Oh, I wouldn't worry about how much that man loves Hephaistion. And I also would not worry about whether or not Hephaistion knows it. When it comes to how they feel for each other, these two don't need words or high drama, it's in everything they are. It's so much a part of them, in fact, they hardly need to say it at all. Don't fret over that.

Hephaistion's angry when he says that to Alexandros about him going off with Bagoas - or at the very least, he's frustrated and annoyed. In all truth, he's not threatened by Bagoas at all, doesn't lose sleep over him in the slightest. Well, in my work he doesn't. But what he's angry about here is that he's getting static from Alexandros for getting his needs met when they both know that Alexandros is not above doing the same thing himself. It's a double standard, and he's pointing it out. And in the end Alexandros sees that, which is why he says "I can be a fool sometimes can't I?" The answer is yes of course he can, but Hephaistion doesn't love him any less for it. He's used to that, by now.

Read "Conquest" if you're worried about Hephaistion being hurt, it might make you relax a little more. And thanks for taking the time to read and respond. ;)