NEVER ENDIING STORY CHAPTER 8

Title: Spanish Eyes
Author: MorganaAuthor’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.comWeb page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairings: Bagoas/Francisco
Rating: PG-13 (I am giving this rating away an awful lot lately!)Summary: Jared gets a phone call which forces him to leave Greece. Francisco however decides to stay and realizes some truths where Jared is concerned *and* Bagoas.
Disclaimer: Oliver Stone's movie inspired my stories. No copyright infringement is intended. This is for fun, not for making money!
Warnings: Alternate Universe, threesome, Real Person Slash (Francisco)
Author's note; I didn't expect Francisco to bond with Bagoas instead of Jared, but it happened. It shows that characters do have their own mind where pairings are concerned. Plus, I do think the real Jared is a bit like the one in my story… and the SIMS? I blame that on Pie!
Beta read by DA, thanks a lot, sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

Spanish Eyes

Jared switched off his cell phone and cringed, realizing his stay in Greece had just been cut short. He had hoped against all odds that no one would need him for these few days, but his manager had received a new script for a movie which looked promising and wanted him to have a look at it right away. That meant flying back to the States and leaving Francisco in the care of his friends. This was not the way Jared had envisioned his break would end!

Francisco, wedged in-between Alexander and Bagoas on the couch, saw the uneasy look in Jared's eyes and knew their time here had come to an end. Hadn't he been walking with his head in the clouds anyway, thinking Jared would stay? The truth was that Jared had a very busy schedule and never remained at one place for a long time. He was either touring with his band or off shooting a movie.

Francisco realized the sad truth in that very moment. Yes, Jared and he could be friends, *were* friends, and he wanted that, but to expect more had been folly. Francisco knew himself through and through and realized that a long-distance relationship would never work for him. He needed his lover close – at his side.

"I'm sorry, guys, but it looks like I have to fly out tomorrow morning. My agent booked me onto the four o'clock flight…four o'clock this evening." Which meant that they had to leave in three, maybe even two hours. That left little time to say goodbye to Francisco. Damn, he wasn't pleased with the way his stay there was ending!

Jared vacated his chair at the kitchen table and joined the other men in the living room. He tried to ignore the displeased looks Alexander was giving him, but this was out of his control. Making movies and music were his life! He lowered himself onto his heels in front of Francisco and gathered the long fingers in his hands. "I'm sorry. I don't want to leave like this, but…" This was his life.

Francisco's heart broke and shattered into tiny pieces as he finally let in the truth where Jared was concerned. "I understand," he answered and it was the truth: he *did* understand. There was no place for him in Jared's life, no matter what his friend might say. And, if he was honest with himself, Francisco had to admit that he was relieved that they hadn't slept with each other. Recovering from a one-night-stand would have been even harder. Now he could simply add this heartache to the ones he had already suffered in the past. "Get packing, Jared. You don't have a lot of time."

"I'm really sorry." Jared felt guilty for leaving his friend when Francisco needed him. Only yesterday, he had promised himself to be there for Francisco and to be the best friend the dancer could wish for. What did taking off like this say about him? But he didn't have a choice.

Francisco freed his fingers and patted Jared's face like one would pat a pet. "Go pack," he repeated. "You can't be late."

Alexander's eyes had narrowed while listening to their conversation and he felt rather cross with Jared for taking off like this. But when he looked into Bagoas' eyes, he read something in them that surprised him. He read relief in them. Bagoas seemed relieved that Jared was leaving. Why?

~~~

Jared pushed his belongings into his suitcase and closed it. Looking about the room and the bed he had shared with Francisco, he also felt relieved that he hadn't pushed the issue with Francisco. Leaving like this *after* having slept with the dancer would have left an even more bitter taste in his mouth.

"The truth is that we never had a chance." Francisco closed the door behind him and advanced on the bed. "You have your life, Jared and I have mine." Although he was still hurting, he also realized that this was for the best – for him and for Jared. "We forgot that during these last few days." He made his way over to the bed where Jared was sitting and seated himself next to his friend. Francisco placed a hand on Jared's knee and squeezed it. "I have come a long way thanks to you. When you arrived at my place in London, I was ready to crawl into bed and not emerge again for a long time. I am glad you brought me here. I made friends here – including you."

Jared raised a hand and his soulful blue eyes met Francisco's dark ones. "I didn't want for it to end this way."

"I believe you." Francisco bore the caress Jared bestowed onto his face. He knew it was meant well and given in affection, but the realization that they had created an illusion still hurt. "I hope the script will be interesting and the movie a success."

Jared swallowed hard and was suddenly unable to look into Francisco's eyes any longer. He still felt guilty for leaving like this. "We will keep in touch. I will call you or email you. We will find a way."

But Francisco shook his head. His gaze was gentle and understanding when he captured Jared's hand in his and rubbed the other man's digits between his. "We were fools to think this might work. You have your life and I have mine. Before long, you will be back to dating starlets, traveling the world, playing your music, and attending another movie premiere. I doubt very much that you have time and space in your busy life for a lover – a real partner, Jared." And a part of him regretted that.

"I don't want my life to be that." But he knew the lie for what it was the moment he said the words. Music and acting were his life. Francisco had managed to see the real man behind the mask he wore in public. "Will you be all right? I *do* worry about you." He hoped Francisco knew that.

"I know you care. If you didn't, you wouldn't have dragged me down here. Then, I would still be feeling sorry for myself in my bed in London." A small smile appeared on Francisco’s face as his gaze came to rest on the ring around his finger. "I will be all right, Jared. I will stay here for a while. I like being around Alexander, Hephaistion, and Bagoas. They feel like family."

"I'm really sorry about this." It seemed he couldn't stop apologizing to Francisco.

"I understand, Jared. I understand you better than you think." Francisco rose from the bed and Jared followed suit. He wrapped his long arms around Jared's slightly more muscular form and hugged him. "I will survive. You don't have to worry about that."

But Jared's heart twitched in his chest for the way he was deserting his friend. But this was the story of his life. He never got to stay long, never got to make a relationship really work and, although he understood all that, he still continued on in the same way without making the necessary changes.

"Alexander and Hephaistion will drive you to the airport," Francisco stated as he released Jared from his embrace. "I won't come along. I hope you understand why I am staying here."

Jared did. Francisco didn't want to draw out their parting. "I really like you," he responded and once more caressed Francisco's face. "I wish it didn't have to end like this." The fact that he had the power to say no to his agent was something he chose to ignore. Like everyone, he had his own demons to live with and ambition was one of them.

Francisco took a step away from Jared and managed to stay in control of his feelings, something that surprised him. "This is goodbye, Jared. Maybe a temporary goodbye, but still goodbye." There was always the chance that they would run into each other some place.

Jared lowered his gaze and let his head droop. "I hope you will continue to heal. They are the best friends you can hope for." Recalling the look he had seen in Alexander's eyes earlier, he knew his friends weren't happy about the way he was leaving.

~~~

"I can't believe Jared is doing this!" Moping, Alexander crossed his arms in front of his chest and pushed against the coffee table with the feet he had rested against the rim.

Hephaistion sat down on the edge of the coffee table and succeeded in capturing his lover's gaze. "I didn’t like it whenever you left to fight a war either, Alexander."

Alexander blinked and glared at his lover. "That was different! I was on a mission to conquer the known world."

"You were driven, Alexander. You were ambitious." And that was all Hephaistion was going to say about it. Alexander had hopefully matured enough to understand what he was really trying to say.

Alexander immediately lowered his gaze again, bit down on his bottom lip, and stared at the tips of his shoes. "So you are saying Jared is a lot like I was back then?"

Hephaistion smiled warmly. "He is ambitious. He wants to achieve things in his life and love and friendship have to take a back seat. He doesn't know what he is throwing away in Francisco, and I doubt he will realize that in this life. Maybe in his next. We all have to grow spiritually, Alexander, but most people need multiple lives to understand their flaws and to right their wrongdoings."

Alexander's eyes still carried a storm inside them and Hephaistion hoped his lover wouldn't release those emotions onto an unsuspecting Jared. "Don't be so angry. There is nothing you can do."

"It's not just Jared I'm angry with." Alexander peeked at Hephaistion's eyes. "I'm still angry with myself for the way I let my ambition rule me back then. I could have had you to myself and instead I chased after this insane dream which got you killed."

"Oh, Alexander!" Hephaistion exchanged his place on the coffee table for one on the couch and wrapped an arm around Alexander. "I thought we had dealt with that."

Alexander rested his head against Hephaistion's shoulder. "What will become of Francisco?"

"I talked to Francisco. He will stay with us for a few more days." Hephaistion drew in a deep breath as he had to address a different matter. "I also talked to my father on the phone. He will arrive the day after tomorrow."

"Your father is really joining us?" Now that his curiosity had been piqued, Alexander lifted his head and studied Hephaistion's eyes.

"Yes, and I was thinking… It would be bothersome to drop Jared off, drive back here, and then drive to the airport again tomorrow. We would be better off checking into a hotel." It would also give them some privacy. Hephaistion had been hoping for an opportunity like this to come along.

"The Titania Hotel again?"

"Maybe, maybe not." Hephaistion pressed a kiss onto Alexander's hair.

"But that leaves Bagoas alone with Francisco." Alexander frowned. "Is that a good thing?"

"I believe it is." Hephaistion leaned in closer and whispered, "I have the feeling those two bonded where Francisco and Jared didn’t."

Alexander felt somewhat reassured and nodded his head. "We will do things your way then."

"Good." Hephaistion smiled at his lover and realized Alexander's eyes looked less potent with rage. "I will book us a room and you can see if you can kick start the car." It had been freezing and he hoped the car would cooperate.

"First, I'm going to find my parka." Although the snow was gone, it was still cold and Alexander couldn't wait for spring to finally arrive. "I don't want to contract another cold."

Hephaistion watched Alexander leave and once he was alone, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face. He couldn't help but wonder what the next few days would bring.

~~~

"I hope you will have a safe flight." Francisco gave Jared a parting hug, but then drew back. It was a strange thing. They had gathered in the hallway to say their goodbyes to Jared and throughout that time, Bagoas had been at his side. The other man had even rested a hand at the small of his back and Francisco wondered just what that meant. Jared must have seen the gesture.

Yes, Jared had seen it, but since he was leaving, he realized he no longer had the right to begrudge Bagoas Francisco's closeness. If Bagoas was determined to see Francisco through this, he should be grateful instead. "I will call you."

Francisco nodded, although a little voice inside him told him not to expect any calls from Jared. The actor would lose himself in his new project and forget about him. That thought made his heart ache, but at the same time the more rational part of him insisted this was for the better. "Of course you will," he replied, keeping the illusion intact. He raised his hand in goodbye and watched Alexander, Hephaistion, and Jared walk out of the doorway. Since he didn't want to prolong his misery, Francisco turned around and headed back for the living room.

Bagoas followed.

~~~

"You're angry with me." Jared cringed at the expression in Alexander's stormy eyes.

Alexander, who had been banned from driving by Hephaistion, sat in the passenger's seat and occasionally looked at Jared in the mirror. His animosity toward Jared wasn't hard to explain. He recognized himself in the actor. He had once been blinded by ambition too. "Just ignore me. It isn't anything personal."

Jared shook his head. "I believe it is."

"Just leave it, Jared. Trust me, it's for the best." Alexander crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared ahead at the road. At the same time, he felt Hephaistion's inquiring gaze upon him. All this was Hephaistion's fault for opening his eyes. He wasn't that angry with Jared; he was mostly cross with himself for having taken so long to realize that his blinded ambition had gotten Hephaistion killed.

His lover would probably never say something like that aloud, but Alexander knew better. If he hadn't been so determined to conquer India, Hephaistion might not have died from the typhus he had contracted there. /I will make amends – am already making amends by loving Hephaistion and doing what is best for him./ But a small part of him couldn't stop wondering if Hephaistion blamed him for causing his premature demise.

~~~

Francisco collapsed onto the couch and buried his face in his hands. His shoulders slumped forward and he bowed his head, shaking it.

Affected by this obvious display of hurt and need, Bagoas seated himself next to Francisco and folded an arm around the other man's shoulders. He pulled Francisco close and when there was no resistance, he stated, "What I am going to say might sound harsh, but I do believe it is for the best that Jared left."

"I know it is." Francisco lowered his hands and Bagoas saw the fat teardrops that had escaped his eyes. "But that doesn't make it less painful."

Bagoas guided Francisco's head to his shoulder, tightened his hold on the other man, and rested his chin atop of the short, dark hair. "I fell for Jared's looks too, you know. You aren't the only one he sucked in."

Francisco's eyes widened and momentarily dried. Surprised, he turned his head so he could look at Bagoas. "What?"

"I fell for his looks and his charms. I almost begged him to love me back, to make me his for just one night, but Jared was the smarter one and denied me. Looking back at it now, I am really relieved that we never had sex." Bagoas ran his fingertips along Francisco's jaw and was relieved to see the eyes were drying. "I doubt Jared is someone who will ever settle down. He wants to live his life to the fullest." And in order to do so, certain sacrifices had to be made.

"Bagoas?" Francisco pulled slightly away so he could study the brown eyes better. "We have both been fools, don't you think?"

Bagoas laughed mirthlessly. "When Jared brought us under his spell we stopped considering what was best for us." Smiling ruefully, he added, "But, I must admit that Jared made me see how fortunate I am to be loved by Alexander and Hephaistion. He made me realize how precious their love is."

"At least you have someone who loves you." Francisco's expression darkened and he broke eye contact. Staring at the floor, he shrugged his shoulders once. "I have no one to love or who loves me back." He felt so alone… so terribly lonely.

"Hey, you have us! You have Alexander, Hephaistion, and you have me." His smile brightened a little. "And I like you a lot. We share an interest in dancing and in getting away from under the mistletoe whenever Alexander is close." As intended, his last comment made Francisco chuckle softly. Raising a hand, Bagoas wiped away the last remnants of the tears Francisco had shed. "Do you realize that we have the house to ourselves? We can do whatever we want!"

"And what do you want to do?" Francisco found it hard to remain sad with Bagoas giving him such a radiant smile.

"First off, we are going to make some hot chocolate, but without Alexander's brandy, and then we will create two SIM characters: one Bagoas and one Francisco character and see if they will fall in love and have babies."

Francisco blinked. "Babies? Did you say babies?"

"Yes, babies…" Bagoas pulled Francisco into the kitchen with him and began to explain about the SIMS and the characters he would create for them.

~~~

"Please keep a close eye on Francisco. I know I promised to do that, but…" Jared shuffled his feet, feeling awkward now that he was saying goodbye to Hephaistion and Alexander. The latter still looked upset with him. "But if it's a good script…" Then he would be a fool not to read it and accept the role.

Hephaistion raised a hand and rested it on Jared's shoulder. When he had suggested to Alexander that it would be best if he did the talking, his lover had quickly agreed, knowing there was still a chance that his temper might get the better of him. It was best if Hephaistion handled it. "Jared, we don't blame you for anything." Hephaistion reckoned Jared already felt guilty for deserting Francisco. But this was how life went. It was always unpredictable and sometimes downright painful. "You make your choices and I make mine. The only person you are responsible for is you." And one day, Jared would realize what he had sacrificed in his search for fame. But this wasn't the time for it. "You are always welcome to stay with us," Hephaistion added and squeezed Jared's shoulder.

Jared sighed. His guilt was killing him, but at the same time ambition drove him forward. "We will be in touch."

"Sure." Hephaistion removed his hand and took a step away from Jared. "You should go now. They started boarding."

"Alexander, I…" Jared cringed when he finally met Alexander's accusing eyes.

Alexander drew in a deep breath and calmed himself. "We will take care of Francisco," was all he said. Jared wouldn't get any forgiving words from him like he had gotten from Hephaistion. Alexander hadn't forgiven himself yet, so how could he possibly be lenient toward Jared?

"That's all I can ask for." Jared turned and began to walk away from them. Just before he disappeared from view, he looked at them from over his shoulder and raised his hand in goodbye.

"Francisco would have been good to him," Alexander said and barely managed to stop himself from gnashing his teeth.

Hephaistion however frowned and looked Alexander in the eye. "But is Jared what Francisco needs? Would Jared have been good for Francisco?"

This time, Alexander frowned. "But I thought you wanted to see them together?"

"I changed my mind, Alexander. Jared isn't ready to commit to a relationship and such commitment is the very thing Francisco needs right now." Hephaistion took Alexander's hand in his and steered his lover toward the exit. "Jared would have left Francisco shattered and broken in the end. Now, Francisco will still have to go through the heartache, but the pain won't be that bad." His eyes twinkled when he added, "And he has Bagoas to help him through it."

"Bagoas? What has Bagoas to do with this?" Alexander halted in his tracks and forced Hephaistion to come to a stop as well. "Hephaistion?"

"It might be my imagination playing tricks on me, Alexander, but I believe Bagoas might be developing feelings for Francisco. Didn't you notice the way he kept his hand against the small of Francisco's back when Jared left? It is little gestures like that which tell me that Bagoas might really like Francisco."

"But I thought that Bagoas belongs with us? At least, that is what you always said!" Alexander had resumed walking and dragged Hephaistion into a coffee shop. By the gods, he needed some strong, black coffee to help him clear his mind. Why did Hephaistion always have to confuse him?

A waiter came to get their order and Alexander asked for the strongest coffee they had while Hephaistion ordered a cup of tea. Alexander had dragged him into the back and they had seated themselves at a table which melted perfectly with the shadows so they had their privacy. Since no one could listen in, Alexander decided to get his answers right then and there. "Hephaistion, are you going to encourage Bagoas to take Francisco as his lover?"

Hephaistion chuckled, but then quickly sobered. "Alexander, think about it. In neither of his lives did Bagoas have a lover just to himself. Yes, we love him unconditionally and he loves us back in the same way. But wouldn't it be nice for him to have a lover solely devoted to him?"

Alexander understood what Hephaistion was trying to tell him, but still felt apprehensive about accepting this truth. "I thought it would always be the three of us."

"It will always be the three of us, Alexander, because what binds us is larger than life. Not even death could keep us apart, but Bagoas is still so very young. He didn't have much of a life, neither in his first life nor in this one. Why begrudge him a lover, Alexander?"

"I don't begrudge him anything. It is just unexpected." Alexander stopped talking when the waiter delivered their order, but once the man had left again, he added, "What will happen to *us* if you are right?"

Hephaistion smiled as he blew onto the tea's surface to cool it down. "It will mean the two of us will get to spend much more time together away from Bagoas. It will be just you and me for a while. Would you like that?" He peeked at Alexander from beneath his long eyelashes.
"That is a stupid question to ask me!" Alexander deserted his coffee for the moment and shifted closer to his lover. Hidden by the table cloth, one hand stole between his lover's thighs and rubbed him through his jeans.

Hephaistion, who had been sipping his tea, had to do this best to *not* spit it out again as Alexander's bold move had surprised him. "We are in public."

"I always wanted to do it in a public place," Alexander responded, wiggling an eyebrow invitingly. Hephaistion was growing hard and he wickedly kneaded his lover's erection through the fabric.

"No, we are not doing it in public! You will have to wait until we are in the hotel." This was where Hephaistion drew the line. He was *not* having sex with Alexander in public, no matter how cute his lover pouted or how seductively he continued to massage him through his jeans. "I will make it up to you later," he added, meaning every word of it. He would make it good for Alexander.

"I will keep you to that." Alexander leaned in closer and kissed Hephaistion. His tongue slithered past parted lips and teeth and made it very clear who was in charge.

Hephaistion let him believe so. After all, he knew the truth.

~~~

"So, what do you want to name our first baby?" Bagoas chuckled at seeing Francisco's dumbfounded expression. They had been playing 'The SIMS' for the last hour and their Bagoas and Francisco characters had fallen in love and had just had their first baby. "You are the mother, so you get to name him."

Francisco blinked. He was still trying to recover from the 'shock' he had suffered when Bagoas had impregnated his character. Not to mention the surprise he had felt when the baby had appeared out of nowhere.

"Francisco? You need to name him."

"It is a boy?" Francisco blinked again and then allowed for a sweet smile to focus on his face. "Never thought I would be a mummy one day." He liked the game and the company for that matter. "Why don't we call him Alex?"

Bagoas nodded, feeling rather relieved that Francisco had decided against calling their firstborn Jared. As he entered the name, he asked, "Would you like to have children in real life?"

A sad expression spread across Francisco's features. "Considering the fact that I am gay, I think that I will never be a parent in real life."

"That is not what I asked you." Bagoas paused the game and turned his head toward Francisco.

Francisco shrugged. "Yes, I would like to have children. A little boy and a girl." But what use was dreaming about something that would never come to pass? "And what about you, Bagoas?"

Bagoas had noticed the sad look in Francisco's eyes and knew he had to do something to chase off the other man's depressing mood. "I already have one. His name is Alexander the Terrible. Keeping him out of trouble is a fulltime job."

Francisco burst out laughing and nodded his head once. "He is a lovely character."

Bagoas saved their game and then searched Francisco's eyes. "We could watch a movie and cuddle up in front of the TV." Was it just his imagination or was Francisco blushing? "Hephaistion gave Alexander a movie called "Titanic" as a Christmas present and I haven't seen it yet. We could watch it together." Francisco's warm, gentle smile surprised Bagoas, who hadn't expected to see it since Francisco still seemed a bit anxious. "What?"

"I was thinking… I would like to change into my pajamas first. They are much more comfortable than these jeans."

"Then do that. And while you change, I will make more hot chocolate, but this time, I will add some of Alexander's brandy. It is still rather chilly in here." Although they had lit the fireplace, the cold wind still found ways inside to cool the air in the cottage. Bagoas headed into the kitchen, while Francisco walked into the spare room.

Francisco felt more and more comfortable around Bagoas. There was something about the other man which made him feel welcome, at ease, and wanted. Although Jared had tried to radiate the same emotions, Francisco could tell that Bagoas' feelings were more genuine than Jared's ever were. He changed into his silk pajamas and then returned to the living room. He was smiling when he settled down onto the couch and watched Bagoas rummage about in the kitchen.

"It's nice to have the place to ourselves, isn't it?" Bagoas had prepared and spiked their hot chocolate and now made his way over to the coffee table, where he put down his tray.

"Yes, it's quiet – in a good way." Francisco reached for the hot drink and blew onto the surface.

"I will be right back," Bagoas announced. "I am going to change into something warmer and more comfortable too." Bagoas smiled, turned around, and headed for the room he shared with Alexander and Hephaistion. Although they normally slept naked, there were some pajamas tucked away in a drawer and he slipped into the heavy, comfortable material.

Bagoas returned to the living room and found that Francisco had collected his comforter from the spare room. "Cold already?"

Francisco lifted the comforter and smiled. "Are you going to join me?"

"Just give me one moment. I need to insert the DVD first."

Francisco rested his head against the comfort of the couch and sighed blissfully. He didn't know what it was, but something about Bagoas made him relax and lose whatever nervousness had remained. He lifted the comforter again when Bagoas made his way over to the couch.

Bagoas sat down, moved closer to Francisco, and helped tuck the comforter around their forms. "Warm? Comfortable?"

Francisco nodded his head once and then closed his eyes. "This is nice."

/Yes, this is nice,/ Bagoas thought. /I am glad Jared left… You might have ended up hurt instead./ Bagoas chuckled as Francisco moved closer as well and they ended up snuggling close. Yes, this was nice – more than just nice.

~~~

"That's so unfair!" Francisco couldn't contain his tears any longer and they left wet streaks down his cheeks. "Tell me he won't die!" They had reached the scene in which Jack was freezing to death adrift in the icy cold water and Francisco pressed close to Bagoas for comfort and emotional support. "He can't die! They are in love!"

Bagoas reckoned part of it was the brandy talking. They hadn't stopped after their first mug of hot chocolate and he had been liberal when adding the brandy to Francisco's drinks because he had hoped the alcohol would help Francisco feel more at ease. Now he regretted doing so. "Should I get you some tissues?"

Francisco sniffed and used a corner of the comforter to wipe away his tears. "He's dying… He's really dying!" He pressed closer to Bagoas and stared at the screen in shock. "He froze to death!"

"I shouldn't have given you so much brandy," was all Bagoas could say. He had long lost track of the movie because Francisco had begun to cry and shiver against him.

"It's not the alcohol," Francisco said, still sniffing. "I always cry when movies are this unfair." He couldn't believe they had let Jack die! "I hate this movie!" He was tempted to just get up and march out of the room, but it was cold in his bedroom and he would be alone there. "Damn, I can't stop crying!"

Bagoas arched an eyebrow at hearing Francisco actually use the word 'damn'. "It's just a movie," he murmured, hoping to console Francisco. The movie moved away from the Titanic itself and focused on an elderly Rose. "Sometimes there are no happy endings."

"But I want that movie to have a happy ending! Since my life can't have one, I want the movie to end happily! I wish I hadn't watched it!" Francisco pouted and stubbornly stared at the screen.

Francisco was about to say something when the scene on screen faded and a young Rose walked toward a staircase. On the landing stood a man, dressed in a tux and a smile started to spread across Bagoas' features. "Maybe the movie *does* have a happy end."

Francisco also realized what was about to happen and sighed happily once Jack and Rose had been reunited. A soft sigh fled his lips and he rested his head against Bagoas' shoulder. A radiant smile appeared on his face and his eyes shone with delight. "I *do* like that movie…"

"Only because of the happy ending," Bagoas teased, smiling and shaking his head at Francisco. "Seriously, do you always cry when you watch a movie?"

"Only when they are about to kill off the main character in such a horrible way." The movie had come to an end and Francisco raised his head so he could peek at Bagoas' face. Not for the first time did he notice how strong and elegant those facial features were and how much pride and self-confidence the eyes contained. He envied Bagoas for feeling so self-assured. He wished he felt like that. "I am tired," he stated and succumbed to a lazy yawn which pried his jaws apart. "Sleepy."

"That's the brandy." Bagoas considered his next move. "We should probably go to bed and get some sleep."

Francisco averted his gaze and was staring at the screen again. Nervously, he nibbled on his bottom lip. "I don't want to be alone tonight."

Bagoas blinked at hearing Francisco's admission so unexpectedly, but then chided himself – he should have expected the other man to feel that way. Jared had kept Francisco company in bed, but the actor was gone now, which left Francisco alone again. /Just what does he mean when he says that?/

As Bagoas remained quiet, Francisco gathered his courage, peeked at the dark eyes, and added, "I don't want to sleep alone tonight. Will you keep me company and hold me?" The fact that he felt courageous enough to ask Bagoas surprised him. It was probably due to the brandy he'd had. "It is cold in our rooms and there is no harm in sharing a bed. We could keep each other warm." The words continued to flow from his lips, surprising him further. "I will behave, Bagoas… I just don't want to sleep alone."

Bagoas quickly reassured Francisco, who was giving him nervous looks. "I understand, Francisco." He thought Francisco's request over. "I don't see any harm either in sharing a bed." It would be nice to have someone to snuggle up. He was used to sleeping in-between Alexander and Hephaistion and would miss having them close. Francisco and he could help the other out and, truth be told, it wasn't much of a chore or a burden to hold Francisco in his sleep. "Why don't you go and warm the bed? I am going to switch off the TV, the lights, and lock the doors. I will join you in a moment." That should give Francisco some time to compose himself.

Francisco reluctantly moved away from beneath the comforter and was a bit wobbly when he finally got to his feet. He hissed at the cold air which assailed him and he quickly wrapped the still warm comforter around his body as he made his way toward the spare room. He made a quick stop in the bathroom to relieve himself and wash his hands and face, and then dragged the comforter over to the bed with him.

He stretched out on the bed and tucked the comforter around his form. He didn't quite know what had possessed him to ask Bagoas to keep him company that night…he only knew he didn't want to be alone after Jared had left him so unexpectedly.

Bagoas appeared in the doorway a few minutes later and looked questioningly at Francisco, who was almost hidden from view covered by the comforter as he was.

Francisco lifted the fabric and whispered, "It's warm here."

Bagoas complied and slipped between the covers. Since he didn't know just how close Francisco wanted him, he waited for the other man to make his intentions known. Francisco, who was facing him, moved into his arms, and rested his head against his shoulder. Bagoas completed the embrace by wrapping his arms around Francisco's waist. It took them another minute of squirming about, but then they had both attained a comfortable position.

"I am glad that the movie had a happy end. I don't like bad endings," Francisco murmured the words against Bagoas' chest. His eyes were already closing and he felt utterly relaxed. With Jared, he had somehow still felt on his guard, but now that Bagoas was holding him, he felt like he could let go and entrust himself to the other man. Being asleep in Bagoas' arms felt much better than being in Jared's – even his sleep-heavy mind registered that fact. "I…like…this…" Francisco finally gave in to the alcohol triggered exhaustion, rubbed his cheek against Bagoas' shoulder, and drifted off into sleep.

Bagoas had never had the chance to feel protective of someone – not really. It had always been the other way around -- Hephaistion and Alexander were protective of him. It was nice to be the one doing the holding and the comforting for a change.

Although Francisco was older than he was, Bagoas felt like he needed to protect the other man from getting hurt and he felt up to the task. He wanted this, he realized. He wanted to be the one to *give* love, instead of merely receiving it.

Alexander and mostly Hephaistion had taught him how to love conditionally and he had learned by example, because they had demonstrated their love so easily. And now, it seemed he wanted that for himself – a love for himself – and he wanted Francisco.

No, it wasn't just a matter of wanting Francisco. It was more than that. He needed Francisco. Bagoas closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath, and admitted to himself that he was falling in love. His crush for Jared had been a temporary thing, brought on by Jared's good looks and the actor's charm. But things were different with Francisco. Francisco was honest, and you got what you saw.

And by the gods, he wanted that – he wanted an honest love, just for himself.

~~~

"Ouch!" Francisco yelped in pain and sat upright with a start, waking Bagoas in the process since the younger man had been curled around him. "Not again!"

Bagoas was instantly awake and sat upright as well. Francisco's pain-filled yelps registered with him and he saw how the other man tried to massage his right foot and calf. Tears of pain surfaced in Francisco's dark eyes and more cries tumbled from the pouted lips. "What's wrong?"

Francisco had forgotten about Bagoas' presence since he had been focused on the pain spiraling up his foot and calf. "Cramps," he managed to whisper, pressing out the air he had involuntarily sucked inside. "Hurts."

Bagoas crawled toward the foot of the bed and pushed Francisco's hands out of the way. Francisco was trying to rub his calf, but was failing to reach it properly. "Let me," Bagoas ordered resolutely. He pushed the comforter out of the way and placed the sole of Francisco's foot against his thigh. Leaning forward, he let his fingertips explore the area which was affected by the spasms. "How did this happen?"

Francisco let himself fall back onto the mattress and his fingers clawed at the mattress, revealing the pain he was in. Panting softly, he stared at the ceiling and tried to stop the tears from leaving his eyes, but it hurt. It hurt really badly! "It happens when I am stressed…and I didn't work out lately…oh, my god, it hurts! Make it stop!" He hated cramps for they made him want to crawl up the walls due to the pain he was in. And there was so little he could do against it except to massage it and hope that it would eventually go away!

"I need massage oil!" Bagoas considered getting a phial from Alexander's room, but that meant he had to stop kneading the affected limb.

"There is some in the nightstand." Francisco had put it there for exactly that reason. Before Jared had showed up in London, he had woken up almost each night because of the cramps.

Bagoas opened the drawer, grabbed hold of the phial, uncapped it, and let the slick oil drip onto Francisco's foot and calf. "I will try to loosen your muscles. Try to relax, Francisco. This will take a few minutes." As a dancer, he had experienced such cramps as well and he knew they could be painful.

Francisco closed his eyes and worked on regulating his breathing. It helped that Bagoas knew what he was doing and was working on the sore muscles. His fingers began to relax as well and released the fabric he had been clutching.

Bagoas felt Francisco relax, but didn't stop working on the sore muscles yet. Now that the area was slick and began to feel warm to the touch, he took his time and continued the massage. "Does this happen often?"

"Yes, it does, unfortunately. I am sorry I woke you." Francisco opened his eyes and gave Bagoas a grateful look. "Normally I get out of bed and walk about a bit. That does the trick as well." But then the affected area remained sore for the rest of the night. Now that the pain had resided, Francisco realized just how good Bagoas was at giving massages. "You did that before."

"Hephaistion taught me how to give massages." He remembered the first few times Hephaistion had given him those sensual massages fondly. They had helped him trust Hephaistion and had strengthened their bond. "Is the cramp gone?"

"Yes, but please don't stop yet." Francisco's eyes widened, realizing he had actually said that aloud. That hadn't been his intention!

Bagoas smiled and continued the massage. "Do you get cramps in your other leg too?"

Francisco swallowed hard. "At times, yes." The feel of Bagoas' fingers moving over his skin made him feel at peace and he didn't want the massage to stop yet.

Bagoas considered his options. In the end, he pushed the fabric of Francisco's pajama bottoms toward his knee and exposed more of the leg. "Why don't I concentrate on this leg for now? I don't want the cramps to return later tonight." The truth was that he didn't want to stop touching Francisco. Sliding his fingers over the slick skin, he smiled at seeing the open expression in Francisco's eyes. /He trusts me./ That realization made him feel good.

Francisco forced himself to accept what Bagoas was giving him so freely and he closed his eyes to savor the sensation more. They had professional masseurs at the National Ballet, but Bagoas' touch was different – better. "I am still sorry that I woke you," he whispered, feeling guilty.

"Don't worry about it." His fingertips told him that the muscles were once more relaxed and he could stop the massage, but he didn't want to stop touching Francisco. "I am glad I was close so I could help."

Francisco opened his eyes and took in Bagoas' face, which was slightly obscured by darkness. Only a little moonlight made it into their room, but it was enough for Francisco to see the smile on Bagoas' face. Suddenly the intimacy of the position they were in struck him and he blushed. "I am glad you are here."

Bagoas' heart missed a beat and his fingertips came to a stop. They continued to rest on the slick skin, but didn’t move. "Francisco? I am no good at pretending, or acting, for that matter… There is something I need to tell you."

With Bagoas sounding so serious, Francisco pushed himself into a sitting position. His foot still rested against Bagoas' thigh and the contact seemed to bridge any emotional distance that existed between them. "What is it?"

Bagoas cocked his head and wondered if Alexander and Hephaistion had felt this awkward when they had realized they liked each other in that way. And that was another problem he faced: he didn't know if Francisco returned his feelings. /Feelings? By the gods! I sound like I am about to profess my undying love to him!/

"Bagoas? Why are you staring at me that way?" Francisco shivered, not knowing what to expect.

Bagoas drew in a deep breath and then gathered his courage. "I am glad Jared left, you know that."

Francisco nodded his head once. "Yes, you said so."

"I am convinced he would have hurt if you had gotten together with him." Bagoas felt like a traitor for talking about Jared like this. After all, he had once had a crush on the actor himself!

"I realized that myself." Francisco felt puzzled and wondered what was going on in Bagoas' head. "What do you want to tell me?" The situation felt surreal. It was night, it was dark, and there was only a little silver moonlight illuminating their faces. The expression in Bagoas' eyes was unreadable and that worried him further.

Bagoas wasn't sure he could go ahead and his fingers curled around Francisco's ankle as if trying to draw the other man in that way.

Francisco felt how the fingers locked around his ankle and wondered why Bagoas needed the physical contact. What was happening?

"I don't know when it happened or why," Bagoas explained, avoiding Francisco's eyes by lowering his gaze. "But I realized recently that I like you. Maybe it started that day in London, I don't know. I only know that my feelings are deepening."

"Your feelings?" Francisco blinked. "Bagoas…?" Bagoas couldn't be saying what he thought the other man was saying!

"I know that you are probably still in love with Jared and I didn't want to bring this up, but… I want the chance that Jared passed up. Give me that chance since he didn't want it." Bagoas finally opened his eyes and looked into Francisco's startled ones. "I didn't want to shock you."

Francisco needed a moment to understand what Bagoas had just admitted to. "You are attracted to me?"

"I didn't know the true nature of my feelings until a few hours ago. I finally realized I was falling for you when I saw how much you were hurting because Jared was leaving. All I could think of was comforting you and assuring you that Jared was a fool for passing up his chance with you. It's all I can think of right now."

Francisco's heart was pounding and he wasn't quite sure why. "The last thing I expected to get tonight was a declaration of love." Then he blinked. "But Bagoas, you are in love with Alexander and Hephaistion. You already have two lovers." This didn't make any sense to him!

"I…" Bagoas suddenly didn't feel comfortable discussing this.

Francisco saw the insecurity on Bagoas' face and took charge. "Come, sit here with me." He patted the space next to him. Maybe discussing this matter would be easier if there wasn't a physical distance between them, no matter how minimal.

Bagoas moved closer, sat next to Francisco, and allowed for the other man to pull up the comforter and wrap it around them. Francisco moved closer, which encouraged Bagoas, and then placed his hand on Bagoas’. Bagoas looked up in surprise. He had hoped Francisco would understand, but hadn't thought it would actually happen. "I like you, Francisco. I know it is hard to understand, but… I never had a love of my own. Even with Alexander and Hephaistion I have to share. I want a love of my own. Someone I can pamper, love, and cherish."

"And that would be me?" Francisco shook his head. "Bagoas, I doubt you are in love with me. You want someone to yourself… That isn't love."

"No! I explained it all wrong! Give me another chance!" Bagoas curled his fingers around Francisco's. He *had* to make the other man understand! "I didn't know I had these feelings! You must understand – for the last few years I thought I would always be with Alexander and Hephaistion and, after the life I had led, that sounded like heaven to me, but… Alexander and Hephaistion belong together and I always felt like I was waiting for something – someone." He hadn't known any of this until now. But now that he was sorting out his thoughts and emotions, he began to understand. "And you…"

Francisco smiled warmly. "You do realize we are both 'recovering' from our crush on Jared? Getting involved now would be a bad thing."

"Francisco, I am not like that… I don't move that fast. I want to take time building a relationship. I learned that from Hephaistion. Alexander would probably just throw you on the bed and have his way with you, but… I am different." Bagoas sighed, upset that he wasn't finding the right words to explain his feelings and intentions. Bagoas' breath caught when Francisco raised his hand and cupped his face with it. There was a soft expression in Francisco's eyes and seeing it caused butterflies to tickle his insides. Was this love? He had never felt anything like it before. He had thought he loved Alexander and Hephaistion, but this was different – so different that it almost frightened him.

"I can tell you are different, Bagoas." Francisco didn't really know how to handle this situation. He had been emotional to begin with and then there had been his little problems regarding his crush on Jared, and then Bagoas had sprung this on him. "But I need a little time."

"I understand that…and I am not pressuring you… I just wan you to know that…that you are not alone." Bagoas' heart still jumped at times and caused him to pant softly.

Looking into Bagoas' eyes and seeing the dilated pupils, Francisco saw himself reflected in those dark orbs. When he had looked into Jared's, he had never seen such love in them. Which was understandable since Jared hadn't proclaimed he loved him in that way. But what he saw in Bagoas' eyes was pure and selfless love. It made him place a kiss onto Bagoas' brow, since he was too timid and insecure to go for the lips yet. What he had said was true – he needed time.

Bagoas felt utterly lost as he stared into Francisco's eyes. It seemed as if they had a magical hold on him. "I don't think I can go back to sleep now." He realized he had to give Francisco a chance to get away from what they had been discussing. He wanted to make it clear that he was going to give Francisco all the time and space the other man needed.

"Neither can I. But that massage you gave me took care of my cramps, thank you." Francisco eased himself down onto the mattress and Bagoas moved with him. He snuggled up to Bagoas and maintained eye contact the whole time. Seeing love in Bagoas' eyes made him feel at ease.

Bagoas wrapped his arms around Francisco and they settled in for the night – again. "The next time you get cramps, I will take care of them." Hoping he wasn't overstepping any boundaries, he placed a feather light kiss onto Francisco's trembling lips. The kiss was bittersweet and Francisco's lips tasted like nothing he had ever tasted before.

Francisco felt it too, but didn't dare act upon the sensation yet. He desperately needed time and thankfully, Bagoas was willing to give him that. Lowering his head onto Bagoas' shoulder, he sighed and closed his eyes. "Do you think Alexander and Hephaistion will allow me to stay longer?"

"How much longer?" Bagoas' heart pounded like mad in his chest.

"A few weeks? Maybe even a few months?" If Bagoas' love was for real, he would gladly put his career on hold. He had always thought that love should come first. He smiled happily against Bagoas' chest.

"You can stay as long as you want. They already said so, didn't they?" Bagoas closed his eyes and concentrated on hearing Francisco breathe. The next thing he noticed was the scent that invaded his nostrils. Was it his imagination or did Francisco smell of chocolate? Oh, Francisco felt so good in his arms – so warm, so solid, and so very real!

"I will stay then…if you want me to stay…and I will give this a chance."

/Jared was a fool to choose his career over your love./ But Bagoas wasn't complaining, since it meant that he was getting his chance with Francisco. "Please stay. Please, Francisco."

Francisco smiled and twined his fingers with Bagoas'. "I will stay…" Now that he had made his decision, peace washed over him and he even began to drift back into sleep.

Francisco's breathing deepened and evened out. The other man's long fingers twitched around his and Bagoas protectively rested his chin atop of Francisco's. The older man's words continued to ring in his ears. /I will stay then…if you want me to stay…and I will give this a chance./

Francisco was going to stay and Bagoas would get his chance to court him.

The end
(And TBC of course!)