible. His Chiliarch was lying on the bed almost naked with his impressive manhood fully aroused.

"My, my, what a perfect welcome you have shown me."

Alexander did not waste a moment. He stripped his clothes and moved onto the bed covering Hephaistion's hot mouth with his own.

"Humm.. Alexander, hurry up. I've been waiting for you too long."

Alexander buried his face into Hephaistion's silky locks, and inhaled deeply. He noticed a slight aroma of jasmine that was Bagoas' favorite still lingered in Hephaistion's hair.

"Bagoas, this time, you will remember every single sound we make during our love making, and write a report to me later. If you miss even one sound, you know what the consequence will be."

Bagoas groaned softly in the dark. What a cruel punishment!

'Ahhh… Um…. Hahhh…Alexander …. Hephaistion …. Ahhh… Please …. Oh…. Yesss…. More … More …. Harder …. Harder … Harder …Ha.. Ha… Ha… Ha… Alexanderrrr…. Hephaistionnnn… Um… Love you … Love you, too…'