NEVER ENDING STORY CHAPTER 7

Title: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Sequel to "Memories Fade"
Author: MorganaAuthor’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.comWeb page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairings: Alexander/Hephaestion/Bagoas (some very mild Jared/Francisco)
Rating: PG-13Summary: Our three lovelies are ready to celebrate Christmas. In order to complete the mayhem Alexander will unleash upon them, Jared and Francisco join them for the holidays.
Disclaimer: Oliver Stone's movie inspired my stories. No copyright infringement is intended. This is for fun, not for making money!
Warning: AU. This story contains endless fluff.
Beta read by DA, thanks a lot, sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 1

"Bagoas, something arrived for you!" It was a rare occurrence for the mailman to visit their remotely located cottage, but today he had delivered not one, but two packages for Bagoas and Alexander had been the one to open the door and sign for them. Alexander's curiosity got the better of him the moment he closed the door behind the mailman and studied the packages extensively. One of them could hold a CD. It was light enough for that and the format of the protective envelop suggested as much. But it was the second package which really aroused his curiosity. "What's inside this?"

"Something arrived? For me?" Bagoas, who had been napping on the couch in Hephaistion's arms, slowly pushed himself upright and staggered toward Alexander. Jared's morning robe, which he had remained fond of, kept him warm and during their last visit to town he had bought thermal socks. He hated having cold feet and, at first, he had feared Alexander would start a row for him bringing his cold feet to bed, but Alexander had rubbed his feet warm instead. That had felt nice, but as he didn't want to impose on his lover all the time, he had gotten himself those socks.

"Just who did you give our address to?" As far as Alexander knew, Bagoas had only been in contact with Jared, but it wasn't Jared's name on the sender section. They were female ones.

"A few ladies I met online." Bagoas blushed. "I didn't think they would actually follow through and send me this." Bagoas took hold of the first package, opened it, and revealed a CD to Alexander.

"What's on it?" Alexander kept his voice low, having realized that Hephaistion was still asleep. His lover looked so cozy and comfortable tucked away beneath a warm blanket that he didn't want to wake him. Winter still surrounded them and occasionally it snowed and froze.

"It's a game called ‘The Sims’, Alexander."

"A game? Can I play?" Alexander, like the rest of them, was bored now that they were stuck inside mostly. They headed outside whenever the weather allowed for it, but after suffering so terribly from that nasty cold, he wasn't going to tempt the gods to give him pneumonia the next time the three of them fooled around in the snow.

"Let Bagoas play first, Alexander. Someone gave it to him." Hephaistion had overheard their conversation and now lazily stretched his muscular body. He then opened his eyes to take in his lovers' forms. Bagoas' hair still looked sleep-tousled, but the dark eyes were alert and glowing. For quite some time, he hadn't seen Bagoas wear anything else indoors except Jared's morning robe. The younger man *had* grown fond of it. Seeing the thick socks on Bagoas' feet made him chuckle.

His gaze shifted from Bagoas to Alexander and his smile softened. Alexander was wearing sweats today and, at times like these, Hephaistion found it hard to reconcile the image he still had of his warrior-king with the person standing in front of him with such a wicked expression on his face. But whenever the weather allowed it, Alexander would practice his weapons' skill outside and then Hephaistion never failed to remember who Alexander had been in their first life.

"Fine, I will!" Alexander gave Hephaistion a pouting look, but then remembered that there was a second package. "What else did you get?"

"In Zeus' name, Alexander! Let Bagoas decide when to unwrap his presents. Come over here, Alexander." Hephaistion lifted the blanket and reached for Alexander.

Alexander got the hint, walked over to the comfortable couch, and lay down in front of his lover. Pressing back, he sighed contentedly. He rested his head on Hephaistion's upper arm and smiled naughtily at Bagoas.

Bagoas knew exactly what that look said: 'Are you going to open it or what?' He resigned himself to the situation and sat down at the kitchen table, which was just within range of Alexander's view.

Online, he had joined a few LJ communities and had enjoyed chatting to the people there. One time, he had happened to mention just how remote his home was and they had immediately offered to send him stuff. He had declined at first, reasoning he could get things when they went to Athens, but the ladies had insisted on sending him these two items.

The Sims game was something he was eager to try. Maybe he could create two characters, one that resembled himself and one that looked and acted like Jared. It would be interesting to see if those two characters would fall in love. Bagoas giggled and that sniggering attracted Alexander's attention.

"Hurry up, will you?" Alexander was dying to find out what was inside the bigger package. He wanted to wheedle more information out of Bagoas, but a sharp pinch applied to his buttocks by Hephaistion made him go quiet. "Ouch, that hurt!" It hadn't. Not really, but he liked to make a fuss over it.

"Then behave." Hephaistion still marveled over the changes which had come over Alexander in this life. In their first life, Alexander would never have let loose this more playful side to his character. Hephaistion liked it though...having a lover he could play with.

Bagoas had finally opened the package and lifted something in white and red colors from it. "Oh, she really did it!" Once, on the net, he had chatted to this lady called Pie who made 'plushies'...at least that was what she called these little dolls and she had offered to make him one. Thinking she had said it in jest and that she wouldn't possibly follow through he had asked for a Hephaistion doll. And now, he had gotten one, complete with the long, auburn hair and those stunning, blue eyes.

"Let me see! Bring that over here!" If it hadn't been for Hephaistion's arms, which had come around him to keep him in place, Alexander would have jumped up from the couch to check the item himself. "What is it?" All he could see was that it was about 20 centimeters tall and sported brown, white, and red colors.

"It's the Hephaistion character from the movie." Bagoas finally took pity on the squirming Alexander, walked over to the couch, and sat down on the floor. "Be careful though. He is fragile." Seeing Hephaistion's inquiring look, Bagoas clarified, "The plushie, not you."

"He looks amazing!" Alexander pointed at the plastic weapon dangling from the doll's waist. "He has his own little sword." The next moment, Alexander lifted the skirt. "And he's anatomically correct! He has two little swords!" He declared them that way on purpose, knowing his words would draw a reaction from Hephaistion.

"Just be very careful what you call little!" Hephaistion pinched Alexander's bottom again, harder this time.

Alexander couldn't help but grow aroused. Cheekily, he tilted his head and looked at his lover from over his shoulder. "We can measure it and see whose is bigger."

"The snowman would win," Bagoas deadpanned.

"The snowman has long melted, so he doesn't count!" Alexander loved the relaxed atmosphere that had taken up residence in their little cottage. Bagoas was letting his memories fade and was focusing on the present. Hephaistion had healed from breaking down at seeing his corpse and Alexander himself savored finally having the bliss which he had thrown away during his first life.

~~~

Alexander soundlessly entered the guestroom which had become their workout room as well. When it had become clear that they couldn't run during winter, Alexander had ordered some exercise equipment. The prominent machine was something called 'a cross country exerciser' and he couldn't get enough of watching Hephaistion work out on it. He slid down the wall until he sat cross-legged and gave his lover a lopsided look.

Hephaistion tried to ignore him, not wanting to lose his rhythm, but Alexander's presence distracted him. "What do you want?" He was panting and beads of transpiration rolled down his body.

"I love watching you." Ever since Hephaistion had begun working out on the machine, he had gained more muscle mass. His pectorals had become more pronounced and so had his upper arms and those delicious thighs. The auburn hair had been forced into a pony tail, but strands had escaped and now danced against Hephaistion's back.

"You like watching me sweat?" Hephaistion was ready to give up. Now that Alexander was determined to talk to him there was no way he could maintain his concentration. Slowing down the machine, his eyes sought out Alexander's. "Are you frustrated because Bagoas won't let you play his new game?"

"No, I watched from over his shoulder and it's much too 'cute' for me. They're kissing and making out and stuff." Alexander grinned and watched Hephaistion's every move now that his lover's feet were back on the ground again. "But it did give me an idea – apparently there are also 'strategy' games out there. I would like to try one of those. Maybe we can look for them the next time we visit town?" Hephaistion's chest and boxers were drenched with sweat and it was turning Alexander on. His lover's masculine scent was strong and drew him closer. "I want you, Hephaistion."

"Oh no, you don't! Not when I stink like this!" Hephaistion had picked up his towel and was removing the sweat from his face. "I'm going to take a shower now."

Alexander let him leave. He could have started an argument for he loved to make up afterwards, but he had seen the look in Hephaistion's eyes which had told him that his lover wouldn't indulge him this time. A moment later, the shower came on and Alexander returned to the living room, where Bagoas was playing his new game.

"How are they doing?" Alexander pulled up a chair and straddled it. "Are they in love yet?"

Bagoas released an exasperated sigh. Why couldn't Alexander just leave him alone for a few minutes? "Bagoas is, but Jared isn't. Not yet anyway."

"Maybe you should create a Hephaistion character instead for your Bagoas. They will probably hit it off right away." From the corner of his eye, he saw the Hephaistion plushie. It stood popped up against the laptop's screen. Alexander reached for it and smoothed back the hair. "You could have asked for an Alexander doll instead." Oh, he loved annoying Bagoas just a little.

"Yes, I could have." Bagoas froze the game and accessed his mail instead. Now that Alexander was distracting him, he could no longer focus on the game. "Are you bored, Alexander?"

"What gave me away?" Alexander gave Bagoas his most charming smile.

"The fact that you keep pestering me." Bagoas arched an eyebrow as he checked his inbox. There was a new message from Jared in it. "Why don't you go to the shed, see if there's an ax in there, and get us a Christmas tree?" He hoped Alexander would get the hint! Alexander was making him nervous and Bagoas knew that Hephaistion was also getting fed up with Alexander's annoying behavior.

Alexander instantly perked up. "Now that's an excellent idea." It was December 21st and about time they put up their Christmas tree. "But we'll also need decorations."

"Then head into town and buy them." That would give him and Hephaistion some peaceful moments.

Bagoas' ideas sounded good to Alexander. "I'll do just that, but only after you tell me what Jared has to say." Bagoas had sent Jared an invitation to visit them for the holidays and this message probably contained Jared's answer. "Come on, open it."

Bagoas gave in, knowing that Alexander wouldn't stop pestering him until he knew the content of Jared's message. After opening it, they quickly scanned the content. "He accepted." Bagoas blinked; he hadn't expected for Jared to accept that invitation. "I was convinced he would want to spend Christmas with his family." But the message left little unclear. Jared would arrive at Athens' airport the 23rd, in two days, and would stay for a week.

"That gives us only two days to decorate." Alexander tapped his fingers onto the wood of the kitchen table. He cast a look out of the window and found that the weather had cleared. At least it wasn't snowing or raining.

"I feel better now." Hephaistion, smelling of soap and shampoo and wrapped up in a large fluffy towel, walked over to them, and came to a halt behind Alexander. He automatically looked at the screen and smiled, seeing that Jared was going to join them for Christmas.

"Hephaistion? You're in charge of provisions and decoration." Alexander raised his head and made eye contact with his lover. Hephaistion looked absolutely edible, and smelled even better, but he had to get his priorities right, otherwise their Christmas would turn into a disaster.

"I'm what?" Hephaistion's soft blue eyes searched Alexander's.

"Take the car and drive into town. Buy enough food and drinks to last us two weeks and get all the Christmas decorations we need. Take Bagoas with you." Alexander nodded to himself. "Yes, that will take care of our provisions."

"Provisions…" Bagoas smiled warmly at Alexander. Sometimes, Alexander could still make it sound as if they were on a campaign in some remote part of the world. "And what will you do, Alexander, while we sacrifice our time by going shopping?"

"Sacrifice? That's a good one!" Alexander grinned at Bagoas. "I know how much you love to shop, Bagoas. Why don't you take your credit card with you just in case you want to get me a little something for Christmas?"

"That reminds me…" Bagoas accessed a site which offered some information on Jared Leto. "Look at his birth date."

"12-26-1971," Alexander said, reading the date aloud and then realization set in. "His birthday is during Christmas. That means the two of you also need to shop for birthday presents. I reckon that sucks, having to celebrate your birthday so close to Christmas."

Bagoas nodded his head once. "I have no idea what to get him though."

Hephaistion placed a hand on Bagoas' shoulder, leaned in closer, and whispered, "I am certain we will find something nice." Next, Hephaistion's gaze settled on Alexander's face. "You didn't answer Bagoas' question yet, Alexander."

"I'm going to chop down our Christmas tree and haul it to our cottage." He would hike up into the woods and find them their perfect tree, but before doing so he would dress *warmly*. No way was he going to get another cold during the holidays! "And don't forget to buy lots of mistletoe," Alexander called out as he left to collect his boots and parka.

"And why is that?" Hephaistion frowned.

"Because I want to do lots of kissing under the mistletoe!"

~~~

"How did he manage to convince us to do this?" Hephaistion was in the middle of placing several boxes filled with Christmas lights into the trunk of their car, while Bagoas was dragging bags filled with Christmas decorations over.

"Admit it...you're also relieved to have some peace and quiet." Bagoas sighed once his bags were in the trunk as well. "He has been driving us insane!"

Hephaistion smiled compassionately at Bagoas and closed the lid of the trunk. "It's because he can't go outside that much." During most of the year, Alexander distracted himself with riding Bucephalus, going for long walks with Peritas, and keeping up his weapons' skill. Those were all outdoor activities. "He will calm down again once spring comes."

Bagoas nodded his head once. What Hephaistion had said was true, but that didn't solve their problems. "What's next? Food or gifts?"

"Gifts." Hephaistion wanted to get the food and drink last since buying those would take up the least amount of time. "We should split up, Bagoas. I'm certain you want to buy some gifts without me present." Hephaistion suggestively wiggled an eyebrow.

Bagoas didn't understand at first, but then his eyes began to sparkle. Hephaistion wanted to shop separately because he was going to buy Bagoas presents as well. "Shall we meet here again in one hour?"
"Make that two. And Bagoas, you're also responsible for getting Jared's gifts."

"Why me?"

"Because you know him best!" Hephaistion chuckled wickedly, turned around, and left poor Bagoas to his shopping.

~~~

Bagoas was growing desperate. How was he going to decide what gifts to get Jared? Contrary to what Hephaistion had said, he didn't know Jared that well! Walking into another store, a pair of furry hand cuffs drew his attention. Maybe, he should go for some silly humor!

~~~

"Are you deserting me? You too, Peritas?" Alexander raised his hand in a dramatic way and pretended being stabbed in the heart. "Are you really not accompanying me?"

But the dog just gave him another uninterested look. Had Alexander lost his mind? Did the human really think that he was going to exchange his comfortable, warm spot on the rug in front of the fire place for the icy cold outside?

"I am off on my own then." Alexander mock glared at the elderly dog and stepped outside. For the moment, the snow was gone, but the skies were grey, white almost, and Alexander hoped he would be back before it started to snow again. He rested his axe on his shoulder and started for the woods located on the cliff above their little cottage.

This time, Alexander was on a mission – to find the perfect Christmas tree.

~~~

No, this pine tree was too tall and that one too bare. The next one was too short, and Alexander was about to give up hope when he finally spotted one which would fit nicely in their living room. When he had been little and living with his mother in the United States, they had often celebrated Christmas and he had loved the way their home had smelled of pine and the forest. He wanted to have that again.

Swinging his axe, he took aim and began to chop it down. This tree was going to be their Christmas tree.

~~~

"Did you get the presents you wanted?"

With some envy, Bagoas took in the large number of shopping bags which Hephaistion was putting in the backseat. "Not as many as you."

Hephaistion grinned. He had managed to find everything he had wanted, including some nice gifts for Jared, but Bagoas didn't need to know that. "Are you ready to tackle the food stores?"

"You're in charge of provisions, remember? I'm only tagging along." And Bagoas felt thankful for that. "After all, you're the one with experience when it comes down to feeding mouths." In ancient times, Hephaistion had handled logistics for Alexander and had supplied the army with food, among other things.

Hephaistion fell into step beside Bagoas and linked their fingers. Upon establishing that physical contact, the raven-haired beauty gave him a warm smile. As far as Hephaistion was concerned, Bagoas had always possessed a delicate elegant quality, which had set apart Bagoas from the other eunuchs in Darius' harem. "Are you looking forward to seeing Jared again?" They had never really discussed Bagoas' attraction to the actor and Hephaistion thought it was time to do so.

Bagoas blushed weakly and peeked at Hephaistion's eyes, which radiated warmth and understanding. "I still feel attracted to him."

"But you never acted on it."

Bagoas felt relieved to hear no judgment in Hephaistion's voice and it encouraged him to be honest with the older man. "I wanted to, but he didn't."

Hephaistion didn't want to sound like a psychologist, but did so anyway. "And how do you feel about that?"

Bagoas gave Hephaistion a rueful smile. "A part of me regrets that he isn't interested in me in that way."

"And the other part?"

"The other part knows that Jared isn't meant for me. I belong with you and Alexander. He was right about that." Bagoas squeezed Hephaistion's fingers. "I guess this means it will be the three of us until we die."

Hephaistion returned the squeeze. "But we won't die for many, many years, Bagoas." At least, he hoped so.

~~~

"Stop fighting me, you bastard! You *will* obey me! I am Alexander the Great and you *will* surrender!"

The pine tree wasn't impressed. It even aimed a branch at the so-called conqueror of the known world and whacked him in the face.

"That's it! It's war now!" Alexander had been struggling to get the tree downhill for most of the afternoon and had become fed up. He grabbed hold of the top and resolutely dragged it behind him. "I conquered Asia once and I refuse to be defeated by a tree!"

Fate however seemed to have different ideas and Alexander tripped over one of the larger branches. He went down and kicked the tree in frustration. "I will best you!" Frustrated, Alexander regained a tight hold on the tree and simply rolled it downhill. As the tree tumbled downward, Alexander grinned and followed, whistling contently. Alexander the Great had carried out another successful mission!

~~~

Alexander was already in the process of putting up the tree when he heard the car engine, which told him that his lovers had returned. Ignoring the tree for now, he headed outside to give them a hand carrying their shopping bags. "You're back early," he greeted them. His eyes almost bulged from their sockets then at seeing just how much they had bought. "What's all that?"

Hephaistion pressed three plastic bags into Alexander's hands and said, "Carry that inside. These bags hold the Christmas lights and decorations you wanted, including your mistletoe. You wanted them, you carry them."

"Sounds fair…" Alexander slipped the bags into the house and placed them near the tree, which looked ready to fall over and bury him beneath it. "Don’t you dare move," Alexander threatened it.

"What did you do to that poor tree?" Hephaistion asked after he had placed most of the food supplies in their kitchen. "Wrestle it into submission?"

Bagoas chuckled; the tree had obviously seen better days. The branches drooped and the top was a tad flattened. "That poor tree."

"I can get rid of it," Alexander said, acting repentant, but not meaning it. After all, the tree had started it!

"No, we will keep it, Alexander. For some reason it fits." Hephaistion pressed a kiss onto Alexander's lips and smiled encouragingly at his embarrassed-looking lover. "Why don't you put the lights into our poor tree? Maybe it will look less sad once it sparkles."

Alexander uncovered the lights from their boxes and set about carrying out his task while Hephaistion packed their food supplies into the cupboards, fridge, and freezer. Bagoas carried the presents into the bedroom and stored them beneath the bed.

"I don't know about the two of you, but I'm exhausted!" Alexander collapsed onto the couch and stretched out. He gave Bagoas a long, challenging grin.

/Why is he looking at me like that?/ Bagoas knew that look! Alexander had done *something* and was just waiting for them to discover what mischief he had been up to this time. Bagoas' gaze swept through the living room and found nothing out of the ordinary. Even his laptop was switched off. So, what had Alexander done?

"Oh, yes, I know you want to cuddle with me and not with Bagoas! After all, I'm Alexander the Great!"

Alexander's absurd remark made Bagoas frown and he shrugged his shoulders when he saw Hephaistion's equally bemused expression. He was about to ignore Alexander's behavior when he realized that something was missing – his Hephaistion plushie. The last time he had seen it, it had been leaning against the screen of the laptop. But the laptop had been closed and the plushie was gone. "Alexander…" Bagoas advanced on his lover and now detected a familiar white/red/brown form in Alexander's arms. "Don't tell me you're hugging that doll."

Alexander leered at Bagoas. "Why not?"

Hephaistion, who had been watching the scene unfold, marched toward the couch and sat down on the side. "Alexander?" His lover was acting most peculiarly and he wondered why.

Alexander sighed and his smile faded. "It's just… I feel locked up in here. I want to be outside…" He didn't want to admit it, but knew he had to ‘fess up. "I even enjoyed besting that damn tree."

Hephaistion pried the plushie loose and handed him to Bagoas. "Put it someplace safe." Next, he directed his gaze upon Alexander once more. "And you, you're going to work out using the cross country trainer and you're going to put it on a high level, do you hear me? You need to exhaust yourself physically."

Alexander sat upright and let his fingers glide into Hephaistion's hair. "And will you make love to me afterwards? When I am all hot and sweaty?"

Hephaistion sniggered; was that the real reason Alexander was acting so odd? "If you want to make love, why don't you simply say so?"

"I did, when you were all sweaty, but you headed into the shower instead."

Bagoas, feeling amused, watched them and listened. He wasn't getting involved at this stage. Better to let Hephaistion handle Alexander when he was in a mood like this.

"You're feeling neglected, is that it?" Hephaistion pressed a kiss onto Alexander's brow and smiled at him. "Go work out and when you're all sweaty, call me, and then we'll make love."

"And you'll take me?" Alexander asked hopefully.

Hephaistion's smile turned even brighter. "Yes, I'll take you, but first, go exercise."

Hephaistion and Bagoas watched Alexander take off in the direction of the guest room. "His edginess will grow less once he can go outside more often," Hephaistion commented in an effort to reassure Bagoas. "In the meantime, we might have to wear him down in another way."

Bagoas rolled his eyes, understanding perfectly well what way Hephaistion was referring too.

TBC

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 2

"You look exhausted!" Bagoas looked up from playing his game. His Jared character was beginning to warm up to his Bagoas character and they had even made out once. That was an encouraging development.

"Alexander exhausted me." Hephaistion ran his fingers through his damp, tangled hair and collapsed onto the couch. He closed his eyes, rested his head against the comfort of the couch, and calmed his breathing.

"What happened?" Bagoas deserted his game and sat down next to a naked Hephaistion. He longed to run his fingertips down the impressive chest, but didn't. Hephaistion looked drained and Bagoas wasn't certain his lover would welcome such a touch at the moment.

"Three times… Alexander made me take him three times!" Hephaistion's head lolled against the couch, but the eyes didn't open. "He was still hard after the first time he had climaxed and, since I was able to perform again after few minutes, I indulged him and took him again. But even after the second time he came, he still wanted more." Hephaistion opened his eyes and peeked at his lax member. "By the gods, I feel sore…" He hoped Bagoas hadn't come over to instigate any lovemaking because he was certain he wouldn't be able to get it up again.

Bagoas slid his long fingers into Hephaistion's hair and turned his lover's face toward him. "And now?"

"And now Alexander's asleep, thank the gods for that." Hephaistion managed a weak smile. "Bagoas, I'm sorry, but I can’t…"

"I understand. Don't worry, I won't ask that of you right now." Bagoas pushed an arm between the couch and Hephaistion's shoulder and pulled him close. Hephaistion complied and snuggled up to him. "*I* will attend to Alexander's needs the next time he acts like that," Bagoas promised.

"Thank you." Hephaistion rubbed his cheek against Bagoas' shoulder and smiled. "Pull up the blanket, will you?" He had felt warm right after his bout of lovemaking with Alexander, but was growing chilly now.

Bagoas pulled the blanket into place around them and pressed a kiss onto Hephaistion's hair. He loved the way Hephaistion smelled right after having sex.

"I love what you did with the lights," Hephaistion murmured, feeling sleepy himself. While he had cooked dinner, Bagoas had taken care of positioning the Christmas lights and Alexander had decorated the tree.

"Thank you." Bagoas also liked the way their living room looked. He had used the white lights for illuminating their tree, and the colored ones had gone around the wooden beams that supported the ceiling. Alexander had then hung mistletoe all over the place and scented candles had completed the lovely illusion. "I never celebrated Christmas before. In the orphanage they said they didn't have the money to do so and later in the brothel, celebrating Christmas was the last thing on their minds. I always wanted to experience this feeling just once."

Hephaistion raised his gaze and met Bagoas' watery eyes. "This might be your first Christmas, but trust me, it won't be your last."

"I love you so much, Hephaistion." Bagoas kissed the badly bruised lips and smoothed the auburn hair away from his lover's face. "I know this is real, but I still feel like I'm living in a dream – a never-ending dream."

Hephaistion didn't try to convince Bagoas that the opposite was true – that this was reality. Bagoas knew that deep down in his heart. His lover only needed time to accept it. "Hold me? Hold me tight?"
Bagoas tightened his embrace and held Hephaistion now that his lover was dozing off. Looking at the bested Christmas tree, a smile surfaced on his lips. He was determined to make this their best Christmas ever!

~~~

Alexander didn't wake until the next morning and he awoke to the feeling of his lovers' bodies wrapped around him. Hephaistion had spooned behind him while Bagoas lay facing him. Raising his right hand, he caressed Bagoas' face, which looked so young to him – so terribly young.

"Alexander?"

Hephaistion's muffled voice made Alexander tilt his head so he could make eye contact with his lover. "Good morning, you sex machine."

"You have been reading too much slash stories." Hephaistion smiled back at Alexander. "How do you feel today?"

"I'm not sore if that's what you're inquiring about. You were gentle…maybe a bit too gentle?" Alexander turned in the embrace and was careful not to wake Bagoas when he did so. Once he was face to face with Hephaistion, he fingered a strand of his lover's hair. "You have more stamina than I thought."

Hephaistion smiled and ran his fingertips along Alexander's cheekbone. "How do you feel today? And I mean emotionally. Less restless?"

Alexander nodded his head once. "Maybe I needed to get laid – really laid."

Hephaistion chuckled softly. "Stop reading those slash stories! You're starting to sound like one of their characters."

"You know what I mean," Alexander retorted in a more serious voice.

"I do," Hephaistion admitted and pulled Alexander close.

Alexander smiled and asked, "You never told me if your father replied to that last message you sent. Will he be joining us for Christmas?"

"No, he can't join us for Christmas, but he offered to visit us around New Year's, which would be even better, as we only have one guestroom. I would hate for either Jared or my father to be forced to sleep on the couch, no matter how comfortable it is."

"Sounds perfect…" Alexander then couldn't help but run the tip of his tongue across Hephaistion's pecs and teased one nipple which he encountered in the process.

"Don't bother, Alexander. You exhausted me."

"I'll wait."

Alexander's words didn't reassure Hephaistion one bit. It seemed that Alexander's sexual appetite still hadn't been satisfied.

~~~

"Bagoas… Do you know *where* you're standing?" Alexander arched an eyebrow and gave his younger lover a very suggestive look.

Bagoas suspected he was standing under the mistletoe. Alexander had hung it all over the place! No matter where he went, he was always beneath the damned plant! It had been amusing the first few times Alexander had chased him through the living room in order to claim his kiss, but the game was losing its appeal. Now that Alexander was stalking toward him, he didn't even bother to run away. He bore the kiss with all the dignity he could muster, even though there was a lot of tongue involved.

"I told you before, Alexander, you have to remove the berries and once all the berries are gone there can be no more kissing!" Like Bagoas, Hephaistion also frequently found himself being chased through the living room. But contrary to Bagoas, he didn't mind as much and played along. Even more so than Bagoas did, Hephaistion regretted all the time they had spent waging war in their first life when they could have done this instead.

"I'm not removing them!" Alexander shook his head, lunged for Bagoas, caught him, and gave him another sloppy kiss on the lips. "You're still standing under the mistletoe, my dear."

Looking into Alexander's sparkling eyes, Bagoas' demeanor softened. Yes, he understood why Alexander was being silly – Alexander was happy – truly happy. Now that the ghosts of their past no longer haunted them, they could live a more carefree life.

"What are you doing?" Alexander had released Bagoas and had walked over to Hephaistion instead. "That looks gross…" Hephaistion's hand had disappeared inside the turkey and his lover was busy stuffing it. "But it will taste great," he added, encouraging his lover to try his hand at cooking. "Need help?"

"Why don't you prepare the eggnog? But don't spike it too much!" Hephaistion now wondered if asking Alexander to make the eggnog had been a mistake. He knew they had a full bottle of brandy somewhere… He just had to make sure Alexander didn't add something like that to it.

"I can do that." Alexander uncovered everything he needed to make the eggnog and always kept an eye on where his lovers were. The moment they would step beneath the mistletoe, he would move in and kiss them. But both Hephaistion and Bagoas were really careful of where they went. "Do you also want me to make dessert?"

"What's for dessert?" Bagoas asked from behind his laptop. He was playing with his Sims characters again and wasn't going near the kitchen. The few times he had tried his hand at cooking he had almost set the kitchen on fire! Alexander had resolutely barred him from doing any serious cooking in the future.

"Christmas pudding, of course." Alexander didn't feel guilty for putting all that liquor into it. After all, Hephaistion had bought it and brought it home!

Hephaistion needed to get something from the fridge and stepped to his right. Alexander had had his eye on him for a while now and pounced.

"What are you doing?" Hephaistion turned around and found that Alexander had firmly attached himself to him by wrapping his arms around him.

"Look where you're standing," Bagoas deadpanned and continued to play his game. He had moved his chair so that he wasn't sitting beneath any mistletoe and was safe from Alexander for the moment.

"You’re standing beneath the mistletoe, my dear Hephaistion," Alexander stated, already seeking out his lover's lips. "You owe me a kiss."

Hephaistion decided to take charge and placed one hard, rather passionate kiss on Alexander's lips. "Like that?"

Alexander sighed rather contentedly. "Yes, just like that."

~~~

"I think I'll leave a little early." Alexander had only now realized that he hadn't had a chance yet to buy any Christmas gifts and, when he had discovered the pile of presents beneath his bed, he had felt guilty. He should be able to gift his lovers with presents as well. So he had volunteered to pick Jared up from the airport and reckoned that if he got there a little early, he could do some shopping before Jared joined him. It would also give him his chance to look for a strategy game which he could play on Hephaistion's laptop.

Hephaistion slipped into his parka and walked Alexander to his car. "Drive carefully, will you? They predicted more snow and the roads could get slippery."

"I'll be careful." Alexander slid his arms around Hephaistion's frame and kissed him. "Make sure everything is ready when we get back?"

"Bagoas and I'll clean the guestroom and the food is ready. Jared will find a warm nest here." Hephaistion probed Alexander's eyes. "Are you up to something, my dear?"

Alexander returned his lover's smile. "I'm only going shopping before I pick Jared up."

"Shopping? You? You're going shopping? Voluntarily?"

"Stop it!" Alexander playfully cuffed his lover. "I saw the gifts you tried to hide beneath our bed. I can't stand there empty-handed on Christmas Day."

"Then do your shopping, but don't forget to pick Jared up."

Alexander gave his lover a parting kiss and slid onto the driver's seat of the car. He started the car and put on the heater. He waited for the interior to warm up and only then drove away. Looking into his side mirror, he saw Hephaistion standing in front of their cottage, waving goodbye to him.

~~~

Alexander ended up buying three games: Caesar III (because he liked the title), Black and White (had to be fairly easy to tell the good guys from the bad ones) and Alexander (he *had* to buy a game named after himself). Playing these games should make passing time much easier without annoying his lovers too much. He knew he had been acting odd, but he wasn't used to being cooped up in the house and thus forced into being passive. His energy needed a way out and maybe he should work out more often. Using the exerciser had helped.

Next, he forced himself to visit all kinds of stores in the hopes of finding nice gifts for Hephaistion and Bagoas. He reminded himself to also get at least one present for Jared. He didn't know if the actor was packing presents, but he wanted to be on the safe side of things. Once he had done his Christmas shopping, he was more than happy to leave the mad-shopping crowd behind him. It seemed like everyone had to get their presents at the last moment.

Alexander returned to his car, placed the bags into the trunk, and then drove to the airport. Jared's plane was due in thirty minutes and he hoped it hadn't been delayed.

~~~

The delay was only fifteen minutes and Alexander could live with that. He picked up a newspaper at one of the stands and sat down, reading it. But his thoughts continued to drift off to his lovers – to Hephaistion to be exact. He loved him so much that it actually hurt at times. Maybe that was why he had never allowed his feelings loose during his first life – he knew he would never be able to put them into their little box again. His fierce feelings for Hephaistion had remained locked away during that first life and, now that he was fully experiencing them in this life, he sometimes didn't know how to handle them. Maybe that was why he acted like a retard at times when he was around Hephaistion. He simply loved him too much.

Folding his newspaper, Alexander rose from his chair, and checked out the new arrivals, which were just entering the terminal. Jared should be among them.

Jared sighted Alexander first and raised a hand to draw his attention. "Over here!" He had been pleasantly surprised to receive Bagoas' invitation to join them for Christmas. He had hoped they would be able to stay in touch, but he was on the road so much that he found it hard to remain in contact with most of his friends.

Alexander nodded his head once and advanced on Jared. He *did* feel relieved that most of the hair had grown back. The dark hair reached Jared's collar and softened his facial features. The blue eyes, which at times reminded him of Hephaistion's so much, sparkled with mirth. Dressed in a long grey cloak, Jared seemed ready to face the cold weather, which was a good thing. Bagoas had sent Jared a message telling him to dress for winter.

When Alexander was only a few feet away from Jared, he noticed a man walking behind his friend who, for some reason, looked familiar to him. Large brown almond-shaped eyes, rather short but still wavy dark hair, and a face that possessed an attractive bronze tint led Alexander to believe that this young man heralded from a country located around the Mediterranean. /Where do I know him from?/ But Alexander forced himself to focus on Jared instead and greeted his friend.

Jared enthusiastically wrapped his arms around Alexander's frame and held him tight. "How have you been, Alexander? It's good to be back here! But you should have done something about the bad weather!"

"That's one thing I can't control." Alexander returned the hug and took a step away from Jared so he could study the handsome face. "You look well."

"I feel great!" Jared patted Alexander on the back. He was about to pick his suitcase up when someone discreetly coughed behind him. "Oh, I almost forgot… Alexander, you don't know Francisco yet, do you?" He gave Alexander an impish grin and then stepped aside, revealing Francisco Bosch to his host.

Alexander's right eyebrow inched higher. "I was wondering why you looked familiar." He extended his hand in greeting and said, "I didn't know you were tagging along, but you're welcome to stay."

Jared winced. "I know I should have told you guys, but it all happened on the spur of the moment. I didn't know he was coming along until the last day."

Francisco felt uncomfortable and looked at Jared. "You said they were expecting me." Maybe this had been a stupid idea after all. But since he had been all alone for Christmas, Jared had suggested he tag along and Francisco had accepted, since he had not been looking forward to spending Christmas on his own.

Francisco's obvious unease wasn't lost on Alexander, who quickly said, "No, please don't worry about it. We're glad to have you." There was something sad about Francisco's eyes, but he couldn't exactly tell what it was. The Spanish dancer was dressed all in black and, although the clothes looked comfortable and warm, they also gave him a gloomy appearance. Maybe Francisco's mood would perk up once he heard he would share a bed with Jared – or maybe it wouldn't. Realizing he hadn't even properly introduced himself, Alexander said, "I'm Alexander."

Francisco nodded his head. "Jared told me about you. I have already met Bagoas. I like him. He has a somewhat unorthodox dancing style though." He had swung his duffle bag over his shoulder and was now waiting for them to get moving. He really had no idea what to expect from this visit and was wondering if he shouldn't have declined when Jared had invited him to tag along. He wasn't as easy-going as Jared, didn't make friends as easy as Jared did, and felt he really didn't have much to offer company wise. Yes, he should definitely have stayed in London.

Alexander read some of Francisco's emotions in the other man's eyes. His guest didn't seem comfortable around him, but maybe all Francisco needed was time to get used to being in strange surroundings. Now that he was set in making Francisco feel welcome, Alexander decided to be on his best behavior from now on. "Come on, we should get going. They predicted snow and I want to be home before another blizzard starts."

"I had no idea it could get like this in Greece," Jared commented while dragging his suitcase behind him.

Alexander suddenly realized that his suitcase wasn't the only thing Jared was carrying. He was also carrying a guitar case on his back. "Want me to carry something?"

"Nay, I'm fine." Jared gave Alexander a smug grin. He had hoped Alexander would welcome Francisco with open arms. It hadn't been his intention to ask Francisco to come along, but he had made a stop in London before flying onto Greece and had used that opportunity to visit with his friend. When Francisco had accidentally let it slip that he would be alone for Christmas, Jared hadn't hesitated and invited him.

Jared and Francisco followed Alexander into the parking lot and Alexander put their baggage in the trunk.

Jared raised an eyebrow as he saw all the bags and the wrapped packages sticking out of them. "I didn't bring any gifts," he said, feeling like he had been kicked in the stomach. There hadn't been any time for him to hit the stores. He had just finished up shooting for "Lord of War" and had been doing some promotion for his band "30 Seconds to Mars". His spare time had been limited.

"Neither did I." Francisco felt even more miserable now and wished he *had* stayed in London.

"Then it's a good thing I got enough gifts for everyone! Now don't start pouting, Jared. I have something for you too and for you, Francisco."

"But you didn't even know that I was coming along!" Francisco slid into the backseat, awarding Jared the passenger's seat. This way, he figured Jared would do most of the talking, which meant he didn't have to engage in their conversation that much since he really didn't know what to say.

Alexander started the car and looked at Francisco in the mirror. "I'm sure I have something for you…"

Jared gave Alexander a suspicious look. He knew the antics Alexander was capable of.

"Trust me, everything will be fine." Alexander finally managed to leave the parking lot and headed for the high way. "And Bagoas will be thrilled that you managed to join us, Francisco."

"And what about Hephaistion?" Jared was looking forward to meeting Hephaistion again. Although he liked all three of them, he had felt most connected to Hephaistion...probably because he had played that character in the movie.

When Jared had first told him the names of Bagoas' lovers, Francisco had simply stared at him. Alexander and Hephaistion lived with Bagoas under the same roof and the three of them were lovers. At first, he had thought that Jared had been pulling his leg, but his friend had assured him that it was the truth and no, the three of them weren't any 'nut-cases' as Jared had phrased it. Francisco didn't feel that certain though. Something had to be wrong when three grown men took on names of ancient characters and tried to mirror their relationship. He felt on-guard and it showed in the way he looked at Alexander.

"Hephaistion?" Alexander pretended not to see the alert look Francisco was giving him. "Hephaistion is also looking forward to talking to you again." He had to tread carefully where Francisco was concerned – under no circumstances could they confide their identities to Francisco, not yet at any rate. Maybe he would loosen up once he realized he had nothing to fear from them, but Francisco was definitely more cautious than Jared had ever been.

~~~

Bagoas and Hephaistion were ready to receive their guest. They had moved the exercising machine into the storage facility and had put fresh linen onto the bed. Jared had to share the bathroom with them, but that hadn't been a problem the first time around either.

Hephaistion's main concern was the large quantities of brandy which Alexander had put into the eggnog. He was afraid to even approach the bowl holding the concoction for fear that he would grow drunk on the smell of alcohol alone.

Hephaistion grinned at Bagoas, who was finally wearing something else besides Jared's morning robe. The black shirt complimented his dark eyes and the jeans hugged his behind snugly and Hephaistion gestured for his younger lover to join him on the couch.

Bagoas complied and folded one leg beneath him as he sat down. Hephaistion had opened his arms for him to move into and he did just that. Resting his head against Hephaistion's shoulder, Bagoas played with a strand of Hephaistion's hair. Something had been on his mind of late and he was going to try to discuss the matter with his lover.

"What's on your mind, love?" Hephaistion had sensed the tension that coursed through Bagoas' body.

"Do you remember when we discussed my attraction toward Jared?" Bagoas trustingly met Hephaistion's eyes. After seeing his lover nod, he continued, "What would you have done if I had followed through? What would have happened if Jared and I'd had sex?"

Hephaistion looked at his lover thoughtfully and saw the curiosity in those dark eyes. He was relieved to notice the lack of fear in them. "Alexander and I wouldn't have judged you for it, if that's what you're afraid of. Our only concern was that we didn't want to see you get hurt. If Jared had been more receptive to your advances, we wouldn't have stopped the two of you. You're still very young, Bagoas… You died young in your first life and you didn't have much of a childhood or love affairs in your current one. We would have accepted it." Hephaistion smiled and cupped Bagoas' face in the palm of his hand. "But if Jared had hurt you, Alexander would have made him pay for it. I'm certain of that."

Bagoas nodded once. "I suspected as much."

"Are you telling me that you're going to try your charms on Jared when he gets here?"

Bagoas quickly shook his head. "I'm not. I'm happy having your love, and Alexander's. Jared and I settled for being friends."

"If that's what you want, I'm happy that you got it." Hephaistion pulled Bagoas close and tucked the raven head beneath his chin. "Remember, we love you unconditionally, Bagoas. You'll have our love regardless of what may happen in the future."

Bagoas rubbed his face against Hephaistion's shoulder and felt at peace.

~~~

"I hear the car engine," Hephaistion murmured. They had been on the couch, watching television when he had heard the car. "That means they're here." He switched off the television and began to untangle himself from Bagoas' long arms. "Are you nervous?"

"To meet Jared again? No." It was the truth. He had made his peace with his attraction and it had already begun to fade. "Do you think we ought to warn him about the mistletoe?" Even right now, they were sitting beneath it.

"No, it'll be fun seeing Alexander chase Jared through the room." Hephaistion rose from the couch, extended his hand, and pulled Bagoas to his feet. "Or maybe Jared will turn the tables on Alexander and chase him!"

"I'd love to see that."

"Me too, Bagoas."

~~~

Francisco's feelings of unease had doubled during the car ride. He had finally realized that Jared had talked him into spending the holidays with strangers. Yes, he had met Bagoas before, but what did he really know about the other men? He only had Jared he could talk to without feeling nervous and, knowing Jared, his friend would be off cajoling with the rest of them. So where did that leave him?

Alexander and Jared had already exited the car and were removing the bags, suit case, and duffle bag from the trunk. It gave Alexander the chance to whisper something to Jared, which he had been trying to do for the last few hours, but Francisco had remained alert and Alexander hadn't wanted his guest to overhear him. "He doesn't look very happy to be here."

Jared carried Francisco's duffle bag as well as his suit case and shrugged his shoulders. "That's just the way he is. He's the opposite of me: he's quiet, thinks too much, and I believe he is feeling a bit depressed of late. You should have seen him when I visited him. He looked ready to climb into his bed and spend the holidays there."

"Doesn't he have any relatives he can visit? Or fly in?" Alexander closed the trunk and noticed that Francisco had left the car, which cut their conversation short.

"I don't know," Jared replied in a thoughtful voice. "He never speaks of them." That had worried him at one point, but he had lost track of Francisco after Bagoas' visit to London and had stopped thinking about Francisco.

"I can carry something too." Francisco wanted to help. Maybe it would help him fit in.

Alexander realized that and handed Francisco two of the bags that contained gifts. "Then carry these inside. And button up that coat… You're likely to get a cold if you don't. Trust me, I had one recently and you don't want to be ill during the next few days."

Francisco buttoned up his coat and followed Jared toward the cottage. Alexander was still removing bags from the car and not joining them yet. Francisco's nervousness continued to grow. Would he be able to fit in during the next few days? What if they didn't like him once they got to know him better? What should he say? How should he act?

The door opened and Bagoas appeared in the doorway. He walked toward Jared and moved to take some things off of him. "Let me help." He was glad to see Jared again, but the attraction which he had felt for quite some time had thankfully lessened. He hoped that they could become *real* friends now.

Jared had other ideas though. Precariously trying to balance the bags he was carrying, he swung his arms around Bagoas' frame and hugged him tight. Bagoas hadn't changed much since the last time they had seen each other in London. The eyes were maybe a little older, but also happier and the hair now reached below Bagoas' buttocks, but that was about it. "Hi there!"

"Hello, Jared." Bagoas carefully returned the hug and then stepped away. "Give me those before you break anything." He took two bags from Jared and was about to call out to Alexander to hurry when he realized they had another visitor. "Francisco!" Now that was a pleasant surprise! If he hadn't been carrying those bags, he would have properly greeted the other dancer.

"Hello, Bagoas." Francisco felt relieved at seeing Bagoas' familiar face. He had needed to see one.

"Hephaistion! Come out here and help us carry this stuff!" Alexander was making his way over to the cottage and was dragging three more bags with him.

Hephaistion appeared in the doorway wearing his parka and took in the scene. "We will have to add more rooms," he commented in a teasing voice when he saw the amount of bags. He blinked then, realizing someone stood in front of him who he hadn't met before. Tall, slender, elegant, and exotic-looking, the younger man looked breath-taking, but in a sad way.

"Hello, I'm Francisco." He put down the bags and extended his hand, hoping the stranger would take it. There was a warm, almost tender expression in those blue eyes, which made him feel less self-conscious. "I know that you didn't expect me and I hope putting me up is not a bother. If it is, I'm sure I can find lodgings someplace."

"Francisco, move your ass!" Jared was hauling his stuff, which included his guitar case, and wanted to be inside where it was warm and not snowing! He knew that Francisco tended to feel insecure. He had first noticed it when they were shooting scenes for Alexander, but he hadn't realized it had taken on such proportions.

Hephaistion acted by quickly shaking Francisco's hand and then resolutely pulling him inside.

"The bags!"

"Alexander will get them."

"Alexander is already carrying more stuff than he should!" But yes, he would carry the bags Francisco had put down as well.

Hephaistion didn't let go of Francisco's hand and pulled him into the living room, where it was homely and warm.

Jared released a deep moan when he finally disposed of his baggage and placed the case which held his guitar against the wall. One look outside told him that it was snowing for real now. Big, fluffy snowflakes floated down from the skies and refused to melt once they made contact with the earth. "We will be snowed in… Cool! I should have brought my snowboard though." Why hadn't he?

In the end, all of them made it safely into the cottage. Bagoas and Alexander sorted out all the stuff Alexander had bought and put it away. That left Hephaistion to play host to Jared and Francisco, whose hand was still in his.

"You're welcome here, Francisco. We're glad to have you." A warm smile accompanied his words and he hoped being reassured would help settle Francisco's nerves, though why the younger man was nervous in the first place was beyond him.

"Are you sure my presence here won't create any problems?" Francisco was very much aware of Hephaistion's warm fingers curled around his. Normally it would feel like a threatening gesture to have a stranger so close, but not with Hephaistion.

"I'm sure." And for once, Hephaistion felt grateful at seeing Alexander fill glasses with his spiked eggnog. Maybe a drink would soothe Francisco's nerves. He finally released Francisco's hand and shrugged out of his parka.

Alexander and Jared did the same and also removed their boots. Francisco shrugged out of his long cloak and looked about for the correct place to hang it. It was Jared who took it from him and flung it over a chair. "Sit down and relax!" Jared claimed Francisco's hand and pulled him onto the couch with him, where he snuggled close and only served to increase Francisco's nervousness, making him blush.

Bagoas lowered himself onto Hephaistion's lap and sighed when his lover's arms came around his waist to hold him. Alexander, carrying a tray, made his way through the room and made certain everyone had a glass of eggnog before sitting down himself.

"Wow, what did you put in there?" Jared's eyes had widened when he took his first sip.

"Brandy," Alexander replied, raising his own glass.

"Lots of it," Bagoas added, carefully sniffing the dangerous concoction.

"You don't want to know how much." Hephaistion also took a sip and his throat burned due to the high alcohol content.

Francisco wasn't so sure he should try it. He hardly ever drank alcohol and didn't know how he would react to it, but Jared gave him a look that said, 'Give it a try,' and he always had a hard time denying Jared anything. So, he sniffed, and then sipped… and wished he hadn't…

Alexander's eggnog was lethal!

TBC

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 3

Francisco had felt tipsy before, though only twice in his lifetime, but he still recognized the sensation and it was enough motivation for him to put down the eggnog. Jared's warm body pressed against his wasn't helping him relax either. He reasoned that Jared was only so close because Alexander had also claimed a spot on the couch, but still, Jared was much too close. It was making him think things he shouldn't be thinking about.

It had started during the movie shoot of course. Francisco had never tried to hide the fact that he liked men best and, after they had teased him a bit with it, the crew had fully accepted him. He'd had no problems with the teasing because he had sensed that they did it to make him feel part of the team, but he had a problem with the fact that he had fallen for Jared – and had fallen for him big time.

Jared, although always friendly and good-natured, had never shown any indication that he returned those feelings and Francisco had tried his best to ignore the stirrings of his heart...until now. Ignoring the fact that he was still in love with Jared was becoming increasingly difficult now that the other man was so damn close.

"Hey, you have to empty your glass. That's a rule here." Alexander pointed at Francisco's glass. Actually, the eggnog was also getting to him, which surprised him. In his first life, he'd had no problems holding his liquor, but in this life, he had hardly done any drinking. This body had a rather low tolerance for alcohol.

"Since when?" Bagoas arched an eyebrow. He was taking tiny sips, which stood in stark contrast with the way Jared had downed his eggnog.

"Can I have some more?" Jared gave Alexander a lopsided grin. "I'll be nice and say please."

Alexander eyed Jared closely through a haze of beginning intoxication. "I don't think that would be a smart thing to do."

"I thought I was a guest here!" Jared pouted, crossed his arms, and glared at Alexander.

Hephaistion, trying to be the sensible one, deposited Bagoas on his chair after getting to his feet and then made his way into the kitchen. "Coffee or tea, anyone?" He was going to stay away from Alexander's lethal eggnog until after dinner.

"You had to spoil the mood, didn't you, Hephaistion?" Alexander shook his head, but then decided to give in. It was still a bit early to get drunk. "Coffee. Black, please."

"Same for me," Francisco said quickly, realizing his chance to sober up. His glass was still half-full, but he refused to take another sip. He wanted to put his glass on the coffee table, but Jared was a dead weight against him even though Jared could move now that Alexander had gotten up to collect his coffee.

Bagoas preferred, like he always did, tea and made some himself. "Jared? What would you like?" he asked as he passed Jared by on his way back to his chair.

"More eggnog." Jared wasn't nearly as drunk as he pretended to be, but he had fun confusing them a bit. It was also his way of trying to get Francisco to relax more. He had hoped that Francisco would drink more of the eggnog and had been disappointed when his friend had put it aside. A little alcohol was just what Francisco needed to unwind.

"By the way, I forgot to tell you," Alexander said as he returned to his end of the couch. "Jared, you'll be sharing a room and a bed with Francisco."

That bit of information made Francisco's eyes go big. "What?"

"Oh, yes, of course, you only have one guestroom!" Jared didn't mind one bit though. It would be nice to have someone warm to snuggle up to when the temperature dropped. He would never have snuggled up to Bagoas, always respecting the fact that the young man belonged with Alexander and Hephaistion, but he had no such inhibitions where Francisco was concerned. Francisco was single and old enough to brush him off if he didn't want the attention.

Francisco fought hard not to blush in front of everyone. Just thinking about sharing a bed with Jared had made him hard. "I'll sleep on the couch. That will solve our problem."

"What problem?" Jared smiled, tilted his head, and looked at Francisco. He hated seeing the loneliness in those big sad eyes. If only he knew what was causing Francisco to feel like that! Then he might be able to do something about it! "I don't have any problems with sleeping in the same bed...might be fun."

Knowing he was beaten, Francisco resigned himself to the situation.

"I'm going to set the table for dinner. Bagoas, help me please?" Hephaistion, who was still rummaging about in the kitchen, had been studying Francisco for a while now and thought he recognized the look in the other man's eyes. "I'm sure that Jared and Francisco will want to freshen up before dinner and maybe unpack. Jared, you know the way around here, don't you? Why don't you show Francisco where the bathroom and guestroom are located?" He wanted a moment alone to speak with Bagoas and Alexander.

Francisco was still trying to think of a way he wouldn't have to share a bed with Jared. He didn't mind having to share rooms, but a bed… How much more intimate could things get?

"Come, Francisco, we should always do as the great Hephaistion says." Jared pushed himself to his feet, resolutely took hold of Francisco's hands, and pulled his friend to his feet as well.

"We already put your duffle bag and suit case in the guestroom," Hephaistion said as he watched them leave.

"That wasn't as subtle as you think it was," Alexander murmured. He rested his back against the kitchen wall and waited for Bagoas to join them as well.

"Something's not quite right with Francisco." Hephaistion sipped his coffee and looked at Alexander. "What did you learn during your drive here?"

"Only that he's very quiet, reserved, and on his guard, though I have no idea why."

"Do you think Jared told him who we are and that it scared Francisco off?" Bagoas asked.

"I don't think so. Francisco doesn't know our real identities." Alexander was convinced of that. "Jared hinted that Francisco was already acting all glum when he visited with him in London."

"So this started before Francisco found out he was spending his holidays here." Hephaistion sipped again, needing the caffeine to drive the alcohol out of his system. He would be very careful the next time he drank any of Alexander's eggnog. "He seems lonely to me."

Bagoas nodded his head once. "I thought the same thing. Lonely and uncomfortable."

"Well, think about it," Hephaistion said, frowning. "Jared drags him off to Greece to stay with people he never met before, except for you, Bagoas. I might feel a bit uncomfortable too."

"Maybe this is just the way Francisco is?" Bagoas shrugged.

"Was he like this when you met him in London?" Alexander shared Hephaistion's concern and agreed that something troubled their guest.

"No, he wasn't like this at all…" Bagoas blew onto the surface of his tea, trying to get it to cool down. "Maybe we're not the right people to help him."

"What do you mean, love?" Hephaistion cocked his head.

"Maybe we should leave this to Jared. After all, Francisco is Jared's friend first."

"You have a point there." Alexander was inclined to see things Bagoas' way. "Let's give them some time to settle in."

"And you'll behave?" Hephaistion raised a finger and pointed it at Alexander.

"I'll behave when they're around… I won't behave in the bedroom though, Hephaistion."

"I guess that would be too much to ask for," Bagoas stated calmly, yet in a dry tone.

"Who says I want him to behave in the bedroom?" Hephaistion asked, wiggling an eyebrow suggestively.

Alexander placed his coffee aside, walked over to Hephaistion, wrapped his arms around his lover's waist, and pulled him close. "I'll be your tiger tonight if you want me to. I'll pounce on you and devour you whole."

"I might like to watch," Bagoas whispered in a sensual voice. Maybe the next time they made love, he would like to watch instead of participate like Alexander sometimes did.

~~~

"My offer to sleep on the couch still stands, you know." Francisco watched Jared unpack while his friend hummed one of his songs. Jared possessed character traits which he sorely lacked. Jared's charm never failed and he constantly befriended people. Jared's ability to be so comfortable around strangers was something he envied.

"Francisco, stop it. There's no need for you to sleep on the couch. The bed's big enough for the two of us." Jared stopped rummaging about in his suit case, turned, and gave Francisco a thoughtful look. His voice and expression were serious when he walked up to his friend. "Or does the prospect of sharing a bed with me seem so horrible to you?"

Francisco blushed and instantly lowered his gaze. "That's not it."

Jared drew in a deep breath, raised a hand, and pressed its palm against Francisco's cheek, clearly noticing the way his friend startled at the touch. "Hey, we're friends, remember?"

Francisco forced a smile onto his face. "And I'm very fortunate to have you as a friend."

"Fortunate? Why fortunate?" Jared cocked his head and took another step closer. Their faces were close and their noses almost touching. "Why are you so sad, Francisco? What happened? I don't know you like this." Yes, during filming Francisco had always been a bit distant as well, but Jared had attributed that to the fact that the dancer was only needed for a few shots. Francisco had never become a true part of the crew, who had constantly hung out together. "Why are you looking at me with such sorrow in your eyes, Francisco?"

"It's nothing." Francisco, who had fallen under the spell of Jared's compelling eyes, managed to take a step away and, by doing so, broke eye contact.

Realizing it was too soon to pressure Francisco into telling him what was wrong Jared allowed the retreat and opted for a change in tactics. "Do you want to use the bathroom first?"

"Yes, thank you." Francisco quickly turned around, grabbed the things he needed from his duffle bag, and practically fled the room.

"Odd, most odd," Jared whispered, as he watched him leave. But he *was* determined to find out why Francisco felt this unhappy – this lonely.

~~~

"Jared? Can I come inside?" Hephaistion had seen Francisco disappear into the bathroom and seized this chance to talk to his friend. He blinked: Jared was standing in the center of the room, half-naked, and was busy slipping into a pair of combat trousers. The fact that his upper body was still bare didn't seem to bother Jared and Hephaistion approached when Jared gestured him to come closer. Well, if it didn't bother Jared that he was half-naked, it didn't bother Hephaistion either.

"I decided not to wait on Francisco to vacate the bathroom. He's been in there for almost on hour!"

"Maybe he discovered Bagoas' favorite bath oils?"

Jared chuckled, zipped up his trousers, and reached for his suit case to pull a sweater from it, which he slipped into. "I had a look outside just now. Man, it's white!" He should have brought his snowboard. He picked up his brush and rid himself of the tangles in his hair. He didn't bother styling it, reckoning it wasn't necessary. "Are you here to talk about Francisco?"

Hephaistion appreciated Jared's directness. "I'm not going to pry into personal affairs, but I was wondering if there was something we could do to make him feel more comfortable."

Jared sat down on the bed and made certain he faced the doorway, so he would see Francisco the moment his friend left the bathroom and stepped into the corridor. "It has nothing to do with any of you."

"I figured as much."

"He's always been a bit distant, but nothing like this. My guess is that he's lonely… maybe even depressed. He was going to spend Christmas on his own in London."

"What about his family?"

"Alexander asked me the same question. I don't know… He never mentions them. But I also wondered about them. Why didn't he fly out to Spain in order to be with them? Or had them flown in?"

"Jared," Hephaistion coughed, clearing his throat as he was about to bring up something delicate. "Can it be that he doesn't have any family, considering the fact that he hasn't brought them up around you?"

"That thought never occurred to me. I have no idea…" Jared ran a hand through his hair. "That could be it."

"As I said, we're not going to interfere. You're his friend and he doesn't know us – he hardly knows Bagoas to begin with."

"Ah, is this the 'We trust you to handle this' speech?" Jared smiled.

"Yes, it is, and you should be very grateful that Alexander isn't getting involved."

"He made some heavy eggnog, man, not sure I can handle more of the stuff." Jared gave Hephaistion a sign telling him that Francisco had appeared in the corridor.

"Don't drink too much of it or you'll end up drunk." Hephaistion made certain his voice sounded carefree since he didn't want Francisco to worry about what they were discussing. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," he said to Francisco on his way out. Bemused, he realized that the dancer was wearing Jared's morning robe. Bagoas must have left it hanging in the bathroom.

"We'll be there," Francisco answered, feeling guilty for taking up so much time in the bathroom. The truth was that he had dozed off due to all those lovely fragrances which he had mixed in with the water.

Hephaistion left and Francisco now faced the challenge of getting into his clothes without showing too much skin as Jared watched him intently.

"Want me to turn around?" Jared had originally wanted to tease Francisco with his bashfulness, but then decided that it probably wasn't the best way to make his friend more comfortable. Not bothering to wait for an answer, he turned around and sat cross-legged on the bed. "I thought you'd drowned in there."

"I dozed off," Francisco admitted in a soft, apologetic voice.

Jared smiled, but Francisco couldn't see it. "That's my morning robe you're wearing. I left it here during my last stay."

"Oh, do you want it back? Just give me a moment and I…"

"Francisco, stop being so nervous. You have no reason to act like this, trust me. You're among friends."

Francisco nodded once, but still felt uneasy in realizing he was wearing Jared's robe. He removed a pair of jeans from his duffle bag and a black shirt. After he'd dressed, he picked up the robe and walked over to Jared. "Here."

"Why don't you put it back where you found it?" Jared rose from the bed and cocked his head while standing in front of his friend. The dark eyes still carried that heartrending expression. "Why are you hurting?" Carefully, almost as if to not startle Francisco, he raised a hand and finger combed the dancer's hair.

Francisco swallowed hard. He had dreamt of Jared running his fingers through his hair like that, but he reminded himself that they were friends – just friends and nothing more. "I always get like this around the holidays," he admitted in the end.

"Why?" Jared's fingers settled for caressing Francisco's face.

"Because I always feel lonely around Christmas."

Jared felt like pulling teeth. Why couldn't Francisco simply tell him why he got lonely around Christmas? "Is it because you miss your family? You could have flown out to Spain instead of coming to Greece with me."

Francisco lowered his gaze and pulled away from the caress Jared was bestowing onto his face. "There's nothing left for me in Spain."

"Nothing?" Jared blinked in surprise. "Surely you have family there?"

"I no longer have any family." Francisco couldn't take any more of this emotional torture and stepped aside. He knew he was being rude, but he just didn't care. With hunched shoulders, he stepped into the living room, desperately needing to get away from Jared before he broke down and told him everything.

Jared was left standing there with his hand still poised in mid-air. What the hell had happened just now?

~~~

Francisco tried to act polite, friendly, and interested in his surroundings, but in truth, he felt miserable. Hephaistion and Alexander were busy putting the finishing touches to their dinner and Bagoas, probably looking for some distraction, sat down next to him – though not that close, thankfully.

"This must seem strange to you," Bagoas said, offering Francisco a way to start up a conversation. "The three of us living here."

"I didn't give it that much thought to be honest." He had other things on his mind. Feeling Bagoas' inquisitive gaze upon him, he realized it was time for a distraction. "That's an odd tree you have there."

"Yes, Alexander isn't used to chopping down trees. He had a fight with that tree."

"But I bested it," came Alexander's voice out of the kitchen area.

"Yes, you did, you fierce warrior!" Bagoas' eyes widened as he realized what he had said. The three of them had agreed not to mention their first lives and now he had unwillingly done so in a minute way. Had Francisco picked up on it? It didn't look like it – actually, Bagoas wondered if the dancer had heard him at all. There was a distant look in those eyes that greatly worried him.

Alexander gave Bagoas an admonishing look, but then also noticed that Francisco hadn't heard Bagoas' slip of the tongue. "Why don't you settle down at the table? We're about to serve dinner."

"And no eggnog! Not yet!" Hephaistion gave Alexander a look which said, 'Don't you dare offer it to them yet!' They could drink spring water or wine, but not the eggnog from hell!

"Come on, let's not keep them waiting." Bagoas offered Francisco his hand so he could pull him to his feet.

Francisco caught Jared's stare when the other man stepped out of the bedroom they shared. Not wanting to draw more attention to his person, Francisco reluctantly accepted the offer and placed his hand in Bagoas'. The long fingers closed around his and Bagoas' hand felt warm, where his felt cold and clammy.

Four of them seated themselves at the kitchen table. Alexander remained on his feet though, as he was still placing the last dishes onto the table.

"What do we have here?" Jared picked up his fork and pricked into the cheese topping of one dish which, until a moment ago, had been in the oven.

"Well," Alexander started as he finally seated himself as well. "I didn't know if we have any vegetarians among us and, taking into account that Bagoas prefers vegetables over meat, I made one vegetarian dish as well."

Jared gave Alexander a thankful smile. "I'm a veggies kinda guy."
"Ah, in that case, let me tell you what went in there. Don't want you to have any nasty surprises when eating it." It was also Alexander's chance to show off. He knew he had become quite an accomplished cook. "It's a casserole with the main ingredients of: beans, kernel corn, green pepper, celery, and onions, topped with cheddar cheese of course." "Sounds yummy. I'll have that," Jared declared, already spooning a generous amount of it onto his plate. Seeing their surprised looks, he apologetically explained, "I'm hungry!" "And what's this?" Francisco only thought it polite to let Alexander explain. Unlike Jared, he *did* like to eat meat, but only the leanest meats. "This is grilled chicken, Greek style. Be careful though, it has garlic." Alexander watched how Hephaistion opted for the third and last dish they had prepared: the grilled swordfish with caper sauce. Bagoas, as he'd predicted, ended up sharing the vegetarian dish with Jared, while Francisco tried some of the chicken. Alexander put a little from every dish on his plate and enjoyed his wine. Francisco seemed a bit more relaxed now, but the tension was still there, just below the surface. "And tomorrow, we'll have turkey." "I'll have put on weight by the time I leave here again!" Jared said jokingly. He enjoyed a glass of white wine with his grilled vegetables and watched each and every one of them for a few seconds. His gaze moved on until he had made eye contact with each of them – except for one person that was. Francisco kept his gaze directed at his plate. Furthermore, Francisco was also the only one drinking water and not wine. Jared's thoughts returned to what his friend had said earlier, namely that he no longer had a family. What had Francisco been trying to tell him? What exactly? ~~~ "Can I now bring out the eggnog?" Alexander gave Hephaistion his most charming smile. The two of them were doing the washing up, while they had 'exiled' Bagoas and their guests into the living room. Most of the food they had prepared had been eaten, which made Alexander feel proud of his newly acquired qualities as a cook. "I will be careful not to feed them too much eggnog, I promise." "They're all grown men, Alexander. They should know when they have had enough." Hephaistion, who was drying the dishes, had finished up and pulled Alexander close. Resting his brow against his lover's, he smiled happily into Alexander's eyes. "Did you get me any gifts for Christmas?" "Trying to pry loose information? That won't work, my beloved Hephaistion." Alexander's hands had come up behind Hephaistion's back and now descended lower until they cupped his lover's buttocks. "You'll get your presents eventually though." Hephaistion gently rubbed his brow against Alexander's and placed his hands on either side of his lover's head. "I don't need any gifts, my Alexander. I already have the greatest gift of all -- you." Alexander swallowed hard. Hephaistion was so close, those blue eyes so bewitching, his scent so familiar… All those sensations made a tear escape his eyes. "I'm so blessed to have you, Hephaistion…so very blessed." Francisco, who had been about to wander into the kitchen to ask for something to drink, stopped dead in his tracks at hearing their passionate declarations. It wasn't so much the fact that they were lovers, he had known about that, but the simple fact that they loved each other *unconditionally* that caused him to feel even more miserable. Francisco bowed his head. All he wanted was for someone – and he didn't really care who that was – to care about him too. But who would love him when not even his family could accept and love him the way he was? TBC
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 4

"Alexander, don't tell me you didn't notice where Francisco is sitting." Hephaistion carefully sipped his eggnog, which was already going straight to his head. He had vowed to limit himself to one glass of the deadly brew. At least one person should keep a clear head while the others were drinking.

"I noticed," Alexander replied. He hadn't drunk that much yet either. In his first life he had made an art out of getting drunk, but it seemed that had changed during this life. He had no desire to end up drunk either. "But I thought I should behave." Francisco was sitting under the mistletoe and Alexander had been studying him for the last hour. The sad, distant expression refused to leave Francisco’s eyes, making Alexander eager to do something about it.

Since Hephaistion was sitting next to Alexander, he had no trouble whispering his next words to his lover without being overheard by their guests. "Alexander, this is one time where I don't want you to behave. Go kiss him and make it a good one."

Alexander blinked; he had never expected Hephaistion to say anything like that! Francisco had opted to sit down on a comfortable chair opposite the couch when they had settled down after dinner. Jared was lying on his stomach on the floor, after having dragged the comforter from the bedroom into the living room, and he was using it as a mattress. That left Bagoas, Alexander, and Hephaistion lounging on the couch. "You want me to kiss him?" How in Zeus' name was he supposed to pass up an opportunity like that? He had to act on it!

"Go on do it!" Hephaistion carefully elbowed Alexander in his side and hoped his lover finally took action.

Bagoas had overheard Hephaistion's scheming and agreed with his lover. Maybe Alexander's antics would make Francisco loosen up a bit.

"Uh, Francisco?" Alexander shot his guest his most winning smile.

"Yes?" Francisco had been staring at his glass and the remaining eggnog in it. He had been trying hard to come up with a polite way to rid himself of it without having to drink it. Involuntarily, his breath caught upon seeing Alexander rise from the couch. The blond-haired man walked over to him and sat down on the armrest. Alexander was very close all of a sudden and his nervousness returned. Had he done something wrong?

"Look up." Alexander gave Francisco another smile and waited for the younger man to look up and notice the mistletoe. From the corner of his eye, he saw Jared shift on the floor and raise his head to see what he was up to. Jared was the only one who had managed to empty his eggnog and his expression had become a bit foggy. That was his second glass of eggnog, Alexander reminded himself. Jared had also had one before dinner.

Francisco apprehensively looked at the ceiling and saw doom hanging above his head. Alexander couldn't be hinting at the mistletoe and the tradition that accompanied it?

"Tradition demands that I kiss you," Alexander declared, recalling what Hephaistion had said. His lover had told him to make it a good kiss. Sliding his hand to the nape of Francisco's neck, he lightly gripped the column of flesh there and brought the younger man in for a sensual kiss.

Francisco realized too late that Alexander really planned to kiss him and found himself in a delicate situation with Alexander's lips firmly attaching themselves to his. Francisco's eyes widened as he realized that Alexander knew what he was doing. It hadn't been his intention to part his teeth, but somehow Alexander's tongue had managed to crawl inside and wrap itself around his. It was a good kiss, one of the best he'd ever had and he could feel himself grow flustered.

Jared had pushed himself up onto his elbows and was watching them intently. Alexander kissing Francisco in that way stunned him. When Alexander had said he would kiss Francisco, he had expected it to be a mild and innocent kiss – not one with tongue!

Hephaistion smiled at seeing the fierce blush spreading over Francisco's face. He wished he knew more about the younger man's history. What had Francisco's lovers been like? How many had there been? Or was Francisco less experienced than any of them thought?

Pleased with the reaction he had achieved, Alexander slowly released Francisco's lips. He didn't pull back abruptly, but sucked on Francisco's bottom lip until their lips separated with a soft 'plop'. Smugly, he kneaded Francisco's neck for a few seconds and then released the younger man from his hold. "I hope I'll find you below the mistletoe a few more times, Francisco. Your lips are sweet."

Francisco felt embarrassed. The fact that he had enjoyed that kiss only made him feel guiltier because he knew that Alexander belonged with Hephaistion and Bagoas. Alexander had no business kissing him in such a sensual way!

"Now tell me that it was a good kiss," Alexander added, still sounding rather smug.

Francisco didn't trust his voice to keep steady and kept quiet instead.

"He doesn't seem impressed," Bagoas commented, although he knew that the opposite was true, but it was part of a plan which had formed in his mind.

"You're not?" Alexander had tried hard to make it a good kiss like Hephaistion had requested.

"Maybe we should hold a little contest and find out who the best kisser among us is?" Bagoas suggested, finally feeding them his idea. "We could all kiss Francisco and let him make the decision who gave him the best kiss."

The sudden horror that shone from Francisco's eyes stunned Jared, who had never expected to see it. He had been about to applaud Bagoas' idea, but now he wasn't sure he should support it. At first, he had thought that such a kissing contest would help Francisco to lighten up, but now he reckoned it would only further his nervousness.

"I like that idea," Hephaistion answered as he realized what Bagoas was trying to do. "Alexander, you already kissed him… Bagoas, why don't you go next?"

"Yes, that way you'll have the means to compare all of the kisses and select the winner," Bagoas stated, addressing Francisco. "Alexander, make way for a true master where kissing is concerned."

Francisco wondered if he should try to flee the living room, but quickly realized running away wasn't an option. They were snowed in and there was nowhere to go for him. Maybe he could change their mind with words. "I don't think that's quite necessary."

"Nonsense!" Alexander declared. "Just enjoy the ride… You *are* still sitting under the mistletoe so everyone has a right to kiss you." He vacated his spot on the armrest and returned to sitting next to Hephaistion. He had noticed the interested look Jared had given Francisco when Bagoas had brought up the kissing contest.

"Would you please stand up?" Bagoas offered Francisco his hand and noticed the tremors that moved through the limb when Francisco placed his hand in it.

Just when he thought that things couldn't get any worse, Francisco found himself in Bagoas' arms. Bagoas' kiss differed greatly from Alexander's. Where Alexander's kiss had been domineering and passionate, Bagoas was gentle and teasing.

Bagoas took his time and reminded himself not to come on as strong as Alexander had. He rested his hands loosely on Francisco's middle, leaned in closer, and pressed his lips gently against the other man's. He didn't try to pry those lips and teeth apart and opted to drag the tip of his tongue along Francisco's bottom lip.

Francisco couldn't help it: he moaned. This was a sweet and seductive kiss which was more to his taste. He almost regretted the fact that the kiss eventually had to come to an end.

"Good?" Bagoas asked. He smiled at Francisco, raised a hand, and caressed the other man's trembling bottom lip.

"Very good." Francisco's voice shook and his blush deepened.

"Looks like Bagoas now has the lead," Hephaistion commented and chuckled at seeing Alexander's expression. It didn't really matter who won. What mattered was that Francisco would hopefully feel more at ease around them once this was over.

"Your turn, Hephaistion. Though I have no idea how you could possibly top that kiss." Bagoas bestowed a parting caress onto Francisco's face and then returned to the couch.

Francisco, feeling perplexed, remained standing. Those had been the best two kisses he had ever had! But now that Hephaistion was approaching, his nervousness increased. Alexander had taken him aback when he had kissed him – Francisco hadn't been expecting that. And Bagoas… Bagoas had seduced him, but now that Hephaistion was advancing on him, he knew what was about to happen and grew anxious.

Hephaistion saw the anxiety in those dark eyes and smiled reassuringly. He gently rested his hands on either side of Francisco's head and smoothed the dark hair away from the face. He had no aspirations to be the best. He only wanted to make Francisco feel welcome and maybe even a bit loved.

Hephaistion tilted his head slightly and claimed his lips in what could only be described as a kiss full of respect and affection. It almost made his toes curl – almost. Francisco couldn't stop himself from raising his hands and tangling them in Hephaistion's long, thick hair.

At this point, Francisco started to pant slightly and he stared at Hephaistion's face when the older man set his lips free again. "That was special too."

Hephaistion smiled, leaned in again, and pressed another kiss onto Francisco's brow. "One more to go." He wondered if he had interpreted the looks which Francisco had stolen at Jared correctly. He thought he had seen attraction in them.

"I'll win!" Jared stated in a confident voice, but contrary to his words, winning wasn't on his mind, but giving Francisco the best kiss he was capable of was. Hephaistion made way for him and Jared resolutely pushed Francisco onto his chair again.

Francisco was actually relieved to be sitting down again – his knees had threatened to give out beneath him. But then Jared made his move, lowered himself, and straddled his hips. The way Jared was squeezing close made Francisco's breath catch. It felt like Jared was rubbing his lower body against his groin!

Jared grinned now that he was getting the reaction he'd expected. Francisco looked beautiful flustered like this and Jared really wanted to make this the best kiss ever. He grabbed hold of Francisco's head, slid his fingers into the short hair, and leaned in closer.

Francisco never got a chance to realize what was happening. Before he knew it, Jared's tongue was pushing against his palate, his lips sucking his, and Jared's lower body was pressed close against his groin. He had already grown hard after Alexander's kiss and now felt like he could come any moment, especially now that Jared was thrusting against him in a wanton way. Jared tasted better than he had thought, although he still noticed a strong remnant of eggnog on Jared's tongue. This kiss *made* his toes curl and he surrendered to the sweet sensation. Kissing Jared back, he only belatedly realized what he was doing, but it was the surprise in Jared's eyes that jolted him out of his warm and fuzzy feelings. Jared hadn't expected him to participate in the kiss!

"I think we have a winner," Alexander murmured and tried hard not to sound too smug.

Hephaistion had guessed that this would probably be the outcome. Jared was the least inhibited out of the four of them and didn't feel shy about kissing Francisco in such a way – Jared hadn't held back.

Jared was in no hurry to vacate Francisco's lap and, after ending the kiss, he studied the handsome face. The eyes sparkled, the lips shone from being kissed and, although Francisco looked shocked, there was also a glow to his face which Jared had never seen before. It was much better to see that glow than the dead look Francisco's eyes had possessed until now. "You're a good kisser too, Francisco." Jared felt amazed, hearing just how tender his voice sounded. Apparently, the kiss hadn't left him unfazed either.

"I think I need a bit more of the eggnog." Francisco's blush had added a soft glow to his face, but he felt more embarrassed than flustered. He'd had erotic dreams in which Jared had kissed him like that, but he had never thought it would happen.

Sensing that the magic of the moment had passed, Jared slid away from Francisco's lap and lowered himself onto the floor again. He crawled back to his comforter and settled back onto his stomach, but his eyes immediately settled on Francisco once more.

Alexander got to his feet, collected the eggnog, re-filled Jared's glass and added a little bit to Francisco's. "Don't drink too much though."

A silence which was beginning to feel uncomfortable descended onto them and it was Jared who found a way to do away with it. He got up, collected his guitar case, opened it, and started singing Christmas carols. Sitting Indian-style, he continued to study Francisco, who in turn tried hard to ignore that he was being looked at.

In the end, all of them, except for Bagoas, who didn't know all the words, joined in. They spent the rest of their evening that way, singing, talking, and smiling at each other.

~~~

Once it was time to turn in for the night, Francisco wished he had insisted he slept on the couch instead of sharing a bed with Jared. He felt a little intoxicated due to the eggnog, but he was still way too sober not to feel concerned about the prospect of slipping in between the sheets with Jared. This was definitely a bad idea.

Jared had stepped out of his combat trousers and, out of consideration for Francisco's shy nature, he had kept his briefs on and had even slipped into a T-shirt. He sat on the bed on top of the covers and tried to think of a way that would convince Francisco that it was okay to share the bed with him. "I'll behave… I promise, Francisco. Trust me just a little."

/I trust you to behave, Jared. I just don't trust my reactions to being so close to you./ Francisco didn't want to undress in front of Jared. Although he had a well-trained body, he still felt self-conscious at seeing the perfect shape Jared was in. "I'll be right back. Feel free to go to sleep. You don't have to wait for me." He quickly picked up his black silken pajamas and fled into the bathroom, which was thankfully empty.

Jared remained behind – puzzled, but mostly worried.

~~~

Francisco sat on the edge of the bathtub and forced himself to draw in deep breaths. He had been in there for thirty minutes and he secretly hoped that Jared had grown tired of waiting and had already gone to sleep. He felt grateful that he had brought his silk pajamas, which covered every part of his body. He had buttoned up the top, making sure no skin showed. Running his hand through his hair, he forced himself to get to his feet and leave the bathroom.

~~~

He couldn't. He simply couldn't share a bed with Jared – not when he still felt attracted to the other man.

His hope had come true: Jared had fallen asleep and was now curled up around a pillow below the covers. He looked cute asleep as he was and the strings in Francisco's heart trembled with affection for Jared. Feeling miserable, he turned around and headed for the living room instead.

The heaters had been turned down and it had grown chilly in the cottage. Doubtlessly, Alexander, Hephaistion, and Bagoas had all snuggled up together, keeping each other warm. He could have had that too, if he hadn't been so shy about sharing Jared's bed.

Francisco walked over to the window and looked outside. The earth was white, even the shore which he could still see from here looked pallid due to the snow. The temperature had dropped below the freezing point and ice stars had formed on the glass of the window.

Although he felt chilly standing there, he enjoyed the view and wanted to watch the sea a little longer. Looking for a suitable place to settle down, he saw a chest which stood below the window. Something white had gotten stuck between the chest body and the lid and Francisco felt the need to open it so he could put everything right again.

Careful not to make any noise that would wake Jared or his hosts, Francisco lifted the lid and realized that feathers which made up a plume had gotten caught between the body of the chest and the lid. He was about to correct that when his fingers encountered metal and something furry.

There was little light in the room. The only light that illuminated the living room were the silver rays of moonlight and Francisco seated himself on the floor so he could have a better look. The plume was attached to a helmet it seemed. His fingertips moved over the metal which felt and looked old to him. He was amazed to find something like this and stared at it for a long time.

/I shouldn't do this. These items don't belong to me. I have no business touching them./ But a small box attracted his attention and while uncovering it, his fingers brushed against something furry again. He removed that item from the chest first, realizing it could help keep him warm. He was surprised to draw forth a long cloak made from what looked like grey furs. He wrapped it around himself and inhaled the scent it carried. It smelled old, but the scent wasn't unpleasant.

Next, he opened the box and looked at the large collection of rings and necklaces made from gold, silver, and precious gemstones which it contained. His gaze was drawn to one ring in particular.

Made from silver, the stone it carried was blue mixed in with swirls of green. It was amazing and Francisco couldn't stop himself from slipping it down his middle finger. It fit perfectly.

"You should be in bed, Francisco. It's cold out here." Hephaistion regretted startling Francisco. He realized he had done so when the younger man tried to throw off the cloak and jump to his feet. "Calm down, my friend. You didn't do anything wrong." He should have hidden the chest better. It wasn't Francisco's fault that he had found it.

"I'm sorry," Francisco said quickly, apologizing for trespassing. "I know that I have no business snooping around in here." He almost panicked as he realized that the ring was still on his finger and the box open in his lap.

Hephaistion sat down next to him and answered, "I'm cold too. Share that cloak with me?" He tried to radiate friendliness, hoping to soothe Francisco's nerves in that way.

Francisco lifted the cloak so Hephaistion could wrap part of it around his form. "I want to apologize. I don't know why I did it. Normally, I respect people's privacy."

"You opened a chest and had a look at its contents. You didn't do any harm, Francisco." Hephaistion took hold of the jewelry box and let his fingertips caress the rings which had once adorned his fingers. "Alexander gave them to me, you know."

Francisco quickly removed the ring from his finger and placed it back in the box. "You love him a lot."

"And Bagoas. I love them both – each in the way they deserve for they are unique." Hephaistion closed the jewelry box and looked at Francisco's troubled eyes. "Why are you out here and not in a warm bed?"

"Jared was already asleep when I returned from using the bathroom and I didn't want to wake him by slipping into bed." Francisco complimented himself with thinking up that white lie. Eager to change their subject, he asked, "Have you lived here for a long time?"

"A few years and we're happy here." Hephaistion decided not to press Francisco where Jared was concerned. Instead, he wanted to focus on something else. "I'm surprised that you accepted Jared's invitation to spend Christmas here. I would have thought you would prefer to spend it with your family." The pace with which Francisco paled alarmed Hephaistion. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Can I ask you something personal? You don't have to answer if you don’t want to."

"I'll try to answer," Hephaistion replied, hoping Francisco would confide in him.

"How did your father react when he learned that you loved Alexander? That you were gay?"

"He accepted it. I don't think it made much of a difference to him. He's a very open-minded man." Hephaistion scooted a little closer so Francisco, who still radiated cold, could benefit from his body heat. "How did your father react?" he asked eventually as he realized that that question held the answer to Francisco's sadness.

Francisco laughed, bitterly. "In Spain, things are different. Most people are still practicing Catholics and my father…" His voice failed him momentarily and tears formed in his eyes. His fingers buried themselves in the fur.

"Your father couldn't accept that you liked men best?"

"He believes that it's wrong… That it makes me engage in unnatural acts and he… He banished me from my home. He told me that I was no longer his son and that he never wanted to see me again."

"I'm sorry." Hephaistion reached for Francisco's hand and squeezed the fingers.

"That's why I left for London. I wanted to start a new life there, build a new future." Francisco chuckled mirthlessly. "But it didn't work. Yes, I made friends, most of them are ballet dancers like me, but I miss home – my family."

"How long has it been since you saw them last?"

"Six years… I was eighteen when I had to leave my family." Francisco peeked at Hephaistion's eyes and felt relieved at seeing the passionate expression in them. "A few weeks ago, I got a letter. My younger brother had written it. It said that my mother had died…" Francisco swallowed convulsively as he struggled with his emotions. "I wasn't able to attend her funeral. My father refused to allow it."

Hephaistion wrapped an arm around the younger man and pulled him close. Francisco rested his brow against his shoulder and Hephaistion felt moisture spread over his skin. Francisco was crying and he hoped that was a good thing. "He didn't have the right to do that to you."

"But he does… He's the head of the family. He has all the rights." Francisco allowed himself to savor Hephaistion's closeness and the comfort the other man offered for a moment longer, but then raised his head and wiped at his eyes. "I'm sorry to bother you with this. I shouldn't… But it only happened one month ago…"

"That's why you're so sad." Hephaistion heard soft footfalls in the corridor and looked up. As he did so, he saw Jared standing there, listening, but not interfering. Jared's eyes revealed sympathy and shock. "At least you're among friends now." Maybe this was the time to tackle the second matter which he had wanted to discuss.

"Yes, I am… Though, I didn't realize that at first. I don't have that many friends, you see." Francisco had dried his eyes and was once more in control of his emotions. The dark eyes still watering with unshed tears stared at Hephaistion's fingers which were curled around his.

"And you have Jared. He's a good friend too, isn't he?"

Jared perked up once Hephaistion mentioned his name. It hadn't been his intention to eavesdrop. He had left the bed because he had woken up alone and had realized that Francisco had never joined him. Growing worried, he had started to look for his friend and had found Francisco baring his soul to Hephaistion.

The truth was that he was angry with himself. He should have found a way to reach Francisco and soothe him. Instead Hephaistion had had to do that. What kind of friend was he that Francisco would rather confide in Hephaistion – a stranger! – rather than him?

"Jared…" Francisco's voice took on a rueful tone. "Jared is a good friend, yes."

"And you would like for him to be more than just a friend," Hephaistion stated, confident that he had drawn the right conclusions.

"He can't be more than a good friend – he doesn't feel that way about me."

Jared's eyes widened. What?

"But you *do* care about him in that way," Hephaistion said, not giving up that easily.

"I do…" Francisco saw no reason to lie to Hephaistion. "I fell for him during the movie shoot, but he's way out of my league."

Jared blinked rapidly. He was?

"I'm content to have him as a friend." Francisco raised shy eyes and smiled at Hephaistion. "I'm glad I accepted his invitation to spend the holidays with you. If it hadn't been for that invitation, I would be feeling sorry for myself – all alone at home in bed." Francisco lowered his gaze again. /And now I'm feeling sorry for myself here and am ruining the mood./

Jared shook his head, trying to accept everything he had heard. The fact that Francisco's father didn't accept him the way he was made him angry as hell, but what had really stunned him was learning that his friend had a crush on him. /Now I know why he didn't want to share the bed with me! Why didn't I realize that before?/

"You can sleep on the couch if you really want to, but promise me that you won't remain sitting on the cold floor." Hephaistion was in the process of getting to his feet and waited for Francisco to make up his mind on what he wanted to do next.

"I'll take the couch." Francisco pushed himself to his feet and was about to hand the furs back to Hephaistion and add another apology when Hephaistion beat him to it.

"You can use that to keep you warm, but it must smell terribly." Hephaistion had regained his hold on Francisco's hand and guided him over to the couch. Francisco sat down and Hephaistion raised his feet so his guest was finally lying down. "Try to sleep," he urged and bowed down to press a kiss on Francisco's brow. "We'll talk some more in the morning."

Now that he had bared his soul and had wept, Francisco felt tired enough to close his eyes. He dozed off within seconds.

Hephaistion tucked the furs around Francisco's form and then walked over to where Jared was standing looking bewildered.

"I didn't know any of that," Jared said and released the breath he had been holding.

Hephaistion raised a hand and cupped Jared's cheek. "He needs you, Jared. If you can't return his feelings, that's fine. No one can force you to love him, but you can be his friend. If you really care for him as a friend, you'll support him and be there for him, especially during these days."

"I'll help him." Jared nodded his head and gave Hephaistion a thankful look. "You handled that well. I don’t know if I could have stayed that calm, hearing what his father is like."

"If you care for him, you'll put your needs aside for a little while and focus on his."

"Like you do whenever Alexander needs you?"

"And he does the same when I need him. It's called friendship, Jared. It's at the very base of love… Alexander and I were friends before we became lovers and eventually realized we were soul mates."

"I understand." Jared drew in a deep breath, smiled at Hephaistion, and entered the living room.

Now that his work was done, Hephaistion returned to his bedroom and snuggled up to his lovers.

But for Jared, the real work was only about to begin. Seeing that the couch would hold the two of them, Jared carefully lifted the furs and lay down on his side, facing Francisco. Gently, so he wouldn't wake Francisco, he managed to wrap his arms around the other man. He moved him closer until Francisco's head rested against his shoulder and then Jared tucked Francisco's head beneath his chin.

He had learned a valuable lesson that day and he was going to prove to Francisco what a good friend he was. He didn't know if he could give Francisco everything he needed, but he was going to try to be there for Francisco every way he could.

Determined not to fail his friend, Jared gave in to his own feelings of fatigue and followed Francisco into sleep.

TBC

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 5

Francisco felt warm when he started to wake up. Something hairy teased against his face and he recalled Hephaistion tucking the furs around him. But then the skin-on-skin contact registered as well and threw him off balance. His eyes were still closed and he kept them that way, not ready yet to face the person who was holding him. He thought he recognized the other man's scent as Jared's, but that couldn't be. The only logical conclusion for him to reach was that Hephaistion had snuggled up to him.

Hephaistion… The other man was quickly becoming a good friend, but at the same time, Francisco wondered who Hephaistion really was. Surely that couldn't be his real name? Then he recalled the chest and its content. What was it doing here? That helmet...why would anyone keep something like that close?

"Is he awake yet, Jared?" Hephaistion soundlessly entered the living room to check on his guests. He had been unable to sleep for the reminder of the night and eventually his unease must have registered with the sleeping Alexander, who had woken up and urged him to discuss Francisco with him – which they had done softly in order not to wake Bagoas.

Before leaving the bed, Hephaistion had asked Alexander to update Bagoas once their lover woke. He felt it was important that everyone knew that Francisco had only recently lost his mother and he wondered if they shouldn't adjust their behavior to this news. Acting so cheerfully might not be appropriate right now.

Hephaistion had reached the couch and studied Francisco's face. He had seen men feign sleep before and knew instantly that Francisco was faking it. The young man was already awake, but Hephaistion decided against calling him on it.

"Nah, he's still asleep and I hope he'll stay that way. He probably hasn't had much sleep during these last few weeks." Jared smiled at the sleeping face and gently caressed Francisco's short hair. "And I don't mind holding him."

Hephaistion smiled at the two of them. The fact that Jared enjoyed holding Francisco was a good start. "I'll make breakfast. What do you usually have, Jared?"

"Scrambled eggs on toast and some black coffee please." Jared gave Hephaistion a grateful look and then focused his attention on Francisco again. He knew that Francisco was a few years younger than he was, but his friend had never looked so young and vulnerable before and holding him like this was awakening feelings in him – he just didn't know exactly what.

~~~

There was no way out of it. It was time for him to open his eyes and face them. He had drawn the confrontation out for a good thirty minutes, but his stomach growled hungrily now that the fragrances of coffee, eggs, toast, bacon, and something sweet filled the cottage. He steeled himself for meeting Jared's gaze and opened his eyes.

"Good morning," Jared said in a warm voice. "You woke up just in time. Breakfast is almost ready."

Francisco couldn't help it...he had to know. "What are you doing here?" How had Jared ended up on the couch? He locked out the noise coming from the kitchen area. Alexander had joined Hephaistion and was now chasing him all over the kitchen, trying to position some mistletoe over his lover's head. Hearing them fool around warmed his heart, but the sad thing was that it also made it very clear that he didn't have a person to chase around the kitchen.

Jared decided to be completely honest. He wasn't the type to make up lies. "I woke last night and realized that you had never climbed into bed so I went looking for you. I overheard your conversation with Hephaistion and… I just want to say I'm sorry that your father treated you like that." Jared sucked in his breath at seeing the dark eyes go impossibly big. It almost looked like Francisco was going to cry again.

"Did you hear everything?" Francisco was beginning to panic, recalling the second part of the conversation in which he had admitted to being in love with Jared – with the very man who was now holding him.

"Yeah, I did and I must say I'm flattered. I never expected that." Jared made certain that his tone and expression remained tender and accepting throughout their conversation. "I'll be honest though and admit that I don't really know how I feel about you. I would have to get to know you a lot better…"

Francisco swallowed nervously in an attempt to control his panic. Jared knew!

"But I *do* know that I want to be your friend, Francisco. And Hephaistion told me something very important, namely that friendship is at the very base of love. Maybe we should start there and see what happens?" Maintaining a relationship would be hard for the both of them. Once the holidays were over, Francisco would return to London for his work and he would head for the States to do another movie or tour with his band. But they *would* make an effort to make it work, he promised himself that much.

Alexander cocked his head, caught Hephaistion's attention by doing so, and nodded in the direction of the living room. "Methinks something beautiful just happened."

"Don't go all poetic on me, Alexander." But Hephaistion was grinning, seeing where Alexander's eavesdropping had led him to stand. "You owe me a kiss."

"Do I?" Alexander looked up and realized he was standing under the mistletoe. "Then come and claim it."

Hephaistion did just that and they shared another kiss under the mistletoe.

~~~

"When will we exchange gifts?" Bagoas had snuggled up to Alexander and they were lounging on the couch. Hephaistion was in the kitchen with Francisco helping him prepare lunch and Jared was jamming on his guitar.

"It's the 24th," Hephaistion replied from the kitchen. "We can swap one gift this evening and open the rest of them tomorrow morning." It had been like that at his home. His father had always given him at least one present the day before Christmas and the rest on Christmas morning. That way he wouldn't nag all night to get his presents.

"I like that idea!" Jared had stopped playing and looked at Francisco, who was buttering the bread. He was determined to pay his friend more attention. They would see where their friendship would lead them. If they were supposed to be together, they would.

Francisco looked up from his work and noticed the brilliant smile Jared was giving him. Shyly, he returned it. He didn't know how he felt about the fact that Jared now knew the truth. No, that was a lie. He did know one thing for certain – he was very glad that Jared wasn't shunning him because he was in love with him.

~~~

"Francisco? I saved you a spot." This time, Jared had taken possession of the couch. He had stretched out his legs and now raised a hand in the hope Francisco would take the hint and settle down against him. He hadn't brought up the sleeping arrangements again, hoping Francisco would feel less awkward tonight and share the bed with him.

Francisco blushed, but as he wanted to be close to Jared, he accepted the invitation and sat down next to his friend. Jared immediately wrapped an arm around him and Francisco rested his head against Jared's shoulder. This felt nice.

"Uh, Hephaistion, Alexander *did* tell you that we didn't bring presents right?" Jared felt a little bit guilty about that.

"Don't worry about it. We were also caught off guard when Francisco joined us." Hephaistion was busy placing the gifts he had bought beneath the Christmas tree. Bagoas and Alexander had done so earlier. It was an impressive mountain of gifts that had gathered there.

Bagoas, who had been following Francisco around with his eyes, wondered about something, but he wasn't sure he should bring it up, though. "There is a small town maybe a half hour's walk away from here and they hold a service around midnight to celebrate Christmas. I was wondering if anyone wanted to go." The snow had melted during the day and, although it was still chilly, they would have no trouble reaching it.

Francisco, as Bagoas had suspected, perked up. "I would like that… That's if I'm not the only one."

"I'm not religious, but I'll go," Jared commented, smiling at Francisco. Like Hephaistion had said, this was the time to think of Francisco's needs first.

"I have to go, otherwise the three of you will get lost." Alexander didn't mind though. He was itching to go outside for a good walk. Peritas, who seemed to have understood the word 'walk' Bagoas had uttered earlier, raised his head. He was willing to go too, but not that far. Maybe he would tag along for a few minutes. The cold always made his bones quickly stiffen.

"And someone has to watch you, Alexander. I can't let you out of my sight and you know it." Hephaistion privately applauded Bagoas with this excellent idea. Francisco had probably been raised in a way that religion had taken on an important part in his life. Maybe he would somehow find hope by attending that service. Not all religious people were as conservative as his father. "And after we attend the service, everyone will get a present."

"Sounds good to me." Jared snuggled Francisco closer and realized how perfectly the younger man fit in his arms. He'd already had many dates in his life and kept dating others, but he had never found someone he could envision himself spending the rest of his life with. But Francisco was different. This was the first man in his arms and Jared like the differences the experience brought with it. But Hephaistion's advice reminded him to go slow and see what happened.

~~~

They no longer looked recognizable wrapped up in long cloaks, parkas, scarves, and caps to keep the cold wind away from their faces. Once they had reached the small church, they had stood in the back and had watched the ceremony. The end of it was that the inhabitants of the village lit a candle. After doing that, they left one by one.

"I want to light a candle too," Francisco whispered as he looked at Jared. Jared had captured his arm with his own when they had left the cottage and hadn't let go since. Knowing Jared was so close and supporting him was doing Francisco lots of good. "But I don't have any money on me." In exchange for burning a candle a small donation was asked, which would go to restoring the church.

"I have." Hephaistion always kept some change in his pocket and handed Francisco the money. "We will wait outside."

While Alexander, Hephaistion, and Bagoas made their way out of the church, Jared and Francisco headed to the altar which already carried dozens of candles. A statue of the Virgin Mary was placed over the altar and she smiled invitingly at them.

Jared remained quiet and let Francisco do what he wanted to do, respecting his friend's beliefs.

Francisco deposited the money into a small box, took hold of a candle, and lit it. He placed it alongside the others, bowed his head, and offered a prayer. He was thinking of his mother and the fact that he hadn't been able to say his goodbyes to her. He loved her and he hoped his mother had earned her little place in heaven.

Jared peeked at his friend's face and saw tears flowing down Francisco's face. He reacted by letting go of Francisco's arm and caught the clammy fingers in his instead. He twined their fingers and squeezed tightly, letting Francisco know that he wasn't alone.

That gesture made Francisco smile through his tears and he shyly met Jared's gaze. "I hope she died peacefully." He didn't know that much about her passing. His brother's letter hadn't held any details. "I loved her. I hope she is at peace now."

Jared drew in a deep breath and placed himself in Francisco's situation. What if his mother had died, or Shannon, and he hadn't been allowed to attend the funeral? He would have been mad as hell, but even more, he would have felt wounded – so deeply that he might have given up his trust in the people around him. But not Francisco. "You can keep her alive by remembering her, Francisco. If you do that, she'll always be a part of you."

Francisco's smile became warmer. "Thank you for those kind words." He was done here and it was time they joined the others. In a small way, he had finally been able to say goodbye to her.

~~~

"Hot chocolate anyone?" Hephaistion had managed to beat Alexander to offering them his eggnog. The hot chocolate, although spiked with rum, would do far less damage than the deadly eggnog.

"Oh, you said the magic words!" Jared had stormed into the kitchen and was excitedly shuffling his feet. "Can I help?" He just loved hot chocolate!

"Sure, here, boil the milk, but don't let it burn." Hephaistion cast a look into the living room and saw Alexander making out with Bagoas because they were both standing under the mistletoe and 'just a kiss wouldn't do!' according to Alexander.
Francisco had seated himself on the chest near the window and had covered himself with the furs. Hephaistion frowned. Francisco had to be wondering about them, the chest, and the rings, but he doubted the younger man would ever make the connection. That left him with a dilemma: should he tell Francisco who they had been in their first lives or not?

"Francisco mentioned finding a stunning helmet to me earlier," Jared commented in an attempt to start up a conversation. "He has no idea who you guys are, but don't you think he deserves to know?"

Hephaistion shrugged. "What good will it do him to know who we once were? And will he believe us?"

"He might. It might take him time, but I believed you, didn't I?" The milk had come to a boil and Jared poured it into the mugs Hephaistion had prepared. "If you feel uncomfortable telling him, I could do it."

"I need to discuss this with Alexander and Bagoas first." Hephaistion didn't want to make this decision on his own. "Let's join them now."

Jared carried the tray holding the mugs with hot chocolate and nibbled on his bottom lip, trying hard not to stumble or spill.

"Come over here, Francisco. There is a draft near the window." Hephaistion patted the space on the couch in between Jared and him.

Francisco regretted having to part with the warm furs, but he left them atop the chest. He settled down between Hephaistion and Jared and warmed his hands by wrapping them around his mug. He was dying to ask Hephaistion about the helmet, why it was there, and if it really was as old as it looked, but he didn't want to pry. However, he did feel like he was being kept out of something, but he didn't know what kind of secret they were hiding from him.

"It's time for the presents!" Alexander made his way over to the Christmas tree first and studied the presents for a long time. Everyone would get to open one, so he carefully had to decide who would get that gift from him. In the end, he picked up a package and placed it on Bagoas' lap. "Merry Christmas," he said and placed a sloppy kiss on Bagoas' lips.

Bagoas gave Alexander a warm smile and then removed the wrapping paper. He was curious what Alexander had bought him. The warm smile got even more tender as he realized Alexander knew him so very well. "They are lovely!" Inside the package were twelve small perfume bottles, each sporting exotic colors and forms. "Egyptian style?"

"Hand-blown in Egypt, yes. I thought you would appreciate the idea." Alexander smiled, relieved that Bagoas seemed to like his gift. He had played it safe, knowing of Bagoas' fondness for perfumes and bath oils.

"I love them, thank you." Bagoas rose from his chair, made his way over to Alexander, and kissed him on the lips. Now it was his turn to select a gift. Bagoas decided to play it safe and picked up a package which he had intended to give Hephaistion. He placed it on his lover's lap, leaned in closer, and whispered, "Sexy Christmas to you, my love."

Hephaistion blushed weakly, amazed that after all that time, Bagoas could still make him go flustered. "What did you do?"

"I realized I was in the right store when I saw some furry hand cuffs," Bagoas replied, still smiling at Hephaistion as he seated himself again.

Hephaistion wondered if he ought to grow nervous now. Trying to 'feel out' the item, Hephaistion frowned, realizing he might be dealing with a hard-cover book. "You got me a book?"

"Just open it!" Alexander was way more curious than Hephaistion was, especially since Bagoas had mentioned that the store had carried handcuffs!

Hephaistion finally removed the wrapping paper and laughed warmly. "The gay karma sutra? Bagoas, don't you already know all the positions in there?" he asked teasingly.

"I might know them, but the two of you don't know them yet!" Bagoas grinned, pleased that Hephaistion was already leafing through the book. "Maybe we can try some of those positions tonight?"

"I don't know if I'm that flexible," Hephaistion commented and cringed at the complicated position he had happened upon on.

"Your turn!" Alexander shifted excitedly in his chair.

Hephaistion had pity on Alexander and dropped the book onto his lover's lap as he passed him by. "Here, for you to pass the time."

Alexander didn't waste any time and opened the book, nosing around in it.

Hephaistion bowed down and picked up a really tiny present. It was roughly one inch by one inch. A smile formed on his face as he made his way over to Francisco. "I want you to have this, Francisco."

Francisco swallowed hard, as he had never expected to get something as well. "For me?"

"Yes, open it." This time, Hephaistion seated himself next to Alexander, wanting to keep an eye on the position his lover might decide on. Sipping his hot chocolate, he looked at Bagoas and found his lover smiling fondly right back at him. Bagoas had wanted to make this the perfect Christmas and it looked like he would succeed.

Francisco's hands trembled as he removed the wrapping. He had a hard time doing so, because the object was so tiny that it was hard to get hold of the paper. In the end, he uncovered a small black jewelry box. "Are you sure this is for me? Maybe you made a mistake and it's meant for someone else?"

"Trust me, it's yours." Hephaistion smiled at Francisco and then shook his head at Alexander, clearly telling him that *that* position was out of the question.

The tremors that shook Francisco's hands increased and he felt embarrassed for letting his emotions show that easily, but he couldn't help it. His breath caught, recognizing the ring he was now holding in his hands: it had a rectangular shape, was made of silver, and carried the blue/green stone he had admired the other night. It was the ring which he'd had on when Hephaistion had found him searching that chest. "I can't accept this," he whispered, offering it back to Hephaistion. "You said Alexander had given it to you."

Now that Francisco had mentioned his name, Alexander looked up from the book he had been studying. He was surprised to find that Hephaistion had given Francisco that ring, but wasn't going to comment on it. That ring was Hephaistion's to do with as he pleased.

"No," Hephaistion answered as he rose from his seat to sit down next to Francisco. "I want you to have it." He took hold of the ring and slid it onto Francisco's finger. "For it will remind you that you have friends here – always. When you get lonely or are in need of some company, you can always come here."

Francisco felt all choked up at hearing Hephaistion's words. "Do you mean that?"

"Of course I do." Hephaistion gently pulled Francisco in for a hug. "You can always sleep on the couch if you want to."

Francisco felt embarrassed because tears were dripping down his face. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me."

Hephaistion released Francisco from his embrace and returned to Alexander's side.

Francisco felt even more self-conscious now because he didn't have any gifts to give away. "I don't have any…"

"But I have something for you," Jared declared and took the plunge into the deep. "It's not particularly good because I didn't have the time to perfect it, but I wrote it just for you." He got up from the couch, retrieved his guitar, and settled down again. He hadn't thought he would feel as nervous as this, but he started to play at any rate. He hadn't had the time to think of the lyrics to accompany the melody, but he hoped Francisco would like his gift anyway because it came from the heart.

Francisco understood – understood perfectly – and took Jared's gift right into his heart.

Once the song had come to an end, Jared gave Francisco an apologetic smile. "It will grow into something more, but it needs work and time. Maybe I'll have it finished by New Year's Day for you."

New Year's… They would have left Greece by then and would be back to their separate lives and that was a thought which filled Francisco with sorrow and longing.

Alexander cleared his throat. Maybe this could be his gift to Francisco and Jared. "I don't know if your working schedule allows for it, but you can stay as long as you want. You might have to sleep on the couch then, because Hephaistion's father might be joining us to celebrate New Year's, but you're welcome to stay."

Hephaistion enthusiastically nodded his head. "Alexander, that's an excellent idea. I'm glad you thought of it!" He knew his father through and through and hoped he would also extend his friendship to Francisco in particular, who might welcome a father-figure in his life.

"That means only one person didn't get his present yet," Bagoas remarked. "Alexander…"

"Oh, allow me!" Hephaistion rose from his chair before Bagoas could, selected his gift and dropped it onto Alexander's lap, atop of the book.

"For me?" Alexander's expression became greedy as he studied the wrapped package.

"Open it! I know you want to." Hephaistion sat back down again and his gaze shifted from Alexander to Francisco, who apparently couldn't decide where he should direct his gaze, either to the ring on his finger or Jared sitting next to him.

Alexander ripped away the paper and bared the gift to him. The next moment, he snickered in mirth. "I should have known you would come up with something like this!" It was two packages, not one, though they both had the same content. "Male edible undies, sensuous with taste." He looked closer and found they were different after all. "One with passion fruit flavor and the other comes with strawberry chocolate taste… Yummy… Now I only need to decide which lover suites what flavor best, but I'll find out shortly." He gave first Hephaistion and then Bagoas a truly wicked look. "I'll eat one of you tonight."

"I knew you’d love them." Hephaistion felt happy, seeing everyone so content. Francisco had finally stopped admiring his new ring and had leaned back against Jared's chest, looking comfortable at last.

Leaning into Bagoas, Hephaistion whispered, "Are you satisfied? Is this what you wanted? The Christmas feeling you hoped for?"

"Yes, it is. I got my gift as well, Hephaistion… I got the best Christmas ever."

~~~

"Francisco?" Jared lifted the covers and gave Francisco a hopeful look. "My promise to behave still stands." He hoped that the hot chocolate with rum and a sip of Alexander's eggnog later had helped soothe Francisco's nerves and that the younger man felt comfortable enough to go to sleep in his arms.

Once more wearing his silken pajamas, Francisco shuffled toward the bed – he still felt nervous! But he also felt secure enough to accept Jared's invitation tonight. He slipped between the covers and lay down facing Jared, who was once more wearing his T-shirt.

Jared moved closer and wrapped his arms around Francisco, who trembled, but *did* push closer until the younger man had attained a comfortable sleeping position. "Did you really like my song?"

"I did. I can't wait for you to find the right lyrics to go with it." Francisco rested his head against Jared's chest and closed his eyes. The rum and brandy he'd had did their job and made him feel more comfortable than he would have without them.

Sounds of mirth and pleasure coming from Alexander's bedroom reached their ears. Hearing them made Francisco and Jared grin.

"Do you think they're trying out new positions?" Jared asked, nuzzling Francisco's throat and inhaling his exotic scent.

"No, I think Alexander is trying to eat their underwear." Francisco giggled, but then his eyes widened as he realized that Jared was inhaling his scent. Raising his gaze and meeting Jared's, he found the older man smiling at him. "I'm glad you made me tag along."

"So am I." Jared was tempted to kiss Francisco, but thought it was still too early and that he would be acting too fast, so instead, he settled for kissing first one and then the other eyelid, which closed under his kisses. "Are you tired, Francisco?"

"I am…" Francisco sighed and pressed closer. He hadn't gotten that much sleep the last few nights, but now that he was safe and comfortable in Jared's arms, it didn't take much of an effort to doze off.

Jared held him close, marveling about the things that had happened during the last twenty-four hours. He hadn't thought of Francisco as a potential lover before, but now, he did.

TBC

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Part 6

Francisco woke up first the next morning and, when he opened his eyes, he looked at Jared, whose features were relaxed in deep sleep. The pace in which things had happened the last few days had left him a little breathless and he hoped that Jared understood that he wasn't going to rush into anything. Yes, he was in love with Jared, but that didn't mean he wanted to have sex with him just like that. He believed that there should a base first – friendship, trust, affection, those things were just as important as sex and they should all be in place before they took the next step. And something told him that Jared might just feel the same way.

"You're looking at me."

Francisco grinned and nodded his head once. By doing that, his brow rubbed gently against Jared's. "You look cute when you're asleep."

"Cute?" One of Jared's eyes opened while the other remained close. "I look *cute*? Not gorgeous? Or divine?"

Francisco chuckled and looked into Jared's eyes now that the other eye had opened as well and saw the naughty expression in them. He sobered a bit, feeling Jared's fingers rub his lower back. "Thank you for being there for me."

Jared nodded his head once. "That's what friends are for."

Francisco grew nervous as the focus of those blue eyes remained on him. "Jared, I'm not ready for… for whatever you have in mind."

"What I had in mind was getting out of bed and organizing some breakfast." He sure hoped he hadn't given Francisco the wrong impression by rubbing his back. He had only done it to comfort his friend. "Give me the benefit of the doubt, Francisco. I'm not going to devour you whole."

Francisco relaxed. "This is new and I don't really know what to think of it."

"You can think of it as one friend comforting another who's hurting and needs support." Jared ran his fingertips up Francisco's jaw line. "You're exquisite, Francisco."

Francisco blushed. "Don't say things like that." He broke eye contact and stared at the wall instead.

"But you are! You have a great character: you're loving, trusting, and dependable. You're also very handsome, not to mention very elegant and talented as a dancer." Jared could tell that Francisco wasn't used to receiving compliments because his friend didn't know how to accept his words. It was time to back off. "Are you hungry? We could sneak into the kitchen and prepare something to eat."

Francisco nodded. "Sneaking into the kitchen sounds just fine." Jared pushed back the covers and left their bed first. Francisco lingered for another moment, savoring the warmth of the nest they had built during the night. His gaze came to rest on the ring which he now wore around his middle finger. Hephaistion's Christmas gift to him. He still felt a bit guilty for accepting it.

"Are you gonna join me?" Jared, who had finally managed to retrieve his morning robe, shrugged into it and waited for Francisco to join him. He doubted any of their hosts would be up already as the noises coming from their room had lasted long into the night.

Francisco left their bed and joined Jared. Together, they made their way into the kitchen, which was still empty just as Jared had predicted.

"I'll start some coffee," Francisco said. "Why don't you set the table? It would be a nice idea to make breakfast for them."

Jared agreed and set the table. He was going to start on the eggs and toast in a moment, but before he did that, he wrapped his arms around Francisco's waist and whispered, "What are you thinking of?" The distant expression in those eyes had returned.

"I was thinking about this ring." Francisco raised his hand and showed the ring to Jared. He turned his head and looked at the chest beneath the window. "Come with me."

Jared went along, wondering what Francisco was up to.

Francisco knelt next to the chest and opened it. The first thing he encountered was the cloak made of furs and he put that aside. "Look at this helmet!" He lifted it from the chest and presented it to Jared. "And there is more!" He didn't bother to open the jewelry box since he already knew about its content, but carefully lifted the sword from the chest. "It looks old."

Jared sat down next to Francisco cross-legged and pondering what to do. Now that Francisco had found the chest, the questions would start.

"And look at this!" He hadn't seen this item before. "Is it Hephaistion? But he looks somehow different on this painting." Francisco had been so focused on the items in the chest that he hadn't noticed Hephaistion stepping into the living room.

But Jared had. His eyes sought out Hephaistion's and asked the other man a silent question.

Hephaistion drew in a deep breath and covered the distance between them.

Francisco didn't notice Hephaistion until the other man pulled up a chair and straddled it. "Oh, I…" Why had he opened the chest again? He should have let it rest! He was snooping about in other people's private affairs!

"It *is* old," Hephaistion said eventually. "It was made over two thousand years ago. Alexander's father gave the sword to him when he turned fifteen."

Francisco blinked. "What?"

Jared, realizing Hephaistion was preparing to tell Francisco the truth, wondered if he should stick around or leave the two men to their talk. Hephaistion however raised his hand in an authoritative way and he remained seated where he was. Apparently Hephaistion wanted him to help.

Hephaistion reached behind him and uncovered a Greek newspaper which he had kept close. "Did you hear that they’d found the tomb of Alexander the Great?" It had been front page news and the paper had printed a colored picture of the main feature of the exhibit, namely Alexander's sarcophagus with the skeleton seated next to it.

"Yes, I’d heard about this on the news." Francisco frowned. What was Hephaistion trying to tell him?

"Jared, how did the museum know where to find the tomb?" Hephaistion asked.

"You told me where to find it and I relayed that information to Laeta. You remember him, don’t you, Francisco? The professor who helped us form our views on Alexander?"

"You?" Francisco's frown deepened. "You told Laeta…?" And then the rest of what Jared had said sank in. "Hephaistion told you?"

Jared gathered Francisco's hand in his and waited for the younger man to look at him instead of Hephaistion. "Hephaistion is his real name, Francisco. And Alexander is really Alexander… And Bagoas is Bagoas… The three of them have lived before – over two thousand years ago. They died, like all human beings do, but their souls returned to this earth."

Francisco forced his gaze away from Jared and looked at Hephaistion instead. There was no denying that something unique, something old – ancient almost – colored those eyes so blue. "Are you talking about reincarnation?" He had heard about it, but had never believed in it.

"Yes, he is." Hephaistion judged the time right to tell the rest – Jared had prepared the way for him. "Over two thousand years ago, I was Hephaistion, Alexander's best friend and lover. You probably know Bagoas' life history. You must have studied it when you realized you were about to play him. Our three souls found each other again in this life and what you're looking at now, here, inside this chest, is what remains of our first life. Alexander's helmet with his white plume, my portrait which he always carried with him...there are love letters, there is his sword… Strands of our hair… The jewelry he gifted me with… Those are just tiny reminders of the life we once led."

Francisco had a hard time believing anything Jared and Hephaistion were telling him. "I like you," he said, addressing Hephaistion. "And I like Alexander and Bagoas, but I can't believe anything you just told me." It was too far-fetched.

"When we had to convince Jared that we were for real, we did it by handing him a letter which Alexander had written me during our first life. He’d had it examined and it proved genuine. It made him believe us." Hephaistion's fingers caressed the white feathers of the helmet's plume and he realized that they had no evidence in order to prove their identities to Francisco.

"You believe them?" Francisco stared at Jared.

"I know they're for real, Francisco. It might be hard to grasp, but they're who they say they're. This is Hephaistion and Bagoas… He *is* Bagoas… You played his role in the movie, but Bagoas really lived that life. Think about it! It's fucking amazing that we get this chance to meet them!"

"I can't believe that you believe them…" Francisco knew Jared was a no-nonsense kind of guy, who wouldn't believe any of this if there wasn't some sort of evidence -- a reason for him to believe them.

"If you don't believe me it's not a problem," Hephaistion stated, knowing better than to pressure Francisco into believing them. "But you uncovered these items and started to feel curious. I merely told you. You can believe what I told you or not. That's your decision." Hephaistion placed the helmet, sword, portrait, and cloak back into the chest and closed the lid. He smiled, seeing that Francisco was still wearing the ring. "That, my friend, was the ring Alexander gave me after the first time we made love in Babylon...after Alexander had taken possession of the city."

Francisco was still frowning. The situation was absurd! Hephaistion seemed so honest, so sincere, and the first thing Francisco had wanted to say was, 'Then I should return the ring to you.' But then he realized that he believed Hephaistion when he said that. "I don't know what to think of this."

"Take your time." Alexander, who had overheard some of their conversation, walked up to them and squatted down next to Francisco. "I still remember how I felt when the memories of a past life began to return to me. I thought I was losing my mind when I recalled battle scenes I had never been in. I don't know if I would have emerged sane from the experience if it hadn't been for Hephaistion."

"You really believe that you were Alexander the Great in another life time?" Francisco stared at Alexander in obvious amazement.

"I know who I was. And I know Hephaistion – I know his soul. We loved each other two thousand years ago and, somehow, he found his way back to me. The same goes for Bagoas." Alexander had heard Bagoas' footfalls in the corridor and now looked his lover in the eye. "Bagoas, come over here?"

Bagoas complied and came to a halt behind Hephaistion. He rested his hands on the broad back and smiled at Francisco. "I know this is hard to believe. I felt the same way when I began to remember who I once was. There was so much pain… I didn't want to remember what had happened to me in that life, but in the end, I had no choice. I was lucky enough to have Hephaistion and Alexander to help me through the painful process."

Francisco's head reeled. He no longer knew what to make of this. The problem was that he wanted to believe them. Well, technically speaking, he already believed them, but the implications of what they were telling him were overwhelming. If they were speaking the truth it meant that reincarnation existed and that they had lived before. That death was nothing but a doorway – a new beginning.

"I'll finish what you started," Hephaistion announced. "Breakfast should be ready in a few minutes." He rose from his chair and walked into the kitchen.

Alexander smiled at Francisco, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "I know that it's hard to imagine that I once was Alexander the Great, especially considering the way I act around you, but… The truth is that I'm happier in this life time than I was conquering the world. I was so focused on becoming Emperor of the known world that I didn't make the most of my love for Hephaistion. He set his needs aside for me and made my dream his. In this life, I finally get the chance to do things the right way." Alexander gave Francisco another smile and then joined Hephaistion in the kitchen.

Bagoas, who was still standing next to Francisco, lowered himself onto his heels. Now that they were eye-level, he said, "If you decide to believe us, and find yourself with questions, you can always come to me and talk to me about them." Bagoas smiled secretly, rose from the floor, and left Jared to deal with a very shocked-looking Francisco.

"Jared?"

Jared moved closer to Francisco and wrapped an arm around his friend. "Yes?"

"Do you really believe them?"

"I do. They convinced me." Jared raised a hand and rested it at the back of Francisco's neck. He massaged the tense muscles there and hummed softly, trying to make Francisco feel more at ease.

Francisco suddenly snorted loudly.

"What is it?" Jared looked into Francisco's dark eyes.

"I believe them. I don't know why, but I believe them!" Looking at the ring around his finger, he wondered about Alexander and Hephaistion – the things they could tell him! The things their alter egos had seen! And then the next revelation hit him – Bagoas. Bagoas had told him in London that he liked his performance in the movie and that he approved of the way he had portrayed the eunuch and now… Now he realized that Bagoas was the real thing!

Alexander, who had popped into the living room to tell them to join them for breakfast, saw the expression in Francisco's eyes and smiled. "I think he finally understands."

Francisco blinked his eyes – he felt like he’d been stuck in a trance.

~~~

That trance-like feeling remained with Francisco for the rest of the day. Jared was always close, supporting him and reminding him that it was okay to believe in reincarnation. Alexander and Hephaistion gave him all the time he needed to come to terms with this revelation and Bagoas… Bagoas danced for them – that sensual dance that had made him hard back in London.

That evening, after eating their turkey and sipping black coffee instead of eggnog, Francisco finally felt he had recovered enough to ask them questions. Seated around the Christmas tree with several gifts still left to unwrap, Francisco's gaze remained trained on Bagoas as he danced. Jared was trying to play a melody Bagoas could dance to, but the long-haired dancer was moving to music only he could hear.

Bagoas' dance came to an end and, since he had been sweating, he headed toward the bathroom to freshen up.

"Please excuse me." Francisco, realizing his chance to talk to Bagoas in private, followed him.

"That is to be expected," Hephaistion commented as he looked at Alexander. "He must have questions where Bagoas is concerned."

Jared nodded. "When I realized that you were really Hephaistion I also wanted to discuss the way I portrayed him in the movie with you. Something similar might be happening with Francisco."

Alexander decided not to worry about Bagoas and Francisco, since that matter was out of his control. Instead, he asked, "And what are your feelings where Francisco is concerned?" He had been wondering about this ever since Hephaistion had told him about Francisco's crush.

Jared shrugged his shoulders and placed his guitar against the wall. "I don't know. I care for him, but I don't know if it's love. I decided to be his friend for now – but I want to be the best friend he can wish for. If we're meant to be together, it'll happen. I'm not rushing into this. I don't think it would be good for Francisco to rush into a relationship either."

Hephaistion nodded his head and showed his approval in that way. "Yes, you should be his friend first." Friendship was at the base of any good-working relationship.

~~~

"Bagoas? I don't mean to pry, but…"

Bagoas, who had been washing his face, looked at Francisco in the mirror. "You have found your questions." He had expected for it to happen, but not this quickly. He dried his face and turned around. The bathroom seemed the wrong place to discuss this and he took Francisco's hand so he could pull him into the bedroom. "Sit down," he ordered, pointing at the bed.

Francisco had never been in there before and smiled as he saw the large number of crumbled scented candles that stood near the bed. The boxes which had contained the edible underwear were empty and the gay karma sutra was showing a very athletic position. He could almost taste the love that hung in the room. "I have some questions, yes, but I would prefer for you to tell me," he said as he sat down, folding one leg beneath him.

"Tell you about what?"

"About your life… Everything you went through in that first life." Francisco felt nervous voicing this request, but Bagoas *had* offered to tell him.

Bagoas drew in a deep breath, but then nodded his head. "I'll tell you." By now, he had healed enough to do so without becoming emotional or needing Hephaistion to pull him through. He could do this.

~~~

Francisco's bottom lip trembled as Bagoas finally finished his tale. "You suffered a lot." When he had read the information Oliver Stone had provided him with for his role in the film, he hadn't realized just how complicated Bagoas' life had been. He had known that Bagoas had been castrated and that he had been Darius' favorite, but that had just been information. Now he was looking at the real person who had lived through all that. "I'm sorry you were hurt so badly." The fact that Bagoas had also told him about his death and being locked up in the tomb had made his history only more believable. "That skeleton is you."

"Was me. I'm alive again." Bagoas saw something in Francisco's eyes which he didn't like and he scooted closer. He gathered the elegant hands in his and asked, "What are you apologizing for?"
Francisco closed his eyes, unable to look at Bagoas at that very moment. "I can't believe I felt sorry for myself when you…"

"Stop it!" Bagoas squeezed the long fingers and that action caused Francisco to open his eyes, just as Bagoas had hoped it would. "Don't compare my life to yours! You can't do that. Our lives are much too different for that!"

"But…" Francisco wasn't sure what to make of Bagoas' passionate outburst.

"You are your own person. Don't compare your suffering to mine. We all suffer, but in different ways. Don't do that."

Francisco lowered his gaze and looked at their joined hands. "I'm not used to people accepting me for who I am… Or telling me that I am my own person…" His father had always tried to change him – to make him 'better' than he was, because no matter what he did, it was never good enough for his father.

"Hephaistion taught me a very valuable lesson and I hope you will let me teach it to you in turn. Francisco? Please look at me?" Bagoas waited until the dark eyes met his and then continued, "Hephaistion tried to tell me this during my first life, but back then, I wasn't ready to hear him – really hear him. Hephaistion taught me that when we extend our friendship, it should be unconditional and that when we love, it should be unconditional too. I'm not as wise as Hephaistion, but I try to do as he does… Francisco, you have my friendship and it's unconditional. You don't have to act a certain way around me. You don't need to hide the real you… I accept who you are… if you let me."

Francisco sniffed. "Thank you," he murmured, still trying to find the right words to form a reply. "I never had a real friend before, I think." Even where Jared was concerned, they were still testing the waters and trying to form some sort of relationship.

"Come here…" Bagoas opened his arms and pulled Francisco in to them. "You made me proud, you know. I like the way you portrayed me in that film. You did well."

Francisco didn't want to cry, but the tears still escaped his eyes. It happened so seldom that someone he cared about told him that he was proud of something he had done.

Realizing that, Bagoas tightened his hold on Francisco. "And we'll dance together, I promise you that. When the weather gets better, you'll return here and we'll go outside and dance while the sun shines onto our faces. I'll show you some of the seductive dances I learned in my first life."

That last bit made Francisco chuckle and he raised his face, which was still wet with tears. But he was smiling now and he did feel a lot better.

"We should join the rest. They're probably waiting for us so they can open the rest of the presents." Bagoas slowly released Francisco, but never broke eye contact.

"This has been an amazing Christmas," Francisco declared as he followed Bagoas into the corridor. Contrary to his shy nature, he reached for Bagoas' hand and curled his fingers around it. "The best Christmas ever."

Bagoas had reached the doorway and looked at the scene unfolding in front of him while pulling Francisco a little bit closer to him. Jared was sitting close to the Christmas tree, playing his guitar and making up dirty lyrics to the Christmas melodies he was playing. Alexander was playing with strands of Hephaistion's hair and pressing kisses onto the nape of his lover's neck. The whole scene breathed peace and love. "Yes,” he said as he hugged Francisco close. "This is the best Christmas ever!"

The end
(for now)