Author: Ayden

Email-Address: AydenSadari@aol.com

Category: Romance, angst, slash

Pairings: Hephaistion/Alexander

Date: Last revised March 1, 2007

Feedback: Yes

Rating: NC-17 (overall – not this chapter)

Disclaimer: The characters aren’t really mine – they just live in my head… This is a work of a fan, done for no remuneration save the satisfaction of the work.

Summary: Hephaistion goes to Alexander after his bath with Bagoas. Bagoas suffers hunger and attempted rape. This is the aftermath.

~~begin

Hephaistion had hoped to be spending the day in bed with Bagoas, Alexander’s young eunuch slave. Instead he was riding to the temporary camp Alexander’s original Companions had set up in an outer complex of the Babylonian palace grounds – in search of Alexander.

~~

As he rode, Hephaistion was surprised at the conflicted feelings he had for Bagoas. He felt both very angry and very sympathetic.

Hephaistion was a powerful man, used to getting his way. He had been angered when Bagoas had been reluctant to accept him eagerly. Those were the rumors he had heard about the young eunuch – that he was wild in his enthusiasm. Hephaistion had definitely not seen that side of him yet – and he wanted to. Damn the boy he thought, Bagoas is only a slave. He should know better than to hesitate with me. A part of him looked forward to having Alexander punish the boy. A part of him hoped Alexander would leave the punishment up to him.

But then he recalled how he felt when he was with Bagoas. Every time the boy was hurt or seemed distressed, Hephaistion had moved automatically to comfort him. He remembered the boy’s sweet smell, the softness of his skin, his shyness and his gentle but skilful touch. He remembered the boy’s ugly history – and could understand that Bagoas had reason to be afraid of being passed around. And, the boy had, after all, ended up being very pleasing. A smile crossed his face as he recalled the morning. He regretted he had damaged the boy the first time, but he looked forward to entering that lovely body again.

~~

When Hephaistion arrived at the encampment, he dismounted and joined Alexander with the other Companions. It had been some time since this close band of Alexander’s original army had met like this. It wasn’t exactly a secret meeting, but it was private. Luckily for Alexander, his charisma – and his generous rewards – prevented any serious rivalries from developing among his troops.

Alexander was surprised to see Hephaistion today. His mission yesterday had been tiring, and Alexander had left him with the pretty Persian boy, expecting that he would have a day of distraction and relaxation. He searched Hephaistion’s face to see what might be wrong. He saw no sign, and being happy to see him, he embraced him warmly and welcomed him to the gathering.

There was no chance for private conversation during the day. The men crowded around Alexander, and Alexander in turn talked with each and every one of them. The day turned into a drunken party with everyone, except Hephaistion and Alexander, over-indulging in heavy foods and heavier drink. Some of the soldiers pulled out the Persian eunuchs they had been given from Darius’ harem, playing with them crudely and passing them around among each other. Both Alexander and Hephaistion declined, but the boys were kept busy with the other men. As the sun was setting, those boys who were still able to walk served dinner. Most of the men were either too tired or too drunk to inflict more damage and finally, things began to quiet down. Two of the younger boys were thrust into the tent where Alexander and Hephaistion would sleep that night. There was raucous laughter as the two men were pushed into the tent, too.

Alexander and Hephaistion looked at each other and then at the boys. Alexander looked like he would be sick. “Shall I dismiss them?” Hephaistion asked quickly, knowing that captives seldom appealed to Alexander unless he was in the blood lust of battle.

Alexander started to agree, but then said “No, they’ll just be hurt more if we make them leave.” He threw the boys some blankets and they quickly wrapped themselves in a corner of the tent.

Alexander and Hephaistion sat on the remaining bundle of blankets on the ground. For a while, neither of them spoke. Alexander knew such rough treatment was part of conquest but he did not feel easy with it. He finally told the boys to cover their eyes and go to sleep.

Then he turned to Hephaistion and asked why he was there. Hephaistion hesitated, not sure how to start. Alexander misunderstood – and asked, with anger in his voice, “Did you do these things to Bagoas? Is he badly hurt?”

Hephaistion laughed. “No, Alexander. Your sweet eunuch is fine. Indeed, I’m here because he sent me on my way.” In relief, Alexander laughed, too. And then asked Hephaistion to tell him what happened. They lay back on the blankets and began to talk quietly. Hephaistion told Alexander what Bagoas suspected after his meeting with the Persian nobles.

“I had the same the same information from one of the Persian lords,” Alexander admitted. “I hoped it wasn’t true – but if Bagoas noticed the same thing, I suppose I’ll have to pay more attention. What names did the boy give you?”

Hephaistion named the ones he could remember, and Alexander recognized them from what the noble had said. He sighed; he was disappointed, but not totally surprised. “The Persian lords who came to the palace will be here a few more days. I’ll question them before they leave.”

Hephaistion was frustrated, but tried to joke. “Why didn’t you tell me, Alexander? It’s not that I’m not glad to see the group together – but I could have spent the day in the arms of your delightful slave.”

“I didn’t want to concern you, Hephaistion. And ruin your day.” He laughed quietly. “Next time, I’ll know better.”

After a few more words about the possible treachery, Alexander asked, “Well, what did you think of Bagoas?”

“Satisfactory, I suppose.”

Alexander was surprised. “Just satisfactory? Did he not please you?”

“He pleased me. But only after I had to threaten him with your wrath.”

Alexander’s voice became angry. “I told him he had to do whatever you asked. I won’t tolerate him disobeying me, no matter how sweet he is.”

There was a part of Hephaistion that was delighted to hear the anger, but then he felt shamed by his reaction. “Calm down, Alexander. I was happy with him in the end.”

“He disobeyed me, if you felt he was reluctant.”

“Calm down,” Hephaistion repeated. “He’s afraid you’re going to pass him around like the boys in this camp.”

“I wouldn’t do that to him. You know that.”

“Yes, Alexander. I do. But he doesn’t.” Hephaistion hesitated. “He’s afraid of you. He’s been coddled under Darius.”

“That’s hardly an excuse. He’s been a slave for a long time. A sex slave. He knows what he’s supposed to do. If he won’t obey me, how can I trust him?”

Hephaistion was quiet for a few moments thinking. Where had the thought come from to hurt Bagoas? “Alexander, he likes you. He struggled with himself to obey you. It goes against his heart. And he told me about the conspiracy. He likes you. “

“His heart? Since when have you begun noticing a slave’s heart?”

“Since the heart came dressed in such a pretty package.” After a moment, Hephaistion spoke again. “Don’t be angry with him. I shouldn’t have said anything. He wants desperately to please you. He likes you.”

“And did he like you?” At least some of the old humor was back in Alexander’s voice.

“If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have told me his suspicions. But he likes you best.”

Alexander laughed. “I hope this means you have something in common.”

“Oh, yes – isn’t that a pleasant thought? Your eunuch and I are very much alike.” Now, Hephaistion sounded distressed. Alexander said nothing. This was an oft repeated theme with Hephaistion. Although Alexander sympathized, he had not, so far, been willing to stem his public displays of affection.

They were both quiet for a long while and Alexander began to suspect his friend was asleep. But then Hephaistion spoke again. “I think, Alexander, that Bagoas will do whatever he can to prove his loyalty to you. He’s frightened by the position in which he finds himself. Don’t get me wrong – he actually likes you, but he is very driven by his fear. If you don’t want him, his future is very unclear.”

Alexander sighed. “I like him, too. He did actually help me yesterday. These Persian court rituals are so damn complex. I would have been lost without him.”

Hephaistion laughed softly. “I told you he likes you.”

Alexander pulled a blanket up around them, and they talked of other things – home, family, their futures. Finally, though, Hephaistion rose to leave.

“Where are you going?” Alexander asked.

“Out. To Ptolemy’s tent. He offered earlier.”

“Hephaistion, that’s not necessary. Stay with me.”

“It is necessary, Alexander. The men talk of my staying with you. I can’t have that much in common with Bagoas. They call him your whore.”

Alexander started to argue, but Hephaistion left the tent.

~~

As the sun rose and the camp awakened, Alexander dismissed the boys and joined his men. They had a day of athletic contests and long talks, renewing friendships and loyalties. As the afternoon wore on, Alexander and Hephaistion mounted to return to the palace. They discussed the conspiracy at length and Alexander decided he would question Bagoas when they got back. Hephaistion would get Mir Jamshid to translate for them.

And at last, Hephaistion broached the subject he dreaded. “I’ve made a difficult decision. I will no longer spend the entire night in your rooms.”

Alexander looked distinctly hurt. But he had to honor Hephaistion’ feelings. He would not have his best friend hurt by rumors. Most assuredly, he would not have his beloved companion compared to Bagoas. “We will still have private times. I will not give you up.” He raised his hand to stop Hephaistion’s protest. “I accept your decision to leave before dawn.”

~~

When Alexander entered his rooms, Bagoas ran to him and prostrated himself, sobbing.

Alexander looked down at him, seeing his long hair spreading around him, and his whole body shaking from his sobs. He was still angry – and determined to deal with the boy disappointing Hephaistion. But for now, he could not leave him in this state. He leaned down and lifted him up. “What’s the matter?”

Bagoas was so glad to see his master, he could hardly speak. When he calmed himself he finally whispered. “I sorry, Master. I so afraid you not come back.”

“Why? You knew where I was.”

“No, Master.” Bagoas dropped his eyes to the floor when he contradicted what Alexander said. “You not tell me.”

Alexander groaned inwardly. He was not used to being concerned for a slave. Shit – he hadn’t told Bagoas where he was going – hadn’t provided for him. And then Hephaistion had left him, too. Realizing his own failures, Alexander suddenly felt very protective. He embraced the boy, holding him close before he would have to tell him he was going to be questioned. He felt the slender body trembling. And heard his stomach growling. “Bagoas, have you eaten today?”

“No, master. I not eat since you leave.”

“And that was days ago.” Alexander held the boy at arm’s length. “Bagoas, you have to eat.”

Bagoas looked down again. “I sorry, master.”

“I know. We’ll talk about it later. For now, you have to get ready for a meeting.”

“Will I serve you tonight, master?”

“No, you’re the subject of the meeting.”

“I not understand.”

“We’re going to question you.” Alexander saw the terror on Bagoas face. In Persia, as elsewhere, slaves could be tortured when they were questioned. He added quickly, “We won’t hurt you.” He pulled the boy close again. “Wash your face, comb your hair and get dressed. I swear I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Bagoas went to the bed-chamber and did as he was told, though he took extra time to apply his make-up, well aware of how awful he must look. When Alexander saw him before the mirror, the boy blushed and Alexander smiled, amused again by Bagoas’ vanity – and his modesty. Alexander found this an odd combination of traits, but the boy definitely possessed both.

Bagoas left hastily for the great room. Though he quickly stopped when he saw the others. Hephaistion nodded to him. The other two, apparently some of Alexander’s staff officers, did not acknowledge him, though they looked him over, barely disguising their contempt, before moving to the table. When there was a tap on the door, Hephaistion opened it and welcomed in a Persian who appeared to be some minor noble. He was known to Hephaistion who spoke with him briefly and ushered him to the table, where they both sat. The other two men sat as well.

When Alexander joined them, he told Bagoas to come closer. He saw the fear on the boy’s face and spoke softly. “You’re not in trouble.” Bagoas did not understand what was said, but he knew Alexander was trying to calm him. He took a deep breath and moved to the table. Alexander spoke to the Persian who then turned his eyes to Bagoas and introduced himself. “I am Mir Jamshid. Your master has asked that I interpret for you.”

Bagoas bowed. “Yes, sir.”

Alexander spoke and Jamshid said, “The Great King Alexander wishes to know why you distrusted some of the Persian nobles at the meeting some days ago.”

Bagoas told the truth as best he could. He had seen some of the men look away at inappropriate times and then glance at each other. Without waiting for further instructions, Jamshid spoke again. “That is scant evidence for a slave to accuse Persian noblemen.”

“I understand, sir.” Bagoas was trembling. “I told Lord Phaestion I was not sure, that I only thought he should take precautions.”

Jamshid repeated what he said, and Bagoas was relieved to see Hephaistion nod his head in assent. He was able to still his trembling. Jamshid then asked for the names of the lords, and wrote them down as Bagoas answered. There were only five and he asked if there were others. Bagoas hesitated a few moments. “They were the only ones I noticed, sir.”

Jamshid nodded and handed the list to Alexander. They talked some more before Alexander thanked him and Hephaistion rose to escort him out the door. The other two men rose and left as well after a few private words with Alexander.

Alexander looked at Bagoas, who was standing in the same spot with his eyes on the floor. When Hephaistion returned and joined him at the table, Alexander told Bagoas to have the guard send for dinner.

“Yes, Master.” He bowed and left to do as he was told.

When he returned, Alexander noticed he was trembling again and told him to sit. When Bagoas hesitated, Alexander stood up and told him, “SIT.” Bagoas sat immediately and Hephaistion started to laugh. “I had no idea all I had to do was scream at him to get him to obey.”

Bagoas blushed deeply, remembering his reluctance with the man. He dropped his head even further. “I sorry, Lord Phaistion.”

Alexander laughed, too, but then remembered the boy had not served Hephaistion willingly. He moved to get the wine, poured a goblet for Hephaistion and himself – and water for Bagoas. When he sat again, he lifted Bagoas’ chin. “Why did you disobey my orders about pleasing Hephaistion?”

“I not understand, master.”

“With Hephaistion, Bagoas. Why did you not serve Hephaistion as I told you?”

The look of fear was on the boy’s face again. He dropped his eyes when Alexander released his chin. “I sorry, Master.” He glanced quickly at Hephaistion. “I sorry, Lord Phaisiton.”

Alexander’s voice was stern. “Sorry is not sufficient, Bagoas. I expect obedience.”

There were tears in Bagoas’ eyes now. “Yes, Master. I not disobey again.”

Hephaistion looked at Alexander. “That’s enough, Alexander. He’s sorry. And he did please me very well.”

Alexander was irritated. He didn’t appreciate arguments, even from Hephaistion. But he changed the subject and softened his tone. “Why didn’t you eat while I was gone?”

Bagoas fought to steady himself. “I afraid, master. To leave your rooms.”

“That’s foolish, Bagoas. My people will not hurt you.”

The boy looked up and started to speak, but then he dropped his eyes again and remained silent. He couldn’t tell his Master he was wrong.

“Be easy, Alexander,” Hephaistion prompted. “Many of our people don’t like him. And they don’t like that you have taken him in.”

“He’s mine, Hephaistion,” Alexander objected. “No one would dare hurt him.”

“Sometimes you are blind, my love. Look at him. Do you not realize almost every man he meets would like to try him out? Say what you will about Darius. He ruled his people with an iron hand. No one would have dared touch Darius’ property. Your men are not so awed by you. And you haven’t staked a claim to Bagoas. This boy is under constant threat when you are not here to protect him.”

Alexander was genuinely surprised. “What do you know?”

“The harem keeper threatens him that you don’t want him. The soldiers taunt him and try to touch him. He has no reason to feel safe.”

Bagoas sobbed once, then quickly stopped. Hephaistion reached to him and lifted his head so their eyes met. “What happened, boy?”

Bagoas glanced quickly at Alexander. His Master frightened him. He looked back to Hephaistion.

“I not know how say, Lord Phaestion... I not know King Alskander want me. Men bring table say I not safe to leave King Alskander’s rooms.” Hephaistion looked at him closely, noticing the blush that swept his face. “What else?” When Bagoas looked down without speaking, Hephaistion took his arm and squeezed it hard. “What else happened?”

Bagoas looked him in the eye and Hephaistion released his arm. “They try.... hurt me, Lord Phaisiton.” He glanced at Alexander. “I tell them King Alskander kill them. And they leave.” He looked down again. “I still afraid leave Master’s room.”

Alexander looked at him. “Are you telling me you really thought some of my men would hurt you?” Hephaistion started to speak but Alexander silenced him with a look. He turned back to Bagoas. “Answer me.”

“Yes, Master. I afraid.”

Alexander studied him for some moments. The boy certainly cried too easily, but if what Hephaistion said was true, there might be reason for it. When he spoke again, concern registered in his voice. “I’m sorry, Bagoas. I didn’t know these things. I will protect you. I should have made that clear to my people before I left. I’m sorry.”

Bagoas looked at him and dared a small smile, before dropping his eyes again. He desperately wanted Alexander not to be angry with him.

Slaves came with the dinner tray and Hephaistion motioned them to put it on the table. Bagoas could not pull his eyes from the food.

Alexander pulled a piece of bread from the loaf, and cut a slice of the meat, putting them on a plate and placing it in front of Bagoas. Then he and Hephaistion started filling their own plates. Bagoas hesitated only a moment and started eating. He was too hungry to wait. Still, after one bite, he looked to Alexander to see if he was wrong. His Master nodded approval and he continued.

“Perhaps you should mark him in some way,” Hephaistion suggested. “So everyone knows he is under your protection.”

They briefly discussed possibilities, a slave collar, or a brand. “A shame to scar something so lovely,” Alexander said, lifting Bagoas’ hand. The boy stopped eating and tried to make himself small. Alexander noticed and told him to continue eating.

Hephaistion and Alexander continued to talk for some time, planning their strategy for investigating the men on the list. Finally, Hephaistion stood to excuse himself. “I’m tired. I need to sleep. Ptolemy snores.”

Alexander smiled and forced himself not to object. He looked at Bagoas and sighed softly. “You’re a good boy.” He pushed the hair from Bagoas’ eyes and kissed his forehead. “If you’re not too tired, I would like a bath.” He stood up and Bagoas moved to follow him.

“I prepare bath, Master.” He hurried to the bath chamber and summoned slaves through the back entrance to bring water.

When Alexander arrived, two slaves were pouring the heated water into the tub. When he started to undress, Bagoas moved to help him. Alexander sighed as he relaxed into the warm water and watched as Bagoas removed his shirt. He had been angry with the boy, but he could not help admiring his beauty. Bagoas poured the unscented oils on the sponges and began to wipe Alexander’s shoulder.

“What this?” Bagoas asked, touching a raised sore. Alexander flinched, remembering his loss at swordplay.

“Nothing,” he said, not wanting to talk about it. But Bagoas kept touching it and finally, Alexander smacked his hand away. Bagoas left it alone after that and went about the rest of the bath. When he reached toward Alexander’s groin, he barely hesitated, and Alexander smiled. The boy had bent close to reach so low and Alexander could smell him. “You smell of sweat, what have you been doing?”

“I dance, Master.”

“Get in here with me,” Alexander said. When the boy hesitated, his voice rose. “Obey me. Don’t make me pull you in.” Bagoas remembered the bath with Hephaistion, and stripped off his trousers. When he climbed into the tub, Alexander moved to make room for him. Then he pulled the boy close and wrapped him in his arms. As Bagoas relaxed, Alexander released his grip and relaxed as well. Bagoas finally rested his head on Alexander’s chest. Though he fought it, his weariness overcame him and soon he was sleeping in Alexander’s arms.

Alexander smiled in approval. Can he truly trust me so much? After the way I treated him tonight?

At some point, Alexander roused himself, and woke Bagoas by rubbing his body with the sponge. “We have to do our hair”, he whispered. Bagoas started to massage Alexander’s head with the water and cleaning oils. “Wet your own hair, Bagoas – it’s too much for me to do.” Then Alexander helped Bagoas as well. When they had rinsed their hair, Alexander stepped from the tub. When Bagoas followed, Alexander handed him a towel and took one for himself. Then he groaned – “Oh, shit, do you have to wipe my hair for an hour?”

Bagoas smiled at him. It touched Alexander’s heart. And since when have I had a heart where slaves are concerned? The boy was seeping into his life. It didn’t seem like such a bad thing.

Bagoas answered him, “I do it after you in bed, master.”

“Bagoas, when we are alone, please call me Alexander.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Alexander, please.”

“Yes, Alskander.”

“Good enough. Thank you.”

Bagoas followed Alexander to the bed chamber, carrying towels. When they arrived, he put down the towels, turned back the bed coverings and barely managed to get out of the way before Alexander climbed in. He sat by Alexander’s head, drying and combing his hair. By the time he was done, Alexander was sound asleep. Bagoas got up and started on his own hair. He worked on it for only a short time before deciding it could finish drying while he slept. Alexander had not asked him into the big bed, so he went to his pallet.

He saw the food, though, still on the table, and went to eat more before retiring. When he was done, he moved around the room, putting out all the lamps, but one. When he lay down, he thought of Alexander’s smile again. He refused to think about the future. In the present moment, he had all that he needed, and almost all that he wanted. He fell asleep quickly.

To be continued…

** Thank you so much to reviewers - always feels good to know someone enjoys my work. Of course 'work' is a strange term to use when I enjoy writing so much... **