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Now, on with the story, shall we! : )
Upon finding he had lead himself into the kitchen instead of his quarters, Athos beat his fist forcefully against the wall, accidentally causing what he assumed was a painting, to fall off and crack its glass upon its harsh landing at his feet.
Damn it all, could nothing go right!? Athos' thoughts screamed out in frustration.
Grinding his teeth together, Athos bent and slowly slid to his knees, cautiously sending his fingers out to search and retrieve the painting but somehow avoid the glass.
Unable to see what he was doing, Athos almost immediately pricked his finger on a particularly jagged shard, drawing out a hiss and a curse from its owner, and drawing the attention of Treville whom had just entered.
Spotting his best man kneeling in the shadows by the wall, hands roaming through glass and cursing discreetly, Treville quickly turned from his task to aid his friend, dragging him to his feet.
"Athos, my friend, what on earth are you doing looking like that -and crawling around on the floor no less?" he questioned, concern creeping into his voice.
Athos taken aback by the random question of appearance, raised an eyebrow of his own, thinking about what it implied as he subconsciously began to pick at the glass splint he could not see.
Noticing that Athos seemed as lost as he was about the query, if not more so, Treville assumed that his purple tainted visage was the work of his mischievous friends -and not a new taste in fashion.
From here it was easy to figure out the reason for Athos' more than sour expression, almost hitting the nail on the head with his theories as he envisioned a purple Athos stumbling around town to the delight of all passer-by's.
Sighing quietly and rolling his eyes at their antics, Treville gently took hold of Athos' arm and lead him towards the adjacent staircase, ordering him to head to the lavatory on the right while he ordered up some hot water for a bath.
Slowly piecing together the puzzle of Trevilles' inquiry to his purple attire and the town square fiasco, Athos cursed yet again and dashed up the stairs, grateful that at least someone was looking out for what remained of his pride.
Finding the handle to the door the lavatory, Athos quickly flew inside and slammed it shut behind him, embarrassed yet relieved to finally hide out of sight from all who sought to mock him.
So that was why he had been received all those coloured themed insults! He was purple! PURPLE FROM HEAD TO TOE!
Athos shook his head furiously as if in denial, he would get his revenge for this!
Needing to do something with the energy he had acquired through sudden anger, Athos began to pace furiously in the ten foot space, one hand rubbing up and down the wall as he went, so he would not become lost.
It was outrageous! A musketeer out in broad daylight to protect his king and country from foes of all kinds- while purple- was neither comforting nor threatening at all!
Purple didn't even suit him anyway! -Black and red was fine, sure, as trimmings but PURPLE!?
Purple was for maidens in waiting, the colour of delicate lilacs in pleasant meadows, the colour of wild berries.
Athos gritted his teeth at the thought, he would certainly be more hesitant to drink any wine that may contain wild berries for some time to come after this humiliating disaster!
Just then, a knock sounded on the door, "Come in" Athos grated out, trying to leave the edge out of his voice but failing to do so.
"It is only I" Treville assured, brining in buckets of what Athos knew was the warm bath water.
After he had finished filling up the tub, Treville headed discreetly towards the door, not wanting to encroach on Athos' vulnerability.
Before he could exit, Athos put out a hand, catching his breast and causing him to turn in question, to see Athos glancing at him with shining eyes, offering his silent thanks.
Treville nodded his acknowledgement, then upon realizing it had not been seen, placed firm fingers on Athos' shoulder, "You'll be okay, Athos" he promised holding their stance for a moment before he left hurriedly once more.
He had a few special men to debrief it seemed.
There has always been an observable bond between Athos and Treville, more so than the others so I thought id just flesh it out and make it slightly more prominent here. There are more than four brothers present in Athos' life anyway!
Please leave a review to let me know what you thought of it! Until next time!