Prompt - Mood - gloomy
800 words

Alexander was not a stupid man, though on some occasions, he would have definitely been described as a little daft and slow. This was one of those times.

"Hephaistion? Why do you sit over here by yourself?"

Hephaistion stared up at Alexander, cup of wine clenched tightly in his hand. "I am not alone. My wine is all the company I seek."

"Come. Sit with me and the others."

"I apologize, but I must decline your kind request."

Alexander tilted his head. "Is there something bothering you, my beloved ..."

"I have advised you to not call me that, Alexander, especially not in the presence of others. And you should not cock your head so."

"There is no one around to hear me. What bothers you so, Hephaistion?"

Hephaistion opened his mouth to speak, something across the room catching his eye before he had a chance. "You are being summoned, Alexander. I believe your men are wishing you back into their company."

"Join us ... please."

Hephaistion shook his head. "I'm tired. I believe I will retire for the evening. Please excuse me ... my King."

Alexander watched as Hephaistion stood, bowed briefly, then walked slowly from the room. He didn't understand Hephaistion's mood or what had just happened, and unfortunately, the eyes stalking him from across the room, ensured he would not be finding out any time soon.

*****

"Phai?" the king whispered, entering Hephaistion's room unannounced. "I'm coming in."

"Go away Alexander," was all he heard from the darkness.

"Please allow me to speak with you. I'm worried."

"Have you no better things to be occupying your time?"

"Why are you already hidden in the confines of your bed, love? The night is still young."

"Perhaps it is, but I am not."

Alexander's mouth dropped open, his eyes closing momentarily as he silently scolded himself. "By the gods, I have proven myself to be the worst friend, have I not?"

"I just wish to be alone. Please grant me this one request."

Moving closer to the bed, Alexander began to remove his clothing, one piece at a time. He'd made an inexcusable blunder and he had more than a little making up to do to the man of his heart. He slipped beneath the thick blankets of Hephaistion's bed, feeling the general shift away from him.

"Alexander! I asked you specifically to leave me in peace. Can you not respect anything I say?"

"I respect everything you say, Phai," Alexander purred, wrapping his arms around the rigidity of Hephaistion's body. "But I cannot leave you alone this night unless you accept my apology and allow me to lighten this dark mood you are in."

Hephaistion continued to resist the arm embracing him, turning his head so Alexander's lips could not find their mark. "I accept your apology and my mood is just fine, or it will be when tomorrow dawns."

"You are like this every year at this time, are you not?" Alexander asked softly, leaning his head so it rested on Hephaistion's shoulder. "I have never understood why this day makes you so uneasy."

"It is not something easily explained."

"Are we not the same age, Phai?"

"You know we are," Hephaistion huffed, struggling to free himself from Alexander's grasp. "And I am not in the mood for your games and riddles."

"I do have a point."

"Then please make it so Hypnos might make this day end."

"My question is valid because since we are the same age, it troubles me that you feel such unrest every year on your birthday."

"We are not the same man, Alexander, thus we do not view things the same way."

"Then, will you explain your distress to me so I might understand? I do wish to understand, Phai, I truly do."

Hephaistion let out a deep breath, body finally relaxing into Alexander's. "You are a man of power, a man destined for greatness."

"I hardly see how that ..."

"You have asked me to explain, so please allow me to so without interruption."

"I'm sorry."

"Your destiny is to provide all men with a true king for which to follow, but ... my destiny is to follow you, a destiny I am truly satisfied with, but my fear has always been that my increasing age ..."

"But we just established that we are the same age ... my apologies, I shall keep my promise now."

"I do not wish to continue."

Alexander wrapped his arms tighter. "Do you believe me shallow enough to replace you in my heart because you are aging?"

"You make me sound like a foolish old woman."

"Do you not know that my love for you increases with every year? That without you by my side, I do not wish to lead anyone."

"Then you are the foolish one."

"Only foolishly in love."