Chapter 107

 

A/N: Ok, this is an –M– Chapter; you have been warned.

 

CHAPTER 107

 

That warm spring afternoon found Hephaistion at the mall. Achilles, who would be 6 years old that year, was growing up very fast and he no longer had pants that fit him. Alexander was very excited because his “son” was a tall boy, like his beloved, and he used to say so often things like: “I’m so happy that he took that after you”, that Hephaistion started to believe that Alexander truly thought the boy were their biological son. Berenike had volunteered to go with him. One: because Alexander had an interview that afternoon that promise to end late at night, and two: she wanted to buy something for Leonnatos’ birthday. 

 

- Aki, stay still –Hephaistion scolded him when the boy started to move impatiently, not letting his father see if the new pants fit him. He was kneeled in front of the boy, checking the length but Achilles wanted to go to the videogames section.

 

- If I stay still, would you buy me a game? –the boy tried to strike a bargain with him, but Hephaistion shook his head.

 

- No, I won’t –Achilles made a pout.

 

- Dad would buy me one.

 

- Maybe, but dad is not here –he didn’t like the idea of giving children things in order to make them obey, but Alexander was of the idea of buying gifts for everyone every time he had the chance. The blond was a compulsive gift giver. 

 

- Phai!, Phai! –Berenike came running into the boys’ changing room, making her high heels sound “clak, clak” over the floor—Look! Isn’t it adorable?! –she added with an over-excited high-pitched voice. 

 

His sister showed him a very cheesy male pajama with numbers and mathematical formulas in different colors that made it look like a carnival costume.

 

- Em…sure –he lied, not wanting to argue with her, because the look on Berenike’s face said she absolutely loved the pajama and she wasn’t looking for his opinion, only his approval.

 

- I don’t think…ouch! –Hephaistion pinched Achilles before the boy could express his opinion about the aesthetics of that pajama.

 

- Great! I’m going to buy it for Leon –Berenike jumped excited.

 

Poor Leon –thought Hephaistion.

 

His sister saw Achilles pants, and frowned.

 

- You never buy clothes for Alex, why? –she asked with curiosity.

 

- I don’t like to shop and I only do it when its necessary –explained Hephaistion, nodding his approval on Achilles’ pants—Besides he can buy his own things. 

 

His sister rolled her eyes.

 

- That’s not very romantic –she scolded him— The whole point of buying cloths for your boyfriend is that he wears something you chose for him…I have an idea! –she clapped her hands together—I’ll buy him something.

 

- NO! –Hephaistion exclaimed, truly alarmed at that prospect, and Berenike looked at him with “confusion” written across her face—I mean…it’s not necessary.

 

- But…he is always buying you things –she didn’t understand her brother.

 

- And I don’t like that –Hephaistion tried to undress Achilles, but the boy shook his head—What is it? –as an answer Achilles turned to look at Berenike. His father sighed—Eni, could you please wait outside?

 

- Why?

 

- Because Aki doesn’t want you to see him undress.

 

- Oww! Ok. I’ll go to look something for Alex –and before her brother could complain she had left.

 

I only hope she doesn’t find another pajama like that –he thought, shaking his head.

 

By the time Hephaistion and Achilles were ready, they found Berenike standing in front an enormous TV. 

 

- Isn’t too big for your house? Or are you planning to buy Alex a TV? –asked her brother, while his son ran to the videogame section.

 

- No, no…I was watching the program –she explained absently, playing with her necklace.

 

Hephaistion watched without emotion the commercials and announcements before the program, his sister was waiting, began. Images moving subsequently at high speed, music and the perfectly modulated voice of a man filled the screen.

 

“The most popular Heavy Metal band of all times –said the voice of the narrator—They built an Empire in just 2 years, defeated the most powerful opponents and crushed the popularity list with a strong army of fans”

 

- Their fans are so fierce –said a woman on the screen—That they actually follow the band, but even more Alexander, the lead singer, almost as if he were a God. 

 

- There is no band –said a man, sitting on a red couch—NO BAND in the whole history of this planet that can compete against them. They are unique.

 

“For the next hour, we are going to embarked ourselves on a journey through the story of the only band in history capable of producing such an euphoria among their fans, from their origins to their successes, the scandals and the mind blowing songs. This is “Reign” Behind the Music.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- You are watching Behind the Music: Reign? I didn’t even know it was already on air –he said.

 

- Shush, let me hear.

 

“The leader of the band, Alexander Argead, was born in Pella Macedonia; since he was a little boy it was clear that he was brilliant, and their parents expected great things from him”

 

- My family was –said Alexander, sitting on a couch in front of a red curtain—The most dysfunctional family in the world. My father was the most important man in the Macedonian army, and he was very strict with me; since I was six years old he brought this tough teacher, Leonidas, into the house and everything in my life moved around my studies.  

 

- Philip was very hard on Alexander, but he had to be –said Leonnatos, Alexander’s childhood friend—He truly expected great things from him, and was hoping that he would be his successor as the Supreme Commander of the army; he used to treat his son like another soldier, and of course the fact that he drank a lot didn’t help to their relationship.

 

- Owww! My Kitty--pon looks so handsome, isn’t he handsome? –exclaimed Berenike, jumping excited.

 

- If you said so –said Hephaistion under his breath and his sister gave him a nudge.

 

“Philip Argead was famous not only for his military career, but also for his scandalous parties, heavy drinking and his love affairs with both, men and women”

 

- You can definitely say that Philip slept with everything that moved –said Krateros, another of Alexander’s friends—And he didn’t care to boast about his conquests, not even in his own house.

 

“Philip was married 6 times, but his most famous marriage was with Alexander’s mother, a sinister woman from Epirus who was said, was a witch”

 

- She is crazy –said Hephaistion Amyntoros, Alexander’s husband—Olympias has gone to rehab 5 times and once, she was in a Sanatorium for 5 months, because she claimed that the God Zeus had taken the form of a snake and had left her pregnant with Alexander. I’m surprise that Alexander isn’t totally screw with a mother like her.

 

- I should have never agreed to appear in that show –muttered Hephaistion, brushing his hair behind his ear.

 

Berenike laughed.

 

- You shouldn’t say those things about your mother-in-law –she scolded him, smiling.

 

- She is crazy, Eni.

 

- I know, I never said otherwise –Berenike crossed her arms and cocked her head— I’m just saying that, if she were my mother-in-law, I wouldn’t be on TV announcing to the world that she is nuts. What did Alex say about that?

 

- Not much –Hephaistion sighed—He knows what I think and he knew that I was going to say that when his manager asked me if I wanted to appear on that show.

 

- Ohhhh! His manager is gorgeous –exclaimed Berenike.

 

- Whatever.

 

- My mother –said Cleopatra Argead, Alexander’s sister—Isn’t a common woman, but I don’t think she is crazy; she is just a little eccentric.

 

- Of course I think Alexander is the son of a God –said Olympias, sitting in the living room of her mansion with her pet snake entangled in her leg—And it’s clear that he has a great destiny before him.

 

“Alexander’s childhood was a difficult one, with a promiscuous, drinking and authoritarian father, and a mother who venerate the Dyonisian cult, regular participant of orgies and witchcraft. But, he had the finest education at the hand of the most brilliant minds of the time, doctor Aristotle”

 

- He was my best student –said doctor Aristotle, at his office in the University of Pella—It was a shame that he decided to follow the music path.

 

- It was quite a shock for my parents when I decided to be a musician, they both thought I would join the army –said Alexander smiling—Of course my father refused and threatened to disinherit me, but I didn’t care... 

 

Hephaistion’s cell phone rang; he looked for it and saw that Alexander was calling.

 

- You would never guess what I am watching now –said his beloved smiling, and making his sister giggled watching that silly smile on his face. For someone of 26 years old he was behaving in those moments as if he were 16, but that was what his very personal rock star made him feel, like a lovesick teenager.

 

- The news? –the blond tried to guess.

 

- No…the Behind the Music of this band…how is it call? Reign? –he could hear Alexander laughing softly.

 

- And how is it?

 

- Mm, not too bad –Hephaistion teased him.

 

- Ok, you’ll tell me more tomorrow.

 

- Tomorrow? –and that ended Hephaistion’s loving mood. He frowned—Why tomorrow?

 

Alexander sighed.

 

- I have to drive Julius home –the blond explained— He is not feeling well.

 

- And why do you have to drive him home? Doesn’t he have a chauffeur or something? –all right, that had sounded bad but, words had escaped his mouth before Hephaistion could stop them. 

 

- Phai, he had some sort of…seizure.

 

- What kind of seizure?

 

- I don’t know, like Epilepsy.

 

- Then call an ambulance…no wait, call his mother, Aurelia always knows what to do –Hephaistion knew he wasn’t very supportive in this but he had his reasons.

 

He had always being jealous of the blond’s manager, but after Amyntor’s death Alexander had been strange around Julius, friendlier... more loving? And things didn’t improve after the band came back from Egypt. The blond had told him that he and Julius had talked, a very deep and intense talk, and, as a result of that, they were closer now. It was a reasonable explanation, but Hephaistion couldn’t stop feeling that there was something else.

 

He hadn’t pushed the subject because, even if he thought something more had happened between them, he had kissed Scipio. All right, he was drunk, jealous, and tired of his lover’s jealousy, but his guilt was stronger and even if he decided not to press the subject, he didn’t want his Alexander alone with his manager, even less at night in his, presumably, empty house. 

 

- I would, but she is out of town –Hephaistion had to bit his lip not to give him a very nasty answer—Phai, I’ll be back tomorrow morning, I promise, but I can’t just leave him alone…you would do the same for Perdikkas or Leon…or your Roman friend –he added through clenched teeth and that made his beloved sighed. 

 

- Fine, see you tomorrow then.

 

- Phai.

 

- Mm?

 

- I love you –Hephaistion smiled. Even if he wanted to be angry those 3 words disarmed him. He shouldn’t be jealous of his manager, and after the initial shock, he was starting to feel bad for wanting to leave the poor man alone if he was sick.

 

- Me too, if you need something call me. 

 

- I will.

 

Hephaistion closed his cell phone.

 

- What happened? –asked Berenike with curiosity.

 

- Julius is sick or something.

 

- Poor thing –she said concerned and her brother rolled his eyes. He should stop worrying or he would end like Alexander with Scipio: with chronic jealousy—Speaking of tragedies –Berenike added—Did you hear what happen with Philotas’ brother? 

 

- With Hektor? Yes, uncle Althaimenes told me he died –said Hephaistion—He drowned.

 

- Oh my God! –his sister took her hands to her mouth—Was it an accident?

 

- Apparently, but Nikanor is sure he was murdered.

 

- By whom? –now he had Berenike’s complete interest—He was a lovely boy, who would want to hurt him?

 

Hephaistion shook his head.

 

- I truly don’t know…come I’ll take you home.

 

XXX

 

- I do not have Epilepsy –said Julius, while Alexander helped him to lay down on his bed.

 

- Seriously? Because it looked like Epilepsy to me –said the blond. It was night and Alexander went to turn on the several lamps in that extremely neat room. Everything was in its right place, and so clean that his manager’s room appeared to be on exhibition at some store.

 

- I have hypoglycemia –the Roman explained—Its insufficiency of glucose in the blood and can cause seizures.

 

The Macedonian took a seat at his side.

 

- And this happens often to you? –he asked concerned.

 

- Just when I don’t eat adequately, and I have a very long day –Julius sighed— No time for food. 

 

- I guess you just need someone to take good care of you –Alexander’s words had a strong double meaning that didn’t pass unnoticed for Julius. It wasn’t the first time this happened, every since that night, when they kissed, the Macedonian had been doing this, flirting with him even if he didn’t noticed that he was doing it.

 

- You are doing this again –the Roman decided it was time to end this game.

 

- Doing what? –asked Alexander with innocence.

 

- You know perfectly well what I am talking about –Julius was dead serious now—In Egypt you didn’t lose time in inviting me to dinner…

 

- To talk about the concert –the Macedonian defended himself.

 

- Right –his manager didn’t believe one word— What about that night you try to get me drunk even if you know that I don’t drink.

 

- It was a harmless invitation –Alexander answered at once— You needed to relax.

 

- And that day when you were angry because the hotel’s manager asked me out?

 

- She was a bitch and only wanted free tickets for the concert.

 

- Alexander you are flirting with me –that left the Macedonian in silence—What are you doing here?…No, no, no, don’t tell me –Julius raised his hand—You and I know that you are not here because you are concerned for my health.

 

- That’s not true.

 

- Half the truth if you want –said the Roman—You are here because, every since we kissed, you are trying to kiss me again. 

 

The Macedonian wasn’t ashamed, not even surprised that his manager had seen through his plan. In fact, he was amused.

 

- All right, I like you and I want to kiss you again –he said at least with all honesty.

 

- Well, that it’s not going to happen –Julius voice was cold and succinct.

 

- You know that I don’t get a “no” for an answer –Alexander leaned closer to him—Besides, I know you liked that kiss, because, if that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t have pushed me. 

 

Julius said nothing. He understood perfectly well what was the Macedonian thinking, Alexander respected him and valued him as a friend, but also felt a strong lust for him, not love, his heart and soul would forever belong to Hephaistion, but his body, those last weeks, had been burning to feel him.

 

And he is right –thought the Roman, he had enjoyed that kiss more than he should.

 

- You can’t do that –said his manager slowly—You don’t have the cold blood to kiss me and then return home to your loving Hephaistion as if nothing had happened –that took Alexander aback. After that night, when they kissed, he returned home feeling rapt, he had kisses his manager, something he had always wanted to do, and felt in triumph after having to endure Scipio in his house. But, all his emotion had vanished when he saw Hephaistion’s face and knew that Amyntor was dead.

 

He had felt as the worst human being on earth, he had been kissing the Roman while his beloved was crying because his father was dead, and for days he hadn’t even think in Julius. But then, they had gone to Egypt and, watching the Roman daily had only made him want to kiss him again. It was like an obsession now, and if there was something Alexander hated was to be told he couldn’t have something he desired. At the end, he had brainwashed himself, he wasn’t cheating Hephaistion because he didn’t love his manager.

 

Julius straightened himself to stand up, but he got dizzy and the Macedonian had to catch him before he fell.

 

- Are you ok? –asked Alexander worried.

 

- Yes…I just need to eat a good meal –said Julius, eyes closed and a hand on his forehead.

 

- All right, then I’ll cook something for you –the Macedonian stood up and his manager saw him as if he were crazy.

 

- You cook? –asked Julius in disbelief. 

 

- Yeah –he lied, leaving his manager alone.

 

XXX

 

- You don’t cook, and this is the worst dinner I ever have –the Roman complained an hour later, amused with half a smile, eating what Alexander had intended to be food—I’m so glad you decided to be a musician instead of a chef.

 

- You are not funny at all –the Macedonian smiled—So, what’s the story? Why you didn’t eat today? 

 

- I’m glad you ask, because it was your fault –that answered took Alexander by surprise.

 

- My fault? How come?

 

- Do you remember what happened after you left Persia Records? –asked Julius, and realization struck the Macedonian.

 

Just when Reign was becoming the best metal band of all times, Alexander decided his band was going to break the contract with Darius Achaemenid. Of course, Darius was furious, and ever since he had sworn, by all his Gods, that he was going to destroy Reign.

 

- Of course I remember, I thought Darius was going to grow horns when I told him –said the Macedonian, sitting at his side on the bed. 

 

- Well, he is keeping his word, and is doing all in his power to ruin your concert at Gaugamela –the Roman explained—And, since he is one of the richest men on the planet, you can imagine how many problems he can cause. 

 

- I can deal with him, I’ll win –said Alexander, sure of every word—No matter how hard he fights me, I’ll defeat him. 

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion woke up when he felt soft wet kisses through his naked back, he moved lazily over the silky sheets of the King’s bed, enjoying the delicious sensation of that smooth fabric against his naked body. He opened his eyes and, when he could focus, he saw Alexander sitting besides him, fully dress and wearing one of his most magnificent cloaks.

 

- Where are you going? –asked his beloved huskily. It was still very early, he could tell by the weak sunrays entering the room. 

 

- To receive envoys from Athens, Rhodes and Chios –answered the King, talking against his skin. 

 

- And…you shouldn’t be there already? –Alexander slid his hands through his General’s sides, pulling the sheet down, caressing him with the fabric and his fingers, until it covered half of his butt.

 

- They can wait –said the King, kissing his back again and tasting the salty flavor of his skin.

 

Hephaistion smiled. They were back at Tyre, after spending the whole winter in Egypt, to continue with the campaign. Contrary to the general opinion, he was glad to have left Egypt, many bad things had happened to him there; as if the whole affair of Philotas wasn’t bad enough, just a few days before leaving Memphis Hektor had drowned in the Nile. That had shocked Alexander but even more Hephaistion.

 

Hektor had helped him, stealing Glaukos’ letter from his brother, and now he was dead. Could it be a coincidence? He had thought about it over and over again. Maybe he was paranoid and exaggerating, surely Philotas wouldn’t go as far as to kill his own brother for stealing from him, right?…But, what about his partner? No, that was too far-fetched.

 

Parmelio, who had returned as fast as he could when he heard the terrible news, was sad but not devastated, after all his favorite son was Philotas, but he had made sure that his younger son had a magnificent funeral. In the General’s opinion, the one who had cried more over Hektor’s tomb had been Nikanor, because Philotas couldn’t have been more indifferent. 

 

Hephaistion came back to reality when he felt Alexander’s hands on his butt, and his fingers playfully teasing him.

 

- You can’t be serious –said the General laughing, guessing his intentions.

 

- Why not? –the King kissed the back of his head, and caressed his beloved’s cheek.

 

- And the envoys? –he outlined Hephaistion’s lips with his fingers, and took a deep breath to enjoy the smell of his hair.

 

- I’m the King and Pharaoh, and the son of Zeus-Ammon –he said with an arrogant smile, taking his fingers inside his General’s mouth and Hephaistion licked him— They can wait.

 

It had been a while since the last time they could enjoy a moment alone, not because they didn’t want to, but thanks to the multiple things the King had to attend at Egypt as their new Pharaoh. They had lost almost 2 months on their trip to Siwah, and after that Alexander had been unusually silent and distant. Hephaistion didn’t want to ask what had the oracle said, and, for his part, he didn’t tell the King about his own experience there, not because he wanted to keep it as a secret, but he didn’t understand what had happened.

 

So far, his best explanation was that the high priest had drugged them with some kind of incense, but the General was sure that, if he said that aloud, he would upset Alexander. 

 

Hephaistion wriggling under his King’s touch when he felt his wet fingers inside him and raised his hips, languidly and obediently, the sheet slipped and swirled at his sides. That was enough to make every fiber in Alexander’s body burn. 

 

The King took him by the hips and leaned closer, gently stroking him and massaging his butt, dipping their fingers into the soft skin. Hephaistion rested his cheek against the sheets, and turned, as he could, to see Alexander. The General bit his lip, feeling the King’s length making his way inside him, slowly, he relaxed and took the sheets with force, softly moaning. He could feel his face burning, the silky locks of his hair over his half closed eyes, and all his body shuddered every time Alexander moved deeper.

 

For the King, the feeling of being inside his beloved was addictive, he could never get tired of having him so close, not knowing where his own body ended and the other’s started. To know that Hephaistion was only his, that only he could make him feel like this was something that made the King happy at the same time it inflamed all his senses.

 

- Alex…Nnn…that…feels…so good…—Hephaistion was panting, not bothering to lower his voice, which served as an aphrodisiac for the King, who moved with force, more and more faster, encouraged by the sensual moans of the General.  

 

Alexander loved his voice, to hear him moan so needy under him aroused the King in a way he wouldn’t have thought possible; Hephaistion’s voice choked with pleasure, his sighs, his rapid breathing, every sound that came from his throat, sent sparks through his body.

 

His beloved felt his body sinking in the mattress at each thrust, he repeated the King’s name like a mantra and closed his eyes for a moment, concentrated in feeling and enjoying the friction between them. It was like touching the sky. He opened his eyes again, and, through the locks of his hair he saw Achilles standing at the door. Hephaistion opened his eyes in complete horror. His first impulse was to move away from Alexander, but the King, completely oblivious to what was happening, took him with force by the hips.   

 

XXX