They had just gotten Darko to sleep in his own crib that night, and were settling down themselves.

"I'm sorry..." Alexander whispered.

"What? Why?"

"Darko-"

"He'll get used to it. He just needs a little time. It wasn't your fault."

Alexander smiled, "How long?"

"Two months. I wanted to tell you today, so I hid it."

"And you did it very well, although I wish you would've told me. I want to be here for you."

"You are. Sleep well, Xander."

"Sleep well, Phaistion. I love you."

They slept well until four in the morning, when Hephaestion dashed out of bed to run to the toilet.

Alexander, waking at his lover's hasty getaway, hurried with him to hold his hair as he retched into the toilet. Alexander was quick to get a rag and wet it in cold water, holding it to Hephaestion's forehead as he threw up.

"Xander-!"

"I'm here, Love, don't fret. I've got you. It's all right."

"The babe- Darko-!"

"Both the babe and Darko are safe, I promise you."

"Make-it-STOP!" Hephaestion begged, unable to do much else.

"It will be over soon, Love. Just relax."

With two more heaves that left Hephaestion breathless and crying, it was over. Alexander leaned him back against the tub, washing his face with cold water and the rag. Hephaestion was hysterical, causing Alexander to pause uncertainly for a moment.

"I'll get you some lemon water, all right? Stay right there," and he ran down to the kitchen. He was back in a moment, and held the goblet to his husband's lips, helping him drink. He then rewet the cloth on Hephaestion's brow, and replaced it there.

"Better?" Alexander asked cautiously.

Hephaestion shook his head, unable to stop his sobs. Alexander then found his arms full of his lover. He hugged him tightly, swaying slightly in his crouched position and began singing softly a lullaby his mother had sung to him when he was young.

"From the rolling thunder and cutting lightening to the calm rain, you will forever be my babe. From the blue sea to the green land, I will always love you, my sweet little one."

Alexander kept singing until Hephaestion's tears had stopped and he was half asleep while pressed up against him. When he made to move, Hephaestion clutched at him.

"Don't move... I haven't slept well in days, and you're so comfortable..." he smiled in his half-asleep state.

"I'm not going anywhere," that was particially a lie, he had at least planned on moving them both back to their bed, "I'm just getting comfortable. Sleep well, my Love."

Hephaestion just smiled in his sleep in response.