Hephaestion was a bit upset with Alexander. He had not come to dinner, which meant that he was not there to run interference between himself and Cassander. He always thought Cassander did not like him, but now he knew that the constant picking and poking was precisely because he DID like him. Ugh. Without Alexander there, Cassander took the opportunity to latch on to him.

"So, Amyntoros….did you get in trouble today in class?"

Hephaestion sighed and looked up from his dinner. "What are you talking about, Cassander?"

Cassander smirked. "I saw you and Prince Alexander passing notes in class. He called you two back. Did you get in trouble?"

"Why do you care, Cassander?"

Cassander grinned and bumped shoulders with Hephaestion in an almost playful manner. "Well, it seems that Alexander is a bad influence on you. Perhaps you should hang around with someone else who is less likely to get you into trouble."

Hephaestion scooted farther away from pesky Cassander. "And I suppose that would be you, right?"

Cassander laughed. "What a great idea! Yes. Hang around with me and I will protect your reputation."

"I am sure you will", Hephaestion mumbled. "Cassander..." he began…

Just then a very chipper Alexander stepped up behind Hephaestion and put his hands possessively on his shoulders. "Joy to you, Hephaestion. If you have finished your meal, I have something I wish to discuss with you!"

Thank the gods, Hephaestion thought. "Yes, I am finished." He stood to leave. "Health to you, Cassander. Enjoy your meal." At that, he quickly left the room with Alexander on his heels, leaving a very annoyed Cassander behind.

The boys walked in companionable silence down to a small grove of olive trees and sat on the cool grass, the late afternoon sun playing warm light and shadows on the ground. Hephaestion glanced over at Alexander, who was leaning back against a tree, eyes closed and a slight smile on his lips. The sight of his friend always made his heart swell with affection. He reached out and laced his fingers through Alexander's. They were the best of friends. They touched, held hands and gave small kisses all the time as friends did, so he thought nothing of it.

"Thank you, Alexander. You saved me."

Alexander smiled and chuckled softly. "Aye…that I did. You owe me, my friend."

"Anything, Alexander. What would you like in return?"

Alexander was in such a happy mood. He flashed a bright smile at his friend. "A kiss."

Hephaestion laughed. "That is all? I give you those all the time!" Alexander was always very affectionate, so it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Perhaps, but I would like another!"

Hephaestion leaned over and gave him a slight peck on the lips. As he did so, Alexander grabbed him around the waist, pinned him to the ground, and commenced to tickling his ribs.

Hephaestion squirmed and giggled, trying to escape Alexander's busy fingers. "Stop it Alexander! I can't breathe!" He was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. He felt Alexander lighten his hold a little, and decided to use the advantage. All that wrestling practice had not been for naught. He managed to flip them over so that he was sitting on Alexander and holding his arms down. He grinned down at him. "Will you never learn, Alexander?"

Alexander was laughing, but not trying to get loose. "I yield, Phai. You win, as usual. Your prize….another kiss!"

Hephaestion thought that sounded fair and leaned down to brush his lips very lightly over Alexander's. He sat up suddenly, an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach. It had been happening sometimes when he touched Alexander but he wasn't sure exactly what it meant. He rolled to the side so that their bodies were not touching. These brief feelings confused him, but he did not want Alexander to know anything about it. Perhaps they would just go away.

Alexander seemed blissfully oblivious to his reaction. He sat back up and leaned on the tree. "I really did have something to tell you, Phai."

He sounded serious, and Hephaestion studied his face carefully. It made him a little nervous. "What is it, Alexander? Is something wrong?"

"Father told me that he is sending me to Mieza in the fall to study under Aristotle. He said he would be a wonderful teacher, and he can teach us things like natural science and medicine and philosophy. It sounds exciting!"

A chill went up Hephaestion's spine and he felt himself grow cold with fear. "Only you, Alexander? Are you the only one going?" He was about to panic at the thought of his best friend being sent away.

Alexander looked his distressed expression and smiled slightly. "He told me that my friends would accompany me. I assume that means you, too, Phai, but you should probably ask your father to be sure." He leaned his head on Hephaestion's shoulder. "I do not wish to go if you are not with me. I will tell him that."

"I will speak to my father tonight. I would not know what to do if you were sent away. You are my dearest friend!"

Alexander stood and held out his hand, helping Hephaestion to his feet. He hugged him around his neck quickly. "Go and speak to your father, and I will talk to you tonight at bedtime. Do not worry, Phai. I am sure everything will be okay."

Hephaestion hurried away to find his father. He had to know. The odd feeling in the pit of his stomach just got bigger.