NEVER ENDING STORY CHAPTER 9

Title: A Leap of Faith
Author: MorganaAuthor’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.comWeb page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairings: Bagoas/Francisco and Alexander/Hephaistion
Rating: NC-17Summary: Alexander tries once more to make his peace with his past, Hephaistion's father cancels, and Bagoas enjoys courting Francisco.
Disclaimer: Oliver Stone's movie inspired my stories. No copyright infringement is intended. This is for fun, not for making money!
Warnings: Alternate Universe, Real Person Slash (Francisco)
Author's note: all characters belong to themselves and history.
Beta read by DA, thanks a lot, sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

A Leap of Faith

The fact that Alexander was eerily quiet worried Hephaistion. Ever since they had said their goodbyes to Jared, Alexander had stared off into the distance. He only reacted with a soft 'hum' whenever Hephaistion asked him a question and that worried Hephaistion even more. The erotic tension that had existed between them in the coffee shop had completely disappeared.

Hephaistion checked them into the Titania hotel and, once the two of them were alone in their hotel room, he took hold of Alexander's arm and guided his lover over to the bed where he sat him down. Alexander didn't react, protest, or look at him. Hephaistion seated himself next to Alexander and curled his fingers around his lover's. "Alexander? What's wrong? Tell me." He wasn't even sure if his voice registered with Alexander, considering the absentminded expression in his lover's dark eyes. His suspicion proved correct and Hephaistion had to change tactics.

Rubbing Alexander's fingers, he spoke again, louder this time. "Alexander, do you hear me? What has gotten into you? What's wrong?" This time, Alexander reacted, but more than likely it was due to the urgent tone which Hephaistion had used.

Alexander blinked and grew aware of Hephaistion rubbing his fingers. He drew in a deep breath in order to compose himself and then looked at his lover's worried face. "Hephaistion, I…" In the end, his courage deserted him and he grew quiet again.

"What's wrong? Alexander, I can only help you when you tell me what's bothering you. Is this about Bagoas and Francisco?" Hephaistion didn't know what to make of Alexander's expression, which was lost and full of guilt.

"Do you blame me for your death?" Alexander eventually blurted the question out bluntly.

Hephaistion gasped. "What did you say?" What was Alexander talking about? He squeezed his lover's fingers tighter and moved closer until he could slip one arm around Alexander's frame.

Alexander lowered his gaze and then closed his eyes completely, unable to look at his lover any longer. "If I hadn't been determined to conquer India, you would never have contracted typhus and you wouldn't have died."

Hephaistion drew in another, steadying breath. "Alexander, that's nonsense! If I hadn't died of typhus, I might have died of malaria like you or fallen in battle!"

Alexander's eyes opened and he glared at Hephaistion. "That's exactly the point I am trying to make, Hephaistion! I endangered your life! My ambition to conquer the world placed you in danger!"

Hephaistion blinked. "Ambition? Alexander, is this somehow tied to Jared leaving Francisco?"

Alexander shrugged. "Not really." He shifted on the bed until he sat facing Hephaistion and freed his hands from his lover's crushing hold so he could cup the other man's face. "I just realized that I caused your death – prematurely. If we had stayed in Pella, we might have grown old together. But no instead, I had to drag you into India. Hephaistion, I failed you in so many ways during our first life! I don't understand how you can still love me!"

Hephaistion had been unprepared for Alexander's emotional outburst. "I thought we had already dealt with this." They had discussed the fact that Alexander felt guilty before and he had thought he had done away with Alexander's fears and doubts.

"Maybe *you* did...but I didn't." Alexander peeked at his lover's face and cringed as he saw the loving expression in those incredible blue eyes. "Hephaistion, if I hadn't been so driven, we…"

"Stop it. Stop it right there!" Hephaistion placed his hands on Alexander's shoulders and shook his lover firmly. "You did what you had to do and I followed where you led! I did so willingly because your dream was my dream! Alexander, because of you I saw the world! We traveled to Egypt and you were proclaimed a living god there! We conquered Persia! How many men can say they did that? You gave me the world, so stop blaming yourself for something you had no control over! Yes, I contracted typhus in India and yes, I would have loved to stay with you longer, but the thirty years we lived equals a hundred years in the life of a 'normal' human being, Alexander! What you did – what we accomplished – was exceptional!"

Alexander had calmed during Hephaistion's speech and when he looked into those large blue eyes, he saw nothing but love and devotion there. Hephaistion loved him. Loved him after all he had put his lover through! Such love, such dedication should not go unrewarded! "I love you, Hephaistion. You are the other half of my soul and I am lost without you. I will never again endanger your life, or mine for that matter, and I promise you that I will love you until the day we die!"

For some reason, the last thing Hephaistion had expected to hear at that point was Alexander declaring his love in such a passionate way. "We lived our lives the way we were supposed to, Alexander. We were nothing but leaves and the wind blew us in a certain direction. We drifted along on the breeze and it took us to places we had only dreamt of. You gave me an extraordinary life – and a love that compares to no other."

Overcome by his emotions, Alexander shifted until he was kneeling on the bed. He slid his arms upwards along Hephaistion's back and then lowered his lover onto the mattress. Hovering above him, Alexander took in his lover's face. The blue eyes glowed with love for him. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I thank the gods on my knees for allowing me to have your love." He leaned in closer and kissed Hephaistion, their lips locking in an ardent kiss.

Hephaistion parted his lips and teeth and lured Alexander inside by curling his tongue around his lover's. He groaned as Alexander's fingers undid the buttons to his shirt before they moved lower to unzip his jeans. Electricity sparkled in the air and Hephaistion stared, enraptured, at the beautiful sight Alexander presented at the moment. The brown eyes had golden specks in them, the lips were still slightly parted from the kiss they had just delivered, and Alexander was panting softly while giving him the most amazing look ever. For one moment, Hephaistion could actually taste Alexander's love; remnants of it still lingered on his lips. "I am yours, Alexander. I have always been yours…"

Alexander had managed to dispose of Hephaistion's jeans and was busy freeing himself from the confines of his slacks. The need to claim Hephaistion had never been as overwhelming as it was right then. Not even during their first time together had he felt this insane need to prove to the both of them that they belonged together. Alexander stroked his erection a few times, spread the moisture that leaked from the slit over the head, and then positioned himself between Hephaistion's legs.

The need for words fled and Hephaistion arched his back the moment Alexander pushed inside. The lack of oil made the penetration more painful than it would normally have been, but at the same time, he *felt* so much more connected to Alexander.

Alexander buried himself inside his lover's tight passage and then lowered himself onto Hephaistion. He guided his lover's legs around his waist and once Hephaistion's thighs imprisoned him tightly, he wrapped his arms around his lover's trembling frame. He pulled Hephaistion close – so close that he could sense his lover's heart beat beneath his fingertips. Alexander didn't move. He didn't have to. All he needed – all *they* needed – was to feel connected.

Hephaistion squirmed beneath Alexander as his lover's cock rubbed against his prostate with each breath that Alexander drew in. Suddenly, Alexander's lips claimed his and another kiss started – a kiss which seemed to last forever.

Staring into each other's eyes, Hephaistion lost control and he demandingly sucked on the tip of Alexander's tongue. The manipulation caused Alexander to jerk and by doing so, he hit Hephaistion's prostate again. The movement was enough to make Hephaistion come and Alexander growled, feeling warm cream spread between their bellies.

"Come for me," Hephaistion whispered, still high on the adrenaline and ecstasy which was now coursing through his veins. "Come with me."

Unable to deny Hephaistion and eager to complete the passionate encounter, Alexander grunted, thrust, and released his seed deep within his lover's passage. "I promise you," he whispered into Hephaistion's ear. "I promise to always love you, keep you, and protect you. When you die, I will follow you into death and I will find you again in our next life. No deity will keep us apart in our next life. We belong together for all eternity."

Exhausted now that he had spent himself inside his lover's body, Alexander rested his upper body onto Hephaistion's muscular form, knowing his beloved could easily carry his weight. "I will never hurt you again. I will never endanger your life and I will be with you until the end."

A lump of emotions built in Hephaistion's throat and a single tear left his eye upon hearing his lover's fervent vow.
Sensing he had somehow upset his lover, Alexander raised his head and studied the swimming eyes. "Hephaistion? What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing, you did nothing wrong. Everything you did, you did right. It is just…hearing you say that makes me realize how much you love me…and how much I love you." Hephaistion enfolded Alexander in a tight hug and pulled him close. "I don't blame you for anything, Alexander. You gave me so much…you gave me the world and you gave me your love. You gave me your soul!"

Alexander closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek against Hephaistion's shoulder. Hephaistion and he were connected in a way he could never explain – not even to Bagoas. And right now, that connection was as strong as never before. "Never stop loving me, Hephaistion. I need you so much… I need your love so much."

"I will never stop loving you, you fool!" Hephaistion chuckled and smiled at Alexander when the brown eyes peeked at him. "You are a fool for thinking I would ever stop loving you! My heart would sooner stop beating than it would stop loving you!"

Alexander rested his chin on Hephaistion's chest and looked adoringly at his lover's face. He had never known that he could love someone so much that it actually hurt. But it was a good kind of hurt because it made him feel alive – alive and loved.

~~~

Alexander loved sliding his fingers through Hephaistion's long hair. The luxurious bathtub that came with the suite was large enough to hold them both and Alexander had taken it upon himself to clean up a debauched looking Hephaistion.

Since they had been almost fully clothed while making love, Alexander had quickly removed their remaining clothes and had placed a call to the front desk to have them picked up and cleaned. They had forgotten to take spare clothes with them and needed them when they would pick up Hephaistion's father the next day. So while their clothes were being cleaned, Alexander enjoyed shampooing Hephaistion's hair.

Hephaistion purred now that he had Alexander's undivided attention once more. "That feels good." Alexander's fingers massaged his scalp and he moved back until his back rested against Alexander's chest.

"I could get used to it being just the two of us," Alexander whispered into his lover's ear. "Provided, of course, that Bagoas is happy with Francisco." It would be nice to have Hephaistion all to himself for a while.

Hephaistion smiled and looked at Alexander from over his shoulder. Alexander's fingers were forced out of his hair and came to rest on his shoulders instead. "We won't be alone for long, since my dad will join us tomorrow."

"I know nothing about your father. Why don't you tell me about him?" Alexander slid his fingers back into the dark hair and continued to massage the scalp.

Hephaistion closed his eyes in bliss. "His name is Jason… I wouldn't advise you to call him 'dad' from the start."

Alexander chuckled. "How much does he know?"

"About you and me? He knows we are lovers and that you are the reason I settled down in Greece. I didn't tell him who we were in our first lives."

"Do you think he won't believe us?" Alexander had finished shampooing the hair and now rinsed the dark strands until they were free of the shampoo.

"I don't know – I honestly don't know how he will react should he ever find out." Hephaistion turned in the embrace and wrapped his legs around Alexander's waist. The water was warm and carried an exotic scent and for one moment, it was easy to imagine that they were the only people alive on the earth. "He is tolerant and open-minded, but this is different…this is about me and he can be protective of me, just like you."

Alexander rested his brow against Hephaistion's. "Are you afraid that he will think I manipulated you into believing our souls have been reincarnated?"

"He might think that. Alexander, I don't know how he will react! I never told him because I didn't think you would meet him any time soon!" Hephaistion stared deeply into his lover's eyes. "Maybe it is best for us to keep this a secret where my father is concerned. He will accept you as my lover, I am certain of that. My dad isn't biased and won't have any problems with the fact that I have taken a male lover. But the reincarnation issue is a different matter all together."

Alexander nodded his head once and in doing so, his brow rubbed gently against Hephaistion's. "I trust your judgment, my Hephaistion, since you know your father best." Alexander wrung the excess water from Hephaistion's hair and added, "You are ready. Why don't you warm up the bed for us?"

Hephaistion rose from the water and wrapped a large towel around his frame. He could tell that Alexander needed a moment alone, although he had no idea why. "Don't make me wait too long." Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on Alexander's lips.

"I will join you in a moment." Alexander watched as Hephaistion rubbed his skin dry and then dried his hair until most of the water was gone. Hephaistion let the towel drop onto the floor and then left the bathroom to give Alexander what he needed most that moment – some privacy.

The water was still warm and Alexander lingered in the tub a moment longer. Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around his waist and then he drew in a deep, calming breath. "Thank you," he whispered, uncaring which god had had a hand in their reincarnation. "Thank you for giving me this second chance. I won't ruin it this time around. I promise. I will make him happy. I will love him until the day we die."

~~~

Hephaistion was staring at the window when Alexander finally stepped into their bedroom. The temperature outside had risen and, instead of snow, rain cascaded down the glass. Lost in thought, he wondered if he should have paid more attention to Alexander, since he hadn't noticed the emotional uproar his lover had been in. But there had been so much going on, with Jared and Francisco visiting and them celebrating Christmas! Still, that was no valid excuse for neglecting his lover's needs!

Alexander circled around the bed and sat down on Hephaistion's side. Cocking his head, he easily caught the worried look in his beloved's eyes. "Now it is you who is upset. Is it because of me?" Alexander had learned that his emotions caused Hephaistion to react and he had grown enough emotionally to deal with the consequences. "Hephaistion? Move over, please."

Hephaistion shifted toward the center of the bed and made way for Alexander so his lover could lie down next to him.

Alexander stretched out on his side and wrapped his arms around Hephaistion, relishing the skin-on-skin contact. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

"I have been remiss, Alexander. I should have realized that this bothered you and…" Alexander quickly placed a finger against his lips and Hephaistion had no choice but to go silent.

"This is not your fault. Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, Hephaistion. You did that during your first life and maybe that is something *you* need to learn in this life – that you don't blame yourself for something that you have no control over. Don't you dare feel responsible for the fact that I was upset!"

"I am so used to doing that," Hephaistion admitted. "It is hard to change my ways. During our first life I constantly worried about you and…"

Alexander interrupted him. "I was seriously messed up during my first life, Hephaistion. My parents did a lot of damage and you had to undo that. And you worked a miracle with me." Alexander kissed Hephaistion's brow and then tucked his lover's head under his chin. "You did so well that I can now be here for you when you need me. You accomplished the impossible, my Hephaistion."

Hephaistion smiled against Alexander's chest. He could listen to Alexander talk like this forever, but his lover had stopped speaking and all he heard was the gentle tapping of the rain against the window. "I love you, Alexander. And I love you even more in this life than in our first…if that is possible," he added in afterthought.

"The same is true for me." Alexander snuggled closer and relished having Hephaistion so close. "I love you so much that it hurts at times."

Hephaistion had closed his eyes while listening to Alexander and slowly drifted off into the land of dreams.

Alexander didn't fall asleep for awhile. He wanted to savor feeling the love that connected them and if it were up to him, he would stay awake all night long and just relish holding Hephaistion, just like Hephaistion had done for him so many nights in the past. But this time it was different. This time, *he* was holding Hephaistion after having comforted him. It seemed their relationship was changing again with Alexander's gaining of more insight into his own behavior. Now, he could finally be the partner Hephaistion so rightly deserved.

~~~

The next morning, Francisco woke to the aroma of freshly made coffee, toast, and orange marmalade. He opened his eyes and pushed himself up onto his elbows. A pillow had already been placed against the headboard and Francisco made himself comfortable.

Bagoas was seated on the side of the bed and placed the tray which held their breakfast on the nightstand. "I didn't know what you preferred in the morning, so I ended up making coffee and toast." Bagoas slid further onto the bed and wiggled until he found a comfortable position. He placed the tray on their laps and gave Francisco a hopeful look.

Francisco smiled warmly at Bagoas. "This is a nice thing for you to do." He couldn't remember the last time he'd had breakfast in bed! He looked on as Bagoas buttered a slice of toast and then added some marmalade to it. The other man presented the food to him with a smile and Francisco gracefully accepted the toast, nibbling on it.

Bagoas felt pleased that his idea to serve breakfast in bed was working out so well. He had been worried that Francisco might feel awkward waking up next to him and he had opted to make breakfast and distract him in that way. Apparently it worked because Francisco was still smiling at him. "After we finish breakfast we could move the furniture in the living room aside and do some stretching exercises. I would prefer to go outside, but it's raining."

"Bagoas?" Francisco had finished his toast and gave Bagoas a grateful smile. "Thank you for helping me out last night. These cramps are happening more often and they are getting worse as well." Bagoas handed him a mug filled with coffee and Francisco blew on the surface to help it cool down. His expression darkened and his smile faded. "I don't know what it is causing them…maybe I am growing old." Dancing wasn't like any other profession – dancers grew old fast. He had always known that he had to look for second career, but nothing else had come up – except for the film Alexander.

"Does that worry you?" Bagoas cringed as he realized just how stupid his question was. "Of course it does."

"It does – to a certain degree. I always knew that I couldn't dance forever. That is one reason why I accepted playing Bagoas in the film." A sad smile curled his lips. "But I am not that good an actor." In some ways, he *did* worry about his future. He was alone in this world, since he couldn't count on his family to support him after they had rejected him.

Bagoas drew in a deep breath, cocked his head, and waited for Francisco to look at him before he started talking again. "You can always live with us – here."

Francisco's sad expression faded and his warm smile returned. "You are easy to love, aren’t you, Bagoas?"

"I hope so…for it might improve my chances with you." Bagoas felt mesmerized with having Francisco so close. The black hair was sleep-tousled, a dreamy expression occupied Francisco's dark eyes, and a sweet scent clung to the other man's skin. It all served to draw him in closer. "Something tells me you are easy to love as well."

"I am not complicated, if that is what you mean. I believe in honesty, love, and commitment." Francisco grew flustered. "I have dated before, but the moment I told them I wanted a committed relationship they disappeared on me." Francisco shrugged, growing quiet and worried again.

"I am not like that." Bagoas moved closer and raised Francisco's chin by placing a finger beneath it. "I learned from the best. Hephaistion taught me what a 'real' relationship is about and I must admit that I am eager to try."

"Why me, Bagoas?" Francisco put his coffee down for the moment and concentrated on Bagoas. He tried hard to decipher the expression in the almond-shaped eyes.

"We both love dancing… You have a kind and gentle nature and I felt drawn to you from the start, though I just didn't realize it. I was so focused on being a part of Hephaistion and Alexander that I forgot that I am a separate person. I like you, Francisco. I like you a lot." He couldn't help it: he blushed.

In a way, Francisco understood what Bagoas was trying to tell him. It had been the three of them – Hephaistion, Bagoas, and Alexander – for years and now Bagoas realized things could be different if he wanted that. "I like you too, Bagoas." Realizing it was up to him to make the first move he cupped Bagoas' cheek in his hand and smiled. "I should thank you for serving me breakfast in bed."

Bagoas' breath caught as Francisco leaned in closer. A moment later, soft lips pressed against his in a chaste kiss and Francisco's long fingers moved through his hair. He smiled into the kiss and, although he would have loved to deepen it, he didn't. It was up to Francisco to set the pace of their relationship.

Francisco's eyes twinkled when his lips deserted Bagoas'. That kiss had made him feel good. "We should finish breakfast and then do those exercises you mentioned."

"And later on we can take Peritas for a walk, if you want to. Some fresh air might do us good…that is, if it stops raining."

"I would like that." Running his fingers through Bagoas' long, raven hair was a novel experience for Francisco. None of his former lovers had sported such luxurious hair! Looking into Bagoas' eyes, he wondered why he was wavering to take the chance. Bagoas was honest with him and the other man seemed genuinely interested in him. What did he have to lose?

Nothing…

~~~

"He called just now and cancelled."

Hephaistion's expression had darkened and his eyes had gained a somber glow, which made Alexander wonder if his lover was about to shed tears over the fact that his father wasn't going to visit them for New Year's. "Did he say why?"

"Something unexpected came up." Hephaistion shrugged his shoulders. He was trying to appear unfazed, but his father canceling his trip to Athens came as a bit of a shock. "I was so certain he would make it!" They had been about to check out of the hotel and leave for the airport when Hephaistion's cell phone had rung. "I would have loved to spend some time with him."

Alexander dropped his duffle bag onto the floor and walked over to Hephaistion. He folded an arm around his lover's waist and guided Hephaistion back to the bed. He pulled Hephaistion down with him and curled his fingers around his lover's trembling hand. "He will visit with us another time."

Hephaistion forced himself to nod. "He will find the time eventually. It isn't like he doesn't want to visit but he is too busy at the moment." Hephaistion raised his head and looked into Alexander's eyes. "What do we do now? Head home empty-handed?"

"We don't have to go home yet. We could stay here a little longer. Athens is a beautiful city and there are numerous sites we could visit." Alexander was doing his best to console his beloved Hephaistion. "Or we could stay here and make love for days in a row. Oh yes, we could do nothing but making love!" Now that he was thinking about that, he decided he liked that last idea best.

Alexander's words made Hephaistion chuckle. "Oh, I love you so much!" Alexander always managed to cheer him up.

Alexander released Hephaistion's digits from his hold and raised his hand so he could caress his lover's face. "I am sorry that I won't get to meet your dad, but if that means I get more quality time with you, then I don't mind that he can't make it."

The smile that surfaced on Hephaistion's face was warm and genuine. Alexander had matured immensely the last few months and Hephaistion was grateful to have a lover like Alexander at his side. "We should head home, Alexander."

"Are you certain? We could indulge ourselves for a few days – get massages, visit the Acropolis, or see the new exhibits in the museum." Alexander quickly shook his head. "No, I won't drag you into the Alexander exhibit. I know you don't want to be confronted with my remains."

Hephaistion leaned into the caress which Alexander was bestowing onto his face. "In that case we should call Bagoas and tell him that our plans have changed."

"I don't think he will mind a change in plans – that is, if you are right where Bagoas and Francisco are concerned." Alexander would love to have his Hephaistion to himself for the next few days. "I will make that call. Why don't you talk to the front desk and tell them we want to stay for a few more days?"

Hephaistion nodded his head once. "I will arrange for our stay." He could do that on the phone, but he needed a moment to compose himself and going to the reception desk would give him that moment.

Alexander placed a kiss onto Hephaistion's lips and then watched his lover leave the room. He understood that Hephaistion felt disappointed and he would have liked to have met Hephaistion's dad, but at the same time, he also felt relieved. He had been worried that Hephaistion's father might not like him and that tension would arise between the three of them.

Recalling he was supposed to update Bagoas, he uncovered his cell phone.

~~~

Bagoas cursed when the phone ringing broke their concentration. They had almost finished their stretching exercises – why couldn't that phone have rung a minute later? "I have to get that," he said apologetically. "Only Alexander, Hephaistion, and Jared have my phone number and I doubt it is Jared giving us a call."

Francisco continued his stretching exercises since he wasn't required to answer the call. Bagoas had kept his word and had pushed all of the furniture to the side and they now had ample room to move about. He was actually looking forward to seeing Bagoas dance – maybe Bagoas would perform the sensual dance again which had made him hard back in London.

Bagoas answered the call, wondering who was calling him – Alexander or Hephaistion – and even more importantly why. "It’s me, Bagoas."

"Bagoas, I am calling to tell you that there has been a change in plans. Hephaistion's father cancelled his trip."

Bagoas frowned. "Hephaistion must be disappointed."

"Yes, he's disappointed, but… I decided to make the best of it. Hephaistion and I will stay here for the next few days."

"Will you be back to celebrate New Year's Day with us?" It was the twenty-ninth that day and Bagoas hoped they would be back on the first of January.

"I will try to arrange it in such a way that we will join you for New Year's." Alexander wanted to celebrate New Year's with Bagoas and Francisco as well. "Is this a problem? Do you need us at home? Or can you manage without us?"

Bagoas realized the chance he was being given. Because of Alexander's offer, he would have Francisco to himself for the next few days. "Don't worry about us. We have ample food, drinks, and even champagne!" It was a good thing that Hephaistion had bought extra provisions during their Christmas shopping.

Alexander snorted. "Sounds like I don't have to worry about the two of you!" It appeared that Hephaistion had been right: Bagoas did fancy Francisco in that way! "I will call you again when we are getting ready to head home."

Bagoas smiled at Francisco when the other man arched an eyebrow. He would fill Francisco in later. "Just have a good time while you are in Athens! Tell Hephaistion I love him and take good care of him!"

Francisco smiled warmly at Bagoas at hearing those words. When he had accepted Jared's invitation to spend Christmas here, he had known that Alexander, Hephaistion, and Bagoas were lovers and he realized that Bagoas wouldn't stop loving Alexander and Hephaistion just because *he* had entered Bagoas' life. And he didn't want Bagoas to stop loving them. Francisco was intelligent and mature enough to realize that different sorts of love could co-exist. That Bagoas loved Alexander and Hephaistion didn't mean that Bagoas loved him less. But it did mean that they would have to talk about their relationship, should it evolve into something deeper and more profound.

Looking at the dark-haired dancer, Bagoas smiled fondly. Francisco was remarkably flexible and could maneuver his body into almost impossible positions. Francisco was a gifted dancer and Bagoas suspected the cramps would go away once Francisco returned to carrying out his exercises on a daily bases. Which reminded him… He had bought Alexander a game as a Christmas gift. The game was called Twister and he hoped he could convince Francisco to play it with him some time.

"What did Alexander say?" Francisco grew motionless so he could probe Bagoas' dark eyes better.

"Hephaistion's father cancelled and they decided to stay in Athens for the next few days, which means, the house is ours. We can do whatever we want!"

Francisco's smile became even brighter and he couldn't help but wonder what exactly Bagoas was up to!

~~~

After Bagoas and Francisco finished their stretching exercises, Peritas decided it was time that they took him for his walk. The rain had stopped and the sun was even occasionally peeking through the fading clouds. The sky was turning blue, promising warmth, sun rays, and most importantly no rain!

Bagoas smiled at the dog when Peritas trotted over to him to rest his head on his knee. Although they had never gotten along in their first life, Bagoas had managed to befriend the dog this time around and he enjoyed rubbing behind Peritas' ears. The eyes closed and Bagoas' smile brightened. "You want to go outside." And truth be told, he wanted to go outside too, especially since it wasn't raining or freezing. He raised his gaze and located Francisco, who was rummaging about in the kitchen. They had eaten breakfast, and since Bagoas had made it, Francisco had offered to do the washing up.

Francisco felt Bagoas' eyes on him and peeked at the long-haired man. It was a strange thing – realizing Bagoas wanted him in that way, especially considering Bagoas' life history. Bagoas had told him in detail what had happened to him in his first and second lives and Francisco realized only too well that it was due to Alexander and Hephaestion's love that Bagoas had healed throughout the years.

Knowing what had happened to Bagoas in the past also made him feel hesitant. Yes, Bagoas had assured him that he had healed and that he had left his past behind him, but was that really the case? If it had been him who had been castrated and forced into slavery in his first life and made into a prostitute in his second, he wasn't sure he would have bounced back.

"You look troubled." Bagoas had risen from the couch because he had wanted to collect their coats, but had detoured into the kitchen upon seeing Francisco's worried expression.

Francisco saw no reason to lie and simply spoke the truth. To him, honesty was one of the most important aspects when it came down to having a successful relationship. "I was remembering what happened to you in the past."

Bagoas raised an eyebrow. "I worked through all that. Hephaistion helped me find my place in life."

Francisco moistened his lips. It was a habit that revealed just how nervous he felt. "Bagoas, should we ever get intimate…is there something I need to be aware of?"

Bagoas blinked. For some reason he hadn't expected Francisco to be *that* direct so early in their relationship. They had only shared a few kisses and now Francisco was inquiring about *that*. "I have no hang-ups, Francisco. Nothing you do will spook me. I have had ample time to leave all that behind me."

"I find that hard to believe," Francisco whispered while maintaining eye contact.

Bagoas shrugged his shoulders once. "It took me a long time to trust Hephaistion, especially once we started to become intimate, but once I made the decision to trust myself to him, I stopped being afraid of such intimacy. It might be hard to understand for you, but what happened to me in my second life wasn't something new. I had learned to deal with such enforced 'intimacy' during my first life." Bagoas raised his hands and placed them on either side of Francisco's face. "Hephaistion taught me that there is so much more out there – devotion, unconditional love, friendship, and trust. I am capable of offering you all that. I am whole again, Francisco."

Francisco cocked his head and Bagoas' hand moved to cup his cheek. Francisco smiled and leaned into the caress, almost purring due to the pleasure which Bagoas' touch brought. "I want to offer you the same things, Bagoas, but I can't simply dismiss what happened to you in your past. It makes me hesitant to touch you."

"Thank you for being so honest with me," Bagoas answered. It meant a lot to him that Francisco already trusted him that much! "I realize that it will take time for us to test the waters, but please, Francisco, don't be afraid to touch me. I want you to touch me, to hold me and kiss me. I won't freak out on you." The tender expression in Francisco's eyes told Bagoas that the other man was just worried about him and that meant that Francisco really cared about him!

Francisco moved closer and enfolded Bagoas in a loose hug. "This will take time." But he was more than willing to try.

Bagoas smiled, leaned in closer, and pressed a kiss onto Francisco's lips. "We have all the time we need, don't we?"

Francisco nodded and then grew aware of Peritas, who was sitting next to them on the floor with his leash in his mouth. "I think he is trying to tell us something."

Bagoas laughed. "I promised to take him for a walk. Will you join us?"

Francisco nodded. "I will." He kept one arm curled around Bagoas' waist as they made their way toward the front door, but was forced to release the other man so he could slip into his coat. Once he had buttoned up, he claimed Bagoas' right hand and curled his fingers tightly around it.

Bagoas actually felt shy as Francisco kept touching him. During their conversation in the kitchen, he had been afraid that Francisco wouldn't be able to forget about his past...a past which didn't really bother him any longer. Hephaistion's love had healed him and it was Hephaistion's devotion that had enabled him to take the lead where his relationship with Francisco was concerned.

They left the cottage and stopped in their tracks to soak up the warmth which the sun's rays offered. Smiling at each other, they walked, hand in hand.

~~~

Francisco repeatedly stole looks at Bagoas. The long, raven hair danced against the small of Bagoas' back and the breeze toyed with the dark strands since Bagoas hadn't bothered to put it into a pony tail before they had ventured out.

Bagoas smirked, feeling Francisco's eyes on him. It was obvious that the other man liked what he saw.

Peritas, walking slightly ahead of them, had set his mind on visiting with Bucephalus and guided the two men toward the stallion's shelter.

Bagoas tightened his hold on Francisco's fingers and glanced at the older man. Francisco was blushing and that sight made Bagoas' heart beat a little faster. There was no denying it: he had utterly fallen for Francisco.

Growing a bit bolder, Francisco pulled Bagoas closer, freed his hand of Bagoas' hold, and wrapped it around Bagoas' waist instead. He eased his upper body against Bagoas' and his head bobbed against Bagoas' shoulder with each step he took. The long hair teased against his face and Francisco loved feeling the gentle caress the strands bestowed onto his face. They didn't talk – neither of them felt the need to do so.

~~~

They spent some time with Bucephalus, checked on the state of his shelter, gave him ample water and food, and then started their trek back to the cottage.

Hand in hand.

~~~

"Bagoas, what are your plans for *that*?" Feeling a tad apprehensive, Francisco arched an eyebrow at seeing Bagoas spread a mat onto the floor of the living room. The mat sported dots in all kinds of colors and it looked vaguely familiar to him, but he couldn't exactly remember where he had seen it before.

"It was a Christmas present and we didn't get to use it yet. It is a game called Twister," Bagoas explained while wiggling an eyebrow. "I thought it would keep us entertained until it's time to fix dinner."

"Twister? Bagoas, you can't be serious!" Yes, he remembered seeing people maneuver themselves into impossible positions during this game!

"Why not?" Bagoas gave Francisco a lopsided grin. "It is the perfect way to find out just how flexible we are!"

Francisco enjoyed bantering with Bagoas, but in the end, he gave in and agreed to play the game. "You start."

Bagoas discarded the spinner as it would be impossible to spin it once the two of them were sprawled over the mat. "Put your left foot on yellow." He would start simple enough.

Francisco complied and then looked questioningly at Bagoas.

"And now you tell me what to do." Bagoas had a feeling he was going to enjoy this!

Francisco's eyes narrowed as he realized that he would get his moments to make things difficult on Bagoas. "Left hand on red."

Bagoas did as he was told and wiggled an eyebrow. "Right foot on green."

Okay, Francisco could do that without having to bend that much. Maybe it was time for some payback. "Right hand on yellow."

Bagoas accepted the challenge and moved closer to Francisco. Reaching across Francisco he put his hand on the dot, but as a result of his move, Francisco had to move with him and was awkwardly leaning backwards. "Left foot on red."

Francisco arched an eyebrow. That meant he had to reach beneath Bagoas. He did so and squirmed, having to maintain a most uncomfortable position. "I will need to stretch before we play this game again."

Bagoas chuckled and almost lost his balance. He managed to maintain his position, but had learned his lesson. "Right hand on green."

Francisco gnashed his teeth. "That's impossible!"

"Come on. Show me how bendy you are." Bagoas gave Francisco the cheekiest grin he was capable of.

Francisco did his best. He really did, but he lost his balance and tumbled forward, dragging Bagoas down with him. They ended both up on the floor, with Francisco on his back and Bagoas atop of him. Staring into each other's eyes, smiles surfaced on their faces. Francisco raised a hand and rested it at the nape of Bagoas' neck. He just knew what was going to happen next – Bagoas was going to kiss him, at least he hoped so. He had taken his leap of faith when he had opened up to Bagoas earlier in the kitchen. That had been the moment when he had decided they could work out – and that he would do his best to make this work.

Bagoas was the opposite of Jared in so many ways and Francisco felt like he could entrust the other man with his heart, which felt fragile at times. "Are you going to kiss me?" Francisco whispered when Bagoas' lips continued to hover near his, but refused to lock with his yet.

"Do you want me to kiss you?" Bagoas gave Francisco a sweet smile. He had long read the answer to his question in those dark eyes, but he wanted to hear Francisco say so as well.

"Yes, I want that. I want you to kiss me…and hold me." Admitting his needs had never been so easy before with any of his lovers. There was something about Bagoas that made him feel at ease.

"I can do that." Bagoas pushed one arm beneath Francisco and pulled him close. With the other hand, he caressed the dark hair. He finally leaned in closer, covering the distance between them, and kissed Francisco. It was a kiss which started out innocently enough, but before both men knew what was happening, the kiss was deepening and tongues met in a sensual dual.

Francisco moaned into Bagoas' mouth and briefly closed his eyes to savor this sweet sensation. Being kissed by Bagoas and held by his future lover felt so right – almost like they were meant to be.

Bagoas felt it too. He reluctantly broke the kiss and, while panting softly, searched Francisco's eyes. He had promised Francisco to take it slowly, but he wasn't certain he could honor his promise. At that moment, there was just one question which he wanted to ask the older man and that was: 'Will you stay with me?' It wouldn't matter much to Bagoas if they lived there or at Francisco's home in London. None of that mattered as long as Francisco was close.

"What's happening to us?" At first, Francisco had thought that he was the only one being affected by this vortex of feelings that was pulling him in, but as he looked into Bagoas' eyes, the same emotions he was experiencing were reflected there. "You feel it too."

Bagoas nodded his head once. His fingers caressed Francisco's face and a fingertip eventually trailed the outline of a trembling bottom lip. "Can it be that we are falling in love? Hard?"

Francisco felt entranced as he stared into Bagoas' eyes. The other man was so close, covering him with his upper body, and that handsome face was only inches away from his. Taking the initiative, he raised his hands, placed them on either side of Bagoas' head, and forcefully pulled his lover close.

Bagoas gave in most willingly to Francisco's sweet kiss. It appeared that Francisco had made his decision...had decided to take the leap of faith. Francisco trusted him to be the lover he needed and Bagoas wanted nothing more than to make Francisco happy for as long as he lived.

Yes, this was love in its purest form and the best thing about it was that Francisco loved *him* – and just him! Not just *his* life was about to change drastically – no, *their* life was about to change and with Francisco at his side, Bagoas felt strong and brave enough to face whatever the future had in store for them!

The End
(TBC of course)