Title: A Pleasing Presence
Author: Qaddafi the Ripper
Book: The Persian Boy
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Hephaistion/Alexander
Summary: Hephaistion sees Bagoas trying to seduce Alexander.
Disclaimer: Mary Renault owns The Persian Boy.

He entered the room and his eyes immediately met with the sight of that eunuch boy tying Alexander’s sandal. The boy finished quickly and scurried from the room, never looking directly at him. Hephaistion stared after him, frowning. Seeing him kneeling in front of Alexander like that had made his stomach clench.

"You scared him off," Alexander said, putting his book down.

"It doesn’t take much," Hephaistion noted. The boy seemed like a wild animal, timid and running away before he even got close. But he supposed that the eunuch wasn’t just a pretty toy. In the short time he’d been with them, he’d already bested the squires in assisting Alexander. His knowledge of Persian customs and etiquette would doubtless come in handy.

Hephaistion remembered also the story Alexander told him of how the squires had bullied the boy, but he had stood up to it like a man. He really shouldn’t dismiss the boy. Still, that moment he’d seen made him think that the boy was trying to seduce Alexander. He’d been Darius’ boy before, so he surely knew how; and if he got Alexander, he was sure to make it memorable.

Would Alexander still desire him, after experiencing a beautiful Persian courtesan? Oh, it wouldn’t change Alexander’s love for him, of that Hephaistion was sure, but he had never been able to be content with just Alexander’s love. He’d desired Alexander since before he knew what passion was, and the desire hadn’t left him in all these years.

"What’s the matter?" Alexander asked softly, touching his arm, jarring him out of his thoughts.

"The boy--"

"Bagoas," Alexander supplied.

"Yes, Bagoas." Hephaistion paused. "Does his presence please you?" Do you intend to lie with him? Will you forsake me in bed for him?

Alexander stared at him, clearly hearing the real questions behind the vocalized one. "Yes, his presence does please me. He is very sweet and kind." He reached up and pulled Hephaistion down for a thorough kiss. "But he isn’t you and never will be."

Hephaistion closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Alexander. He wanted to ask Alexander not to sleep with the boy, but he didn’t. "Tonight, let me please you," he murmured. He would mold himself to Alexander’s heart and body. Alexander smiled at him and pulled him into the inner room. Hephaistion knew he lacked the skill of one who is trained to pleasure, but that night he used everything he knew, and whispered words of love throughout. What he lacked, he made up for in love and devotion. Alexander’s response was everything he could ask for, an overflow of passion that reminded him of their youth.

They lay quietly together afterwards, and for once Hephaistion felt the grief that always beset Alexander. Now that the heat had left him, he was cold and empty. He had Alexander’s very heart and soul, but his hold over Alexander’s body was more tenuous. He would not lose it forever, but the thought of sharing it hurt. He buried his face in Alexander’s golden hair and tried not to think.

"Bagoas will not drive me away from you, my love," Alexander whispered. "And he will never best you. Not even in this." Hephaistion relaxed against him, but found himself lying awake the entire night. He gazed at his beloved and wondered what the future would bring for them.

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