NEVER ENDING STORY CHAPTER 4

Title: Unexpected
Sequel to "The Dance of Love"
Author: MorganaAuthor’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.comWeb page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing; Hephaestion/Bagoas/Alexander
Rating: NC-17Summary: Bagoas hides the fact that it is his birthday from Hephaestion and Alexander. Once they find out, they are determined to belatedly celebrate Bagoas' birthday at any rate.
Disclaimer: These characters are inspired after Oliver's Stone's movie. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning: AU of course.
Beta read by DA, thanks sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

Unexpected
Part 1

"What are you doing out here on your own?" Alexander seated himself next to Bagoas. The younger man had been sitting on the sand, staring at the waves for some time, but then the dark eyes looked up to meet his inquiring gaze. "Hephaestion already went to bed. He missed you."

Bagoas returned to staring at the waves. "What time is it?"

Alexander blinked as he heard the odd question, but then indulged Bagoas and checked the time. "One minute to midnight. Why?"

Bagoas smiled secretly and once more avoided looking at Alexander. "It was my birthday. I became nineteen today."

Alexander frowned. "Why didn't you tell us?" Another look at his wrist watch told him that it was midnight and that Bagoas' birthday had come to an end.

"I didn’t want you to fuss over it. You already did so much for me." Bagoas turned his attention back to Alexander and looked into the brown eyes. "Hephaestion and you are the only family I have – ever will have. That is the greatest gift you could ever give me."

"Still, you should have told us. We would have liked to congratulate you and pamper you for the day." Alexander wavered; although the three of them had made love the other night, Bagoas still had to initiate any intimacy between the two of them. Bagoas still kept his distance and Alexander respected that, but right now he wanted to bury Bagoas in a hug. He slowly raised his arms and wrapped them around Bagoas' shoulders.

Alexander's affectionate gesture surprised Bagoas at first, but then he leaned his back against Alexander's chest. The older man's arms held him tight and Bagoas closed his eyes in bliss. "You already pamper me each day of my life. The things you did for me… The things Hephaestion did for me… You gave me a home when I had none. You love me unconditionally. Do you have any idea how long it took me to accept that?"

Alexander rested his chin on Bagoas' shoulder and stared at the approaching waves. "Bagoas, you complete our life here, you know that, don't you? We love you."

"Yes, I know that. I accept that." Bagoas' head lolled toward Alexander's and he pressed a kiss onto the other man's cheek. "Thank you for giving me the time I need to grow accustomed to having you in my life again."

"You can have all the time you need." Alexander drew in a deep breath and smiled, ruefully. "In my first life I took what I wanted. I didn't consider the things you needed in turn. It warms my heart to see you set boundaries, even if that means you are keeping me at a distance. I want you to do what you are comfortable with. I don't want you to do anything against your will."

"Alexander?" Bagoas turned in the embrace and looked Alexander in the eye. "Would you ever allow me to take you?"

Bagoas' question stunned Alexander. "I haven't given that idea any thought yet, Bagoas. It never crossed my mind that we would ever find ourselves in this situation."

"You don't have to answer the question," Bagoas said quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander deny him.

Alexander shook his head, determined to not allow this. "Bagoas, your question surprised me. That is all. Do you desire to take me then?"

Bagoas cocked his head, considering Alexander's question. "I don't know, Alexander. I never thought about us being together in that way."

"Then why did you ask me?"

"I was curious… That is all." Now that they were face to face, Bagoas brought his arms up behind Alexander's back and hugged him close. He buried his face against Alexander's chest and decided that life was good – and even better at nineteen.

~~~

A few minutes later, Alexander and Bagoas returned to their cottage. They stepped over Peritas, who was asleep near the doorway, and headed for the bed. Hephaestion was already asleep and hugging a pillow, since his lovers had deserted him. Bagoas and Alexander removed their clothes and slipped between the sheets. Bagoas spooned up behind Hephaestion and the dark-haired man immediately moved into his arms, pressing close. Alexander stretched out in front of Hephaestion and wrapped his arms around him. Hephaestion rested his head against Alexander's shoulder and his lovers' arms held him close. Alexander tilted his head just a little so he was able to look into Bagoas' eyes. "Happy birthday, Bagoas."

"Thank you, Alexander." Bagoas had spoken the truth when he had said that they had already given him the greatest possible gift – their love warmed and sustained him and that was all he needed to be happy in life.

~~~

"Where are you going?" Alexander's sleep had been light – troubled by Bagoas' decision to keep the fact that it was his birthday from them. He was determined to find a way to make things up to Bagoas and had been thinking about ways to do so most of the night.

"I want to start practicing my dancing," Bagoas replied as he smoothed Hephaestion's hair away from the older man's face. "Stay with him, Alexander. Hephaestion might not show it, but these last few days have been hard on him as well. Watching that movie brought back painful memories."

Alexander nodded his head. "I know. I have seen *that* look in his eyes." Hephaestion seldom felt depressed, but those normally so sparkling eyes had been hooded of late. Now, he regretted convincing Hephaestion to watch "Alexander" with him. But what was done was done and he had to deal with the consequences to his best ability.

Bagoas snuck soundlessly out of their bedroom and went into the living room where he uncovered Hephaestion's laptop and switched it on. He had discovered the joys of surfing the net only recently and had been delighted to find a few sites dedicated to him – Bagoas. He had also joined several mailing lists and Live Journal Communities, and, in doing so, had learned that some writers delighted in writing homo-erotic stories about the three of them. He had become a silent admirer and lurker on several sites, reading the slash there.

He didn't dare leave comments though and contented himself with reading the morning's additions. Ah, more Hephaestion slash… Those were his favorite stories, especially when the writer slashed Hephaestion with him and not Alexander. This morning a story with a threesome was waiting for him in his inbox, and he chuckled, seeing the pairing was Hephaestion/Alexander/Bagoas. Bagoas settled down on the couch and giggled through most of the story. He had seldom enjoyed himself this much!

~~~

"Good morning, Hephaestion." Alexander pulled his beloved close and pressed a morning kiss on Hephaestion's lips. The eyes opened and pools of blue stared back at him. Those eyes were hooded though, as if they were trying to keep something from him. "Happy to see me?"

"Always." Hephaestion drew in a deep breath and managed to struggle free from the memories of his nightmares. He could only hope that neither Bagoas, nor Alexander realized he was having nightmares, for he didn't want to worry them. "There is nothing better than waking up and seeing your eyes first thing in the morning."

Alexander believed Hephaestion was speaking the truth, but he also felt vexed, sensing that his lover was keeping something from him. "You know I am not good at discussing feelings, Hephaestion. It is only because of your love and dedication that I didn't end up as an emotional cripple. So are you really going to make me do this?"

Hephaestion cringed. "Do what?"

"Do I really have to drag out of you what is wrong? Your eyes never hide a thing, Hephaestion, and right now they are hooded. That tells me you are worried. What are you worried about? Please tell me."

"You are getting better at this." Hephaestion smiled at his lover. "It is nothing really. Don't worry about it."

"How can I not worry about you now that I have noticed that you don't feel comfortable around me?"

"Alexander, it has nothing to do with you." Hephaestion raised a hand and caressed Alexander's blond hair.

"Then tell me what this *is* about, Hephaestion. I hate being unable to comfort you." Alexander gave Hephaestion his most pleading look.

"I am having nightmares," Hephaestion admitted in the end. He closed his eyes and rested his head against Alexander's shoulder. Immediately, strong arms tightened around him in an effort to make him feel better.

"What are they about?" Alexander's bottom lip trembled. How was it possible that he hadn't noticed that his lover's sleep was being disturbed?

"They are about the film. Fiction and fact are mingling and… I keep seeing your death scene over and over again." Hephaestion hadn't wanted to admit that, but Alexander's closeness and the request to share his worries had made him say those words. "I never realized how badly my death affected you."

Alexander's heart contracted painfully. "It wasn't your fault I died, Hephaestion!" Alexander shook his head, wondering how he could get through to his lover. "Please look at me, Hephaestion." He tilted his lover's head and looked into the clouded eyes. "I am so sorry that we went to see that film. I knew you didn't want to go and yet I convinced you to accompany me. Hephaestion, you always try to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, why? You are not to blame. No one is to blame!"

Hephaestion looked thoughtfully at Alexander. "Rationally, I know that, but emotionally…" His voice drifted off, indicating Alexander couldn't simply chase away his worries and his nightmares. This was something that really troubled him and his worries manifested the strongest in his dreams.

Alexander swallowed hard. "Hephaestion, I failed you in the past. Why didn't I listen to you? You always offered me sound advice and I never listened. But I am listening now. Are you also listening to me, Hephaestion?"

"I am trying, Alexander, but my heart…"

"You always feel too much – too deeply, my beloved Hephaestion." Alexander pressed a kiss onto Hephaestion's hair. "You always were the strong one, even now. But you don't have to be the strong one the entire time, Hephaestion. You can lean on me… even on Bagoas."

Hephaestion immediately changed the subject, eager to get away from discussing his nightmares. "Bagoas already left the bed?"

Alexander recognized the distraction for what it was, but allowed it. "Yes, he said he wanted to practice his dancing. I am glad that he is dancing again. I always loved seeing him move."

"Dancing?" Hephaestion chuckled; he forced himself to think of Bagoas and not of his nightmares. "The first thing Bagoas does in the morning is to go online and check his mail. He doesn't think I know, but I have seen what he has been up to." Hephaestion gave Alexander a conspiring look. "Following Bagoas' traces on the net led me to a world of homo-erotic stories, Alexander, and he devours them all. I actually wonder when he will start writing one of his own. After all, you set the example with that pornographic snippet of yours."

Alexander stared at Hephaestion with big eyes. "Say again?"

"I know that he joined several mailing lists. The first time he joined one, he accidentally used my email address to subscribe to the group. It all started after Oliver Stone's film hit the movie theatre. It appears the ladies really like our counterparts and they are now writing something they call 'slash'. They put us in all kinds of situations and their goal is always the same: to get us in bed together."

Alexander blinked again. "People are writing about us… the three of us… having sex?"

"Yes." Hephaestion loved seeing the stunned expression in Alexander's eyes. "I have read a few of those stories and they are just as explicit as your snippet."

"Say that again?" Alexander had a hard time believing what he was hearing.

"These ladies seem to delight in putting you on top, Alexander. You have no idea about the positions they put us in, especially when they add Bagoas to the mix." Hephaestion stretched like a cat and then propped himself up on an elbow. "I will show you where to find those stories… Oh, and for some reason they also like to slash Jared Leto with Colin Farrell. I wonder why that is." He gave Alexander a wink.

Alexander, being reminded of his own fantasy concerning Jared Leto quickly changed their topic. "Speaking about Bagoas… Did you know it was his birthday yesterday? He didn't tell me until midnight. He didn't want us to make a fuss over it."

"His birthday?" Hephaestion's mirth instantly deflated. "And he didn't tell us?"

"I was thinking that maybe we could throw him a belated birthday party. I doubt he will expect something like that." Alexander relished fingering Hephaestion's long hair between his fingertips. "I could go into town to get some presents."

But Hephaestion shook his head. "No, we need to do better than that. I have had some things on my mind for a while now, like opening a bank account for Bagoas. I do not want him to be dependant on us. If he has his own money, he will gain some independence at least. I don't want him to have to ask us for money when he needs something." He could easily spare the money. "And there are some other things that demand our attention as well."

"Like what?" Alexander threatened to lose himself as he stared into the unfathomable depths of Hephaestion's blue eyes.

"Like contacting the police. I know that we decided against attracting any attention, but the fact remains that Bagoas doesn't have any papers. He needs a passport and he needs to feel safe when he steps onto the streets. He cannot hide here forever. We can't allow that." Hephaestion pushed himself upright and pulled his knees close to his chest. After wrapping his arms around his knees, he rested his chin atop of them and studied Alexander, who was still stretched out on his side. "I want you to take Bagoas to Athens with you."

Alexander's eyebrow moved higher. "Why?"

"You used to be a police officer. That might make communicating with the Greek police force easier. You can find out if they intend to persecute Bagoas, or use him as a witness. We need to do this, Alexander. *You* need to do this!"

"And you want Bagoas and me to travel without you? Why is that?" Alexander propped himself up onto an elbow. He wasn't sure he liked what Hephaestion was suggesting.

"Because you know how the system works. You were a police officer once. Plus, there is the fact that Bagoas and you need to grow close again. Spending time away from me might help."

"And you will stay here? All alone?"

"Someone needs to look after Boukephalos and Peritas." Hephaestion paused and gave Alexander another thoughtful look. "If you want to I can always join you later, but I do think that it is important that you spend some quality time with Bagoas."

"I don't want the three of us apart." Alexander moved until he sat cross-legged next to Hephaestion. Tenderly, he brushed a few strands away from his lover's face. "And what about celebrating his birthday?"

"I am certain you could create an opportunity to go shopping without Bagoas at your side, but think about it: wouldn't the best gift be his freedom? If he were sure that those pimps no longer presented a danger, his life would change drastically. And he needs his papers. Without them I can't even open that bank account for him." Hephaestion sighed and leaned into the caress which Alexander bestowed onto his face. "Do fun things with him when you are in the city. Remember, Bagoas never had the chance to be a child, not in this life and not in his first life."

"You make some valid points, but I still don't like the idea of separation. Come with us."

But Hephaestion shook his head firmly. "Trust me on this, Alexander. Have I ever given you bad advice?'

"No, you haven't." Alexander leaned in closer and kissed Hephaestion's lips. Listening closely, he could hear Bagoas giggling in the living room. He gave his lover a questioning look.

"Oh, he probably found more erotic stories on the net. Maybe you should send in your snippet, Alexander. The ladies would love reading your take on the balcony scene."

Alexander grinned. "I reckon this means that they also wanted to see some steamy sex in that movie?"

Hephaestion laughed warmly. "I am certain of that." His laughter changed to chuckling and he rubbed his cheek against Alexander's hand, which was still cupping his face. "Do you want me to make some calls and get you rooms and plane tickets?"

Alexander had hoped that Hephaestion had forgotten about his idea, but it appeared that his beloved was determined to make him do this. "I am going to miss you." The mere thought of being apart from Hephaestion made his stomach twist with worry. "You have no idea just how much I still need you."

Hephaestion's eyes turned a startling light-blue and it seemed as if they were illuminated from within. "What if I promise to join you in a few days? Would that make you feel more at ease? Spend the next week with Bagoas and I will join you on the eighth day of your trip. How does that sound?"

Would he survive being apart from his Hephaestion for seven days? "I will try not to crumble – I will be strong for you… I will do this for you and for Bagoas."

Hephaestion pressed a chaste kiss onto Alexander's brow and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist. "We should probably buy him his very own laptop for his birthday. Then he can read those snippets whenever he wants… Maybe you can give him some pointers on how to write explicit sex scenes?"

"In that case I should get my own laptop as well as I plan on continuing that book about you. I only just got started, you know."

"That is exactly what I was afraid of," Hephaestion said in a teasing manner. "I am surrounded by slash addicts."

"Who knows, maybe my research will lead me to some interesting new positions we can try." Alexander gave his lover a hopeful look.

Hephaestion laughed, shook his head, and hugged Alexander close. He would never tire of having Alexander as his lover.

~~~

Bagoas closed Hephaestion's laptop. After reading one of those snippets he found himself hard and in need of release. He could go into the bathroom and take care of it himself, but reading that story had made him long to feel Alexander and Hephaestion's hands on him. Panting softly, he made his way over to the doorway and he stared at Alexander and Hephaestion, who were hugging on the bed. "Am I intruding?" He still felt somewhat insecure about invading their privacy.

Alexander and Hephaestion simultaneously looked at Bagoas and instantly noticed the younger man's flushed state. It was impossible to miss the fact that he was aroused and Hephaestion gave him an encouraging smile. "Why don't you join us, my love?"

Bagoas' gaze swept across Alexander's face to find out if the blond man approved of Hephaestion calling him that.

Alexander reassured Bagoas by giving him a blinding smile and extending his hand to him. "Come over here." If Hephaestion's observations were right, then reading those snippets had aroused Bagoas. The fact that Bagoas came to them for release warmed his heart. Bagoas loved and trusted them. All the younger man needed was time.

"I… I was wondering… hoping actually… You see, I am…" Bagoas blushed as he took hold of Alexander's hand. He allowed the blond man to pull him onto the bed and he lowered his gaze, feeling too embarrassed to look them in the eye.

"Hush now; there is no need to speak." Hephaestion moved on the bed until he was kneeling behind Bagoas. He then wrapped his arms around his younger lover and pulled Bagoas' back close to his chest. His lips found their way to Bagoas' neck and he pressed sweet kisses onto the nape. Shooting Alexander a meaningful look, he hoped his lover got the hint.

Alexander understood. Hephaestion wanted him to take control and to initiate this intimacy with Bagoas being at the center of their caresses. Alexander placed his hands on either side of Bagoas' head and brought the younger man in for a tender kiss.

Bagoas had thought it would be Hephaestion who would get him off, but it seemed his lovers' ideas differed from his. While Hephaestion seemed content with pressing kisses against his neck and shoulder blades, it was Alexander's hands which roamed over his bare chest. Alexander deepened the kiss and Bagoas allowed it. In their first life, it had always been the other way around – in that life, it had been his duty to satisfy and pleasure Alexander, but now everything was different. Alexander's touches brought him pleasure, and when those fingers curled around his erection, he hissed in excitement.

Hephaestion grinned at Alexander in a conspiring way. His blue eyes said, 'Told you so,' and he continued to lick, kiss, and suckle the delicate skin of Bagoas' neck.

Alexander focused on Bagoas in earnest now and considered his options. The hard flesh in his hand had long turned slick and Bagoas was thrusting against him. The narrow lips panted in tune with his strokes and the long, elegant fingers squeezed his shoulders as Bagoas looked for a way to support himself. But it wasn't enough – not for Alexander, who wanted to drive Bagoas out of his mind with pleasure, just like Bagoas, the eunuch, had done with him many centuries ago.

"Hephaestion… I want him on his back…"

Bagoas' heart missed a beat at hearing Alexander's whispered request. He couldn't… He couldn't have sex with Alexander on top. He simply couldn't. There had been too much pain in the past – but did he have the right to deny Alexander what had always been his? *He* had always been Alexander's property – the King's – and as Hephaestion helped him lie down on his back, Bagoas realized that he lacked the courage to deny Alexander.

But Alexander was no fool. He had long seen the panic in those dark eyes. The fact that Bagoas expected to be taken shouldn't surprise him, but it did. He had hoped that the younger man understood that things were different now. He had to *show* Bagoas how much things were different. Words wouldn't do the trick.

Bagoas sucked in his breath as Alexander parted his legs. His eyes closed, as he didn't want them to read the fear in them and his body became as tense as a bowstring, expecting penetration and pain.

Hephaestion was about to warn Alexander that something was wrong when he saw his lover nod. Alexander had noticed and Hephaestion wondered what his lover's next step would be now that Bagoas' erection was faltering.

Alexander installed himself between Bagoas' parted legs and slipped his hands beneath the compact buttocks. Lifting Bagoas' lower body, he leaned in closer, parted his lips, and slid down the length.

Bagoas' eyes opened with a start. He couldn't believe what his body was telling him, namely that Alexander had taken him into his mouth. But one look confirmed his thoughts – Alexander had taken him completely and was now sucking in an attempt to get him fully erect again.

Hephaestion saw Bagoas' surprise and smiled knowingly at him. Bowing down, his lips claimed Bagoas’ and he kissed his younger lover with all the love and passion he felt for Bagoas. His hands roamed Bagoas' chest and his fingers played with the hard nipples. Those touches resulted in making Bagoas moan harder and writhe even more on the bed.

Bagoas felt like he was on the brink of losing his mind. Alexander's tongue swirled around the base of his erection and those strong hands squeezed his buttocks in a playful way. Alexander looked up and their gazes locked. "I can't believe you are doing this…" Bagoas whispered in a shocked voice.

Alexander reacted by groaning loudly and the vibration echoed around his cock, making Bagoas twitch uncontrollably. Suddenly, Alexander took hold of his right hand and Bagoas rested it atop of the blond hair, just as Alexander wanted. Running his fingers through the blond mane, Bagoas lost himself in the sensual attack, which doubled now that Hephaestion was kissing his way down his throat and chest.

He couldn't take much more of their sweet torture and shook violently as he reached his climax. Bagoas fully expected Alexander to pull back, but he didn't, and Alexander swallowed every drop of his come.

Hephaestion returned to kissing Bagoas' lips, forced those and the teeth apart, and took his lover's mouth in a display of need and love.

Alexander greedily drank down the warm seed and gave Bagoas a cat-like grin. "You taste sweet, Bagoas." The softening flesh had slipped from his lips, but Alexander's tongue returned to the sated member in order to lick him clean.

Bagoas stared into Hephaestion’s pleased eyes, which hovered above his. Hephaestion's long hair danced against the already sensitive skin of his chest and made him gasp. Explosions in his groin rocked his world and Bagoas helplessly rode out the waves of pleasure which Alexander's talented tongue had evoked in him.

Alexander crept closer, met Hephaestion's lips, and confirmed their love with a deep kiss.

All Bagoas could do was watch them kiss above him and feel immensely blessed to have their love.

Hephaestion released Alexander's lips and then gazed at Bagoas' dilated pupils. "Happy birthday, Bagoas…"

Bagoas chuckled and gave them his warmest smile. "Thank you."

/But that was just your first gift,/ Hephaestion thought. /Many more will follow./

TBC


Part 2

Bagoas wanted to follow when Hephaestion left their bed, but Hephaestion acted quickly and placed his hand against the younger man's chest. "I am going to make breakfast… Why don't you stay here with Alexander a little longer? The two of you can join me once breakfast is ready."

Bagoas blinked in surprise, but then nodded once. By now he had figured out that Hephaestion wanted him to stay here for a reason, he just didn't know why yet. While Hephaestion left the bedroom, Bagoas turned onto his other side so he could look into Alexander's eyes, which held one question he really didn't want to answer.

"You were afraid of me. Why?" Alexander had a pretty good idea why Bagoas had panicked, but he wanted the younger man to say the words. He stroked Bagoas' dark hair, hoping it would soothe the younger man.

Bagoas licked his lips and revealed his nervousness in that way. He considered lying to Alexander, but quickly realized that would be foolish. Alexander probably already knew what had made him panic. "For one moment I thought… I thought that you were going to take me." He bit his bottom lip and gave Alexander an apologetic look.

"Why? Don't you trust me to take care of you during such intimate moments?" Alexander suspected that lack of trust wasn't the real reason why Bagoas had panicked, but he needed to hear the younger man voice his fears. /It is amazing… Thanks to Hephaestion I am actually capable of discussing something this emotional./ When he had said that he would have been an emotional cripple without his beloved Hephaestion, he hadn't been exaggerating. It was only due to Hephaestion's love and determination that he was able to handle Bagoas' emotions during such a frightening personal moment.

Bagoas wrung his hands and his face briefly contorted, not knowing quite how to phrase his reply diplomatically. "I do trust you… That's not the problem." He closed his eyes and wished Alexander would stop questioning him. The King had never probed his thoughts so deeply. /Not the King… not any more…/

"Just tell me what you are thinking…" Alexander moved closer and wrapped his arms around Bagoas.

Bagoas grew flustered, although he couldn't quite explain why. He had been in Alexander's arms before. As a matter of fact, he had been way more intimate with Alexander than this, but that was also a part of the problem.

"Tell me," Alexander said, sounding a bit more commanding.

"I thought you were going to take me just now and… and I wouldn't have denied you." Bagoas opened his eyes and looked fearfully at Alexander. "You are the Great King… no, you were the King… I… sometimes I look at you and I wonder… in my first life my duties were clear… but now… I don't know how to act around you… I would never deny you… you know that… how could I deny my King?" He was rambling and he knew it, but when he looked into Alexander's eyes, he saw understanding there.

"I think I know what you are trying to tell me, Bagoas. You are not a slave anymore. You are not a eunuch… you are yourself… you are Bagoas… and if you want to be intimate with me, I will welcome you with open arms. But never accept my advances if you don't want to be intimate with me." Alexander brushed his thumb against Bagoas' brow. "You are beginning to heal, but you still have a long road ahead of you."

Bagoas actually managed a hopeful smile. "Alexander, I…"

But Alexander cut him off. "You do realize that there is one question that you have to find the answer to?" He waited until Bagoas shook his head. "You don't? Bagoas, you need to find out if you still love me. Once you know the answer to that question, we can take the next step. I will accept your feelings, Bagoas. How could I do anything less?" He was fairly certain that Bagoas still had feelings for him, but the younger man needed to figure out just what exactly those feelings were!

"I am afraid of what I will find." Bagoas gave Alexander a pleading look; he could easily tell how much Alexander wanted him to do this. "How? How do I find out? And how do I deal with my fears?"

Alexander smiled, reassuringly. "We will find out how to handle them together."

Bagoas returned that smile, but weakly. "I do think that I love you still, Alexander… but something has changed."

"*You* have changed, Bagoas. It is only logical that other things have changed as well." Alexander continued to caress the long, dark hair. "And I want it to be different."

"You do?" Bagoas blinked to show his surprise.

"Yes, I want you to do the things you want to do. I want you to be happy." Alexander brushed Bagoas' brow with his lips in something that resembled a kiss. "We will find out where we stand shortly."

Bagoas blinked again. "Why?"

"Because we are going on a trip… just the two of us." Alexander hated seeing the panic sneak back into Bagoas' eyes again. "You don't have to be afraid, Bagoas. You are safe with me."

"Where are we going?" He didn't want to leave this safe haven!

"Athens, for a fortnight. It will just be you and me the first week. Hephaestion will join us after that." Alexander could tell by looking into Bagoas' eyes that the younger man didn't want to do this. "Hephaestion and I don't want you to live in fear. You need to face your past and the people who abused you. You need to come clean, Bagoas."

"We will be going to the police? They will arrest me! Prostitution is illegal!"

"You were forced into prostitution, Bagoas. They know that. Give them some credit." Alexander's eyes narrowed. "They told you the police would throw you into jail, didn't they? Those pimps?" He had seen it before – had interviewed victims that had been manipulated by their abusers. "They put the fear of the law in you."

Bagoas nodded his head once. "If they put me in jail I know I won't survive. I am not strong and…"

"You won't go to jail. I won't allow it." Alexander wished he knew of a way to reassure the panicking younger man. "What if I talk to the police officers without you present? To see where we stand? I will only ask you to come with me once I know it is safe for you to talk to them. What do you say to that?"

Bagoas still wasn't convinced, but he knew it was best if he faced his past and those criminals. "I don't want to do this."

"I know you don't, but you *will* do this, won't you, Bagoas?"

Bagoas nodded once. "I must…" He really didn't have a choice. "But you will stay at my side, won't you? You won't desert me?"

"Never, my love, never." He had heard Hephaestion call Bagoas that and saw the surprise in those dark eyes now that he was addressing him in that manner as well. Hopefully it showed his love and dedication where Bagoas was concerned. "I will never desert you," Alexander repeated while looking Bagoas in the eye. "Never."

~~~

Hephaestion disliked seeing Bagoas this tense. Ever since the younger man had found out that they were going to Athens, he had begun to emotionally distance himself from them. Exchanging a look with Alexander told Hephaestion that his lover had also noticed Bagoas' distant behavior. Hephaestion opted for action and sat down next to Bagoas on the couch. Bagoas was simply staring at his hands, which lay idly in his lap. "What's wrong?"

Alexander pulled up a chair and whirled it around before straddling it. He folded his arms in front of him on the back rest of the chair and rested his chin atop them. This way, he could study Bagoas for several minutes. Intuitively he knew that making Bagoas face his past was the right thing to do, but what worried him was the withdrawn state Bagoas had put himself in.

"What's wrong?" Hephaestion repeated his question and placed his hands on either side of Bagoas' face. Using his hold on the younger man, he made Bagoas look him in the eye. "Tell us."

"I am afraid of going to jail. Everyone knows what happens to boys like me in jail." And he had already endured too much of such pain. He didn't want to go back to that world. He wanted things to remain as they were – he wanted to stay here and let Alexander and Hephaestion's love heal him.

"Bagoas, you are not going to jail. I promise you." Hephaestion caressed Bagoas' face and felt how the muscles twitched beneath his touch. Bagoas was more than just nervous: he was afraid. "You are the victim here. Yes, the police might take down your statement, but that should be about it."

Alexander nodded his head once. "I already called my old Captain. He will phone the Greek police, make inquiries, and then he will let me know what he came up with. Maybe that will help you relax? Once we go to the police office we will know what to expect." Alexander hated seeing Bagoas this afraid and wondered if they were pushing the younger man too hard. /Sometimes I forget that he is only nineteen and that he spent so many years in those brothels. It is only normal that he doesn't want to do this./

"Alexander will be there every step of the way and later on, I will join you. Do you really think we will allow any harm to befall you?" Hephaestion pulled Bagoas closer until the dark head rested against his shoulder. "We love you. If necessary we will fight for you."

Bagoas sniffed and choked back a sob. "I don't want to go back to being a whore."

For one moment, Bagoas' words didn't make any sense to Hephaestion, but then he understood what his younger lover was trying to tell him. "Those pimps will never get their hands on you again."

Alexander determinedly nodded his head. "I will be your bodyguard, Bagoas. I promise you that no one will get past me."

"Do I really have to do this?" Bagoas' voice sounded child-like and, at that moment, he felt like the helpless teenager that he was, but until that point, he hadn't really realized that. He had been living in a dream ever since finding Alexander and Hephaestion.

"Yes, you must." Alexander rose from his chair and joined the two men on the couch. Embracing Bagoas from behind, he whispered into the younger man's ear, "I will keep you safe – always."

Bagoas then took a leap of faith. Alexander had never let him down before and he had to believe that, this time, Alexander would come through as well. He *had* to do this.

~~~

"I will see you in one week." Hephaestion hugged Bagoas closer. It was harder to let Bagoas go then it was for him to say his temporary goodbyes to Alexander. He knew that Alexander could handle any dangerous situations that lay ahead of them, but Bagoas seemed emotionally unstable and that worried him the most. The pleading expression in those dark eyes concerned him. "You still have Alexander," he added, seeing the helpless expression in Bagoas' eyes.

Alexander was already in the car and waiting for Bagoas to join him. They had packed some clothes, toiletries, and other necessities, and were ready to leave. But Bagoas was stalling for understandable reasons. Alexander had already said his goodbyes to Hephaestion, temporary goodbyes, as the three of them would be reunited in seven days.

Hephaestion escorted Bagoas over to the car and opened the door. This was hard on all three of them, but it was also something that had to be done. Alexander and Bagoas needed this time away from him – they needed to rebuild the friendship, trust, and love, and they couldn't do that as long as he was close. Bagoas would turn to him for comfort and not to Alexander.

Bagoas slipped into the passenger's seat and drew in a deep breath. This felt surreal.

Now that Bagoas wasn't moving, Hephaestion leaned in closer and fastened the safety belt. "I will see you in one week, my love." He pressed one more kiss onto Bagoas' forehead and gave him an encouraging look. "You are much stronger than you think. You can do this."

Hephaestion's words comforted Bagoas, but his distress didn't go away. They were taking him to Athens and there was a big chance that he would never return here – he didn't want to lose what he had here!

Hephaestion resolutely closed the car door. Sending Bagoas away in this way broke his heart, but it needed to be done! He raised his hand in goodbye once Alexander kicked the car into gear. A few minutes later, the car had disappeared from view and loneliness came crashing in on Hephaestion. Something wet and warm suddenly pushed against the palm of his hand and he smiled at Peritas, who was trying to get his attention so he would pat the dog. "I still have you and Boukephalos."

But still, the next week would be a lonely one. He had grown accustomed to having his lovers close and now he was alone. /Well, try to look on the bright side of things, this way you can work on your book./ He *did* want to finish his book on Aristotle and see it published. /Oh, I do hope they didn't take my laptop with them!/

Hephaestion entered the house and found his laptop sitting on the kitchen table. The laptop was open and active and a message was displayed on the screen – a message directed at him.

#We love you, Hephaestion, and we will be thinking of you, Alexander and Bagoas.#

That message brought a smile to Hephaestion's face. /I love you too… But how am I going to survive a week without the two of you?/ He sat down at the kitchen table and stared at the screen for a long time. Then he closed the message, opened the text he was working on, and concentrated on his book.

~~~

"Did you already hear back from your former Captain?" Bagoas fidgeted with the fabric of his shirt and kept his eyes directed at the road in front of him. He felt nervous and a sickening sensation in the pit of his stomach made him nauseous. He hoped he wasn't going to throw up before this trip was over.

"Give him a little time to get familiar with your case and to contact the officers in charge of the investigations." Alexander cast a quick look at Bagoas and sighed when he saw the fear on the younger man's face. "I expect him to call me back tonight," he added, hoping it would help settle Bagoas' nerves.

Bagoas shifted on his seat. "Until now, I never fully registered the fact that you were a police man once."

"Does that make you uncomfortable?"

"There are so many things that make me feel uncomfortable right now," Bagoas admitted in a soft voice.

Alexander judged it best not to probe too deeply and to give Bagoas some time to sort out his thoughts and emotions. "We will be driving for a few hours, but I expect to reach Athens before nightfall." Alexander counted on Hephaestion having made all the necessary arrangements. His lover had made all bookings online and Alexander hoped nothing had gone wrong.

Alexander had packed light, as the trip would only last for two weeks, and he reckoned that he could buy the things he had forgotten to pack. It would also be a nice occasion to get Bagoas a well-fitting wardrobe consisting of clothes the younger man had picked himself. In spite of the problems they might encounter, he was looking forward to spending time with Bagoas in Athens. If only they could work out things with the police, then everything would be fine! "Why don't you take a nap? You look tired." He was used to driving long distances and wouldn't stop for the next two hours. Alexander switched the radio on and hummed along with the oldies the station was playing.

Bagoas decided to take Alexander's advice and he closed his eyes. Maybe this way he could lock out his fears!

~~~

They made a stop at a restaurant, ate, and stocked up on water before starting the next leg of their journey. Bagoas was growing increasingly nervous and, no matter what Alexander said in order to reassure him, the younger man remained jumpy. "Here, open this paper and feed me directions." They had finally reached Athens and the city made an overwhelming impression. It was way bigger and more crowded than Alexander had thought it would be.

"What is this?" Bagoas was relieved to be able to focus on something other than his worries and studied the paper.

"That is the hotel Hephaestion booked us rooms at. Try to find the address on the map and give me directions." He handed Bagoas the map they had bought during their last stop. "I hope he didn't go cheap on us…" Alexander really hoped Hephaestion had booked them into a nice hotel. He needed a soft bed after driving all day.

"The address is Panepistimiou 52," Bagoas said as he tried to find the street on the map. "Titania hotel?" he whispered, feeling amused though he couldn’t figure out why.

"Maybe Hephaestion thinks size matters?" Alexander burst out laughing. Although the joke wasn't that funny, he felt stressed and in dire need of rest.

Bagoas chuckled and finally located their hotel on the map. "Turn right here."

"What is the time?" Alexander watched the streets, which seemed to be growing busier every moment. The sun had just set and it had been a hot day, so the people had probably stayed at home and rested until it had started to cool down.

"Almost six PM," Bagoas replied. "Turn left here." Like Alexander, he hoped their hotel wasn't located in a run down area of the city. Like any major city, Athens also had its fair share of brothels and that was the last place Bagoas wanted to be.

Alexander had spied a building that said "Titania" but decided that it couldn't be their hotel. The front displayed four stars, was classy, and showcased a large revolving door. "Is that it?"

Bagoas looked as stunned as Alexander felt. "The address is right, but… we can't possibly pay for that, can we?"

"Hephaestion said he had already taken care of that." He really needed to talk to his lover in detail about just how wealthy Hephaestion's family was! "Well, I will just park the car and ask if they have rooms reserved under Hephaestion's name. Then we will know enough." Alexander parked the car, got out, and stretched.

Bagoas collected Alexander's suit case and swung his duffle bag over his shoulder. He felt and looked underdressed for this establishment and so did Alexander. "This can't be the right address."

Alexander shrugged and entered the lobby, dragging Bagoas along with him.

"Good evening, sir. How can I be of assistance?" One of the hotel's employees walked up to them and gave them a friendly smile.

Bagoas was too stunned to answer the employee and simply stared at the lobby. It featured white marble, statues, mosaics, soft, welcoming couches, and pastel lights. He had never been inside such a luxurious hotel before! A receptionist was already smiling at them and Bagoas noted the white carving that hung against the wall behind her, depicting one of Alexander's battles. Oh, this was too much!

Alexander had reached the reception desk by now and gave the receptionist a stunning smile. "A friend of mine booked us some rooms. It should be under Hephaestion." At least that was what Hephaestion had scribbled on the paper.

The receptionist checked the reservations and gave him an even warmer smile. "Yes, I have found it. You have booked a suite… The rooms are already prepared for you. Please fill in these forms." She raised her hand and gestured for a porter to carry their bags. "Please escort our guests to their rooms." She handed the porter the key and said, "I hope you will enjoy your stay here."

Alexander had finished registering and handed her the papers. Feeling quite dazed, Alexander and Bagoas followed the porter into the elevator and exited it on the second floor. The porter opened the door, carried their luggage inside, and then left them to get settled.

"Are you certain this is our hotel?" Bagoas blinked. "How can we possibly afford this?"
"I think I need to have an in-depth discussion with Hephaestion. He has been hiding things from me." But right now, he was too tired to care and let himself fall onto the huge, comfortable bed.

Bagoas took in the room and smiled. He already felt comfortable here. The warm red of the walls and carpet, combined with the cream of the bed lines and curtains, gave the room a cozy atmosphere and the oak furniture made it a stylish blend. "I wonder what the bathroom looks like." On his way over to the bathroom, he encountered a coffee table, on which papers, coffee, tea, biscuits, chocolates, and flowers stood waiting for them. Bagoas picked the paper up and read it. "Alexander, you should read this."

Alexander opened his eyes. He had almost been asleep. "What is so important that you have to wake me?" But he took hold of the paper and stared at it. It was a list of events Hephaestion had gotten them tickets for. He blinked, finding they had an appointment at a spa tomorrow. "I really need to talk to Hephaestion!"

Bagoas chuckled and opened the bathroom door. "Oh, they have a bath tub!" Bath robes and slippers had already been laid out and everything was set for them to enjoy a long soak in the tub. "Alexander, do you want to go first?" Bagoas couldn't wait to wash the sweat off of his body.

"You can go first. I need to make a call." Alexander sat cross-legged on his bed and reached for the phone. "Someone has some explaining to do."

"Don't be too hard on him. Hephaestion means well." Bagoas shuffled his feet; he felt torn between defending Hephaestion and filling up that bath tub.

Just when Alexander wanted to dial Hephaestion's cell phone number, the phone rang. "Yes?" he asked, wondering who would call him.

"This is the front desk, sir. I am calling to remind you that dinner will be served in one hour and that a table has been reserved for you on the balcony."

"We will be there." Alexander thanked her for informing them and terminated the call. "You have thirty minutes to soak, Bagoas. We are expected downstairs in one hour."

"Why?" Bagoas was about to step into the water.

"Dinner." Alexander punched in Hephaestion's cell phone number and waited. "Come on, pick up… Or do you know it is me and that I have some questions for you?"

In the bathroom, Bagoas utterly relaxed now that he was stretched out in the bath tub. This was his idea of heaven!

"Alexander?" Hephaestion's voice sounded distant and absent-minded. "Is this you?"

"You bet it is! Care to explain to me about the hotel? Those tickets? Dinner reservations? How are we going to pay for this?" Alexander was immensely relieved to hear his lover's voice and, although he acted cross with him, he wasn't.

"Relax," Hephaestion answered, chuckling through the phone. "It has all been taken care of. Just enjoy yourself."

"How in Zeus' name do you plan on paying for these accommodations for two weeks?" Alexander shook his head. "Hephaestion… Just how rich is your family?"

"Rich enough, so don't worry about it. Enjoy yourself! Pamper Bagoas."

Something else occurred to Alexander. "Just how much money did you plan on putting in Bagoas' bank account when you open it?"

"I was thinking about ten thousand. I want to arrange it in such a way that he receives a monthly payment… So, if he wants to study one day or travel, then he has enough money to finance his plans."

"Hephaestion… You make it sound like a few thousand of dollars mean nothing to you!"

"That is Pound Sterling, actually." Hephaestion grinned on the other end. "I mean it, Alexander. It is only money. Use it to have a good time. The gods know Bagoas deserves to be pampered."

Alexander realized that he wasn't getting through to his lover and changed tactics. "I miss you… I wish you were here with us."

"I will join you in one week. Bagoas and you can pick me up at the airport." Hephaestion patted Peritas' head and, like Alexander, he wished he were close to his lovers. "I miss you too… And I miss Bagoas. It is awfully quiet around here without the two of you."

"Be grateful we didn't take your laptop with us. We did consider doing that, you know."

"We will just have to get two more laptops. That way you can write you pornographic snippets about me, Bagoas can read his slash, and I can work on my book!"

"Yeah, we will do that." Alexander smiled, ruefully. "I want to hold you, kiss you…"

"If you keep talking like that you will be late for dinner!" Hephaestion grinned at hearing Alexander's exasperated gasp. "Get into the bathroom and clean up."

"I can't. Bagoas is soaking in the tub."

"And that is going to stop you? Do you remember *why* I suggested this trip in the first place?"

"So Bagoas and I could grow close again."

"You won't achieve that by keeping your distance, Alexander."

Alexander drew in a deep breath. "You think I should take the initiative?"

"Oh, yes, I do! Now get off the phone and into the bathroom! Don't let Bagoas throw you off. Be firm, but foremost be gentle and understanding. Remember this is hard on both of you."

"You sound like a shrink, Hephaestion." But he spoke those words in a loving tone to take out any sting Hephaestion might read into them.

"I did take some classes in psychology." Hephaestion continued to chuckle.

"Don't tell me you have a degree in that field too."

"In that case I won't tell you," Hephaestion replied, feeling giddy. "Now stop talking and get in there."

"Yes, sir!" Alexander fought the urge to salute and grinned goofily instead. "Love you," he added, before ending the phone call.

"Love you too," Hephaestion repeated, amused at how mushy they sounded. "Good night and have some sweet dreams."

"I will dream of you. I will call you again tomorrow, same time, all right?"

"All right and now go, or we will still be saying goodbye in the morning. I will make it easy on you. Bye, my Alexander." And after saying that, Hephaestion hung up on him.

Alexander placed the horn on the receiver and continued to grin at nothing in particular. It was good to be loved by Hephaestion – so very good!

TBC

Part 3

Bagoas felt like he had entered heaven. Soaking in the bath tub was one of his favorite pastimes and the flowery-scented bath oil heightened his pleasure. He had rested his head against the small pillow that was attached to the head end and listened to the music which the radio was softly playing. He had put on a station that played classical music and smiled as he listened to it. The last thing Bagoas expected to happen though was for the door to open and Alexander to enter. His eyes opened with a start.

Alexander noticed the nervous expression on Bagoas' face and gave him a reassuring smile. Not giving Bagoas any time to flee the bath room, he immediately began to strip. He had just stepped out of his jeans when he said, "I hope you don't mind me keeping you company, but if I have to wait for you to get out, we will be late for dinner."

"I can get out right now…" Bagoas had never seen Alexander undress so quickly before and, before Bagoas knew what was happening, the blond man had eased himself into the bath tub.

"Ah, what scent is this? Didn't you try to make me smell like this once before?" Alexander made himself comfortable and pulled one of Bagoas' feet into his hands. He massaged the appendage gently in the hopes that the touch would further reassure the younger man.

"It is lilies of the valley," Bagoas replied in a stunned voice. Alexander's fingers rubbed the sole of his foot and the touch undid him. His feet had always been one of his most sensitive areas and Alexander running his thumb up the sole made him moan.

"You like that!" Alexander had never realized that before. Gathering Bagoas' other foot close as well, he massaged them simultaneously. He couldn't help but feel bemused as he saw Bagoas close his eyes in bliss, and when another whimper escaped the younger man, Alexander knew how to cross the emotional distance between them. He continued to rub Bagoas' feet and refrained from speaking. The silence that now formed between them felt comfortable and, for the first time, they didn't need words to cover up any tension.

~~~

"We should leave the water – it is getting cold in here." Alexander had massaged Bagoas' feet for at least fifteen minutes and, as he did so, he had watched Bagoas' features relax. He chided himself that he had never noticed before that this was such a turn-on for Bagoas. Alexander couldn't help but wonder if this had made Bagoas hard, but as he didn't want to pry, he didn't pose the question to Bagoas.

"I don't think I can get up just yet." Bagoas blushed beautifully and hid behind his wet hair.

Alexander chuckled, and his reaction caused Bagoas to peek at him in a shy way. "Why did you never tell me that you like your feet rubbed?" He moved closer to Bagoas little by little until he could wrap his arms and legs around the younger man's frame. He could tell that his move puzzled Bagoas, but the dark eyes suddenly shone with understanding when he curled his fingers around Bagoas' hard member.

"It never was your place to pleasure me," Bagoas answered in a soft voice that was still clouded with need.

"But that has changed – remember?" Alexander continued to stroke Bagoas' erection and, at the same time, he leaned in closer to offer his lips to the younger man. He hoped Bagoas would take the hint and kiss him, but since he didn't want to pressure Bagoas, he didn't ask for a kiss.

Bagoas' heart thundered in his chest. Alexander's hands felt good on him and he began to thrust into the fist that had captured his member. Losing himself in the sensation, he leaned in closer and kissed Alexander – gently, exploring.

Alexander reacted with a smile and pulled Bagoas closer still. One of his hands was busy bringing Bagoas to orgasm and the other locked around the back of the elegant neck. Keeping Bagoas in place in that way, he deepened the kiss. During their first life, Bagoas had seldom maintained eye contact during such an intimate moment, preferring either to close his eyes or to stare past him, but not this time. This time, the dark eyes remained fixed on his. "Do you like this, Bagoas?"

Bagoas moaned into Alexander's mouth and his hips jerked forward, eager to fuck Alexander's hand. "I do…" Bagoas panted the words – he was close, so close!

Alexander released Bagoas' lips, but didn't break eye contact. There was something he wanted to say before Bagoas reached his climax. "Do you remember that evening on the beach? When you asked me if I would ever let you take me?" He whispered the words against Bagoas' lips and the reaction was instant. Bagoas' eyes widened and his breathing became labored. He grabbed Alexander's shoulders with his hands and held on tight as his body was catapulting toward orgasm. Alexander smiled smugly and then added, "I will let you take me, Bagoas… when the time is right…" Close, Bagoas was close… "You will slide inside me and then you will start to thrust… slowly at first and then…" His effort paid off and Bagoas clung to him during his climax.

Bagoas could only stare at Alexander. Had Alexander really said that? And did he mean it? Or had Alexander only said that to get him off?

Alexander read the questions in Bagoas' dark eyes. He gave Bagoas a wicked grin and licked the younger man's trembling bottom lip. Bagoas' member was softening, but he still continued to fondle the organ. "I mean it, Bagoas. I am not playing with you." He hadn't known what his answer would be until a moment ago. He had finally realized that letting Bagoas take him was the right thing to do. Bagoas had always been his 'pet' and, in a way, his slave. But things *had* changed and they were equals now.

But Bagoas shook his head. "Alexander, I…" He fought to bring his breathing under control and, feeling rather tired, he rested his brow against Alexander's. "I don't intend to take you – I only asked because… because…" He wasn't certain why he had asked that question that night. "…because I wanted to know if you had ever given that idea any thought." Bagoas released a deep breath and searched Alexander's eyes. "Hearing you say that takes my breath away, Alexander. Just hearing you say that means a lot to me, but don't worry, I will never put your words to the test."

"Now you disappoint me, my love," Alexander commented while still maintaining his wicked smile. "I would love to know what it feels like to have you inside of me." Predictably, Bagoas' blush deepened. "But we will discuss this later. We should ready ourselves for dinner."

Bagoas didn't know what to make of Alexander's last statement. Alexander couldn't have been serious when he had said that he wanted to be taken! His train of thought was interrupted when Alexander rose from the water and stepped out of the bath tub. Alexander was hard and Bagoas realized – belatedly – that he hadn't offered to bring Alexander to orgasm in turn. What was he to do now?

But Alexander took the matter into his own hands and came hard after administering a few firm strokes.

Bagoas' eyes glistered with surprise – and shame, because Alexander had needed to do that himself. He felt like he had failed his former King.

"Don't give me that look." Alexander quickly cleaned himself up and then leaned in closer to press another kiss onto Bagoas' soft lips. "I didn't ask you to get me off and you are under no obligation to offer. Always remember that." He had learned a lot from the way Hephaestion had dealt with Bagoas' fears and insecurities.

Bagoas wanted to object, but Alexander was already on his way out.

Alexander quickly dried his shoulder-long hair and then draped one of the morning robes across his shoulders. Alexander looked at Bagoas from over his shoulder and gave him a wink. "Don't take too long."

Realizing it was time to move, Bagoas pulled the plug and left the bath tub. Finding a bottle of rich and luxurious body lotion on the vanity, he couldn't resist and rubbed the liniment onto his skin. /Oh, and now I not only smell of lilies, but of roses as well!/ Bagoas giggled, and dismissed any worries he might have had.

A moment later, he joined Alexander in the bedroom and found that the older man had already unpacked his suitcase. Alexander had placed his duffle bag onto his bed, but had refrained from opening it. Bagoas sat down on his own king-size bed and unpacked. In the end, he selected black slacks and a white shirt to dress in. He had no idea how formal the restaurant setting was and the last thing he wanted was to appear underdressed.

"Are you going formal on me?" Alexander had selected a pair of jeans and a blue shirt to wear that evening, but now he gave his wardrobe a critical look.

"Dress the way you feel comfortable with," Bagoas suggested in a soft voice. The truth was that to him, Alexander looked good in anything he wore.

"I will compromise." Alexander went for some grey slacks in the end and combined them with a black shirt.

Bagoas had slipped into his socks, underwear, slacks, and shirt and now made his way over to the mirror to do his hair. His raven mane was a tangled mess and he chided himself for not straightening it out when he still had some conditioner in it. Removing the tangles now might be uncomfortable.

"Sit down." Alexander had walked up behind Bagoas and cocked his head to indicate that Bagoas should seat himself in front of the mirror.

"What are you…?" Bagoas failed to finish his question and watched as Alexander picked up his comb and brush. It was quite obvious what Alexander's plan was.

"Relax. I will be gentle. I have some experience fixing long hair." There had been nights when he had untangled Hephaestion's mane.

At first, Bagoas found it hard to relax, but the longer Alexander brushed his hair, the more his tension left him. Alexander worked carefully on his tangles and didn't pull at his hair. In the end, Bagoas even closed his eyes and purred.

"I know that you prefer to wear your hair loose, but…" Alexander let his voice trail off in the hope that Bagoas would grow curious and it worked.

"But what?" Bagoas watched Alexander in the mirror and immediately noticed the return of that wicked grin.

"But I would love to see you wear it in a pony tail tonight." Alexander had found a leather band among Bagoas' hair supplies and now showed it to the younger man. "May I?"

Bagoas nodded, as he wanted to please Alexander in turn. If seeing him wear his hair in this way made Alexander happy he wasn't going to stop it from happening.

Alexander combed the long hair into a pony tail, wrapped the band around it, and then admired his handiwork. "I like it."

Bagoas tilted his head to see what Alexander had done with his hair and, to his surprise, he found he liked the new look. It made him look a bit older, a bit… wiser, almost. "I like it too."

Alexander placed the brush aside, took a few steps to the side, and then pulled Bagoas to his feet. "You look breathtaking." In order to prove his words, he pressed another kiss on the now slightly swollen lips. "And I want to show you off tonight."

Bagoas swallowed hard, feeling a bit nervous for no apparent reason. Maybe it was due to what had happened in the bathroom, maybe it was because of the way Alexander was looking at him. He lacked the words to describe the expression that currently lay in Alexander's eyes.

Alexander checked himself over and felt pleased with his appearance. Keeping his fingers tightly wrapped around Bagoas' hand, he guided his younger lover toward the doorway. He was determined to make Bagoas feel special tonight – and no, not just tonight – for the rest of his life.

~~~

"Please follow me. I will take you to your table." The waiter guided them onto the balcony and showed them their table. "Would you like to try the house wine?"

Alexander nodded his head as he seated himself. It was a good thing that he didn't have to worry about money. He had the feeling he might not have been able to pay for the hotel if he had been responsible for picking up the bill.

The waiter left to get the menu cards and the wine and Bagoas sat down opposite Alexander. His gaze traveled around and he sucked in his breath as he realized just how breathtaking their view was. "Look, Alexander. Is that the Acropolis?"

Alexander looked up, followed the direction of Bagoas' stare, and nodded once more. "Yes, it is." The ancient structure sat high upon a hill and, as the sun was still in the process of setting, the stone pillars seemed to glow golden. It was a perfectly romantic setting, made complete by the roses that were blossoming around them. It was almost a magical experience.

The waiter brought their wine and the menu cards and, after giving them some time to make up their minds, took their order. As he disappeared into the kitchen to relay the order, Alexander reached across the table and rested his hand atop Bagoas'. "I am glad we came here."

Bagoas wanted to hide behind his hair, but realized that wasn't a possibility any more now that he was wearing it in a pony tail. He stared at Alexander's fingers as they caressed his. "Aren't you afraid of what they will think? Seeing you touch me like this?"

Alexander frowned. "I will never feel embarrassed because I love you. Why would I? They are probably just jealous that it is me, and not them, going home with you."

Bagoas smiled now that Alexander had paid him such a huge compliment – for it felt like a huge compliment to him. Alexander was proud to be his lover and that boosted his ego.

The waiter returned to serve the first course and, just when the two of them were about to dig in, Alexander's cell phone rang.

"I have to take this call," Alexander explained. "It might be my former Captain with information about your case."

Bagoas' mood instantly darkened and he now stared at the food with little appetite.

Alexander took the call and talked for some minutes. Well, talked – not exactly. He said yes, all right, and no, and that was about it. The fact that he couldn't figure out what was being said made Bagoas anxious. After a few minutes, Alexander terminated the call and placed his cell phone on the table, staring at it.

"Was it your former Captain?" Bagoas reached for the wine and emptied the glass in one go.

"Yes, it was." Alexander finally looked up and made eye contact. "He told me something amazing."

"What did he say?" Bagoas held the empty glass so tightly that it was in danger of shattering under the pressure.

Alexander noticed that as well and rescued the glass from Bagoas' crushing hold. He placed it back onto the table and then took hold of Bagoas' hands. Rubbing the long fingers, he said, "Apparently the Greek police have apprehended most of the criminals that kidnapped the children from the orphanages. The police systematically went through the brothels and took the children out of them. Most of the boys and girls that were forced into prostitution – like you – were freed about a month ago and they have been placed in stable homes and are receiving the counseling they need."

Bagoas' heart missed several beats. He couldn't believe what Alexander was telling him! He couldn't be that lucky!

"Most of the pimps are in jail, awaiting their trial. The police have a large number of witnesses, and prosecution is confident that these pimps will end up convicted. That means you are out of danger, Bagoas." Alexander shook his head; he had been so worried about what he would find and now it seemed the matter had already been taken care of! "My former Captain contacted one of the officers in charge of the case and he said that you need to come by the police station to give a statement. They will ask you some questions, but that should be about it. They also secured your papers and they will be returned to you after they take your deposition."

Bagoas' mouth had gone dry and he stared blankly at Alexander. "This can't be."

Alexander smiled broadly. "Bagoas, you can stop being afraid. All will be well. All we need to do is drop by the police station tomorrow and you will leave with your papers in your pocket. That means you can travel, Bagoas! You can travel around the world if you want to!"

Bagoas managed a weak smile. "I am afraid to believe this."

"I understand." Alexander rubbed the cool and clammy fingers and watched how Bagoas' face regained most of its color. "You can stop worrying." But he also realized that Bagoas needed time to accept this. "Why don't we eat this delicious food before it turns cold?" Giving the example, he began to eat.

Bagoas automatically followed Alexander's example. At first, he didn't really taste the food, but as his nerves settled down again, he began to appreciate the food as well.

Dinner took place in silence for the most part. Occasionally they would glance at the Acropolis, the setting sun, and their twined fingers. When dessert was served, Bagoas resolutely squeezed Alexander's hand. "I *do* love you," he said, finally voicing the truth with conviction. "I love you still."

His words brought a blinding smile to Alexander's face. "And I love you too."

~~~

Later that evening, they readied themselves for bed and faced an awkward moment as there were two king-size beds in the room. During the last few weeks, they had shared a bed – with Hephaestion that was – and now Bagoas didn't know what to do. Was he supposed to crawl between the sheets of his bed? Or was he supposed to join Alexander in his?

Alexander had noticed Bagoas' puzzled expression, but decided not to act upon it in the hope that his younger lover would figure things out by himself. He would love for Bagoas to share his bed, but only if the younger man wanted that as well. Used to sleeping naked, he stripped, and crept between the sheets. He kicked off the bedspread, but did pull the sheet over his body. It had cooled down somewhat during the evening and the sheet would keep him warm enough.

Bagoas was still shuffling his feet. In the end, he made up his mind and moved over to Alexander's bed, where he sat down on the side. "Alexander?"

Alexander tilted his head and smiled at Bagoas. "Yes?"

"I don't want to sleep alone," Bagoas admitted while giving Alexander a hopeful look. "Can I…?"

Alexander nodded his head and lifted the sheet. "Come on then." He was glad that Bagoas had made this step, for he wanted to hold his younger lover close during the night.

Bagoas cuddled up to Alexander and sighed blissfully now that they had skin on skin contact. Their naked bodies twined around each other and Bagoas rested his head against Alexander's shoulder.

"You are still tense. Why is that?" Alexander removed the leather band and ran his fingers through the raven mane.

"I miss Hephaestion." Bagoas didn't want to bring this up right now, but as Alexander had asked, he didn't want to lie. "But that doesn't mean that tonight wasn't perfect, for it was." He lifted his head and gazed into Alexander's eyes. "I didn't want you to know that I miss him."

Alexander frowned. "I miss him too. Why do you feel guilty for telling me that you miss him?"

Bagoas bowed his head and carefully considered his answer. "You have gone to such great lengths to make me feel comfortable and I should not be missing Hephaestion that much. Oh, this makes things even worse! I don't want you to feel…"Alexander placed a finger across Bagoas' lips and silenced him that way. "Bagoas, you need to realize that it is the three of us. I miss him too, although I am perfectly happy holding you in my arms. Do you understand that? It is okay to miss him!"

Bagoas smiled shyly at him. "Hephaestion changed my life, you know. He made me a better person."

Alexander nodded. "He had the same effect on me. I am a better person because of him too."

"Alexander, could I… Would it be all right if I…?"

Following the direction of Bagoas' gaze, Alexander realized it was aimed at his cell phone. He reached for it, accessed Hephaestion's cell phone number, and handed it to Bagoas. "Why don't you say goodnight to him?" It was already past midnight, but Alexander reckoned Hephaestion would have a hard time falling asleep in an empty bed.

"Alexander? Is this you again?" Hephaestion chuckled into the phone. "I was working on my book, you know!"

"No, it is me, Bagoas," Bagoas answered in a tiny voice. Was he bothering Hephaestion? Maybe he shouldn't have called!

"Bagoas, it is good to hear your voice! How are things? Is Alexander behaving? Are you having a good time?"

"The hotel is amazing. Thank you for booking us a room here."

"And we are sharing a comfortable, king-size bed!" Alexander added rather loudly so Hephaestion had to hear him on the other end.

"But you are not in it," Bagoas murmured. "I miss you."

Hephaestion smiled at the screen as he recalled their parting message. "I miss you too, Bagoas." He had worked on his book on Aristotle for most of the day and he had really made progress. Now that he was alone, he was finally able to concentrate!

"We are going to the police station tomorrow. Alexander thinks it is safe for me to collect my papers." Bagoas' fingers trembled and Alexander caught them in his. Bagoas gave him a grateful smile. "I am so glad that he is here with me. I wouldn't be able to do this alone."

"You don't have to do this alone," Alexander quickly said. "I am here for you."

"Bagoas? Try to sleep a bit?" Hephaestion worried about the younger man's emotional health. "You should be rested when you speak with the police tomorrow."

"I will sleep… peacefully," Bagoas replied, "Now that I am in Alexander's bed."

"And I will make certain that he sleeps!" Alexander pressed a kiss onto Bagoas' brow. "Now say goodnight so we can go to sleep."

"Night, Hephaestion." Bagoas wanted to add another declaration of love, but then realized it wasn't necessary – Hephaestion already knew how much he loved him. Cuddling up to Alexander, he allowed himself to relax and to listen to Hephaestion's parting words. He wouldn't have any trouble sleeping peacefully tonight after talking to Hephaestion.

"Goodnight, Bagoas… night, Alexander." Hephaestion terminated the call with a silly grin on his face. They missed him! Good, that would bring them even closer together!

Looking at his screen once more, he felt too tired to continue working on his book, but he was not yet tired enough to go to bed, so instead, he logged in using Bagoas' settings and browsed through the mailing lists and communities the younger man had joined, wondering what he would find there.


TBC

Part 4

Hephaestion should have felt guilty for nosing about in Bagoas' mail, but for some reason he didn't. It wasn't like he was reading anything personal. The only messages he accessed were the ones with "Fic" in the subject line. It didn't take him long to realize that some writers had been very active since the release of the Oliver Stone movie.

He started reading a few stories which were stored in Bagoas' inbox, but more than once grew bored with them. All the stories he had found so far were about getting them into bed and, any other time he might have loved to read them, but right now, he needed something a bit more 'profound'.

The number of fics in Bagoas' inbox amazed him and he scanned them, hoping to find a story that would pique his curiosity. He abandoned his search for a few moments to open a bottle of red wine and then returned to his surfing.

Hephaestion arched an eyebrow, seeing 'fic recommendation' written in one subject line. He could tell that Bagoas had already accessed it, and the younger man must have liked it because he had kept it in his inbox, while in the meantime he had cleaned out the more recent ones. Growing hopeful, Hephaestion took a sip from his wine and then clicked on the message.

Hum, this was different from what he had encountered so far. This wasn't a story about Alexander/Hephaestion/Bagoas, but one about Jared and Colin. Even Francisco Bosch had been slashed with the actor who had played Cassander in the film. The site listed several parts to the story and, encouraged, Hephaestion clicked on the link.

The first story's title was "Morocco and Mangoes". That sounded interesting. Hephaestion sipped more of his wine and began reading. His eyes flew across the screen; he definitely liked the writer's style. At one point, he almost spit out his wine.

“Oh my God,” Jonathan crawled to the edge of the bed and got up. “I can't sit around here and have my virgin ears raped.”

“Don't say things like that,” Jared said. “It makes me wanna stick my cock in your ear.”

Hephaestion had a laughing fit, as the wine had helped him imagine just that scene! He cleaned up the screen, which had been splashed by the red wine, and continued to read after refilling his glass.

“How often do you think our characters have sex?” Jared asked.

Oh, Hephaestion knew exactly how many times Alexander and he'd had sex! He chuckled; this story highly amused him.

Colin thought about it for a moment. He looked down at his tea, then rested it on the arm of his chair. “I don't know,” he shrugged. “They've been together for a long time. It seems like sex is woefully lacking in long-term relationships.” Colin smirked. “So I've been told.”

Oh, the sex had never been lacking from their relationship! Alexander had always been hungry for him and had never left him wanting.

“I wouldn't think that often,” Colin couldn't believe how seriously he was taking this discussion. “They don't even see each other that much, they're always off doing separate things, and Alexander has so many duties. Hephaistion goes off to lead separate campaigns sometimes, I'm sure.”

Yes, that was true. There had been times when they had been apart for a long while, but even apart, Alexander had never been out of his thoughts. He had often fallen asleep, remembering how it felt to fall asleep in Alexander's arms.

“I bet it keeps them from being bored of each other then, like you said.” Jared shifted in his chair. His legs were crossed and he twitched his dangling foot. “I bet when they finally do get a night together, they rip the sheets off the bed,” he gave a lewd growl.

Oh yes, they had ripped several sheets during their love affair. Well, it had mostly been him tearing those sheets apart. There had been nights when Alexander had burned for him and had taken him without much consideration. Those had been the nights when passion had flared the strongest between them and Alexander's fire had burned him deep inside. He still cherished those memories for those nights had shown him just how much Alexander loved him.

Jared smirked. He was watching Colin slyly. He went on, lowering his voice so he didn't attract an audience. “I bet it's rough, and hot. Nothing pretty about those two, not after they've been away from each other for so long. I bet Alexander has to stuff a rag in Hephaistion's mouth to keep him from waking up the entire camp.”

Hephaestion's warm laugher echoed through the cottage. Oh, Alexander had never had to stuff a rag in his mouth, but his lover had tied him down on occasion. Hephaestion's laughter changed into chuckling. No, not tied up exactly. Alexander had used silken sheets to tie his hands to the bedposts, but never, ever, so tight that he wouldn't have been able to free himself. Alexander had never felt the urge to smother his screams – they had always turned him on. Hephaestion smirked and continued reading. He was determined to finish this story!

~~~

“What do you suppose Alexander and Hephaistion used for lube?”

Hephaestion nursed his wine and, every so often, took a sip. Time seemed to fly by as he read. That question though caught his attention and he paused his reading in order to remember that one time when they had used honey as a lubricant. It had been a sticky affair and they had ended up practically glued to each other. Using honey had definitely *not* been a success. Thankfully, they had usually had oil near.

“Do you think there was anything they didn't do back then that we do now?” Jared was circling his fingers idly around the mouth of his beer bottle, staring into the fire. “I mean, sexually. Do you think anything was taboo?”

Oh, yes, even their love had been taboo. In ancient Greece it had been accepted that a younger boy took an older lover for some time, for this experienced man would teach the younger boy all that he needed to know in life and, in return, the younger man would provide the older man with sexual pleasure. His relationship with Alexander had been different: they had been of the same age, and their love had continued long after they had been supposed to fall out of love, marry, and sire children. Yes, they had married, but not because they had fallen in love with these women. No, they had never stopped loving each other. Hephaestion's thoughts drifted off and eventually returned to the section he had been reading. Rimming had been another taboo, something they hadn't engaged in back then.

The story continued to draw Hephaestion in and a grin settled permanently on his face. The writer had done her job and he had no problems imagining all the events the writer described. He developed a soft spot for Jared and all the problems Colin got him into. He even felt some kinship with the character. Loving Alexander hadn't been easy either. There had been tests, trials of their love, but they had passed them all.

Hephaestion lost track of time as he devoured part after part of the story. He winced when Jared hit Colin with the tray, almost breaking his nose, but at the same time he also felt deeply for Colin, who was trying to show Jared in a romantic way just how much he loved him.

He even shed a tear when he hit the part in which Francisco tried to commit suicide and was reminded of the fact that in his first life, Bagoas *had* taken his life.

During the story, Hephaestion laughed, shed tears, and grinned goofily at the screen. At the same time he continued to drink his wine. When he reached the end of the story, he was more than tipsy and felt naughty enough to react. He had read on the intro page that the writer loved to get some feedback on her story and Hephaestion set about to construct a message.

Oh, he would probably regret doing this in the morning, but right now, he didn't care. He just had to tell the author how much he had enjoyed Colin's antics which, at times, *had* reminded him of Alexander's. Alexander could also throw a major tantrum, much like Colin had in the story.

Due to his tipsiness, he couldn't type as fast as he normally did and he even blinked once or twice in an effort to focus on the moving letters on the screen. He used Bagoas' Yahoo account to send his message and typed,

To: ladyjackyl@free-joy.org
Subject: Your Jared and Colin story

My dearest ladyjackyl,

I just finished reading your story with Colin, Jared, Eamon, and Francisco and I couldn't go to bed without letting you know just how much I enjoyed reading it! I do think you have a talent for portraying them in that way! Colin reminded me of his alter ego Alexander a few times. Wow, can he throw a tantrum! Alexander would have a hard time topping such an outburst! I am also glad that you didn't concentrate on the sex all the time. The scenes you wrote (at the beginning of the story) were hot, but I do appreciate the fact that you worked on deepening the love between Jared and Colin! Jared is nothing short of a saint for putting up with such a headstrong, obnoxious Colin for such a long time! As far as I am concerned, Colin deserved that broken nose!
Ah, and poor Francisco. I do hope he either ends up with Jonathan or Eamon. That poor boy needs a devoted lover!
Your story kept me up all night, but I don't regret staying up! The story was worth it and I hope you will continue it.

BTW
1. Rimming was a taboo, at least for us.
2. We *did* rip apart some sheets.
3. We had sex each time we could! And I don't recommend using honey as a lubricant!
4. Yes, Alexander was a top, much like your Colin is!

Thank you for writing this story!

Your Hephaestion (rather drunk, I am afraid. It is a good thing Alexander isn't here right now, or we might have ended up ripping sheets apart tonight as well!)

Hephaestion read the message once more time and then hit send. The writer of that story probably thought of him as a deranged fan girl, but Hephaestion didn't care. It was too bad that he was too tipsy to voice his praise more eloquently, but it was already five in the morning and his eyes were beginning to close.

He pushed himself to his feet, still giggling and chuckling. Reading that story had also left him horny, and he frowned, rather displeased with the fact that he was still hard. Hephaestion eventually stumbled into the bedroom, where he let himself fall onto his bed – his lonely, empty bed, bereft of his lovers' warm presence. Oh, how he missed them – Alexander and Bagoas, and he wanted to hold them tight right now. But no, that was a lie. He wanted to do more than just hold them. He wanted to feel Bagoas' lips on his and Alexander's tight channel wrapped around his cock. He unbuttoned his shirt and jeans and kicked them off. Running his hand down his abdomen, he curled his fingers around his hard flesh.

The characters of the story he had just read returned to him and his thoughts spun as he tried to make up his mind on which one he wanted to focus on. He had loved Jared's pliancy, the character's eagerness to receive and be 'fucked', but Colin had displayed an eagerness and passion that called to him as well. For the very first time, he didn't think of his Alexander, or even Bagoas, when he stroked his cock. He focused on feeling Colin enter his body and taking him hard. The fantasy catapulted him to orgasm and cream erupted from the head of his member. A deep sigh left his lips and a silly grin spread across his face. /Oh, Alexander, did you fantasize about Jared in this way?/ Learning that Alexander had wouldn't surprise him. He knew his lover good enough to realize that he would feel attracted to Jared.

Hephaestion cleaned himself up using his shirt and then rolled himself into the sheet. After grabbing hold of the pillow, he pressed it close and closed his eyes, imagining it was Alexander he was holding onto and not just a pillow.

~~~

Hephaestion's sleep was filled with images of Jared dressed in a djeballa, Colin holding onto his bloody nose, and Francisco and Jonathan dancing around on his bed. When he woke the next morning, his head throbbed and a terrible headache had formed behind his temples. He regretted having overindulged in the wine, but it was too late to change that now. So he dragged himself from the bed and into the bathroom, where he drank several glasses of water. Hopefully that would help the alcohol leave his body.

He braced himself against the wash basin and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He felt miserable and sympathetic with Colin, just after Jared had smashed his face with that tray. He doubted he would get any writing done as long as he felt this way and dragged himself into the shower cabin. Maybe he would feel better once he had cleaned himself up.

~~~

His laptop was still humming when Hephaestion finally made it into the living room and he was instantly reminded of sending feedback to the author. Oh, he had made a complete ass of himself, especially by adding those last four comments. Hephaestion winced and made a large circle around the laptop and opted for brewing some strong coffee. From the corner of his eye, he stared at the laptop, which continued to hum provocatively. Oh hell, why couldn't he just pretend he hadn't sent that feedback? He still had the whole day ahead of him and he should concentrate on working on his book!

In the end, Hephaestion opted for the easy way out and took Peritas for a walk. Hopefully he would gain a clear head that way!

~~~

But when he returned from his walk, the laptop was still there, humming softly. Giving in to this insane need to sit down in front of it, Hephaestion went online. He stared at the screen for a long time, but then made a decision and typed 'Thirty seconds to Mars' into the search engine. He had gathered from last night's story that it was the name of Jared's band. Some more surfing resulted in him acquiring some of Jared's songs and the tour dates of the band.

It appeared they were touring the USA at the moment and Hephaestion wondered if he could talk Alexander and Bagoas into attending one of their gigs. But that was something he would worry about later. First he was going to work some more on his book… but not before rereading some scenes from last night's story. With a big grin on his face, he accessed the part again in which Colin climbed into Jared's room and got hit hard – for some reason, it was his favorite scene!

~~~

"Good morning." Alexander had remained quiet until Bagoas had also finally awoken. It was still early, only 7 AM in the morning, but Alexander reckoned they should make an early start by visiting the police station and then spend the rest of the day in more pleasurable ways. Bagoas would want it over with.

Bagoas opened his eyes and stared into Alexander's. He had fallen asleep with Alexander's arms wrapped tightly around his frame and he had put his head to rest on Alexander's chest. The gentle rise and fall of Alexander's chest had helped him fall asleep and stay asleep.

"Morning," Bagoas murmured, smiling at Alexander. He no longer felt so shy and nervous around the older man and for that he was grateful. Spending time with Alexander was helping him reconnect with his former lover.

"Did you sleep well?" Alexander rolled Bagoas atop of him, then parted and raised his knees so Bagoas could rest against them. But Bagoas chose to lower himself instead and blanket him.

Bagoas rubbed his cheek against Alexander's chest and stroked the older man's flanks.

Alexander stretched his legs and continued to smile now that a familiar sound was coming forth from Bagoas' lips. "Are you purring?"

"I might be." Bagoas briefly raised his head to study Alexander's eyes. He felt at peace, even in spite of the prospect of having to visit the police station shortly. Even more so, he felt comfortable and the reason for that was Alexander's presence. Something had happened. Something had changed the nature of their relationship and it had happened yesterday. For the first time since meeting Alexander again, something akin to lust stirred in him and he craved Alexander's touch, something that surprised him.
He was hard, painfully hard, and a quickly stolen look down Alexander's waist told him that the older man fared no better. "Alexander, I…"

Alexander raised a hand and slid his fingers through Bagoas' mane, which was growing tangled again. "What would you like to do? Tell me." He was incredibly grateful that Hephaestion had been such a good teacher to both of them. Bagoas had learned to set boundaries, while Alexander had learned to hand over control.

"I don't know," Bagoas replied truthfully. He propped himself up on his elbows and probed Alexander's eyes.

"I would like for you to find out." Alexander placed his hands on either side of Bagoas' head. Tousled hair moved through his fingers and he brought Bagoas in for an encouraging kiss. Like Bagoas, he had no idea where this would take them, but he was willing to find out – almost eager to find out. "I missed you," he whispered against Bagoas' lips just before they made contact with his.

Bagoas surrendered to the kiss after hearing and understanding those words. Alexander had missed him in the capacity of his lover. Yes, there had been love between them once – love, which had been of a different nature than Alexander's love for Hephaestion, but still *love*. As he still felt calm and at ease, Bagoas continued the kissing and found much pleasure in tasting that familiar mouth again. Alexander's hands now moved down his back and settled on his narrow hips.

Alexander loved the way Bagoas minutely swayed atop of him; it told him that Bagoas' passion was climbing higher. One hand stole further down and his fingers curled around Bagoas' weeping member. This had never happened in their first life; Bagoas hadn't been able to grow hard or to find release. The fact that things were different between them now turned Alexander on even more. "Do you already know what you would like to do?" He was growing eager to take this to the next level.

"I don't know," Bagoas admitted in a soft, lust-filled voice. After a pause, he then told Alexander what he had told Hephaestion when they had started on their sexual journey. "I just want to feel good." The blinding smile that Alexander gave him threw him momentarily off balance and that wasn't the only thing that startled him. Before he could stop Alexander, the older man had reversed their roles and was now straddling him. Bagoas found himself on his back, and Alexander was quickly, eagerly, licking his way down his abdomen until the lapping tongue encountered his hard flesh. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" Alexander knelt between Bagoas' legs, which he had parted, and then bent forward until his face was only an inch away from Bagoas' erection. "I am trying to get acquainted with this delicious part of you."

Bagoas blushed. "Alexander…"

But Alexander ignored him. Stretching out on his stomach, he propped himself up on one elbow and grinned. "Hello there, I don't think I properly introduced myself to you yet."

It took Bagoas a moment to realize that Alexander was actually talking to his erection. "Alexander!"

"Let's do so now." Alexander's tongue popped out and bestowed a lick from the base up to the head of Bagoas' twitching member. "I hope that we will spend a lot of time together in the future." Growing wicked, he swirled his tongue around the head, teasing the slit until it released its juices.

Bagoas' fingers clawed at the sheets and he raised his hips instinctively. A moan escaped from deep within his throat and, feeling Alexander's lips close over the tip of his erection, caused shivers to move through his body.

Alexander wrapped his fingers around the base of Bagoas' shaft and stroked lightly. Relaxing his throat muscles, he took Bagoas deeper until the hard flesh had found a new home in his mouth. Bagoas began to thrust and Alexander went with the movement. One of Bagoas' hands found its way into his hair and massaged his scalp. Alexander moaned deeply around the head of Bagoas' cock and the vibrations caused a spasm to course through Bagoas' lower body. Realizing Bagoas was close, he let the hard flesh slip from his lips.

Bagoas' eyes widened once Alexander stopped sucking him and he raised them to find out why his lover had stopped.

"Do you want to come? Now? Like this?" Alexander licked his lips in a provocative way. Maybe this time he would finally get his way with Bagoas. His poor lover had no idea what he had in store for him.

"What other way is there to come?" Bagoas was still moving his hips, trying to find release in that way, but now that Alexander's hands and tongue were gone, he lacked the proper stimulation to come.

"You could come while you are inside of me." Silence followed Alexander's words. Bagoas stared at him like he had just grown a second head and that expression made him chuckle. "Well, do you?"

Bagoas swallowed hard. A lump of emotions had formed in his throat at hearing Alexander's words. "You would do that for me?" When he had asked Alexander that question that night on the beach, he had never thought the former King would allow it!

"I want to do this for you." Alexander pressed butterfly kisses onto Bagoas' flat abdomen and ran his fingers up the hairless chest until they brushed against already hard nipples. "Do you want this?"

Bagoas resolutely pushed himself upright and stared at Alexander. "Alexander, I… I understand why you allow Hephaestion to take you – after all, you are equals, but why me? I am nothing but…"

Alexander acted quickly and silenced Bagoas by caressing his bottom lip. "You are my lover and I have the right to pleasure you in this way, or would you take that away from me?" Oh, he had learned well from Hephaestion how to play dirty! The way he had just phrased it gave Bagoas no choice but to accept this. "I want this as much as you do."

After wanting this for such a long time, Bagoas now felt nervous and wished he had a way out of this situation. In some distant corner of his mind he still viewed Alexander as his King and it was unheard of for a slave to take a King. "We don't have any lube," he stated, getting cold feet.

"Oh, we *do*. Hephaestion packed it before we left!" He had found the lubricant in his suit case when he had unpacked yesterday. He had even gone as far as to store it in the nightstand. He opened the drawer, uncovered the tube, and placed it on the bed next to Bagoas. "See?"

Bagoas' nervousness increased and it was causing him to lose his erection. "Alexander, I can't… You are…"

"I am your lover, not your King," Alexander interrupted in a knowing voice. He finally realized how important it was that they took this step and he reached for the tube. He squeezed a generous amount of the lubricant into the palm of his hand and then reached for Bagoas' faltering erection. Big-eyed, Bagoas stared at him and Alexander thought he saw fear there, but why it was there puzzled him. Rubbing the lube onto Bagoas' member, he continued his seduction and pressed kisses on the abdomen before letting his tongue travel lower to lap at Bagoas' testes.

Alexander's actions paid off and Bagoas fully hardened again. The feel of Alexander's slick and skilled fingers on his member made him thrust into that hand and slowly, his fear dimmed. Lust had taken over – lust, love, and also the thrill of doing something new. This would be the first time that he would be inside of Alexander – his King, his lover.

Alexander always kept a close eye on Bagoas and seeing his lover slip into this lust-filled state thrilled him. He had coated Bagoas' shaft with the lube and now reached behind him to prepare himself. Bagoas' eyes had closed and Alexander managed to kiss those ruby lips while preparing himself at the same time. He had never prepared himself before, as Hephaestion had always done that for him, and inserting his fingers into his opening felt weird at best, but once his fingertips brushed against his prostate, he grew more eager to proceed.

"Alexander…" Bagoas had opened his eyes again and now stared at the fair-haired vision that lowered himself onto his hard flesh. He moaned loudly and needily when the head of his erection slipped past Alexander's ring of muscle. He was inside – just barely, but inside.

Alexander twined their fingers and used that hold to balance himself. Bagoas caught on quickly and supported him every way he could. Alexander pushed down and a beautiful moan escaped him as he took Bagoas in inch by inch, teasingly slow because he wanted to make this good for his lover.

Alexander pushed Bagoas' hands onto the mattress and steadied himself. Bagoas' fingers flexed against his and he leaned in closer to kiss his lover. "You feel good inside of me." Having Bagoas inside him felt different from having Hephaestion penetrating him. Now that Bagoas was firmly lodged inside him, Alexander blanketed Bagoas, rubbing his chest against his lover's. He rested his head against Bagoas' shoulder and allowed his lover to truly savor the experience.

Bagoas was quickly losing the ability to think clearly. Yes, he had been inside of Hephaestion, and that had felt wonderful as well, but this was Alexander – his Alexander, his King who was allowing this. "By the gods…" Bagoas raised his hands and by doing so he forced Alexander's hands to follow. He poised them mid-air and wondered if Alexander understood what he wanted him to do.

Alexander licked his lips, gave Bagoas a leering grin, and then raised himself, using the hold Bagoas had on his hands as leverage.

Bagoas whimpered. The sensation was divine. Alexander felt tight and warm around his eager member, and when his lover impaled himself again, Bagoas released a scream.

Seeing Bagoas in such surrender made Alexander even more determined to do this right. He set a slow, but fulfilling rhythm and rotated his hips occasionally. It took Bagoas some time to grow confident enough to start thrusting, but in the end he did.

Alexander expected Bagoas to come quickly, but his lover lasted remarkably long. Giving in to his wicked streak, he raised himself until only the tip of Bagoas' member remained inside him and then asked, "How does it feel?"

Bagoas' pupils had dilated and his breath came in wild gasps. "Please," was the only answer he was capable of.

Alexander had pity on him and impaled himself once more. This time, he went for a faster rhythm, knowing Bagoas was becoming desperate to come.

Time stopped existing for Bagoas. The world ceased moving around the sun and all Bagoas knew was the rhythmic clenching of Alexander's channel around his cock when his lover finally succumbed to his climax. Something warm splashed against his abdomen and chest, and Bagoas whimpered now that the spasms contracted around his member. "Alexander, I…" He was about to come and wanted to give his lover – his King – a warning, so Alexander could pull away before he came inside of him. Surely Alexander would never allow that!

But Alexander reacted by grinding his buttocks against Bagoas' lap and then he leaned in closer so he could lick Bagoas' throat.

That manipulation sent Bagoas over the edge and he jerked violently as he finally found release, still deeply rooted inside Alexander's body.

Alexander quickly let go of Bagoas' hands and pushed his hands beneath the trembling form so he could enfold his lover in a tight hug. Bagoas clung to him during the moments of his release and sharp teeth even penetrated the skin of his shoulder. Bagoas had bitten him.

His climax was powerful and consumed him completely. Bagoas quivered over his entire body as he released his seed deep inside his King – his precious King, Alexander, the man he loved – had always loved. Everything became clear to him that very moment. He loved Alexander, always had, always would, but there was more. He loved Hephaestion as well, and while he clung to Alexander, he realized that they indeed had come full circle and that he was safe with them – safe enough to trust his body to them. They would never hurt or abuse him. He could surrender to their love, to their care – he could allow them to take him. They would always treat him with the utmost care and love.

"What are you thinking of?" Alexander wondered about the expression in Bagoas' eyes.

Unable to lie, or dismiss Alexander's question, Bagoas replied truthfully, "I finally understand… I love you, Alexander… and I love Hephaestion… Do you think that is possible that we… that the three of us… that we can make love once Hephaestion joins us?"

Alexander smiled tenderly at Bagoas. "You would like that?"

Bagoas nodded his head once. He no longer felt shy and nervous around Alexander and readily told him the truth. "I would like for Hephaestion to take me."

Alexander's eyes widened marginally. "Are you sure?" He didn't want to bring up Bagoas' painful past while Bagoas was still inside of him, but the fact was that his lover's words surprised him.

"Yes, I am certain." Bagoas raised a hand and eased some of Alexander's damp strands out of the handsome face. "I want you to take me too – in the future, but I want Hephaestion to be the first to do that," he added after a moment's thought. "Do you understand that, Alexander?" Had Alexander truly changed and matured enough to understand why he was voicing this request?

"I think I understand." Alexander nuzzled Bagoas' throat and then sucked the skin there.

Bagoas sucked in his breath, realizing only too well that Alexander's actions would leave behind one hell of a passion mark.

"I want everyone… to see… that you are… my lover," Alexander whispered in between licks and gentle sucking.

Tears gathered in Bagoas' eyes. "I don't deserve you… either of you."

"Oh, it is quite the contrary, Bagoas. You do deserve me and Hephaestion." Alexander smiled at Bagoas and then his younger lover finally took the initiative to kiss him. This time, Bagoas was in control of their kiss and Alexander savored the fact that his lover was deepening it. Subconsciously, he realized that he had finally set a part of Bagoas free that, until today, had still been enslaved.

TBC

Part 5

"I don't want to do this." Bagoas glared at the entrance to the police station.

Alexander rested a hand on the younger man's shoulder and squeezed gently, which he hoped would reassure his lover. "But you must. And once you have done this, you will finally be free of your past." It was regrettable, but necessary that Bagoas faced his past.

"I will do this, but only if you promise me something." Bagoas turned around and Alexander's hand slipped from his shoulder. He locked eyes with Alexander. "I don't want you in there with me when they question me." For one moment, a nervous twitch appeared near the corner of his mouth. "I don't want you to know the… details," he explained eventually, after considering the best word to describe those physical aspects of his past.

"If that's what it takes I will stay in the next room, but I want you to know that I am there for you. If you need me, just ask for me and I will join you. Do you understand? You don't have to do this alone."

Bagoas nodded once. "I understand that you want to be there for me, but this is something I *must* do alone." Bagoas drew in a deep breath, opened the door, and entered the police station.

~~~

Everything happened rapidly once they were inside. Bagoas was guided into one of the interrogation rooms and questioned by the officer in charge of the investigation. Alexander paced the corridor and cast intimidating looks at those officers who were getting too close to him.

It helped that Alexander spoke Greek. That fact made communication much easier, but it had also gained him some odd looks. Most Greeks didn't seem to expect an American tourist to speak their language that fluently.

Alexander caught himself growling when another officer approached. The man voiced his request in a soft, almost intimidated voice, but Alexander refused to take a seat in the waiting room. He had promised Bagoas to stay close and he was a man of honor who always kept his word. He insisted he waited there and, in the end, the officer gave up and let him be.

Almost an hour passed by before Bagoas joined him. The younger man looked shaken. He had grown pale and the dark eyes were once more haunted. In his hands, he clutched his papers – his passport and other official documents which he needed in order to get his life back on track.

"What happened?" Alexander slung an arm around Bagoas' waist and pointedly ignored the curious looks they were attracting. "Do you have to come back or are they done questioning you?" He wanted to get Bagoas away from the police station as quickly as possible. The spa facility Hephaestion had booked them into was next on his to do list and he couldn't wait to get Bagoas into more relaxing surroundings.

Bagoas' mouth had gone dry and swallowing was almost painful. He had talked non stop for the last hour, having only been interrupted if the police officer had a question he wanted him to answer. "I need a drink."

Alexander recalled having seen a tavern close to the police station and began to lead Bagoas toward the exit. Since no one tried to stop them, he figured that the police were done with their questioning and that Bagoas was free to go. He noticed how tightly Bagoas clutched his passport and wished he could do something more profound in order to comfort Bagoas. "You are free to go?"

Bagoas nodded once and released a shaky sigh once they stepped onto the street again. He followed Alexander blindly and obediently sat down when Alexander selected a table on the balcony. A waiter appeared and Alexander ordered two espressos, hoping the strong, black coffee would jolt Bagoas from his stupor. "Do you want me to put those papers away?" He was carrying a rucksack and figured the papers would end up in shreds otherwise, judging by the way Bagoas continued to claw at them.

Bagoas gave Alexander another unsteady nod and forced himself to unwrap his fingers from the papers. He watched Alexander put them away and then noticed the concerned expression on the other man's face. The coffee arrived and Bagoas downed it in one go. The caffeine hit his system right away and a series of shivers coursed through him. Just before the waiter could leave, Bagoas ordered a glass of water and some chamomile tea.

Alexander placed his fingers atop of Bagoas' and rubbed them. "Are you ready to tell me what happened?" He knew he wouldn't get any details, as Bagoas was still uncomfortable telling him those things, but he hoped he would hear what had happened in general.

"They asked me questions. It appears that they have been looking for me all along. One of the other boys told them about me, and they seemed relieved to have found me." Bagoas stared at their fingers and twined his with Alexander's. "They wanted to know what I had been forced to do and I told them."

Alexander nodded his head once and gently squeezed Bagoas' fingers. "You don't have to tell me, you know that."

"You know most of what happened," Bagoas replied while shrugging his shoulders. "But I don't want to have to tell it again." He hesitantly peeked at Alexander's gaze, which was open and concerned. "At first, they wanted me to stay with a foster family, as I am still too young to be on my own according to Greek law. I am nineteen and I need some sort of guardian until I turn twenty-one. I gave them your name, your cell phone number, and our address. They seemed content with that and would look into the possibility of you becoming my guardian for those two years."

Alexander beamed with pride and happiness. "You did well."
Bagoas shook his head. "I cried through most of it. I was crying so bad that I wasn't certain I could finish my story, but I must say that they were very understanding. They didn't push me at all. I didn't expect that."

"You are the victim here, Bagoas. You might at times forget that, but they don't."

Bagoas' order arrived and he sipped the water before starting on the tea. "I asked them if I had to testify in the upcoming trial. They said they had a large number of witnesses and convincing evidence and would only call upon me if necessary."

"That means they are rather certain that these criminals will be convicted and will go to jail."

"They are already in jail, awaiting their trial." Bagoas blinked; he still had a hard time believing that everything had gone so well. "They expect them to be sentenced to at least ten years without probation. Probably even longer. Alexander, it felt so unreal when they handed me my papers."

Alexander offered Bagoas all the support he was capable of by listening to him, touching him, and waiting for him to sort out his emotions and thoughts. Throughout that time he simply rubbed Bagoas' fingers and maintained eye contact. It took Bagoas almost half an hour to deal with what had just happened, but once he had accepted that he was free of his past, a smile burst forth from his face. "I am a free man."

"Yes, you are, my love." Alexander guided Bagoas' hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss on its back. "Do you want to stay here or should we move onto that spa?"

"I want to sit here a moment longer… just one more moment." Bagoas sipped his tea and kept stealing adoring looks at Alexander. "I am free," he mumbled in between sips.

"Yes, you are…" Alexander gave Bagoas all the time he needed and felt happy that they could finally close this sordid chapter of Bagoas' life.

~~~

They arrived at the spa an hour later. They checked in with the receptionist and were guided to a room, where swimming attire, morning robes, slippers in different sizes, and fluffy towels already awaited them. Alexander put all their valuables in the facilities safe and then followed the receptionist into the pool area. He let himself glide into the warm, thermal water and raised his hand to catch Bagoas' in his. Bagoas gave him a warm smile and sat down next to Alexander. They held hands beneath the surface of the water and smiled happily at each other.

Bagoas coughed in order to clear his throat and then said, "Alexander, thank you for asking your Captain to sort this out. I don't know if I could have followed through without all the support."

"It was the least I could do." Alexander rested his head back and continued to smile. The roof over their heads was made of glass and offered them a spectacular view of the skies. "I want you to be happy."

Bagoas scooted closer and waited until Alexander raised his head to look him in the eye. "I love you, Alexander."

Alexander's smile brightened. "I love you, Bagoas." Hephaestion would love hearing the way they sounded and that thought made Alexander grin.

"What is it?"

"Hephaestion would love to hear us say such things."

Now that Alexander was bringing up Hephaestion, Bagoas' mood darkened. "I miss him."

"He will join us in a few days' time. We will pick him up at the airport and show him around town."

Bagoas licked his lips, hoping Alexander hadn't misunderstood. "I like being here with you, Alexander, but…"

"I understand, Bagoas. I miss him too." Alexander splashed Bagoas and they were about to engage in a mock fight when one of the employees walked up to them to announce they were due for their massages. Alexander sighed, appreciating that Hephaestion was so good in taking care of them, even from such a distance. "A massage sounds just fine."

Bagoas followed Alexander's example and also exited the pool. He felt like he was living in a dream and, until today, he had expected that dream to come to an abrupt end, but not anymore. He was slowly beginning to realize that it would be like this for the rest of his life.

~~~

Bagoas completely relaxed during the massage. The masseuse worked gently but resolutely on his tense muscles and when she was done, he felt completely at ease.

"May I suggest a visit to our hair dresser, sir? You booked an all in package and that also includes the hair dresser. I couldn't help but notice you have split ends." She had loved touching him, massaging him. Her client wasn't just downright beautiful, but also friendly and she wanted to help him make the best out of his stay here.

"Is it that bad?" Bagoas pushed himself upright and let his long legs dangle from the massage table.

"Not bad," she said quickly, reassuring him. "You have healthy thick hair. It just needs a little trimming. Do you want me to call and see if she still has an open spot today?"

Bagoas nodded and answered, "Thank you."

She gave him a radiant smile and made the call. Bagoas had an appointment in thirty minutes thanks to her sweet talking.

~~~

Alexander had also enjoyed his massage and felt reborn. The tension had left his body and he felt flexible again. When he arrived in the waiting area, he found he was alone there – Bagoas was nowhere in sight. Maybe the masseuse needed some extra time to work on his limbs and Alexander decided to stick around and wait. Dressed in his comfortable morning robe and some ridiculous slippers, he drank some water and flipped through magazines.

Bagoas arrived almost forty-five minutes later and Alexander put the magazine aside to greet him. He frowned, realizing something was different about his lover.

Seeing Alexander's puzzled expression, Bagoas explained, "They trimmed my hair." It was all shiny, free of tangles, and the split ends were gone.

"They did a good job on you." Alexander smiled and walked up to him. "Are you up for some swimming?"

Bagoas nodded; he was in need of some exercise as well.

~~~

That evening, after they had returned to the hotel, Bagoas took hold of Alexander's cell phone and dialed Hephaestion's number. They were once more seated on the balcony and the Acropolis looked like liquid gold. He would never tire of the magnificent view. Alexander had excused himself for a few moments and Bagoas hadn't pried. Alexander was entitled to his privacy when he needed it.

"Hello? Who is this? Alexander? Or Bagoas?" Hephaestion quickly closed his laptop. He had been surfing again and had actually joined a few communities. He had decided that he liked the world of slash and had been reading fics all day long. He was even considering writing one himself or sending in Alexander's pornographic snippet. The readers would probably love to read some nc-17 snippets. The ringing of the phone had startled him and, although no one could check on what he was doing, he had quickly closed the sites and his laptop.

"Thank you for sending us to that spa. We had a lovely, relaxing day."

"Ah, Bagoas, it is you!" Hephaestion grew melancholy; hearing Bagoas' voice made him realize just how much he missed him and Alexander. "You enjoyed the treat? Good, for the two of you deserve being pampered!"

"We went to the station this morning and, Hephaestion, they gave me back my passport. I am free man!" Bagoas had been bursting to tell Hephaestion the good news. "Those pimps are already in jail and awaiting their trial. I am out of danger!"

"That is so good to hear!" Hephaestion smiled into the phone. "Now you can finally completely relax and enjoy your time in Athens!"

"When will you join us, Hephaestion? We miss you!"

"You miss me already? I thought the two of you would be busy and not miss me at all." That, of course, was a white lie.

"I want you here and so does Alexander."

"Speaking of Alexander – how are things between the two of you? Do you feel more comfortable around him, Bagoas?" He really hoped the two of them had reconnected.

"Better," Bagoas replied. "Alexander and I… we made love this morning." It felt odd to be telling this to Hephaestion, but Bagoas still needed Hephaestion to guide him in these matters. "He took himself…"

Had Hephaestion been close enough to hug and kiss Alexander, he would have done so. He knew how big Alexander's leap of faith must have been to have done that. "And did you like it?"

"I did… It felt wrong at first because… because… I still think of him as my King."

Hephaestion chuckled. "That will change once you take him more often, Bagoas."

Bagoas swallowed. "Do you think it will happen again then? That he will allow me to…?"
"Oh, I am certain of it. Now that he has taken that step, he will want to take a few more as well." Hephaestion was happy now that Bagoas continued to heal – that had been the main reason why he had sent them off by themselves.

"Hephaestion, I…" Bagoas nervously glanced about, but none of the other guests was paying him any attention and Alexander still hadn't joined him so Bagoas felt confident enough to continue. "I told Alexander that I want *you* to take me first and he understood."

Hephaestion blinked. "What did you say?"
"I realized something when Alexander made love to me. I realized that I am safe with you – the two of you. You have been mine, no, our, teacher all along and I want you to guide me in this matter as well."

Hephaestion was briefly speechless. "Bagoas, you don't have to do this," he managed eventually.

"No, I *want* to do this; that is a different thing." From the corner of his eye he saw Alexander approach, dressed in jeans which hugged his form, a black shirt, buttoned down to the navel, and with his hair dancing against his shoulders. Bagoas' body instantly reacted and his groin tightened in response to the sensual challenge Alexander was issuing. He knew Alexander good enough to realize what this was about. Alexander *was* issuing a challenge and Bagoas wanted nothing more than to take him up on it, but he wasn't certain he had the courage to follow through. "Alexander is here and he looks…"

Hephaestion had a pretty good idea what Alexander might look like. "Good enough to eat?"

"Something like that."

"Are you talking to Hephaestion?" Alexander seated himself and arched an eyebrow at Bagoas. "Telling each other dirty secrets?" To his delight, his remark caused Bagoas to blush.

Bagoas said his goodbyes to Hephaestion and handed the phone to Alexander. He was grateful that he had opted to wear comfortable slacks tonight as they camouflaged his arousal.

"Bagoas told me what happened today. Are you still coping?" Hephaestion couldn't stop himself from worrying, knowing from personal experience that Alexander sometimes didn't deal with emotional problems to his best ability.

"Everything is fine," Alexander replied, "We are better than we have ever been. Hephaestion, when will you join us?"

"I haven't booked my plane tickets yet. I will do so tonight and let you know when to expect me. Are you going to pick me up or should I get a cab?"

"We will pick you up!" Alexander sounded and looked indignant.

"All right, I will be looking for you then." Hephaestion was already in the process of checking the flights that would take him to Athens. "Is the hotel to your liking? I booked it for a week. We can either prolong our stay there or opt for something else – another hotel -- or we could rent an apartment."

"The hotel is just fine. I think you would be hard-pressed to find better accommodations," Alexander replied, watching closely as Bagoas sipped his wine. The dark eyes were lucid and full of life and energy, quite the change from the way they had looked that morning.

Hephaestion looked upon Alexander's answer as a challenge. Until now, he had hardly ever made any use of the fact that he was a millionaire, well, technically his father was, but what was the use of having so much money when he never spent any? "Oh, let me worry about that!"

Alexander groaned. "Hephaestion…"

"You had better concentrate on finding some nice birthday gifts for Bagoas," Hephaestion replied and by doing so, he didn't give Alexander a chance to protest his decision.

"All right, I will do just that." Bagoas was already giving him impatient looks from across the dinner table and Alexander forced himself to end the conversation. "We wouldn't mind if you flew in early, you know." He could only hope Hephaestion *really* understood that he was wanted and needed here.

"I will see what I can do. Now be a good boy and concentrate on pampering Bagoas." Hephaestion terminated the call and opened his laptop once more. He logged in and opened his inbox at Yahoo, eager to read new stories. After reading his messages, he might try his hand and write some slash himself.

TBC

Part 6

Alexander and Bagoas spent the rest of the evening chatting, giving each other coy looks, and occasionally brushing fingers when they thought no one was looking. Bagoas felt thrilled now that the old attraction had burst into life again. The feelings he had once had for Alexander were rapidly returning and he couldn't wait to be alone with his lover. He had always loved Alexander – he still did – but now his insane jealousy toward Hephaestion was gone. What helped was that he now loved Hephaestion as well. Bagoas could actually picture themselves being happy and fulfilled in this relationship – all three of them.

Once dinner had come to an end, Alexander took the lead by wrapping his fingers around Bagoas'. He guided the younger man toward the bar, where he ordered some wine and then led Bagoas to a table at the back. Sitting down, he pulled Bagoas close and his lover sat down beside him. "You seem relaxed and happy," Alexander commented as he studied Bagoas' eyes. They were on fire and a glow coming from within illuminated them.

"I do feel relaxed and happy," Bagoas murmured and smiled tenderly at Alexander. "So much happened today." He sipped his wine and gathered his thoughts. He wanted Alexander to understand something very important and he had to phrase it in a way so Alexander couldn't misunderstand. "What happened between us this morning changed me. The fact you took yourself like that still stuns me. I never thought you would allow me inside of you."

Alexander remained quiet; it was obvious that Bagoas hadn't finished yet.

"You must know that I still saw you as my King until this morning." Bagoas moistened his lips and tried to find the right words. "Hephaestion and you so easily accepted your past and your old self effortlessly melted with your present self. You made your past a part of you and then moved on. I didn't know how to do that." Bagoas took another sip of his wine and his eyes gained a watery glint now that he was about to continue. "I love you *and* I love Hephaestion." He raised his hand and ran his fingers through Alexander's hair. "Everything has changed. Everything is different now."

Alexander nodded and smiled. "I understand, Bagoas. Believe me, I really do."

~~~

That night, they simply snuggled up together, kissed, and held each other close. A new sense of understanding had formed between them – they were truly equals now.

~~~

Hephaestion's eyes glowed with excitement as he posted Alexander's snippet about their night spent on the balcony in Babylon. He had posted it in a community called Hephaestion + fans. He had been lurking there for two days now and was ready to step out of the shadows. He had chosen Hephaestion_Alexander as his username and wondered how long it would take for the first readers to send in feedback.

He had never received a reply regarding the feedback he had left that writer and felt a bit relieved about that. He would have hated having to explain why he had added those four comments. Maybe he had actually scared the author of that series!

Hephaestion rose from his chair and headed into the kitchen where he opened a bottle of red wine. After pouring himself a glass, he returned to the living room and took his seat again. With one eye, he watched his inbox, ready to read any feedback the readers might send him. He did feel a bit guilty for sending in Alexander's snippet instead of his own writing, but he was really curious to find out what those readers would make of that snippet. It had turned Alexander on and him as well.

After opening Word, he stared at the blank screen. Writing slash couldn't be *that* hard! Even Alexander had managed to write some snippets. But how did one go about writing an NC-17 snippet? Hephaestion knew his limitations and didn't even attempt writing a longer story yet. First, he needed practice. He needed to get the hang of it.

/Alexander described a very powerful mating… Maybe I should do the same? Maybe I should write about our first time together?/ Hephaestion's eyes suddenly darkened. /Or our last time?/ But he wasn't sure he wanted to dwell on those last moments. /Maybe that is exactly why I have to do it. It might me help exorcise some demons./ Hephaestion drank some more wine and stared at the screen, brooding.

Their last time together… Those last few months before his death had not been happy ones. It had been the first time that Alexander and he had actually had a serious argument.

# I can't believe this is happening. Alexander has actually befriended Eumenes! I told him not to, but Alexander didn't listen to me. He offered Eumenes his hand in friendship and the bastard took it. In a way, I can't blame Alexander for reaching out to Eumenes. Alexander doesn't know what happened so many years ago and neither do I want him to know. But his friendship with Eumenes is tearing us apart and I hate Eumenes for that. In a way, I also hate Alexander for betraying our love.

Alexander and I haven't talked in days. He insists that I befriend Eumenes as well, but Alexander has no idea what he is asking of me. I will never accept that bastard near me. If Alexander values his friendship with Eumenes over his love for me, then so be it. In that case, it is obvious that he never loved me. That he only used me to keep himself sane.

I can't stop staring at Alexander as he passes me by. He is on his way to his tent, where Bagoas will tend to his every need. The truth is that Alexander no longer needs me. He has finally achieved his goals, has dealt with most of his demons, and finds the comfort he needs in Bagoas' arms instead of mine. I don't blame Bagoas for that – I blame Alexander.#

Hephaestion blinked at the screen. Until now, he hadn't realized he had felt so resentful toward Alexander. What other secrets would his writing uncover?

#My arms ache because they are so used to holding him, but Alexander didn't even look at me. How can he so easily throw away my love?

By Zeus, I can't tell him why I hate Eumenes, why I can't bear his presence. I can't.

I return to my bed and sit down on it, huddled in blankets in order to keep warm and in an effort to draw comfort from its warm and soft texture. Shivers wrack my body and I know my illness is getting worse. I picked it up in India and, for some time, my body fought it with success, but now it seems to have given up. I am growing weaker and I need Alexander so much – but Alexander doesn't even seem to notice I am not well.

Alexander demands that I apologize to Eumenes for my rude behavior and, once I have done that, he will accept me into his arms again. That is the place where I want to be the most, but the price is so high! I was convinced that Alexander would choose me over his friendship with Eumenes! But I was mistaken… and now, I am alone.#

Hephaestion sniffed and fought back the tears which were building in his eyes. He would never forget what had happened the next day.

#"Hephaestion, I demand you offer Eumenes your apologies. The way you treated him is unacceptable!"

Alexander stands in front of me and glares me down. We have retreated from the camp and rode out here to have some privacy. I have finally made the decision to tell him. I never wanted to tell him, but I don't have a choice. I can't lose him over this! I need Alexander too much! Without him, I am nothing… and my time is limited, I realize that now. I saw a physician yesterday and he told me how the illness would progress and that I would be dead in a few months. I don't want to be alone during the last months of my life!

"Hephaestion? Did you hear me? Why are you so stubborn?"

Alexander's glare wounds me. I never thought he could ever look at me like that. "Alexander, when did you stop loving me? When did this friendship to someone who is practically a stranger become more important to you than my love for you? Than your love for me? I don't understand."

Alexander shakes his head. "I am the King, Hephaestion. I can't have you defy me in public."

But his voice is already less vehement and encourages me to continue. "There was a time when you told everyone who wanted to know that I am Alexander too. What changed?" Alexander's whole demeanor suddenly changes and makes me hopeful that I am getting through to him. Maybe he still loves me and only needs to be reminded of that.

When Alexander looks at me again it is with love in his eyes. The emotions are back – his love for me is back and I need to hear him say the words so much that I am not beyond begging. "Please, Alexander. Tell me you still love me. Don't cast me aside."

Alexander's arms are suddenly around me and I press close against him. I pray that he doesn't notice the shivers washing over me – and if he does, I hope he will attribute them to nervousness and not to my illness. I don't want him to know that I am slowly dying of typhus. There is nothing he can do to stop it from happening. "Just hold me, please."

"Oh, Hephaestion, I am sorry that I let my temper rule me. I never wanted to hurt you. I didn't realize that I wounded you."

I devour his words – I wanted him to hold me and now he is doing just that. "I didn't want to defy you, Alexander, and certainly not in public, but I can't be friends with Eumenes ever!"

My vehement voice takes him aback and his eyes seek out mine. Determinedly, I return his stare. If he demands an explanation, I will have to give him one, but I'd rather not.

"Why? Why do you hate him? What did he ever do to you, Hephaestion? Eumenes mentioned that you never liked him – that you were never able to act in a civilized manner toward him. Why?"

My throat has gone dry, but I still attempt to swallow the lump of emotions and memories that block my airway. "Don't make me tell you."

The expression in Alexander's eyes changes and he says, "Tell me, Hephaestion."

I draw in a deep breath and gather my courage. I never wanted to tell him. I always wanted to keep this from him! "Why did you have to befriend him? I never wanted you to know that…"

"What?" Alexander's eyes narrow. "Eumenes once told me that he has known you for a very long time – since your childhood? Is that correct?"

I don't want to do this. I don't want to tell Alexander this…#

Hephaestion stared at the text on the screen. How was it possible that he had blocked this out? That he had locked out what had happened on the day Alexander and he had reconciled and buried their argument? He hadn't remembered until today. Lost in a trance, Hephaestion's fingers typed away, bringing long repressed memories back to life.

#"I don't want you to know, Alexander." I tear myself away from him and break contact. If I have to tell him this, I don't want him to be touching me – I don't want to be looking in his eyes when I reveal the truth.

"Hephaestion, I don't know you like this. You are scaring me." Alexander's voice is soft and full of emotion. "Don't do this. Don't lock me out. I am sorry I yelled at you instead of asking you why you dislike Eumenes that much. I don't know what is wrong with me… You know how easily my temper gets the better of me."

He places his hand on my shoulder, but I resolutely shake it off. "Alexander, I hate that man for a reason – a very good reason, I think." Alexander is quiet now, and seems to be holding his breath. I have to do this now or I will never find the courage to do so again. "You are right – Eumenes has known me for a long time. The first time that I met that man was when I was six years old. I was alone. My mother had died, my father had left on business, and he had appointed Eumenes as my tutor before his departure. I instantly disliked him and tried to stay clear of him. But, as his student, that was almost impossible." Suddenly anger flares in the pit of my stomach and I spin around to face Alexander. "He touched me, Alexander – intimately and against my will! And now you are asking me to befriend that man! My father chased him off when he found out what Eumenes had been up to!"

Alexander blinks and swallows hard. I know he never expected to hear anything like this, but I have reached a point where I just don't care about his feelings. He didn't care about mine either when he locked me out. "I locked those memories out! I told myself that it never happened and *your* love, *your* passion helped me become whole again, and now, you have reopened old wounds!"

I hate the way Alexander's eyes fill with guilt. I want to reassure him, but I can't. He has hurt me too much by taking Eumenes' side in this. "Do you understand now? Do you understand why my stomach turns when I see him? How I loathe his touch? Why I can't be civil toward him?" I spit those words at Alexander in such a violent voice that my tone takes even me aback. But the dam has broken and I unleash my anger. "You are my lover! You are the other half of my soul! You were supposed to support me! To believe me! But no, you turned against me!" I punch him – hard – but he takes it in stride and doesn't defend himself. Another punch follows and another… He lets me pound him until I have worn myself down – which is easily enough in my weakened state. "I need you, my Alexander. You have no idea how much!"

I crumble and threaten to go down on my knees, but Alexander enfolds me in a tight hug and he draws me close – so close… and he feels warm. Oh, I need to feel him! I need to know he still loves me, especially now that I know how limited our remaining time together will be.

"I will banish him, Hephaestion. I will make certain that he will never get close to you again. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Alexander grows quiet and finds the answer to his own question. "Were you ashamed? But this happened so long ago and it wasn't your fault!"

His hands find their way beneath my robes and their touch warms my chilly body. "You were cross with me right from the start. How was I supposed to tell you?" I feel tired, so very tired, and I want nothing more than to lie down and go to sleep. Alexander raises my head and I am forced to look into his eyes once more. They possess a softness I have seldom seen before and they are open and inviting. "I love you, my Alexander… I need you."

"You will always have my love, Hephaestion." Alexander briefly closes his eyes and I know him good enough to know that he is now blaming himself for the mistakes he made. I let him – he *did* make mistakes.

"I should never have dismissed you that easily. I deserve each punch that you threw at me. Oh, my sweet Hephaestion, how could I ever wrong you? How could I abandon you?"

I drink in his words and cling to them. I raise my hand, touch his face, and whisper, "Make love to me. Show me how much you love me. It has been so long…" It has been weeks since we were intimate and all because of Eumenes.

Alexander nods his head once and leans in closer to whisper into my ear, "I will. I will make you mine all over again. I was such a fool to let this come between us."

My world spins and suddenly I find myself on my back, lying amidst the grass and blooming flowers. Alexander moves above me and pushes the fabric of my robes aside. I love it when he is so gentle, so considerate, and treats me like I am delicate and easily bruised instead of the warrior I am. It is during these moments that I can taste his love for me and I shake at the thought of leaving him behind. My death will devastate him and I can only hope that he will somehow find the strength to continue. "Take me, please."

Alexander nods again and then his tongue moves over my chest. It travels downward and I eagerly part my legs. It has been so long -- so damn long and I need him!

Alexander enters me abruptly and I cry out in pain. We don't have any oil handy and being taken in such a way feels feral – but it also makes me *feel* – makes me feel *all* of him. I wrap my arms and legs around him and hold on for dear life as he makes love to me. He moves gently as to not cause any additional discomfort and his touch is caring. I stare into his eyes and see the love there. The love he bears for me. "Don't ever leave me again, Alexander. I will die without you."

Alexander is still moving inside me, minutely and slowly, and the rapture that shines in his eyes illuminates the soul caught behind it. "You are my other half, Alexander."

"And you are mine." Alexander is close to release and his thrusts grow faster, deeper. I move along with him and climax just a moment before he does. Locked together in bliss, I hold onto him and he holds onto me. "I love you so much. I will wait for you in the House of Death, Alexander. I don't know how long it will take, but I will wait for you. I won't forget you… I will wait for you. My soul will recognize yours."

"Why are you speaking of death, Hephaestion, when we are making love? We are still young and invincible. I will deal with Eumenes and I will make amends for wronging you."

Alexander collapses atop of me and shivers violently. I wrap my arms around him and rock him. "I don't ever want to argue with you again, Alexander. Promise me that we will never fight again. I was so afraid that I had lost you!"

"Oh, my beloved Hephaestion! You should know my temper by now! But I am sorry that I hurt you. So sorry… so terribly sorry. I will never hurt you again. I promise."

Alexander rests his head against my shoulder and I tuck his head beneath my chin. I wonder how many times we will be able to make love before my time comes. Oh, I will miss this so much! I will miss Alexander – miss feeling him inside of me! Oh, Zeus, give me the strength to be strong – for Alexander's sake.#

Hephaestion finally stopped typing. Tears had gathered in his eyes and he couldn't stop trembling. He had forgotten about Eumenes, about the pain the man had caused him. /I repressed those memories… I must have!/

Eumenes had touched him intimately, had fondled his genitals and had talked to him in a way no adult should talk to a child. He had been alone and frightened and had been afraid to tell anyone about the things Eumenes did and said. That was, until his father unexpectedly returned from one of his journeys and caught Eumenes with his hand between his son's legs.

Hephaestion drew in a deep breath in the hope that it would steady him. Was this the reason he had known how to reach Bagoas? How to help him heal? Because he had experienced something similar in his past? Although, what had happened to him didn't compare to the abuse Bagoas had gone through.

He stared at the writing and wondered what to do. Should he delete it? Keep it around? He had intended to write what these ladies called 'smut' but instead he had uncovered the deep recesses of a child's mind. He had opened old wounds. He saved the text for now, sat back, and sipped the remnants of his wine.

He missed Alexander and Bagoas and felt terribly lonely. He needed to be with them – but foremost, he needed to hear Alexander tell him that he still loved him.

~~~

That night, Hephaestion dragged himself into bed. But sleep didn't come easy to him. He was no longer interested in getting any feedback on Alexander's snippet. Neither did he intend to write any 'smut' for the time being. All that mattered right now was finding a way to be with Alexander and Bagoas.

In the middle of the night, he left his bed, turned on his laptop, and changed his reservations. Instead of flying in four days, he got himself tickets for tomorrow evening. If everything went according to plan he would spend tomorrow night in the arms of his lovers.

But then fear snuck up on him and he wondered if he had made the right decision. Would Alexander and Bagoas know something was wrong? Would they sense that he was upset? Was he doing the right thing by running to them?

What other choice did he have?

His fears and doubts kept him awake for the rest of the night, but he didn't rise again until it was morning. All night long, he thought about the things he had written down. Did people know that Alexander and he'd had a falling out over Eumenes? Did the scholars know what role Eumenes had played in his youth? Did he want them to know?

In the morning, Hephaestion made himself some strong coffee, opened his laptop, and reread the snippet. Drawing in a deep breath, he accessed the LJ he had posted Alexander's snippet in and briefly scanned the feedback the readers had left. They seemed fascinated and demanded more.

But Hephaestion wasn't in the mood to reply to their comments, no matter how flattering and encouraging they were. Composing a new entry, he added the snippet he had written the other night and then hit send, posting the terrible memory.

Entranced, he stared at the post, which was now accessible to all members. By the Gods, what had he done? And even more importantly, why had he done it?

~~~

"Hephaestion called!" Alexander gestured for Bagoas to approach. They were roaming the museum and, when his cell phone had gone off, Alexander had weathered all the angry looks the other visitors had shot him. But being glared at had been worth it, as he now knew to expect his other half early.

Bagoas joined Alexander and they found a secluded spot where they could talk without interrupting the viewing pleasure of the other tourists. "What did he say? Will he fly in early?" He hoped so!

"Yes, he will arrive at the airport shortly before midnight. We will pick him up." Bagoas' obvious joy made Alexander chuckle. "You can barely wait to be reunited with him, can you?"

Bagoas nodded and smiled at him in a carefree way. Alexander wished he shared Bagoas' joy, but something plagued him. It had been Hephaestion's voice – deep and haunted. Something was wrong. *That* was the reason why Hephaestion was flying in early.

"Shouldn't we be leaving then? We will be late!" Bagoas was already heading for the exit and looked impatiently at Alexander, who was still staring at his cell phone. "Is something wrong?"

Alexander decided against burdening Bagoas with his worries. Hopefully, he was only imagining things and had no reason to feel this concerned. "No, everything is just fine."

"Come on, then! His plane will touch down within the hour! What if he is early and we are not there to pick him up? Why didn't he call us sooner?" Hephaestion was already flying in and Bagoas felt nervous and fluttery. In his mind, he pictured the scene at arrivals over and over again. He was running toward Hephaestion, got caught in his lover's strong arms, and was whirled around. He would press close to Hephaestion and hold him tight. It was amazing just how much he had missed him! "Alexander, hurry up!"

Bagoas' enthusiasm pleased Alexander. In their first life, Bagoas had hated Hephaestion with a passion and now Bagoas couldn't wait to be reunited with him! Bagoas suddenly grabbed his hand and began to drag him toward the elevators. That was another sign that things had changed between them – Bagoas taking the initiative like that. Alexander smiled and allowed Bagoas to pull him into the elevator. Bagoas' eyes glowed with passion and Alexander squeezed his younger lover's fingers. "Don't worry; we will get there in time."

"I just don't want to be late. I miss him so much." A spark of old insecurity suddenly reappeared in his eyes. Was he overstepping boundaries? After all, Hephaestion had been Alexander's lover first. Alexander had the oldest claim when it came down to Hephaestion's love.

"Bagoas, you worry too much." Alexander had seen Bagoas' fear in the dark eyes and shook his head. "You can never love Hephaestion too much, trust me."

Bagoas quickly hugged Alexander before the doors opened and then continued to drag the older man down the hall.

~~~

Hephaestion gave in to temptation and checked his inbox during his flight in. He felt a bit anxious now that he had posted something that intimate – not that the readers would know that. They thought he had written a fictional story. No one knew the truth behind that snippet – only he did.

To his utter surprise he found ten messages in his inbox, waiting to be read. He read them all, and his eyes grew watery as he found that his readers sympathized with him. A few readers even suggested he should have punched Alexander harder. There was not one reader who defended Alexander – they all agreed that 'Alexander had acted like a 'bastard' to quote their words.

Writing about the last time they had made love, and the emotional storm that had happened before that, helped Hephaestion understand why he had been able to help Bagoas heal.

Bagoas… how he missed the younger man… and how he missed Alexander!

Hephaestion couldn't wait to wrap his arms around them and hold them close.

He needed them… He *needed* them.

TBC

Part 7

Bagoas paced the arrival's hall and continued to glance at the entrance whenever a new group of travelers appeared. Alexander had tried calming him down, but had failed. Bagoas was very eager to be reunited with Hephaestion. Alexander just hoped that his instincts were off and that he was merely imagining that something had upset Hephaestion.

Fifteen minutes later, Bagoas sprinted toward the archway, opened his arms, and literally jumped at Hephaestion.

Hephaestion reacted quickly by catching Bagoas and hugging him tight. On the plane, he'd had time to compose himself and he felt more balanced now. "Does this mean that you missed me?" he asked cheekily.

Bagoas pressed close to Hephaestion and planted a passionate kiss onto his older lover's lips. "I missed you so much! You have no idea just how much!" Bagoas stared into Hephaestion's eyes and drank in his lover's sight. Pointedly ignoring the looks they were attracting, he hugged Hephaestion even closer. Now that he had kissed Hephaestion, Bagoas rested his head against Hephaestion's shoulder and released a deep and contented sigh. "But you are here now – finally."

Hephaestion rested his chin atop of Bagoas' dark head and caught Alexander's gaze from a distance. His lover was already advancing on him, but it was obvious that Alexander wanted Bagoas to welcome him first – probably because Alexander hoped it would calm Bagoas down. Hephaestion rubbed soothing circles onto Bagoas' back and smiled at Alexander.

Realizing that it was now Alexander's turn to greet Hephaestion, Bagoas reluctantly pulled away and released Hephaestion from his hold. He took a step aside so Alexander could embrace Hephaestion. His heart thundered with excitement and he couldn't stop staring at Hephaestion.

Alexander folded an arm around Hephaestion and embraced him. The expression in Hephaestion's eyes told him that his instincts had been right – something had upset his lover and that was why Hephaestion had joined them early. "I missed you too. I am glad that you are here now, Hephaestion."

Hephaestion placed a rather chaste kiss on Alexander's lips and then smiled at him. It was impossible to keep his distress hidden from Alexander. His lover knew that something had upset him. "We will talk later, I promise," Hephaestion said as he returned the hug. "It is nothing serious."

Although Hephaestion's words did somewhat reassure him, they also proved to Alexander that something was indeed wrong. Curling his fingers around Hephaestion's hand, he guided him toward the baggage claim. "Bagoas, why don't you fetch Hephaestion's suit case?" That would give him a chance to talk in private with Hephaestion.

Glad to be of service, Bagoas hurried to fulfill Alexander's request.

"What is wrong?" Alexander pulled Hephaestion against him and studied the large, blue eyes.

"I remembered something… Something I repressed." Hephaestion checked Bagoas' whereabouts and found that the younger man was still trying to locate his suit case. "I remembered the last time we made love – and the fight we had before we made up."

Tremors erupted all over Alexander's body – he remembered their fight only too well. "I am still so very sorry that I took Eumenes' side in our argument. I should never have done that." Hephaestion had lowered his eyes and Alexander took that as a sign that his lover didn't want to be stared at, so he shifted his gaze from Hephaestion to Bagoas. His eyes suddenly widened. "Is that it? Is that the reason why you knew how to help Bagoas that well?" Like Hephaestion he had tried his best to forget that dreadful fight. It worried him that he had never noticed that Hephaestion had been abused in the past. But then again, Hephaestion had repressed those memories, so how had he been supposed to know?

Bagoas had collected Hephaestion's suit case and joined his lovers once more. His smile was brilliant and his gaze remained locked on Hephaestion. He was so happy to see Hephaestion that he didn't notice the distressed expression on the older man's face. "Are you ready? I want to show you the hotel!"

Hephaestion smiled at Bagoas. He sensed the younger man's excitement and he also noticed the changes which had taken place in Bagoas during these last few days. Bagoas was more confident and no longer afraid to take the lead. "I am ready. Lead on, Bagoas."

Alexander kept a hand at the small of Hephaestion's back. Not just to show that they belonged together, but also in an effort to comfort Hephaestion. By the gods, why did Hephaestion have to remember their fight? The only fight they had ever had? /And it was *my* fault that we had that fight in the first place. How could I desert Hephaestion?/ He would never forgive himself for hurting Hephaestion and damaging the trust his lover had had in him.

~~~

Hephaestion checked into the hotel and talked to the receptionist for a few minutes. Both Alexander and Bagoas wondered just what they were discussing and Alexander distinctly noticed the conspiring expression in Hephaestion's eyes.

"What was that all about?" Alexander asked as they finally made their way to the room they shared. They would probably not use Hephaestion's room, as Hephaestion would sleep in their room, but the hotel would object to the three of them staying in a double room.

"I told them that we will be leaving the day after tomorrow." Hephaestion gave Alexander a smirk and followed Bagoas into the room the two men shared. He sat down on the bed, feeling rather tired after his journey.

"We are leaving? Why?" Bagoas sat down next to Hephaestion and gathered the older man's hand in his.

"Alexander challenged me to find an even better hotel and I did."

Alexander rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Hephaestion, this hotel is just fine!"

"No, I want us to see the coast as well. I found a lovely resort, still close to Athens, but also located at the coast line. I am certain we will like it there." Hephaestion checked the time. It was almost two AM. "We should try to get some sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow." Hephaestion rose from the bed and started to undress.

"We do?" Bagoas arched an eyebrow and followed Hephaestion's example. He couldn't wait to be skin on skin with Hephaestion.

"Yes, we need to visit the bank, and then we will do some shopping." Hephaestion's eyes sought out Alexander's. He doubted Alexander had already had time to buy some birthday gifts for Bagoas.

"Why are we going to a bank?" Bagoas was naked now and turned down the covers of the bed. Lying down, he watched Alexander begin to take off his clothes.

"You will find out tomorrow…" Hephaestion let his voice trail off, knowing it would pique Bagoas' curiosity. He came to a standstill next to the bed, bowed down to Bagoas, and whispered into his ear, "Why don't you show me your passport? You seemed very proud to finally have your papers back."

Bagoas jumped out of the bed and started searching Alexander's backpack.

Alexander, in the meantime, used the time to stretch out on the mattress and he pulled Hephaestion down with him. Hephaestion lay down in front of him, facing away from him. Alexander embraced him tightly, letting him know in that way that he was there to support Hephaestion if he needed it.

Bagoas returned to the bed and stretched out in front of Hephaestion. He proudly presented his passport to Hephaestion and gave him a hopeful smile. "I am a free man now. I don't have to be afraid any more."

Hephaestion made a big show out of admiring the document and then handed it back to Bagoas. Now that Bagoas had his passport again, they could go to the bank and open an account. "Come here, Bagoas." Hephaestion opened his arms and Bagoas snuggled up to him. Although he felt tired, he knew he couldn't sleep just yet. The memories were still haunting him. "I hope that you aren't disappointed that I won't take you tonight, my love. I just don't feel up to it."

Bagoas' eyes burned with love now that Hephaestion was bringing up this subject. "Don't worry about that. We will know when the time is right to take that step." Bagoas caught Alexander's knowing gaze and smiled tenderly at his blond lover. "Do you understand why I want you to take me first, Hephaestion? Alexander says he does."

"I do!" Alexander stated firmly.

Bagoas grinned at Alexander. "Yes, you do."

Hephaestion carefully phrased his reply. "Why don't you tell me, Bagoas?" He thought he understood, but he didn't want to 'assume' anything. He needed to know for certain.

"You guided me, Hephaestion, and you guided me well. You helped me take all these little steps and I know you will also guide me well in this matter. You will be gentle when you take me." Bagoas raised a hand and caressed Hephaestion's face. "You were the first to gain my trust, Hephaestion, that's why."

Hephaestion tilted his head to lean into the caress Bagoas was bestowing onto his face. "I will be gentle, Bagoas. I promise."

The three of them snuggled up to each other, exchanged kisses, and then settled down for the night. There would be nights filled with passion, but this wasn't one of them. For now, they just needed to feel each other close.

~~~

Athens First Bank and Trust was already crowded during the morning and Bagoas realized they would be waiting in line for quite some time. Hephaestion still hadn't told him what they were doing there. His older lover was acting mysteriously about their visit. And where had Alexander disappeared to? Alexander had excused himself, telling them that he had no desire to spend his morning at the bank and had taken a cab downtown. Bagoas had felt flabbergasted at Alexander's unexpected departure.

Hephaestion, however, knew why Alexander had disappeared on them. He had made some suggestions for Bagoas' birthday gifts during breakfast, when Bagoas had left to fill his plate at the buffet and Alexander was currently off shopping.

"This will take hours!" Bagoas sighed and gave Hephaestion a pleading look. "Maybe we should do this another time?"

But Hephaestion shook his head and searched for the bank manager whom he had an appointment with. The manager noticed him and advanced on them.

"Mister Hephaestion?" If the manager found the name odd, he didn't let it show. He shook Hephaestion's hand first and then welcomed Bagoas as well. "Please follow me. We will have some privacy in my office."

Bagoas gave Hephaestion a puzzled look. "What's happening?" he whispered into Hephaestion's ear.

"Just wait and see." Hephaestion enjoyed keeping Bagoas in suspense.

The manager closed the door to his office behind them and invited them to sit down. "We are much honored that you chose our bank to do business with, sir. How can we be of service?"

"I want to open a new bank account for my friend here. I will also make a deposit on his account." Hephaestion handed the manager Bagoas' passport. "I am confident that you can make all necessary arrangements – quickly. I also want my friend to have a credit card."

"That will only take a few minutes." The manager picked up the phone and made some calls. A moment later, his secretary entered and handed him the papers he needed. "You mentioned wanting to make a deposit. How much money would you like us to transfer to this new account?" He was eager to assist Hephaestion, as Hephaestion's father was a very rich and well-liked client. "Would you please sign here, mister Bardia?"

Bagoas blinked. He hadn't been called by that name in ages. It took him a moment to realize that the manager was actually addressing him. Unused to wielding a pen, he placed his signature on the paper and then on the card.

Hephaestion considered the question carefully and then made up his mind. "Let's start with fifteen thousand Pounds Sterling."

Bagoas' eyes widened dramatically and fastened on Hephaestion with a shock. He didn’t know exactly how much money they were talking about, but it sounded like a lot! "I don't need all that money!"

"I want you to have it. You might not need it now, but you might need it in the future." Hephaestion signed the papers to validate the money transfer. Addressing the manager once more, he added, "I also want you to arrange for a monthly deposit of five hundred Pounds Sterling onto this bank account." That way, Bagoas would be financially independent.

"Hephaestion, really, you don’t have to…" But Bagoas failed to finish his sentence now that Hephaestion was giving him a determined look.

Hephaestion pointedly ignored Bagoas' protest and focused on the manager instead. "When will my friend be able to use his credit card?"

"From this moment on. We already took care of everything." The manager handed Bagoas his credit card, along with his passport. This young man was lucky to have such a rich friend!

"All right, then it is time to do some shopping!" Hephaestion rose from his chair, shook the manager's hand, and gestured for Bagoas to follow him.

"Why did you do that?" Bagoas felt puzzled. "I don't need the money as I will be living with you!"

Hephaestion felt it was time to play his trump. "I thought you would like to get Alexander a little present – just to show him how much you love him."

Bagoas blinked; that *was* an excellent idea. Until now, he hadn't had the money to buy gifts, and now, he could also get Hephaestion something. His credit card might come in handy after all.

~~~

"I still think you gave me too much money!" Bagoas felt a bit nervous now that they were about to go separate ways for some hours. Hephaestion had suggested doing their shopping separately. That way, any gifts they got each other would remain surprises. Bagoas wasn't pleased with that plan as he still felt reluctant to venture into shopping malls without Hephaestion or Alexander at his side. The criminals who had forced him into prostitution might be locked behind bars, but he still didn't feel safe.

"Hey, I am over here!" Alexander had sighted them and waved enthusiastically. He had done his shopping and gotten the items Hephaestion had suggested, but he had done more. He had also bought something for Hephaestion, something special, something personal.

"Alexander! You can come with me!" Bagoas grabbed hold of Alexander the moment the blond man was within range.

Hephaestion chuckled and nodded his head. Maybe Bagoas would do better spending his money with Alexander encouraging him. "Go ahead, Alexander, go with Bagoas."

"And what about you?" Alexander had hoped to spend some time with Hephaestion. They needed to talk and he needed to reassure Hephaestion that he loved him – that he had made mistakes in the past. Yes, Hephaestion knew all that, but Alexander had learned a valuable lesson – he *knew* that Hephaestion needed to hear him say that from time to time.

Bagoas noticed for the first time that something bothered Alexander. In the past, he would have felt the need to cling to either Hephaestion or Alexander, but he was growing more confident – just not confident enough to shop alone. /But I will give them some privacy this evening./ He would find a reason to retreat and give them an opportunity to talk.

~~~

Bagoas felt pleased with his 'bounty'. Spending money had been a new experience for him. Alexander had encouraged him to spend money on himself as well as getting a present for Hephaestion. Deciding on a gift for Hephaestion had been hard, but in the end, a pendant had caught his attention. It possessed the form of a lion's head, jaws wide apart in order to roar. He had been worried that it might be an unsuitable gift for Hephaestion and had asked for Alexander's advice. Could he give Hephaestion jewelry? Would that do?
Alexander had quickly reassured him that this pendant was an excellent choice, especially as Bagoas regarded Hephaestion as 'his lion'. Bagoas had also selected a necklace to go with the pendant and he paled considerably when he found out just how much it would cost him. But Alexander had assured him that Hephaestion wanted him to spend the money and, in the end, Bagoas had bought the jewelry. Now he stood shuffling his feet, waiting for Hephaestion to join them at their car so they could return to the hotel. The trunk of the car was filled with numerous shopping bags. Alexander had insisted he bought clothes, shoes, and other items Bagoas might need, and he still felt dizzy knowing just how much money he had spent.

"Ah, there you are!" Hephaestion had long spotted them, but hadn't walked up to them just yet. He had enjoyed seeing Bagoas so nervous while clutching a little parcel.

"I spent too much money!" Bagoas cried in a nervous voice. "Way too much! And Alexander didn't even try to stop me!"

Hephaestion placed his shopping bags on the back seat and laughed warmly at Bagoas. "That was the idea, my love. If you have the money, you should spend it!" Bagoas had no need to save his money right now.

"I will never get used to spending such amounts of money." Bagoas slipped onto the back seat, which meant that Hephaestion went in the passenger's seat, as Alexander would be driving.

Alexander started the car and drove them back to the hotel. He wondered just how long Bagoas would wait until giving Hephaestion his present.

~~~

Bagoas had showered, dressed in his new clothes, and now announced that he was going for a walk. He would probably end up sitting in the lobby drinking tea, but he didn't mind as his absence would give Alexander and Hephaestion a chance to talk. And then, when they were getting ready to go to bed, he would present the pendant to Hephaestion. He hoped his older lover would like the gift. "I will see you when you join me for dinner."

Alexander waited until Bagoas had closed the door to speak. "Do you think he noticed?"

"That we need to talk? Yes, I do." Hephaestion, who was sitting on the bed, gave Alexander a probing look. "You know why I came out here."

Alexander nodded his head and sat down beside Hephaestion. He gathered his lover's right hand in his and ran his thumb along the palm. "I love you, Hephaestion, and I will always feel ashamed of the way I treated you back then. I know that you need to hear me say it and I will repeat it as many times as necessary. I love you."

"You have grown so much, Alexander." Hephaestion leaned heavily against Alexander and smiled as his lover's blond hair teased against his skin. "I love the fact that you are growing it long. Makes me want to run my fingers through it even more."

"Hephaestion?" Alexander would have loved to abandon this painful topic, but knew he shouldn't. Not yet anyway. "What brought back this memory?"

"I was thinking about the last time we made love. I was already ill at the time, but as I didn't want you to know, I didn't tell you. I was so scared and I felt so lonely. I was afraid that I would spend the last months of my life alone." Hephaestion closed his eyes and focused on his sense of touch – Alexander's fingertips moving along the palm of his hand felt good. "Why *did* you chose Eumenes over me, Alexander? You never told me."

This time it was Alexander who felt choked up. "It was a number of things. I had grown arrogant, being the King of Asia and you know how easily my temper rules me. For some reason, your refusal to accept Eumenes made me angry. You were supposed to accept my friends and when you did not, I felt betrayed."

Hephaestion listened, but didn't speak yet.

"Partly, it was also Eumenes himself. Looking at it in retrospect, I know that he manipulated me. He talked to me in such a way that all blame fell onto you." Alexander swallowed hard, as he didn't want to admit this last bit. "And there was something else…"

Hephaestion raised his head to look Alexander in the eyes. "Bagoas." The fact that Bagoas had also manipulated Alexander would come as no surprise.

Alexander nodded his head once. "Yes, and then there was Bagoas. He was subtle, you know… so subtle, so diplomatic, and yet utterly manipulative. He saw his chance to alienate me from you and he took it."

"I am not angry with Bagoas," Hephaestion replied. "You were his world and he did everything he had to do in order to keep you. He must have been so terrified of losing you. You were all he had left and I was in the way. I understand that."

"You are so forgiving! I would be mad…" Alexander stopped himself from finishing his sentence. "What am I saying? I proclaim that I have changed – that I understand Bagoas better now, that I understand *you* so much better, and then I say something like that."

"I don't want Bagoas to know what Eumenes did when I was a child." Hephaestion had thought hard and long before he had made this decision.

"Why? Don't you think it would help him if he knew you had a similar experience? That Eumenes touched you in ways that…"

"What I went through and the things Bagoas suffered don't compare, Alexander. But there is a second reason why I don't want him to know."

Alexander folded an arm around Hephaestion's waist and idly played with one of his lover's locks of hair. "What is that?"

"Bagoas is recovering. He is finally letting go of his fears, doubts, and his past. If I bring this up now, his guilt will come crashing back in on him and he will suffer a setback in his recovery. I don't want that. We should let the past rest and not drag up these painful memories. He will blame himself for manipulating you in to choosing Eumenes' side, trust me, I know he will."

"You are probably right," Alexander replied, agreeing with Hephaestion. "It is best not to tell Bagoas." He continued to hold Hephaestion, knowing what his lover needed the most was his support. "I love you, Hephaestion. Nothing – no one – will ever come between us again. I learned from my mistakes. You have my love and my trust and they are unconditional."

"Thank you for telling me. I needed to hear that." Hephaestion had closed his eyes and was slowly drifting off into a half-sleep.

Neither Hephaestion nor Alexander heard the door close a second time. They hadn't noticed that Bagoas had returned to collect his jacket and that he had overheard their conversation. They were blissfully unaware of that.

TBC

Part 8

Bagoas walked back to the lobby in a daze, stunned. He reached for the armrest and collapsed onto a chair at the back of the lobby. It hadn't been his intention to eavesdrop on them; it had just happened, and now he wasn't certain how he felt about the things he had heard.

He remembered those weeks in which Alexander had been cross with Hephaestion. He had been delighted to see their relationship falling apart and he had given Alexander hints – subtle hints – that what Hephaestion was doing was not acceptable. In retrospect, he realized that most of Alexander's Companions had been thrilled to see Alexander and Hephaestion conflicted. A lot of the Companions had been jealous of Hephaestion for a long time and they had taken their chance to alienate Alexander further from Hephaestion – much like he had.

Bagoas bowed his head and buried his face in his hands. What had he done? He had manipulated Alexander into drifting away from Hephaestion when Hephaestion had needed his lover so much. Hephaestion had already been suffering from typhus and Eumenes' arrival must have awoken very painful memories. /I was such a bastard! Why couldn't I be happy with what I had? Why did I have to come between them in such a way?/

The fact that Hephaestion had been so afraid to lose Alexander was something that had registered with him, even back then. But seeing Hephaestion so distressed had pleased Bagoas – now it only caused him to feel guilty.

He had met Eumenes a few times and had also disliked the man, though he had been unable to explain why. Now he realized he had been dealing with a sexual predator and this man's victim had been a very young Hephaestion. /And I never noticed a thing./ Bagoas didn't know what he would have done had he known back then what he knew now.

/But I know the truth now and I have to find a way to deal with my jealousy and manipulation. How is it possible that Hephaestion forgave me for what I did? I caused him pain!/ And yet, Hephaestion had mentioned that he didn't blame Bagoas, that he understood the eunuch's need to know that Alexander's was his. He felt incredibly guilty and his past actions made him loathe himself. He had been such a despicable creature! /And still Hephaestion forgave me…/

"Hey, why aren't you in the dining room yet?"

Bagoas flinched as Hephaestion's voice came from close by. Raising his head, he found the older man standing next to his chair. Alexander was nowhere in sight though. Bagoas tried to reply, but his mouth felt dry and his vocal cords refused to cooperate.

"Is something wrong?" Growing concerned, Hephaestion pulled a chair close and sat down next to Bagoas.

A lump of emotions settled in Bagoas' throat. Hephaestion was asking *him* if something was wrong, while it was *he* who had wronged Hephaestion so badly in the past.

As Bagoas remained quiet, Hephaestion's worries increased. "Bagoas?" He rested a hand on top of Bagoas' and squeezed gently. "Did this all finally catch up with you? I thought you were doing well and that you had dealt with visiting the police station the other day."

Did Hephaestion really think he was acting like this about that? Bagoas drew in a deep breath and tried to shake off Hephaestion's hand, but the older man reacted by tightening his hold on his fingers. "It simply amazes me that you accepted me so easily. That you forgave me how much I envied you in the past – that I wronged you." As he was looking Hephaestion in the eye, he could tell the exact moment when the older man realized what had happened.

"You heard me talk to Alexander." The response was stated in a flat emotionless voice and didn't reveal how Hephaestion felt about that.

Bagoas nodded his head once. "I acted like such a child back then and I am so terribly ashamed of my behavior!"

Hephaestion drew in a deep breath and squeezed Bagoas' hand a little. "Bagoas, did you also hear me say that I don't blame you?"

Bagoas nodded again. "Though it is beyond me how you can forgive me for trying to alienate Alexander from you. I had no right to do that!" He continued to study Hephaestion's expressive eyes. He wanted the floor to open up and swallow him. "I was such a coward."

"You used the right tense, Bagoas. You *were*. You aren't any longer. You have proven your worth to me. I am letting go, why can't you?" It was most unfortunate that Bagoas had overheard his conversation with Alexander – Hephaestion never wanted Bagoas to find out.

"Hephaestion, I heard the rest as well." Bagoas bit his bottom lip. Why was he bringing this up when he *knew* that Hephaestion didn't want him to know that he had been molested as a child?

Hephaestion drew in a deep breath. Using the hold he already had on Bagoas' hand, he brought the limb close to his chest, to the area where his heart was located. "This happened a long time ago and I can deal with the memories. I have Alexander and I have you to help me deal with them – or don't I?" Hephaestion hoped that this was the right way to approach the matter.

"I can't let go because I am the one to blame for what happened." Bagoas wasn't going to give in that easily. "I did my best to drive Alexander away from you."

"I understand why you did it, Bagoas, so let it go. I don't blame you."

"Then who *do* you blame?" Bagoas knew how the mind worked; Hephaestion had to blame someone.

"Alexander mostly. He should have known better and he knows it." Hephaestion rose from his chair and pulled Bagoas to his feet with him. "But Alexander and I talked things through. We did that in our first life and we did it just now again."

A strand of raven hair swept against Bagoas' face as he tilted his head. "I don't understand how you can love me. Or that you loved me back then. I was so awful to you."

"You might not want to hear this, but I am going to say it anyway."

Bagoas sucked in his breath as he wondered what Hephaestion might say that he wouldn't want to hear.

"You were a child back then, Bagoas. You were taken away from your parents, who were brutally murdered, and you tried to survive the best way you could. It is in the nature of children to be clingy, possessive, and egocentric. You suffered so much and, when you finally met Alexander, he became your hero, your savior. I never tried taking him away from you *because* I understood what was going on with you. And I also understand what is going on with you *now*."

Bagoas frowned. "Do you still think of me as a child then?"

"If I did, do you think I would take you into my bed?"

Bagoas blinked. "Hephaestion, I was far from untouched when we met the first time."

"Still, I would not have touched you if I didn't think you were mature enough." Hephaestion pulled Bagoas into his arms, but always maintained eye contact. "Don't make yourself pay for something you did over two thousand years, Bagoas. If you really want to make a change, accept it happened and then move on. I need you at my side, Bagoas, just as much as I need Alexander."

Bagoas felt amazed at seeing such genuine emotions as hope and, above all, trust in Hephaestion's alluring eyes. /Trust… He trusts me./ Ignoring any looks he might attract with his action, he moved closer and embraced Hephaestion. "*You* are my savior, Hephaestion… without you…"

"Hush now, don't say it." Hephaestion rubbed Bagoas' back and waited for the younger man to calm down. Once he was certain that Bagoas had composed himself, he began to lead his younger lover toward the balcony where Alexander was already waiting for them to join him for dinner.

~~~

They ate dinner in a comfortable silence. They would chat occasionally, but most of the time they simply enjoyed the view and their company.

Later, they moved on to the bar and Hephaestion ordered wine for all three of them. "Don't forget to pack tomorrow. We will be checking into our new hotel tomorrow evening."

Alexander shook his head again. "Hephaestion, this hotel is just fine. We can stay here."

"Indulge me," Hephaestion replied with a wicked grin on his face. "I love pampering the two of you."

"You never told me just how wealthy your family is," Alexander remarked, staring at Hephaestion from over the rim of his glass. He loved the way his lover's auburn hair tumbled down the shoulders. But it was the eyes that seemed to magically draw him close and, before he knew it, he was pressing a kiss onto Hephaestion's lips.

Hephaestion grinned. "I reckon that means you missed me too." He raised his glass and toasted to his lovers' health.

Bagoas wavered; it had been his intention to get Hephaestion alone for a few minutes so he could give him the pendant in private, but after eavesdropping on them, he felt he had lost the right to do so. In the end, he sipped his wine and wallowed in self-pity.

~~~

While Bagoas was taking a bath before going to bed, Hephaestion sat down next to Alexander. "He overheard our conversation, Alexander. He knows what Eumenes did to me and how we argued about him. He feels guilty because he manipulated you into distancing yourself from me. I told him that I don't blame him, but I don't think he believes me."

"What are your plans?" Alexander could tell that Hephaestion was up to something.

"I will have to spend some time alone with Bagoas. It would be best if I did that once we arrive at our new resort. Don't worry though, I won't forget about you."

"Hephaestion, I… I… want to give you something. I got it the other day and I want you to have it." Alexander's hands trembled as he handed Hephaestion the small jewelry box. "I hope you will like it."

Hephaestion blinked. He hadn't expected such a romantic gesture from his Alexander. It showed just how much his lover had emotionally grown. "You got me a gift?"

"I so hope you will like it." Alexander still felt rather insecure when it came down to doing things like these. He was still learning how to express himself in this way. "It made me think of you. You will hopefully understand why when you open the box."

Hephaestion raised the lid and his breath caught. "You didn't have to do that." Inside the jewelry box, resting on a bed of black velvet, sat a silver ring with a blue stone.

"The stone is called Iolite and the color changes from violet to blue and back again, depending on the way you look at it. Your eyes do that sometimes as well. They take on the most amazing colors." Alexander laughed nervously. "I hope I got the size right. May I?" He lifted the ring from the box and looked hopefully at Hephaestion. He wanted to slip it onto Hephaestion's finger.

Hephaestion nodded once, but couldn't help but asking, "What brought this about?" Feeling Alexander slide it down his finger caused a strange sensation in his chest. His heart was pounding and he felt light-headed now that the ring sat snugly around his finger.

"It was the film, to be honest: the ring-giving scene to be precise." Alexander gave Hephaestion an extremely shy look. "You know that I am not good at expressing myself in this way…"

"You have gotten better at it, my Alexander."

When Hephaestion smiled so tenderly at him, Alexander's heart filled with love and for one moment he felt like he had the first time he had kissed Hephaestion – the first time they had said, "I love you," in whispered voices. "So, you like it?"

"I will always wear it," Hephaestion promised and delivered a surprisingly chaste kiss to Alexander's lips. Their relationship, their love, was still deepening and gaining a more spiritual nature.

He actually felt connected with Hephaestion in a way he had never experienced before. "I love you." How many times had he said those words? And yet, they had never come more from the heart than they did right now. "You *are" the other half of my soul."

Hephaestion looked at Alexander for a long time and, not only did he feel the weight of the ring on his finger, but also the love Alexander bore him.

~~~

Bagoas still felt uncomfortable when he left the bathroom. He had used the time sitting in the bath tub to reflect on his past, present and future. Hephaestion was right: he had to let go of his past. Yes, he had made mistakes in his past, but so had Alexander. He had to live in the present and for the future and that meant making the best of his situation.

The first thing he noticed upon entering the bedroom was the ring on Hephaestion's finger. It had to be Alexander's; Hephaestion wouldn't buy anything like that for himself. Seeing that ring reminded him of the fact that he still had a present to give to Hephaestion as well, but he couldn't do that now – not now that Hephaestion was so thrilled about that ring. Hephaestion's eyes sparkled with love – love for Alexander.

"Bagoas!" Seeing the lost look in Bagoas' eyes, Hephaestion raised his hand and gestured for the younger man to approach. Bagoas had wrapped a towel around his wet hair and had slipped into a morning robe. He looked innocent all in white and the expression in those brown eyes made him look even younger. Hephaestion was once more painfully reminded of the fact of just how young Bagoas was – still a teenager. /And yet an old soul inhabits this young body./

Bagoas allowed Hephaestion to pull him onto the bed. Feeling insecure, he lowered his eyes and thus missed the look Hephaestion and Alexander exchanged.

Alexander nodded, understanding without words what Hephaestion was asking. He pressed a kiss onto Hephaestion's brow and then left the bed. "It is my turn to take a long soak in the bath tub."

Alexander's sudden departure surprised Bagoas, who had wanted to assure Alexander that he didn't have to leave because of him, but Hephaestion stopped him from doing so by resting a finger against his lips.

"Let him." Hephaestion unwrapped the towel from Bagoas' head and deposited it on the floor. Running his fingers through the raven hair, he little by little untangled the strands. "Bagoas?"

Bagoas grew nervous now that he saw a look in Hephaestion's eyes which he had only seen directed at Alexander before. "What?"

"Do you trust me?" Hephaestion's hands descended and pushed the morning robe from Bagoas' shoulders, revealing smooth skin. Leaning in closer, he kissed Bagoas and slid his arms behind Bagoas' back.

"I do," Bagoas whispered as he suddenly realized what was going to happen next, causing excitement to flutter in his insides. "Now?"

"Now." Hephaestion had noticed the effect seeing Alexander's ring on his finger had had on Bagoas and he knew he needed to reassure Bagoas of his love. "That is if you still want me to take you."

"I do," Bagoas whispered, allowing Hephaestion to lay him down on his back. Hephaestion's fingers undid his belt and then his older lover pushed the fabric apart. Seeing Hephaestion move above him should have frightened him, should have reminded him of other moments when men had been preparing to take him, but this was different.

"Why don't you help me undress?" Hephaestion refused to be the only active one in their love play.

Bagoas' fingers trembled as they undid the buttons to Hephaestion's shirt. Like his lover had done to him a moment ago, he now slid the fabric of the shirt down the impressive torso until Hephaestion's upper body was naked.

"You are so delicate, Bagoas… Like a rose…" Hephaestion licked the areas he had found Bagoas responded the most to. He licked beneath the earlobe, let his tongue trial down, and suckled the sensitive skin of Bagoas' throat. Hephaestion was careful not to put any weight on Bagoas and supported himself by resting on an elbow. That way he was still propped up and could he study Bagoas' eyes.

Bagoas' nervousness increased when he reached for the zipper of Hephaestion's jeans. He undid the zipper and pushed the jeans and underwear down, revealing all of Hephaestion. "I am nervous," he admitted. "The times that I have done this I was in pain."

"I promise you that there won't be any pain, only pleasure." Hephaestion had caught sight of the lubricant on the nightstand and smiled as he made his way down Bagoas' body. He knew how to relax his lover and put his tongue and lips to good use. He took in Bagoas' length and stroked the velvet-like scrotum.

Bagoas never expected that move and closed his eyes in bliss. His fingernails dug into the mattress and he threw back his head.

Now that Bagoas was beginning to relax, Hephaestion took the next step. He bestowed a last lick onto Bagoas' member and then let his tongue dance downward until he encountered the opening to his lover's body.

That odd, new sensation took Bagoas by surprise and he opened his eyes at feeling Hephaestion's tongue press against the guardian ring. He drew in a deep breath, told himself to trust Hephaestion, and parted his legs further. Lifting his hips, he waited for Hephaestion's next move. He didn’t have to wait long, for that wet tongue then pushed inside and massaged his channel in a way he had never known before. "That feels good."

Hephaestion grinned, but didn't stop to reply. Instead, he reached for the lubricant and squeezed a royal amount onto a fingertip. "Are you ready, Bagoas?"

Bagoas raised his head and gave Hephaestion a long look. "I want this."

Hephaestion nodded once and then placed one finger at the entrance to Bagoas' body. He massaged the guardian ring for a while and then slid his fingertip inside. "How does that feel, my love?" Leaning in closer, he nuzzled the soft balls.

"It feels good… There is no pain…" Bagoas wondered about this. Yes, he had seen Alexander and Hephaestion make love and neither one of them had been in pain when they had made love, but he was used to the presence of pain during the act. Yes, the eunuch knew of ways to dull the pain, but this reborn Bagoas mostly remembered pain.

"I am inside of you." Hephaestion placed butterfly kisses onto Bagoas' stomach and his finger penetrated deeper in search of his lover's prostate. "We can stop anytime you want to. I will not pressure you in any way."

"I am fine," Bagoas murmured. He was quickly letting go of his fears now that Hephaestion was so tender and understanding. "Try two."

Hephaestion added more of the lubricant before inserting two digits into his lover's channel. "You are so beautiful in your surrender. You take my breath away." Focusing on Bagoas' needs, Hephaestion moved his fingers until they were brushing the younger man's prostate. At the same time, his lips sought out their counterparts and they locked in a kiss.

Bagoas felt helpless. Until now, he hadn't realized just how much he wanted this. "Take me, Hephaestion." He thrust down onto Hephaestion's fingers in an attempt to show his eagerness.

"Slowly," Hephaestion replied, cautioning his lover. He always kept in mind how traumatic Bagoas' past had been. "Why don't you rub it on?" He had withdrawn his fingers from Bagoas' body and now handed the younger man the tube with lubricant.

Bagoas coated Hephaestion's erection with the slippery substance and then began to turn around.

"What are you doing?" Hephaestion frowned; Bagoas had displayed this behavior before.

"Don't you want to take me?" His customers had preferred seeing him on his hands and knees and he expected Hephaestion to prefer that position as well.

Hephaestion resolutely rolled Bagoas onto his back again. "Have you forgotten what I told you? I will never take you in that way."

Bagoas remembered – he just thought that Hephaestion had changed his mind.

"Trust me…" Hephaestion whispered as he pressed kisses onto Bagoas' throat. He pushed his arms beneath Bagoas' back and cradled him. The tip of his member pressed against the opening to Bagoas' body, but he made no attempt to enter him yet.

Bagoas felt lost, staring into those heaven-blue eyes, and suddenly, Hephaestion was moving him. In one fluid movement, his lover slowly entered him, pulled him upright, and changed their position. Bagoas blinked, not quite understanding how Hephaestion had accomplished this, but the fact was that Hephaestion was on his back, and he was straddling his lover. He had expected to feel pain, but Hephaestion was buried inside him to the hilt – but there hadn't been any pain! No pain at all! "I don't understand."

Hephaestion smiled. He had placed his large hands on Bagoas' hips and now rubbed the skin there. Moving Bagoas into this position had been his way to distract his younger lover. Bagoas had expected to feel pain, but the movement had caught him off guard and Hephaestion had been inside the well-lubricated passage before Bagoas knew it. "I wouldn't mind if you began to move, Bagoas."

Bagoas blinked. Hephaestion's eyes shone with love – and this time that love was for him – just for him. He was about to raise himself so he could impale himself on Hephaestion's cock when the other man stopped him.

"No, not like that. I don’t want you to be in any discomfort. Just circle your hips. Trust me; that will do the trick nicely." Hephaestion loved seeing the surprise in Bagoas' eyes when his lover did just that.

Bagoas released a moan, coming from deep within his throat. "You are right." Hephaestion's cock rubbed against his prostate and caused the most wonderful sensations in his lower body. The sad truth was that this was the first time in this life time that he was experiencing this bliss. None of his clients had bothered to make him feel good – they had only been interested in their own pleasure.

Hephaestion moved one hand until it rested at the nape of Bagoas neck and then pulled his lover close enough to kiss him. He wrapped the fingers of his other hand around Bagoas' hard flesh and stroked in a teasingly slow manner – he wanted to make this good for Bagoas and he wanted to make it last.

Unfortunately, Bagoas quickly succumbed to the tiny explosions happening in his groin. He deepened their kiss at the moment of his climax and pushed his arms around Hephaestion's shoulders so he could hold him tight.

Hephaestion had been holding himself back, not wanting to reach orgasm before Bagoas did, but now that the contractions started around his cock, he let go.

Bagoas groaned and collapsed onto Hephaestion's strong body. The fluid warmth that now filled him felt different from all the other times that his customers had come inside him. He had never climaxed at the same time and, for one moment, he felt like he had melted together with Hephaestion. "This is intense…" It was way more intense than he had thought possible.

Hephaestion placed his hands on either side of Bagoas' head and captured his gaze. "This is what making love is supposed to feel like, my love."

"Thank you for showing me." Bagoas smiled at Hephaestion. The fact that Hephaestion now wore Alexander's ring no longer bothered him, for he had just experienced Hephaestion's love.

TBC

Part 9

"You must be joking." Alexander gave Hephaestion a look filled with disbelief. "You booked this?"

Hephaestion merely nodded his head and drove the car toward the entrance of the hotel.

Bagoas, in the meantime, was unfolding the informative brochure the guard at the main gate had handed him. "Listen to this! The Nafsika Astir Palace wields the scepter of utmost beauty, in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. Looking at the Vouliagmeni bay, Nafsika seems to be the natural continuation of outstanding bloomy scenery, releasing a combination of sea breeze and pine odor. The “princess” of the complex unfolds in front of our eyes, younger than ever, following contemporary decorative lines." Bagoas blinked now that the real thing was coming into view. It wasn't so much the hotel itself that took his breath away – it was the view of the sea. "Oh, that is…"

"Stunning," Alexander said, finishing for Bagoas. He tilted his head and gave Hephaestion a wondering look. "And your father has no problems paying for this?"

Hephaestion laughed. "Who says my father is paying for any of this? I have some money of my own, you know." Hephaestion stopped the car and the valet approached, already offering to park it for them. Hephaestion handed the valet the car key and waited for his lovers to join him at the entrance.

"What about our luggage?" Bagoas asked.

"They will take care of it, don't worry." Hephaestion entered the main building first and was closely followed by Alexander and Bagoas.

Alexander and Bagoas had thought that their first hotel had been impressive, but this was an even more remarkable resort. Hephaestion handled the formalities and then gestured for them to follow the porter. They were escorted to their rooms – three singles this time, as that was all the hotel had still had available on such short notice – but they didn't mind that much, realizing each room housed a massive king size bed. They would be able to snuggle up together at night and, at the same time, they could also get their privacy if they desired so.

Hephaestion tipped the porter and turned around to see the looks on the faces of his lovers as he opened the curtains and revealed the view to them. "So what do you think?"

"This is paradise," Bagoas murmured, already studying the large swimming pool area.

Hephaestion had followed the direction of Bagoas' look and said, "You can also swim in the sea, Bagoas. You aren't limited to the pool."

"So that is why you told us to buy trunks before leaving Athens." Alexander had wondered about Hephaestion's insistence that they bought swimming attire.

"We will stay here for a few days, relax, and then we will fly back home. I am beginning to miss our little cottage." Hephaestion sat down on the bed, lifted his legs, and crossed his ankles. He uncovered his laptop and switched it on.

"You brought that with you?" Bagoas wondered just how much mail had gathered in his inbox during these last few days.

"That reminds me…" Hephaestion opened his suitcase and removed another laptop from it, which he pushed into Bagoas' hands. "That way you'll have a bit more privacy." He couldn't help himself and added, "I found a message with slash in the subject line in my inbox the other day. I got curious and read its content. Bagoas, I had no idea…" He let his voice drift off and chuckled at seeing Bagoas' flustered state. "I took the liberty of adding some bookmarks to that laptop of yours, Bagoas. There is a slash story called 'A Taste of Morocco' which I am sure you would like to read."

"You read that?" Bagoas almost dropped his laptop in surprise, but steadied himself at the last moment. He knew that story and also recalled that it was labeled NC-17. "You actually read that?"

"Yes, and it gave me some ideas that we might try out in bed." Hephaestion wiggled an eyebrow suggestively.

Alexander had been quiet up to this moment, but now decided to get involved. He sat down next to Hephaestion and asked, "Where is that story? I want to read it too. Does it have sex?"

Hephaestion's chuckling grew louder and he accessed the story for Alexander. "I am certain you will enjoy reading it as well." He handed Bagoas one room key and placed the other next to Alexander. "You might actually enjoy having your own room this time around, Bagoas!"

Getting the hint, Bagoas' flush deepened. He cradled the laptop against his chest and was ready to flee to his room. He couldn't believe Hephaestion had read a slash story about Jared and Colin! He should have covered his tracks a lot better!

"I want to go swimming," Hephaestion announced. "Shall we meet at the pool in thirty minutes?" Bagoas had already collected his duffel bag and his new suit case and was heading toward the door.

"I will be there," Bagoas replied as he opened the door. Looking at Alexander, he cringed, seeing the big, fat grin plastered on the blond's man face.

"And you really like to read stuff like this?" Alexander looked up from the screen and gave Bagoas a smirk. "This stuff reminds me of the snippets I wrote."

Bagoas quickly closed the door behind him and headed for his room, which was only two doors away from Hephaestion's. Why had he been so sloppy?

"Did you have to tease him that badly?" Alexander asked once Bagoas had closed the door.

"Tease him? I thought I took things easy on him." Hephaestion snuggled up to Alexander and read a few lines. "What do you think?"

"I like it… Makes me think back to the time when we used honey as a lubricant. That was no success."

"We got stuck!" Hephaestion laughed warmly and brushed blond strands away from Alexander's face. "I would like to stay here for three or four days and then we will take the plane home. What do you think?"

"Sounds good." Alexander didn't bother to look up this time as he was drawn in by the story.

~~~

Bagoas was already in the pool by the time Hephaestion and Alexander appeared. Hephaestion dove right in, while Alexander tested the water temperature first. Finding it acceptable, Alexander waded inside and watched Bagoas swim lap after lap.

Hephaestion felt wicked and swam toward Bagoas under the water. Reaching for the lithe form in the water, he teasingly pulled Bagoas under.

Bagoas had expected for something like that to happen, but had thought it would be Alexander to pull him under and not the normally so well-behaved Hephaestion.

Alexander joined in the fun and soon they were frolicking about in the water. In the end, they swam toward the edge of the pool, rested their arms on the rim, and looked at the azure-blue water of the Gulf. Alexander rested his chin on his forearms and smiled. "Hephaestion, this hotel *is* better than our first one."

Bagoas had leafed through the information he had found in his room and said, "There is a lot more to do. There are also two fitness centers. So, if you want to work out…"

Alexander smiled secretly. He understood why Bagoas was feeding him this suggestion. The younger man was probably waiting for the right opportunity to give Hephaestion his pendant.

"Do you guys want to swim in the sea instead?" Hephaestion was already pulling himself out of the water. His arms were rippling muscle and he saw Alexander drool as his lover peeked at his backside.

Alexander and Bagoas joined him and walked onto the beach. A waiter approached and asked if they would like something to drink and they ordered some lemonade, not wanting to drink anything with alcohol yet. It was still too early for that.

The waves welcomed them and crashed against their bodies. While Alexander and Bagoas settled for splashing each other, Hephaestion used the chance to swim.

Almost half an hour later, they made their way back onto the beach and settled down on the comfortable chairs. The waiter served them their drinks and reminded them that lunch would be served shortly.

Alexander's eyes narrowed at seeing the tender looks Bagoas was giving Hephaestion. Maybe it was time to hit the gym after all.

~~~

"Bagoas?" Hephaestion knocked on the door to Bagoas' room. Alexander had insisted that he visited with Bagoas before dinner and, instead of going to the gym, Alexander had opted for reading a bit more slash. The rate with which Alexander was devouring the stories, especially the NC-17 ones, alarmed Hephaestion and he reckoned it wouldn't be long before Alexander tried writing more of his snippets.

"Hephaestion?" Bagoas blinked as he hadn't expected Hephaestion to drop by. He was already dressed for dinner and had chosen to wear black slacks and a white shirt, which he had buttoned down somewhat. These were clothes he had bought himself and they fit him perfectly. He walked toward the door and opened it. He gasped, finding Hephaestion wearing a stunning blue shirt, which brought out his expressive eyes even more.

"Can I come inside?" Hephaestion gave Bagoas a wink.

"That color really matches your eyes," Bagoas replied, unable to stay quiet about the effect the other man was having on him.

Hephaestion entered and headed for the window. Bagoas closed the door behind him and joined Hephaestion in admiring the view. Hephaestion hoped he was still handling this relationship well. He was doing his best to divide his time between his lovers, but at times, he felt like he was failing them.

"Hephaestion?" Bagoas' mouth went dry as he realized this was the perfect moment to give Hephaestion the pendant.

"Yes, my love?" Hephaestion cocked his head and smiled at Bagoas. He lifted his hand and caressed the delicate face. His ring glittered in the light of the sun, which was beginning to set.

"I…" Bagoas' throat contracted and he felt all choked up. He quickly stepped away from Hephaestion to collect the jewelry box and then returned to the older man's side. "It doesn't compare to the ring Alexander gave you, but I hope you will still like it. I didn't know Alexander had bought you that ring when I got you this." He lowered his eyes and grew flustered now that Hephaestion had accepted the box.

Hephaestion blinked; why were they suddenly giving him presents? "Bagoas, the fact that you took the time to get me something already makes me feel special and I will wear what is inside for the rest of my life."

Bagoas swallowed, feeling deeply touched. "Don't stay that yet. Have a look first." What if Hephaestion didn't like the pendant?
Hephaestion lifted the lid and stared at the pendant. "It's a lion's head."

"That's because you are my lion. I found it by accident and Alexander suggested I should give it to you."

"Alexander knew about this?" So that was why his lover had told him to visit with Bagoas. He carefully lifted the pendant and necklace from the box and admired it. It was a finely detailed head and tears began to push against his eyelids. He had closed them for a moment in an effort to compose himself. Opening them again, a single tear escaped and slid down his cheek.

"You don't like it?" Bagoas asked, feeling apprehensive because of the tear.

"It's perfect," Hephaestion quickly replied as he lifted the necklace from the box. His hands trembled when he offered it to Bagoas. "Put it on?" He then turned around and lifted his hair so Bagoas had easier access to his neck.

"If you like it, then why are you shedding tears?" Bagoas put the necklace around Hephaestion's neck and rested his hands on the broad shoulders. Hephaestion lowered his hair again and rested his back against Bagoas' chest.

"I am shedding them because this necklace makes me realize that you really see me as your 'lion'." He turned around and probed Bagoas' eyes. Lifting a hand, he caressed Bagoas' face. "Thank you, Bagoas."

Bagoas finally let a smile shine through and leaned in closer to kiss Hephaestion. "I love you and I am sorry for all the mistakes I made in the past. I listened when you said that I should look toward the future instead and this is my way of saying that you are a very important part of my future – like Alexander."

Hephaestion embraced Bagoas tightly and pressed a kiss onto the raven hair. "I will always be your lion, Bagoas – always."

~~~

Alexander watched Hephaestion and Bagoas holding hands during dinner and chuckled each time that Bagoas cast a look at the pendant Hephaestion was wearing. It was a good thing that he had told Hephaestion to visit with Bagoas for several reasons. Another reason was that he had managed to finish reading the Morocco – Thailand affair. He had been disappointed when he had reached the last chapter, even though that last sex scene had made him so horny that he had brought himself to orgasm while rereading it.

"So what did you do before dinner?" Bagoas asked in an effort to make conversation.

Alexander arched an eyebrow. "I read some slash – thanks to Hephaestion and you. I am thinking of continuing my erotic novel centered around Hephaestion. I could write about the time that we used the honey."
Hephaestion groaned. "Please don't."

"Honey?" Bagoas echoed the word in puzzlement.

"As a lubricant. I wouldn't recommend it."

Alexander's deadpanned tone made Bagoas burst out laughing and he had no trouble imagining that scene.

"Just remember our deal. I get to read the story first." Hephaestion leaned back in his chair and let his gaze sweep over the Gulf. The moon was rising and cast a silver light over the sea. During his life in Great-Britain he had always felt like something was missing from his life, but he hadn't known what until his memories had returned. Alexander suddenly poked him in his side and Hephaestion's gaze traveled from the water to Alexander's brown eyes. "What is it?"

"Are you happy, Hephaestion?" Alexander was fairly certain Hephaestion was, but like his lover, he needed to hear him say it.

"I am happy, yes. Very happy.

~~~

The next day, Bagoas went swimming on his own to give Alexander and Hephaestion some quality time together. On his way over to the pool, he felt like someone was watching him, but he eventually dismissed his worries when he slid into the water. He had to grow used to doing things on his own and had to stop being so dependant on Hephaestion and Alexander.

A man dressed in a black suit complete with a name tag passed by the pool and Bagoas managed to read the tag – apparently this was the resort's manager, a certain mister Papadopoulos. The man inclined his head in greeting and then proceeded toward the bar located near the swimming pool. Bagoas' eyes narrowed; this man was the typical example of someone who would visit a brothel to seek out his services and for that reason, he disliked the manager with his gray hair and dark moustache.

"I know you."

The deep, rumbling voice came from very close and startled Bagoas, who had been swimming toward the edge of the pool. Turning about in the water, he stared at the bald man who had managed to sneak up on him. The eyes were cold and the eyebrows drawn together in thought. "You are mistaken," he managed to say. "You are probably mistaking me for someone else."

"No, I am not. I don't remember your name, but I do remember your mouth and ass, boy. I remember the way you screamed when I tore into you."

The words were said in a clipped, cold tone and made Bagoas flinch violently. There was no way that he could remember all of his 'customers', but it appeared this man had remembered him.

"What are you doing here, boy? Are you now working at the resort? I am surprised they let you. It is against their policy to employ whores. I should know, I inquired about it." The man had managed to swim up even closer to him and now reached for Bagoas below the surface of the water. "Or are you selling your ass without them knowing about it? If that's the case, you had better treat me nice, or I will tell them what you are."

Bagoas' world was shattering into a million pieces. He had felt safe – so safe that he had never considered the fact that he might end up facing one of his former customers. "Let me go!" The man's hand had reached for his groin and was trying to grab hold of his genitalia. "I am warning you, let me go!"

"Or else what will you do? I only need to call the hotel manager and he will throw you out of the resort. I believe he passed us by only a moment ago. I want to feel that sweet mouth on my cock again, and after you made me come, I will drive myself into you again and you will allow it – free of charge."

Anger rose in Bagoas' stomach. It was the same anger that had made Bagoas the eunuch kill a would-be rapist in his first life. The reborn Bagoas might have considered giving in to the man's demands, but not Bagoas the eunuch. The older part of his soul insisted he taught the bastard a lesson.

Unexpectedly, the bald man cried out in pain and anger. "You fucking whore! I will make you pay for…" He fought for breath now that Bagoas had kicked him in the groin beneath the water.

"If you touch me ever again, I will cut off your balls!" Bagoas' eyes sparkled dangerously and he began to swim away from the bald man.

"I will get you for this!" The man, determined to get his revenge, gathered his strength and dignity and exited the pool.

Bagoas allowed himself a moment of rest and drew in a deep breath. He had surprised himself by defending himself. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all that the old Bagoas had become a part of him. Bagoas left the pool and now shook over his entire body, still reeling from the intense experience.

"That's him! He attacked me!"

Bagoas spun around and his eyes grew big, seeing his attacker return with the hotel manager in tow. Oh, this wasn't good!

"He attacked me for no reason at all! I demand that you inform the police and have him arrested for assault!"

The hotel manager's gaze settled on him and Bagoas lowered his eyes. He hated the way he was still shaking. He probably looked guilty and wished Alexander and Hephaestion were here to support him.

"Is this true, sir? Did you attack this man?" The hotel manager tried to probe Bagoas' eyes, but that was impossible as the dark eyes were trained on the tiles.

"I didn’t attack him. I defended myself." Bagoas flinched at the way he sounded: guilty.

"That's a lie! He turned on me for no reason!" The bald man was bent on getting his revenge and stared into the manager's eyes.

"Why did you need to defend yourself, sir?" the manager asked. He didn't know what had happened between his guests, but he was determined to find out the truth.

"He grabbed hold of me and tried to pull me with him." Bagoas realized he was in a lot of problems. If he told the hotel manager why his former customer had grabbed him, Mister Papadopoulos would have removed him at any rate. Bagoas believed that the manager wouldn't allow him to stay once he knew that his guest had been a prostitute once.

"And why did you do that?" the hotel manager now questioned the bald man. "This man is also a guest and should feel safe here. Why did you grab him, sir?"

The bald man gritted his teeth and opted for distraction. "A guest? This boy is nothing but a whore! Surely you don't want his kind around?"

The dark eyebrows of the hotel manager inched higher and the intense gaze remained trained on the bald man. "This young man is a paying guest, much like you are. Your behavior, sir, isn't appropriate for this resort."

"You believe him? And not me?" The bald man stared at the manager in disbelief! "I am the victim here!"

"I very much doubt that." The hotel manager picked up the morning robe Bagoas had discarded before wading into the pool and draped the fabric over Bagoas' shoulders. "This young man is shaking like a leaf, while you are raging, sir. You are making my decision much easier. I expect you to pack and to leave the resort within the next hour."

"I can't believe this! You choose to support him? He is a whore! A fucking whore!"

The hotel manager signaled for two waiters to approach. "Please escort this man to his room, see to it that he pays his bill, and then leaves the resort. If he continues to cause problems, call the police."

Bagoas couldn’t believe this was happening! The manager had taken his side in this matter and the bald man was now forcefully being escorted to his room. "I am sorry for causing problems."

Mister Papadopoulos took a step aside and offered Bagoas an apologetic look. "No, I should apologize for this guest's behavior. He was out of line and I don't tolerate such behavior at my hotel."

"He spoke the truth though." Bagoas couldn't explain what was making him say this. "I was a whore once. They forced me into prostitution. The criminals who did that are on trial right now."

The manager's look remained apologetic and vaguely sympathetic. "In that case I regret this incident even more. I do hope it won't make you depart prematurely."

Bagoas never expected that reply. "You aren't sending me away?"

"Why should I?"

Bagoas nodded his head once and said, "Thank you for believing me. I didn't think you would."

"Sometimes, we get customers like him. I knew something was amiss when he inquired if the hotel also offered 'certain services' in the evening hours."

Bagoas spied Alexander's approach and realized it was time to end this conversation. "I would be grateful if this remained private."

"I will be discreet, of course," the manager assured him. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, thank you." Bagoas watched the manager leave with relief. For a moment he had been afraid that his past had really caught up with him.

"Bagoas? You look awfully pale. Is something wrong? Did that man give you a hard time? If he did, I will talk to him." Alexander disliked the pallor Bagoas' face had gained and naturally felt concerned.

"Nothing is wrong." Bagoas smiled brilliantly at Alexander. "Everything is right." He had surprised himself by defending himself and felt proud that he had done so. /Thank you,/ he thought, directing his gratitude at that older part of his soul. /I couldn't have done this without you./

/Silly child,/ came a reply from deep within his mind. /*You* did this. You are much stronger than you think!/

"Bagoas?" What was causing Bagoas to be this distant? This distracted? "It is time to get ready for dinner."

"I will join Hephaestion and you in a few minutes. I want to take a short walk along the beach first."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

Bagoas shook his head and gave Alexander a confident smile. "No, you should spend time with Hephaestion." Bagoas leaned in closer and kissed Alexander on the lips. "You don't have to worry about me any more."

"I don't?" Alexander looked at Bagoas in surprise, but then let the younger man go. It was obvious that something had happened to Bagoas, something that had changed him – and fortunately, it had been a change for the better.

TBC



Part 10

"I am nervous," Bagoas admitted as he seated himself in between Alexander and Hephaestion. It was the first time he was going to fly and Hephaestion had offered him the window seat, but Bagoas had declined, feeling safer wedged in between them.

"All will go well." Alexander curled his fingers around Bagoas' for encouragement and opted for distraction. "What did you buy?" Bagoas had been secretive when he had voiced his request to go shopping in Athens before returning home. He had surprised Alexander and Hephaestion by insisting that he went alone. Both men wondered about the change that had come over Bagoas lately. The younger man was way more confident these days and didn't shy away from challenges.

"That will remain a secret for now." Bagoas smiled mysteriously and his thoughts drifted back to his shopping spree. Finding the items he had wanted hadn't been easy, but in the end, he had been successful. "You will find out shortly, trust me."

Hephaestion felt proud at seeing how confident – proud even – Bagoas had grown. It was a far cry from the shy, helpless boy they had taken in some months ago.

The 'fasten your seatbelts' lights went on and the flight attendants readied themselves for take off. Hephaestion reached for the mints he had bought and handed Bagoas two. "Suck on them during take off." It would distract Bagoas and hopefully fight any panic the younger man might experience once the pressure increased.

"You can suck on something else, if you would prefer that," Alexander said with a perfectly straight face, which earned him a glare from Hephaestion.

Bagoas put the mints into his mouth and did as Hephaestion had told him – he sucked on the pastilles and clawed with his fingers at the armrest during the moment of take off. "I am scared," he admitted and felt touched when Hephaestion took one hand in his and Alexander the other.

Once they were in the air, Bagoas calmed down a bit. It was only a half-hour flight and they thankfully encountered no turbulence, but when they were about to land, the pilot had to execute and awkward turn which made Bagoas go pale. Alexander and Hephaestion, more used to flying, did their best to comfort him.

Bagoas was immensely relieved when they finally touched down. "I am not going to fly again any time soon," he announced, once the plane had come to a stop.

Hephaestion smiled, but remained quiet. There was no need to share his plans to fly to the States one day with Bagoas just yet.

~~~

"We are home!" Hephaestion drew in a deep breath and greeted Peritas, who had run up to them to greet them. He rubbed behind the dog's ears and then patted his head.

Alexander unlocked the door and stepped into the cottage. "You are right, Hephaestion. This is home. No matter where we will go to in the future, we will always come back here."

They spent the next hour unpacking, starting the laundry, and cleaning the house a bit. Alexander then left to visit Boukephalos and Hephaestion helped Bagoas in starting up his new laptop.

Bagoas' expression was open and inviting when he met Hephaestion's gaze. "I never thought you would enjoy reading slash."

"I am even considering writing some," Hephaestion hinted. "Like that scene in which we got stuck together." But so did Alexander!

Bagoas smiled and then changed their topic. "I am glad to be home again. Our stay in Athens was great, but I don't need all that luxury – I only need you – and Alexander."

"I have been meaning to ask you, Bagoas, what happened at the resort? You have changed."

"I stopped being a victim." Bagoas squeezed Hephaestion's hand. "I realized that I can defend myself and that I am in charge of my life. The 'old' Bagoas helped me realize that."

"You are no longer at odds with him, then?"

"No, I am glad that he is a part of me. He gives me strength and courage. He had his mistakes, but he basically had a good heart. You were right you know, he acted a lot like a spoiled child."

Hephaestion shook his head. "Not a spoiled child, an abandoned one."

Bagoas nodded his head. "You are right. I felt lost on the inside and compensated that with acting in a certain way on the outside."

"What are your plans for now, Bagoas? Apart from reading slash," Hephaestion asked in a teasing voice.

"I want to take up dancing again. This body is still young and subtle and it shouldn't take long to get back in shape."

"What else?"

"I want to enjoy being free and being me, Hephaestion. I have no desire to travel or to study. I don't know what will happen in the future, but for now I want to be here – with the two of you."

Hephaestion hoped that their company would be enough for Bagoas who was still so very young compared to them.

~~~

During the next few days, they settled back into their normal routine. Alexander went horseback riding, carried out his daily exercises, and Hephaestion often joined him on his daily run. Bagoas concentrated on his dancing and Hephaestion would often settle down against a tree to watch him move. The grace was there and so was the fluency of movements. All Bagoas needed was a lot of practice.

~~~

Alexander switched on Hephaestion's laptop after making certain that none of his lovers were around. He had been thinking about their honey-sweet love making and now his fingers began to move over the keyboard.

#The temperature rises quickly tonight and it's no wonder that Hephaestion arrives all sweaty and feeling hot. The first thing I do is order a bath for him and, once the tub has been filled, I dismiss all servants. Hephaestion has been away for months and I missed my lover terribly. Now that I have him to myself, I refuse to share him with anyone.

"You look tired, Hephaestion." His hands tremble minutely as he tries to remove his armor. I move quickly and assist him. At long last, the heavy armor falls onto the floor and his vivid eyes gratefully meet mine. I can see the blue of the Mediterranean Sea in those orbs and I feel adrift.

"That's because I *am* tired, Alexander."

Hephaestion's shoulders are slumped and his posture tells me that he is exhausted. I had so hoped we would make love tonight, but I might have to wait until tomorrow. "Let me attend to you."
"Alexander…"

I don't know why such sudden insecurity appears in his eyes. We were friends long before we became lovers, but something has changed since I became King of Macedon. When he looks at me nowadays, it is with respect and, sadly enough, distance. I am determined to bridge that distance. Resolutely I strip him of his clothes and then cradle his hand in mine. I pull him toward the tub and encourage him to sit down. Hephaestion briefly objects, but obeys when I make it an order. I pick up the sponge and start to clean him off.

"You will get wet in turn."

"I don't care, Hephaestion." I am only wearing my loincloth and I might discard it and just join him in the tub. "You stayed away too long, Hephaestion. I need you at my side – I need you to keep my sane. My mother…"

"Is she giving you a hard time again?"

"She is stating demands…" I slide my hand down his back and tremble now that I feel him so close. The sponge continues to move over his chest and cleans away the dirt. "Promise me that you will never leave me alone for such a long time ever again."

Hephaestion gives me a saddened look. "You know that I can't make such a promise, Alexander. We don't know where our future will take us."

I pick up a cup and begin to clean his long, entangled hair. I can't wait to have him all cleaned up in my bed. There are things I want to do to him – I need to do to him!

"Alexander, you have *that* certain look in your eyes."

"Can you blame me for wanting you? It has been month since we have been together." After picking up a comb, I straighten out his still wet hair. "Or are you too tired to make love? If you are, I will understand and not…" And then his lips press against mine in a passionate kiss, giving me his answer.

Hephaestion breaks the kiss off after a minute and then says, "I want to be with you, Alexander, but I am tired – bone-tired."

"Then let me do the work," I offer eagerly. Hephaestion nods his head and that is his way of giving me permission to proceed. I take hold of a towel and tell him to rise from the tub. After drying off his skin, I force most of the water out of his hair and then press close against him. "I need you so much!" I can't explain what it is about Hephaestion that makes me become in touch with myself again. I only know that I lose touch with my rational side when he is not close.

Hephaestion allows me to lead him to our bed and I lay him down. "Just let me do the work." He is spread out before me and I am going to feast on his body until the morning. Reaching out, I part his legs and then kneel between his thighs. I love his legs – those long, muscular legs which can so easily wrestle me into submission, but when they lock around me during our love making, their strength makes me feel safe.

I make quick work of doing away with my loincloth and my erection finally bobs free. I have been hard since I started to bathe him and I can barely wait to claim my prize. Running my hands down his chest, I tweak his nipples until I hear him moan. "My Hephaestion, my sweet, willing, and oh so delicious Hephaestion…" I know that hearing this will make him even more excited and his member hardens further.

I pull a pillow close and tell him to raise his hips, which he does. I push the pillow into place beneath his buttocks and stare hungrily at him. "I need you *now*." Normally I would take my time preparing him, but we have been apart for too long and I *need* to claim him now.

"Do you have anything…?"

Hephaestion doesn't finish his question. It probably has something to do with the fact that I inserted a saliva slicked finger into his body. His question makes me think though. I moved into these rooms only the other day and there is no oil I can use to smooth my way inside.

"Alexander…"

Hephaestion is panting and I penetrate him deeper so I can rub his prostate with my fingertip. My gaze is drawn toward the tray with food still sitting on the nightstand – and more exactly toward the bowl filled with sweet honey.

Hephaestion's eyes widen as he sees me dipping my fingers in the sweet substance.

"Alexander, no…"

"I don't have anything else handy," I say, trying to soothe him. "It this doesn't work I will stop." Stopping will kill me, but I will, as I don't want to hurt my lover in any way. I smear the honey all over my cock and then move closer to Hephaestion. I lift those long legs and rest them on my shoulders. Exposed as Hephaestion is, he squirms helplessly.

"Alexander, I…"

"I know, Hephaestion, I know that it has been a while, but…" Unable to keep myself in check, I rub the head of my cock against the entrance to his body and then I press inside.

"Oh, A…"

Hephaestion suddenly releases a yelp and hearing that sound makes me sheathe myself further. I push inside until I am buried to the hilt and then I grow still. The honey is doing its job and makes it easier for me to take him, but Hephaestion is still tight and the sudden penetration must have caused him discomfort. "It will get better," I remind him and then I thrust again.

"Ai…"

Hephaestion whimpers and the sound makes me even more eager to ravish him. Putting my strength into the next thrust, I shove him over the bed and Hephaestion raises his hands to grab hold of the bars at the head end. I should be making gentle and slow love to him, but I can't. Instead I take him with desperation and need. I take him in a feral way and I can hear myself grunting each time I drive myself home. The experience is earthly and divine at the same time. Through Hephaestion I feel alive and at the same time I am reminded of my love for him. Without Hephaestion I am nothing. Hephaestion allows it – allows me to claim him in this way, even though he knows he will be sore in the morning. I am determined to see to it that he won't leave our bed tomorrow – no matter what it takes, I will make certain he rests.

Looking down at where our bodies are joined, I moan at the sight of seeing my cock disappear into his body. It is a magical sight and I heighten the pace in which I am thrusting inside him. I last longer than I thought I would, but then I succumb to my need and find release while I am still deeply lodged inside him. Hephaestion follows me a moment later and I collapse atop of him the moment his inner muscles begin to contract around my cock.

Hephaestion folds his arms around me and holds me close while I lie panting atop of him. I feel connected again – connected to life, the lands, and to this man whom I love more than life itself.

"Alexander…"

Hephaestion gives me a weary look, which tells me it's time to pull out. I do so, and a load of semen, mixed in with honey clings to my rapidly softening member. "I made a mess." I still lack the strength to raise myself and remain atop of him, pressing him down.

"Alexander, you need to move…"

"I am sorry. Am I too heavy?"

"That's not it, but… I feel…"

And then I realize what he is trying to tell me. My member seems glued to his groin area. "It’s the honey."

"We are glued together." Hephaestion's face contorts. "Alexander, I am too tired to…"

"I will take care of it." I am grateful that I placed a bowl filled with water and towels next to the bed when I heard that Hephaestion would arrive that evening. Carefully I reach for it, but I am not careful enough as Hephaestion tenses beneath him. "Remind me to never use honey again." The lopsided grin Hephaestion gives me warms my heart. No matter how many mistakes I will make in my life, Hephaestion will always be there to forgive me. #

~~~

Alexander leaned back in his chair. Rereading the story, he felt pleased and cast a probing look at Hephaestion who was rummaging about in the kitchen. /Hopefully he isn't searching for honey!/ Alexander giggled and the sound caught Hephaestion's attention.

Hephaestion turned around to give Alexander a searching look. "What did you do this time? Did you write more porn?"

"Not porn, my dear Hephaestion, slash!" Alexander watched eagerly as Hephaestion walked up to him. "I promised to let you read everything first, didn't I? Do you want to read it now?"

Feeling apprehensive, Hephaestion moved about the kitchen table and sat on the arm rest of the chair Alexander was sitting on. He scanned the lines onscreen and whimpered. "You just had to write down that scene, didn't you?"

Alexander raised a hand and rested it at the nape of Hephaestion's neck, enjoying the feeling of the mixture of hair and skin beneath his fingertips. "It's true, though. We did end up stuck together."

"I will never grow bored with having you as my lover," Hephaestion said, smiling at Alexander.

"I hope I will never bore you, my sweet Hephaestion." Alexander used his hold on Hephaestion's neck to pull him close enough to kiss him.

Hephaestion deepened the kiss and, as they stared into each other's eyes, they knew they would be happy until the end.

~~~

"Hephaestion? Can I talk to you?"

Hephaestion could tell Bagoas was nervous because he was fidgeting with his sleeve and he wondered what was causing the distress. "But of course you can!" He patted the space next to him on the couch and put away the book he was reading.

Bagoas sat down and a shy smile appeared on his face. "I have a request."

Hephaestion nodded, wondering what it was. "You know you can ask me anything."

Bagoas moistened his lips. "I made a plan to seduce Alexander."

Hephaestion blinked. "And you did that because…?" So far, Bagoas wasn't making any sense.

"I have taken you and you have taken me. We have come full circle, but it is different for me when it comes down to Alexander. I took him, but I haven't allowed him to take me in turn yet. I wasn't comfortable with that thought until now."

Hephaestion nodded thoughtfully. "And now you are?"

"As long as I can do it on my terms I think I can. But I need your permission."

"Why don't you tell me what you are up to?"

Bagoas felt a bit nervous now that the moment of truth had arrived, but after a moment of thought, he went ahead and confided in Hephaestion.

~~~

"Aren't you coming with us?" Alexander beckoned for Hephaestion to join them, but the dark-haired man raised a hand and shook his head.

"No, I won't. I need to work on my book. I am close to finishing my work on Aristotle." This was the first step of Bagoas' plan and Hephaestion didn't begrudge Bagoas exclusive rights to Alexander's presence. It would be easier on Bagoas to do this if it was just the two of them, without him watching them.

"Are you sure?" Alexander gave Hephaestion a puzzled look.

"I am sure! Have fun on your picnic." Hephaestion pointedly returned to typing away at his computer.

Left with no choice, Alexander picked up the bag Hephaestion had prepared for their picnic, containing food, drinks, and a huge blanket. He briefly wondered why Bagoas was carrying a bag as well, but then dismissed the thought.

They climbed onto Boukephalos' back and raised a hand in goodbye. Hephaestion waved back, but then continued to hammer away at the keyboard. It was true; he was close to finishing his book!

~~~

Bagoas drove his heels into the horse's flank and steered him in the direction he wanted Boukephalos to go in. He was nervous and his stomach felt fluttery. He hoped he could do this – he didn't want to disappoint Alexander.

~~~

Alexander recognized the spot Bagoas had chosen to hold their picnic. Months ago, he had taken Bagoas to this little stream to tell him that it was okay to love Hephaestion.

"Why don't you spread out the blanket and put down the food? I'll be right back." After uttering those words, Bagoas disappeared between the trees, leaving a puzzled Alexander behind.

Alexander scratched his head and then shrugged his shoulders. He had given up long ago on actually understanding Bagoas and just did as he was told. The changes Bagoas had gone through ever since their visit to Athens a few months ago pleased him. Bagoas had left his fears behind and had changed into a confident and proud young man who didn't possess the flaws Bagoas the eunuch had had.

Alexander had finished unpacking the blanket and foods and then sat down on the blanket, keeping a sharp eye out for any crawling insects – in particular ants – as he hated everything that crawled and could potentially bite him.

The soft rustling of clothes and the gentle sound of bells made him look up and his breath caught at the vision standing in front of him. "Bagoas?" He blinked in surprise. He had no idea how Bagoas had gotten a hold of that outfit, but it reminded him of the clothes the eunuch had worn for him whenever Bagoas had danced for him over two thousand years ago. The fabric of the loincloth looked soft and it took Alexander a moment to realize that it had to be silk. Its midnight-blue color suited Bagoas. The sound of the little bells stemmed from the ankle and arm bracelets his lover was wearing; they were golden and produced a ringing sound each time Bagoas moved.

His look traveled higher and his heart missed a beat as he saw Bagoas had applied familiar make-up to his face. His eyes carried the distinct traces of kohl and his cheeks sported a little amount of rouge. The raven hair danced against his back, loose mostly, except for one braid that would keep the hair from tumbling into Bagoas' face during his dancing.

"Do you like it?" Bagoas rotated his hips and gave Alexander a seductive smile. "Does it remind you of the times I danced for you?"

"You wicked creature, you!" Alexander shifted on the blanket to relieve some of the pressure on his groin. He had grown hard and now squirmed uncomfortably. "You knew what seeing you dressed like this would do to me!"

"Oh, this only the beginning, my love."

Those large eyes, underlined with kohl, made Alexander quiver with love and lust, and he realized that moment what was going on – what would happen today. Bagoas had taken him here for a reason – had put on those clothes for a reason! "So that is why you needed to go shopping one last time!"

"It wasn't easy to find the fabric," Bagoas said, as he moved closer. "But I managed in the end." Standing in front of Alexander, he began to dance. It was one of the dances he had performed for Alexander over two thousand years ago, but he had to improvise and change the steps a bit as he had no partner to catch him. He had worked hard on perfecting this dance. It had been the reason why he had snuck away from the cottage during the day. Alexander had tried to follow him once or twice, but Hephaestion had played his part and had called Alexander back, distracting him.

Moving even closer to Alexander, Bagoas began to pant softly. Although he had trained during these last few weeks, this body didn't yet have the endurance his first one had possessed and he still tired quickly.

Alexander stared at the lovely vision moving so sensually in front of him, and as he looked at Bagoas, he could see that the old and new soul had finally melted together. This was a new Bagoas – whole and complete.

"I want you, Alexander…"

Bagoas' words didn't register with Alexander at first. He had been too entranced by Bagoas' seductive dancing. "What?"

Bagoas stopped dancing and straddled Alexander's lap instead. His hands were already busy removing Alexander's T-shirt. It was true – as long as he remained in control of their lovemaking, he could do this – he had told Hephaestion so when he had made him a part of this plan.

"Bagoas, you don't have to do this. When I said that I would wait for you, I meant it." Alexander told himself that he should stop this, but Bagoas was now working on unzipping his jeans and his erection gained its freedom, springing free from its prison and feeling Bagoas' hands on him felt good.

"But I am ready, Alexander. This is it." Bagoas resolutely removed Alexander's jeans and underwear and then took a moment to admire his lover's body. This body was softer in places than Alexander the Great's body had been. This body was well-trained, but it wasn't a warrior's body. It wasn't scarred by battles – the skin was smooth and subtle. "I even prepared myself for you." By doing that himself, he *knew* that he was ready to make love. His passage was well-lubricated and stretched to accommodate Alexander.

Alexander realized those things as well and didn't attempt to take control away from Bagoas. On the contrary, he remained passive and merely whispered words of love and encouragements.

Bagoas removed his loincloth and then positioned himself above Alexander's length. "It has been so long…"

Alexander stopped Bagoas from impaling himself by putting his hands beneath the compact behind and steadying the lithe dancer. "Gentle, Bagoas. Let's be gentle." The smile that shone from Bagoas' eyes almost made him come that instant.

Bagoas nodded his head once and allowed Alexander to guide him in this. Alexander slowly lowered him onto the hard flesh, pausing every so often to give him a chance to grow used to the invasion. He folded his arms around Alexander's waist and rested his head on a shoulder as he slowly sank down on the erection. Their pace was slow, guaranteeing that there was as little discomfort as possible and Bagoas loved Alexander even more for being this considerate.

Almost a minute later, his buttocks settled in Alexander's lap. He had taken his lover inside and Bagoas closed his eyes so he could concentrate on the intense feeling. "My Al'skander," he whispered, raising his head and giving his lover a feline grin.

Alexander forced himself to continue the slow pace, although he wanted nothing more than to bounce Bagoas up and down on his cock. "I have missed hearing you call me that."

Bagoas purred and moved his hips, rotating them like Hephaestion had told him to do when the two of them had made love. He wasn't ready yet for a violent lovemaking and this gentle but subtle movement would also do the trick.

Alexander moaned and bit his bottom lip in order to contain his rapture. He wanted to scream at the world to let it know that Bagoas had returned to him. Instead, he guided Bagoas' brow against his shoulder and then thrust minutely. At the same time, he shifted Bagoas slightly on his lap, aiming the tip of his erection at his lover's prostate.

Now it was Bagoas' turn to groan in pleasure and they acquired a somewhat odd pattern of rotating hips and marginal thrusting. In a way, this was more intense and more intimate than simply impaling himself on Alexander's cock. They also lasted longer this way, but in the end Bagoas finally succumbed to the pressure his body was in and he bit into Alexander's shoulder, overwhelmed as he was by the experience.

Alexander found release a moment later and continued to crush Bagoas against him. This felt so different from all the times they had made love before. This had been about love and devotion, not lust and sex, and he recognized the difference now. He could identify it. The old Alexander, the warrior-King, would never have been able to do so.

"I bit you," Bagoas whispered as he raised his head in order to make eye contact. "I drew blood."

Alexander merely smiled and lifted his hands so he could undo the braid in Bagoas' hair. He moved his fingers through the strands and let the long hair flow down the elegant back. Staring into the large, dark eyes, he smiled. "I am so very proud of you, Bagoas, and I love you so much."

"You have changed," Bagoas realized in a moment of infinite clarity.

"I hope it’s for the better," Alexander replied playfully.

"I think so." Bagoas remained in position as long as he could until he felt Alexander's softening member leave his body. "Hephaestion will be pleased to hear that my plan to seduce you worked."

"Oh, so he was in on it?" Alexander found he couldn't stop touching Bagoas and kept running his fingers through the long hair. "I should have known."

Bagoas tilted his head so he could lean into the caress now that Alexander was stroking the skin along his jaw line. "I feel… new," he said, unable to find the right words to describe his emotional state.

"You are right; this *is* the new you, and let me assure you that I love you, Bagoas." Alexander leaned in a kissed Bagoas. "All of you, just the way you are."

Bagoas smiled and rested his brow against Alexander's. "That's all I ever wanted to achieve…" And now, he had – he was a new person, in balance, and loved.

The end
(for now )