AN: I'm not in a very good mood today, but I felt like I should at least try to write something for Jared Leto's birthday. I have this idea that Hephaestion was born on the Winter Solstice, so that's what I kind of explored here. I hope you all enjoy, despite how short this is.

Alexander was excited. It was Hephaestion's birthday, and the dedicated general had no inkling of what Alexander had planned for the day. So just after Helios had peeked through the winter clouds, Alexander rushed into his and Hephaestion's rooms and climbed upon the bed beside his still sleeping lover, wasting no time in worshipping Hephaestion's gorgeous, battle-scarred body with soft kisses.

"Xander?" Within a few minutes, a whispered, sleepy question broke his concentration, and he beamed up at Hephaestion as those lovely blue eyes slowly opened.

"Joy to you, Love. Happy birthday. I have all sorts of things planned, but I-" he paused when Hephaestion groaned and threw the bedclothes over his head as if to block out sound and light, "Are you well, my dearest?"

"I am well, Alexander, but I do not have the energy today to run hither and thither after you. I'm sorry. It is just too cold, and the bed is so warm and I would like to just spend the day in bed with you. I do not need or want any big celebration anyway. Please?"

"Oh…" The surprise was clear on the king's face, "Yes, I- Whatever you desire, my Love," then he left the bed again with a kiss to the tired general's cheek, "You just rest. I will be back soon. Then we can spend the whole day warm in bed if you like. Rest now."

With that, Alexander left the bedside and the room, and Hephaestion could see by the way he dragged his feet that he was disappointed, but he was just so absolutely exhausted. And sore. His battle scars were acting up again. Getting older was not as fun as it once had been. He dozed for a moment or two before Alexander came back into the room, with a small box in hand. Getting kissed awake was not something Hephaestion could or would complain about that day, especially when the reward was being held close in Alexander's warm embrace.

"I have a gift for you, my Love," Alexander whispered, clearly dreading waking his soulmate.

With a last encouraging kiss, Hephaestion sat up in bed and reached for the box that Alexander had set aside for a moment, all while Alexander held him. It was happily given, and he carefully undid the bow and opened the box to reveal Alexander's gift to him.

"Oh Alexander… It's beautiful…" He stared in awe at the plate of sapphire inlaid with a glass snowflake, every inch of the snowflake delicate and unique.

"For my Sapphire Snowflake, who was born on the Winter Solstice," Alexander kissed his crown, smoothing his hair back from his eyes, "Happy birthday. I love you."

AN: They did have glass during Alexander's time that Alexander, from what little research I did, spread around the world. It was called Hellenistic glass, and was used in vases, inlays, as well as other things. I don't know if they would have used it the way I've portrayed it here, but a snowflake just seemed appropriate. I hope you all enjoyed!