This is Porthos' chapter and my main gripe is that it is rather short but I felt extending it was unnecessary.

It is set in the aftermath of episode 5 of series 1 when Porthos reflects on everything that happened to him at the Court. This doesn't include D'Artagnan as it takes place at the garrison and D'Artagnan would still have been staying at the Bonacieux's house.

Brief mention of period typical racism.

I hope you enjoy it. :)


Porthos moved quietly out of his room. It was the middle of the night and the moon was shining brightly. He made his way across the deserted courtyard to the table near the stairs to the Captain's office. He placed the bottle of wine and cup on the table and sat down.

For a fleeting moment he had thought about returning to the Court of Miracles and to be with Flea. He had always wanted to leave that place and make a better life. He had managed that at the Musketeer Garrison when a younger Captain Tréville and helped him become part of best soldiers in France.

He had learned to read and write. How to address the nobility, even when he didn't think they deserved the respect. He had always been a good brawler but a young, cheeky marksman and the best swordfighter he'd seen had for some reason decided to help him. He had originally thought that they pitied him and maybe they were just joking. He soon learned that those two men were not like the others. They didn't shun him for the colour of his skin like many did. They respected him and wanted to be friends. Well Athos at least wanted to 'make his acquaintance', Porthos chuckled.

For a moment he had thought that they had managed to help him escape when he was sentenced to death following his birthday celebration, but he knew in his heart it was too quick a turnaround for that. Charon had saved his life when his friends couldn't. The men he was closest to now would have struggled to see him alive again. He never doubted that they would come for him though. No matter where he was. He knew how difficult it was to enter the Court but he knew that they would find a way.

He had always liked Flea. Loved her even but she was happy at the Court and he never could be. That's why he could never have stayed there even if he tried to convince himself he could. Charon had never truly understood why Porthos had left but then searched for his own way out and made a deal with the Cardinal. Porthos didn't think Charon had ever forgiven him for leaving or maybe his relationship with Flea had got to his once friend. Charon was gone now. Aramis had killed him. Not out of jealously or anger but to protect Porthos. His friends had come when he had needed them.

Porthos took a swig of his wine and then downed the cup. He heard footsteps behind him and smiled as he knew those footsteps well. He turned to see Aramis trudging over. The man had clearly just woken up as his hair was tousled and his shirt was half tucked into his breeches.

'You choose weird times to drink my friend,' Aramis said and then yawned as he sat next to Porthos.

'Athos drinks all the time,' Porthos protested with amusement.

'Yes, but we expect that from him whereas you sneak out in the middle of the night when you could have been drinking from the evening and now sleeping,' Aramis eyes were slightly unfocused but had an enquiring look.

'Just thinkin' 'bout today,' Porthos poured some more wine.

'I'm sorry I had to kill Charon,' Aramis said quietly. 'I know he was your friend.'

'Maybe not the friend I remember,' Porthos sighed. 'A bit like Marsac.' Aramis flinched slightly at the name but nodded his agreement.

'You know I thought about stayin'. Live a different life,' Porthos downed his wine again.

'After everything you fought for, with all respect, you would not leave us now,' Aramis gave a warm smile as he placed his hand on Porthos' shoulder. Porthos was glad of the touch as it instantly reminded him what he had.

'You kiddin'?' Porthos turned to Aramis doing his best 'not bothered look'. 'I can't wait to get away from you and the grump!' Aramis laughed at Porthos' response and it made Porthos feel even warmer.

He didn't notice the figure approaching but Aramis did.

'Leaving me out of a drinking session is very rude,' Athos said as he sat opposite the men. He placed a bottle and two cups on the table. 'You always forget,' he added to Aramis when he and Porthos looked confused.

Together they drank in a comfortable silence. All knowing that just being there was what was needed. The sun started to rise and the bottles were empty.

'Thanks,' Porthos said as he finally broke the quiet. Nothing else needed to be said.


A/N: Short but hopefully emotional. D'Artagnan will indeed be next. Please let me know what you think. :)