A short time later, Alexander awoke to the sound of Hephaestion softly snoring. He looked over at him and smiled. Hephaestion's eyes were closed, his arms folded behind his head, and a soft smile playing on his lips. He looked amazing. His skin was flushed, with a light sheen of sweat, and damp strands of his hair clung to his forehead. Alexander did not think he had ever seen anything more perfect in his life.

"You're staring at me again, Alexander" Hephaestion said with a chuckle.

Alexander brushed the hair from Hephaestion's eyes. "Hephaestion….this was incredible. This whole evening…how did you manage this? I can't believe you planned all this for me! It was perfect."

Hephaestion sat up and stared at Alexander. "What do you mean, Alexander? I thought you did this!"

Alexander shook his head. "No, it wasn't me. I received an invitation to come. I just assumed it was from you!" He looked perplexed.

Hephaestion frowned. "No! I received the same invitation! I assumed it was from you!"

"Then who…." Alexander began. They stared at each other a moment and suddenly it became clear.

"Bagoas!" they said at the same time.

Alexander laughed. "Why that devious little eunuch! I can't believe he did this! Why would he do such a thing for us?"

"Easy" Hephaestion stated. "He loves you very much. He knew you were unhappy, and he figured you were missing me. I can't believe he did it, either."

"Hmmm….." Alexander appeared thoughtful. "Well, Hephaestion, since Bagoas went to all this trouble to give us an evening together, perhaps we should take full advantage of that." His fingers trailed down Hephaestion's chest in slow, lazy circles.

Hephaestion felt himself growing aroused again. He wrapped his arms around Alexander's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. "Yes, Alexander. I agree. I might let you take advantage of me this time."

Bagoas had been sitting, talking with a couple of his friends in the garden, when he saw Alexander and Hephaestion leave the meeting room, their arms around each other's waist. Frequently, they paused to exchange a soft kiss and a smile. They looked very relaxed and very, very happy. Happier, he thought, than he had seen either of them in many months.

Bagoas smiled. This had been his gift to the two men that he loved the most, and it had gone just as he had planned. Everything had been perfect.

He could never repay Alexander for the kindness he had shown to him, or Hephaestion for his patient understanding and willingness to share a part of Alexander's love. He recognized how very fortunate he was and, even though their circumstances were difficult at times, he was happy.

He smiled again as he watched the two men, still wrapped around each other, disappear into Alexander's chambers.

Yes, everything was perfect.