Okay...I feel the need to put this little caveat here. If you hate Bagoas and can't stand to read about him in a positive light, you may as well stop here. It only gets worse from here on out. Sorry guys...this is just the way it played out. Please don't flame me...I did warn you!

Alexander lingered in the hall until most of the generals had either left or passed out. The entertainers and dancers had all gone; the food was gone, as was his patience. He had hung around secretly hoping that Hephaestion would come back, but it seemed that was not going to happen. He sighed, resigned to the fact that Hephaestion had indeed done nothing for his birthday.

Rising from his couch, he bid goodnight to the few remaining people around him and trudged back towards his room. His anger had turned to sadness. How could Phai have forgotten him? He didn't understand, but it sure made his birthday nothing to celebrate. The only one he had really wanted to celebrate with had been Hephaestion.

As he reached his room, he noticed there was a sealed scroll lying in the entryway. Curious, he bent to retrieve it. It had a wax seal on it…Hephaestion's seal. He quickly broke the seal and unrolled it, the words scrawled in Hephaestion's impeccable handwriting.

"Alexander,

This is the first part of your birthday present. Go inside and sit down. Everything else will be taken care of for you.

Relax, and enjoy.

I love you, my Alexander.

Always,

Your Phai."

Alexander grinned from ear to ear. Suddenly his day got a whole lot better. He should have known that Hephaestion would not forget his birthday. He felt a twinge of guilt for doubting him. He would definitely have to make it up to him later.

He entered his room and stopped in his tracks. Torches were lit all around the room, their soft glow casting flickering shadows on the walls. There were vases of roses and violets all over the place, making the room smell heavenly. The bath was prepared, steam rising from the warm, inviting water and a stack of soft towels nearby. A thick robe was laid out on the bed, along with another note. He smiled as he picked it up to read.

"Your bath is ready. Get in, and close your eyes. Trust me."

Alexander slipped the robe from his shoulders, laying it carefully across a chair, then stepped out of the silk pants and laid them on top of the robe. He stepped down into the warm, soothing water of the bath, leaning back and closing his eyes as he was asked to do. It was so relaxing that he was nearly ready to doze off when he felt hands on his shoulders. He started to sit up, but the hands pulled him back against the side of the tub. The hands on his shoulders began to massage the tight muscles of his back and neck.

He did not see or hear Hephaestion slip into the room.

Alexander groaned…it was heavenly. "Bagoas? I assume that is you?" he asked. The hands were soft and gentle, not calloused and strong like Hephaestion's.

Bagoas looked at Hephaestion, who nodded slightly. "Yes, Al'Skander, it is I. 'Phaestion would like you to let me care for you."

Alexander chuckled softly. "Well, if that is what Phai wants…I suppose I will have to comply."

Bagoas massaged his neck and shoulders, and then scrubbed his back and chest with pumice dust to soften and smooth his skin. He tilted Alexander's head back and washed his hair, gently massaging his scalp as he did so.

Bagoas spoke softly in his ear. "Stand up please."

Alexander stood, allowing himself to be washed with a soft cloth. He opened his eyes, but did not see Hephaestion, who had gone out on the balcony to sit. He stepped out of the tub as Bagoas directed and was gently dried with a thick towel. He was naked, but not at all ashamed.

"Please, lie down Al'Skander."

Alexander lay down on the big bed and closed his eyes. This day was getting better by the minute. He heard the sound of glass clinking and head Bagoas rubbing his hands together briskly. He startled as those warm hands came to rest on his shoulders and began rubbing him with a light oil, palms gliding gently over his skin. The oil was scented with sandalwood, patchouli and nutmeg. It was very sensual.

Bagoas continued to rub the scented oil into his skin, working down his chest, down his flat stomach, down to his hips, but not touching his most intimate area. Alexander felt himself becoming aroused, but forced himself to lie still. The massage continued down his thighs, down his calves, and then his feet. He groaned audibly as firm hands massaged the soles of his feet.

"Gods, that feels good."

Bagoas smiled, happy that he had pleased his king so far. "Turn over please, Al'Skander."

Alexander turned over onto his stomach, folding his arms under his head, sighing happily. Warm oil was applied to his shoulders and back, the massage continuing to his sore lower back, eliciting another groan from his lips. Hands continued to work their way down, massaging the globes of his ass, which he found extremely arousing. Still, he forced himself to lie still. The oil was gently rubbed down the backs of his thighs and calves, down to the bottom of his feet.

He sighed contentedly, feeling warm and slightly drowsy. He heard Bagoas move away from him, then return a few minutes later.

"Al'Skander, I have a gift from 'Phaestion. Please sit up."

Alexander sat up on the side of the bed obediently.

Bagoas held a folded linen in his hand. He opened it, revealing a silk cord with a pendant of sardonyx in swirled shades of crimson, orange, and gold. The stone seemed to glow from within.

Alexander lowered his head slightly as Bagoas slipped the cord around his neck. He looked down at the stone as it lay against his chest, just above his heart. The stone felt cool against the heat of his skin. He fingered it lightly, feeling the stone warm to the touch. It was beautiful.

Bagoas handed him another note, again in Hephaestion's handwriting.

"I hope you like the necklace. The stone reminds me of the fire that is in your heart.

Have some wine, and relax. There is more to come. Trust me.

I love you.

Phai"

He stood, and Bagoas helped him into the thick robe. He accepted the cup of wine that was offered and walked out onto the balcony, leaning on the rail and enjoying the beautiful view. He couldn't believe he had been so angry earlier. He should have known his Phai would not let him down. He didn't think he could possibly love him any more than he did right now.

Hephaestion had hidden himself behind a heavy curtain and simply watched Alexander. He loved seeing him like this…so relaxed and at peace. He silently moved back into the room to finish his preparations, nodding at Bagoas when he was finished. "Bring him in here please, Bagoas" he whispered.

Bagoas moved to Alexander's side and spoke softly in his ear. "Come inside please, Al'Skander."

Alexander allowed Bagoas to take him by the hand and lead him inside to stand next to the bed. Thick fur blankets covered the bed, along with several soft, silk pillows, none of which had been there a short time ago. A carafe of wine and three cups, plus several small bottles sat on the bedside table. Three? He looked questioningly at Bagoas, wondering what was to come.

Bagoas reached out and wrapped his arms around Alexander's neck, pulling him in for a soft kiss.

Alexander deepened the kiss, slipping his hands around Bagoas' waist. As he continued to kiss him, he felt another pair of hands slide up his arms, pulling him back against a solid warm body behind him.

Warm breath tickled his ear, and a deep masculine voice whispered seductively "Happy Birthday, Alexander".

"Phai..." he began, but forgot how to speak when he felt warm lips traveling a path up the back of his neck to his ear. He leaned back against the strong chest of his best friend and lover, all the while having his own chest caressed by Bagoas' feather light touches.

Hephaestion spoke quietly; his voice a low growl "Do you trust me?"

Alexander shivered in anticipation and felt all the blood leave his brain. He just managed to speak "Yes, Phai…with my life."