Two weeks before the birth, Alexander made sure to ready the guest house that was seperate from the house, where they had decided Hephaestion would give birth so as not to scare Darko.
"There it is, Love. The bed's been washed down, and I have clothes for you for after if you want. I have blankets we can wrap the babe in- What's wrong?" he had turned to see Hephaestion shaking his head with tears in his eyes.
"I can't do this."
Alexander smiled gently at that, "Yes, you can, Phaistion. Look at Darko. He's absolutely perfect."
"We almost lost him, Xander. And it was my fault."
Alexander's face darkened, "You stop that right now, do you hear me? It was not your fault, and it will never be your fault."
"He came early!"
"Because he was ready, not because of you. You did nothing wrong."
"I didn't?"
"No," Alexander wiped the tear tracks from Hephaestion's face, "You can never do anything wrong in my eyes. I love you, so, so much Phaiston. What you are able to do is incredible. And you're doing it all for my happiness. Let me tell you something. I could be no happier than I am right now."
"Everything I've ever done was and still is for you," Hephaestion smiled as Alexander held his head between his hands gently.
"I know, and I love you for it."