Alexander sat in the dining hall, picking at his supper and waiting for Hephaestion. He knew the news was good and could not wait to see Hephaestion's reaction. Just then his friend appeared in the doorway, searching the room until his eyes came to rest on the grinning blonde boy. Alexander smiled and stood, motioning Hephaestion over to him.
Hephaestion practically sprinted across the hall, grabbed a very startled Alexander in a huge bear hug, and spun him around. He was so happy he was giddy.
Alexander burst out laughing. "Whoa, Phai…set me down please!"
Hephaestion realized what he had done and blushed profusely. "I am sorry, Alexander. I am just so happy I could not help it! I am going with you to Mieza! And we are to be roommates! Your father requested it himself. I cannot wait!"
Alexander's eyes sparkled. He was every bit as excited as Hephaestion. "I know, Phai. My father told me all about it. We will never have to be apart now!" He hugged Hephaestion tightly. "Thank the gods" he said quietly. He released Hephaestion and stepped back slightly. "Phai, are you really hungry?"
Hephaestion shook his head. "No! I think I am too excited to eat!"
" Me, too! Wait here, I will be right back." Alexander ran off into the kitchen.
Hephaestion realized he was still grinning, and figured he probably looked pretty foolish. He wasn't sure he cared at the moment. He glanced around the room and caught Cassander staring at him.
Cassander was frowning. In fact, he looked pissed off. For some reason, this made Hephaestion extremely happy. He flashed a huge smile at the dark haired boy, who scowled, then got up and stomped out of the room. Hephaestion was ecstatic.
Alexander walked up just in time to see Cassander storm out, and chuckled. "What did you do, Phai?"
Hephaestion winked. "Simply smiled at him, Alexander. Honestly!"
Alexander took Hephaestion by the hand. "Come on, let's get out of here!"
The boys sat under their favorite olive tree, happily munching on the figs and honey cakes that Alexander had snagged from the kitchen.
"There is nothing better than having dessert for dinner!" Hephaestion grinned. He had done a lot of that this evening.
Alexander stretched out on his back and rubbed his stomach. "I so agree! What a wonderful day this is!"
Hephaestion sighed contentedly and stretched out beside Alexander. "Aye, that it is!"
Alexander rolled onto his side and propped his head up on his hand. "What do you think it will be like, Phai? Do you think we will like it there?"
Hephaestion rolled on his side to face him, his expression serious. "I think I would be happy living under a rock if it meant I was with you."
Alexander's eyes grew wide and he stared into the huge blue eyes of his dearest friend. He smiled and leaned over to press a kiss on Hephaestion's lips. He held the kiss just a fraction longer than usual and sighed before pulling back. "You taste like honey" he said, licking his lips.
Hephaestion was having a hard time breathing. That strange feeling was back with a vengeance. The butterflies in his stomach had apparently brought some friends this time. His gaze fixed on Alexander's mouth as he licked his lips. He wanted…..what? Something more…but he wasn't quite sure what exactly that meant. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.
Alexander rolled onto his back again and closed his eyes. He felt very odd, and he did not want Hephaestion to see his confusion. What was this he was feeling, and why had it started happening more often? It seemed that every time he touched or kissed Hephaestion, it felt like there was something missing. Something more that he wanted. He wasn't sure just what that was. He willed the weird thoughts away.
He spoke softly. "I do not know what the future holds for us, Phai, but I do know that whatever it is, we will be together."
Hephaestion nodded his agreement. "Yes, whatever is to come, I will be with you, always." He looked over at Alexander and smiled.
Alexander took Hephaestion's hand and held it to his chest, over his heart. "My dear Phai, this is only the beginning."