Summary
"Did I earn my place in the musketeers on merit alone?"
The other musketeers and Treville answer that question for Porthos in the days following episode 8 of season 2.
Authors note:
Warning spoilers for 2:08
Hope you enjoy.
I own nothing, but my cat and lots of credit card debt!
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Athos is a man of few words. Perhaps in his days as a Comte he had been more comfortable with flowery speeches, although he can't imagine that ever having been the case. But, since becoming a musketeer he felt no such pressure, beyond the ability to describe battle strategy or to chastise a wayward recruit. Often the weight of his stare is enough to telegraph his feelings of ire. Or the quirk of an eyebrow, or lift of one side of his mouth to convey incredulity, respect or amusement. And for an enemy, he simply lets his sword and rapier speak.
So rather than express to Porthos his relief that he had returned to the musketeers, he showed it in his actions. After providing a celebratory welcome home drink at the garrison, interrupted only by the romantic overtures of D'Artagnan and Constance, he stayed with Porthos. In fact for the next few days he found himself so reluctant to leave his friend alone that he became something of a shadow. Dragging him to a tavern with Aramis as soon as D'Artagnan and Constance had left. Walking him home after. Bringing breakfast of fresh bread and cheese, rather than Athos oft times breakfast of the remainder of last nights wine bottle! Sparring with him, eating evening meal, and generally only leaving his side when duty or sleep required it. It was Athos way of speaking volumes. Telling his friend,
"You are so much better than your father. That man is not fit to breathe the same air as you"
"You are one of the best men I know. You are kind, generous, brave and loyal to a fault. I'm proud to call you brother, and that woman who should have called you such isn't worthy to speak your name"
"You are brave and honorable and there is no other men that I'd rather have by my side in a fight than you, Aramis and D'Artagnan"
"You are a man of kindness and integrity - you fight for what is right and do not turn your back on injustice - and if I try to do so in a moment of weakness like in Pinon you call me on it, and I need that honesty and forthrightness to keep my demons at bay."
"And when those demons threaten to drown me, you have the ability to make me pull myself up, and smile, or even laugh by the force of your raucous humour and booming laugh!"
All of this Athos says without ever uttering a word. Until at last, three days after his shadowing begins, Porthos looks at him with warm brown eyes, gives a soft, dimpled smile and squeezes Athos shoulder. And Athos knows ... He has heard every word.
Thank you for reading. Next up D'Artagnan. If I'm really focused it might even be up later today. I hope to have Aramis and Treville's chapters complete in the next few days.
Author's note:
I was really disappointed after all the build up that there was so little time given to the emotional pay off of Porthos, one and only, story this season. We didn't see the other boys reactions to his leaving the musketeers. We didn't even see Aramis, who was with him at first, discuss it with him. Rather Aramis was whisked off into the sex trade story and not seen with Porthos again till the end. There was not even a satisfying conversation with Treville in which he affirmed Porthos value to the musketeers, or proved he was chosen on merit. So I decided to try to write something. I really hope better writers than me tackle this as I need the emotional pay off, and while I don't have confidence in my own skills to deliver, I still had to try!
Feedback, or even ranting in the reviews, is welcome.