Hephaestion stepped up behind his new friend, the crown prince of Macedonia, known by his close companions as Alexander, and tapped him on the shoulder shyly to get his attention.

The young prince turned, curious as to who was wanting his attention, but he brightened immediately upon seeing his new friend, his smile rivaling the very sun, "Oh. Hello, Phai. What did you need?"

Hephaestion blushed and ducked his head upon hearing the nickname. They had only known each other a short while, and already he was important enough to the prince to earn such an intimate use of his name, shortened though it was. He could not begin to guess why someone like the heir to an entire kingdom would honor him in this way; he was a nobody after all.

As he thought this, he was shocked to realize that the boy was awaiting a response, his differently colored eyes wide and honest as he waited patiently for an answer.

Hephaestion tried his voice, and winced as it shook, his head bowed respectively, "My- my young Highness, I hope you will accept this small gift in honor of your natal day."

After a brief, quiet moment of no movement or sound, Hephaestion remembered what he was doing and hastily drew the flower crown he had weaved for Alexander out from behind his still bent back, hands shaking as he presented it to him.

Alexander took it as gently as he could, cradling it in his hands as he admired it and then called the rest of his friends over to look at his gift. Finally, after praise from the rest of his friends, Alexander turned to the boy that had given it to him, using a finger to raise his head and allow him to stand upright again before looking him in the eye.

"I love it, Phai. Thank you for such a wonderful gift. I will treasure it forever."

AN: Not sure if I got the birthday/natal day thing correct considering the time period, but I tried! I hope you all enjoyed!