The Reason

I don't own any of these characters- I just love them.

"I don't get it."

These are the first words D'artagnan has uttered for a good while, startling Porthos out of his particular chain of thought and making him turn a look on him- enquiring.

"How can you claim to love someone" D'artagnan blurts, "and yet flirt with other women so readily?" he gestures helplessly to the corner of their table, where Aramis has spent the best part of their evening cheerfully wooing a busty blonde with his patented charm and flair.

Porthos just shrugs- noticing that most of the boys attention is elsewhere anyway- and turns back to Aramis who (apparently noticing his scrutiny) smiles and winks.

"You see, the thing about Aramis;" Porthos continues, raising his voice so the man in question is aware he is the subject in discussion "is he loves too much. He simply has too much love in his heart to limit to just one woman."

"It wouldn't be fair on the world."Aramis finishes for him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and grinning at them both- the woman is nowhere to be seen.

D'artagnan looks more disturbed by this than anything but it has, at least, removed his attention from the dark corner where Athos is attempting to drink himself into a stupor. "So, any woman is fair game?" the lad asks warily, as if he doesn't really want to hear the answer.

"Beauty, my dear D'artagnan, is something that should be experienced not merely admired from a distance."

"And you are a true connoisseur my friend." which earns Porthos yet another wink and a firm squeeze of his shoulder. D'artagnan glances over at Athos again, his interest in their conversation clearly waning as Aramis sits down.

"Let the lad go Porthos. It's obvious he wants for different company tonight." He tips his tankard to D'artagnan, "go on. I daresay you are a better influence on him then either of us... and it has been far too long since I've had you to myself." He adds quietly into Porthos' ear once the boy has made himself scarce.

The truth as Porthos sees it (and he takes pride in being the only one who truly understands Aramis); is that Aramis is quick to love but just as quick to forget afterwards. He may sleep with as many women as he pleases but they will only be holding his heart temporarily and Porthos, well, he knows he has a place in that heart for as long as it beats and he will do everything in his power to make sure that continues for a long time yet.

Okay, so I'm not entirely happy with this and I don't think it's my best but I wanted to get it up because The Musketeers are back on our screens tonight! YAY!