Author's note: Thank you Celticgal for your support and help through this entire thing!
To all who reviewed: Thank you all for your kind words and great comments! This one is longer as promised! I'm sorry this is so late!
The next morning brought rain and clouds instead of sunshine. D'artagnan watched as a water droplet made its way slowly down the window, as if the sky was crying its tears for all the world to know. It was quite fitting to D'artagnan, since his mood was down and depressive today. He wasn't looking forward to today. In fact, he would run the opposite direction of today, go back in time, if he could. But he couldn't. Today was the day he saw all the people who should've trusted him but didn't. Today was the day he saw the Musketeers.
He wouldn't do it if it wasn't for the trio. If it was just about him he would leave it be, let everyone think he was the mole and move on with his life, as empty as it would be without being part of them. This was his home now, as much as he hated to admit it in that moment, it was. It was all he had. Now, he had to stand up for what they stood for. Though the man they're standing up to knew the rules. How they were gonna get Alarick imprisoned was going to be interesting to say the least.
If the trio had their way they'd just walk into the garrison and lock him up and throw away the key. But D'artagnan knew it was gonna take more than that. Alarick as a well known, well respected Musketeer who had may friends, including ones who had the Kings ear. No, they were gonna have to do this right.
D'artagnan was still watching the rain droplets running down the window when said trio showed up. When they had left earlier that morning the Gascon had still been sleeping. It had taken him a while to fall into a restful sleep so the others thought it would be a good idea for him to get as much rest as possible before the long day ahead.
The others continued to watch the young man at the window silently, debating whether they should disturb his peace. Eventually though the young man made the decision for them.
"You're staring you know." The Gascon stated matter of factly, voice still rough with exhaustion. He turned to them, and they could see the dark rings surrounding his eyes like a shadow. His whole stance showed his exhaustion, pain and, to their dismay, defeat. His shoulders were slouched, as if curling in on himself. Almost like he thought it would protect him from a blow. It was sad to see. D'artagnan was usually so full of life and energetic, stubborn beyond belief and above all loyal. Now, he looked like a ghost, a husk, of his usual self. Porthos fought the shudder that tried to run through him. Athos just had this hard, angry look in his eyes, though not directed at D'artagnan. Just angry at everything that had happened to the young man in such a short period of time. Aramis just took a step towards the young man.
"I need to take a look at those bandages before we leave." Aramis stated softly, walking up to D'artagnan like he was a skittish colt. D'artagnan just nodded before making his way to sit on the edge of the bed. He gently pulled his shirt off, refusing help from the others. He bit back a groan at the bite of pain in his abdomen, determined to finish it without looking weak. When he finally got it off he took a deep breath in relief.
Aramis moved quickly to his young friend's side, bringing his medical bag with him. He as gently as possible changed the bandage before helping the young man change into a fresh set of clothes for the day. Athos and Porthos set out the food they'd brought while this was happening. As much as none of them felt like eating, they needed to keep their strength up.
When they'd all finished their respective duties they sat down to eat. Everyone was silent, each lost in their own thoughts about the day ahead. Once finished they silently finished getting ready before heading out. It was time to finish this.
Athos pulled to a stop outside the garrison gates, turning to look to the others. Aramis and Porthos shared the same expressions of anger, worry and disappointment. Anger and disappointment at the men who called themselves Musketeers and worry over their young friend. D'artagnan's face was ashen and his hands were shaking. He gripped the reins tightly, hoping to conceal it from the others, to no avail. Porthos stepped into place beside him, silently placing a hand on his shoulder in comfort and support. D'artagnan took a deep breath. When he exhaled he sat up straighter before nodding to them.
"Let's get this over with."
Athos nodded before turning back around and heading closer. The two Musketeers on guard straightened, preparing to ask what he wanted before recognizing him. They stepped towards the gates to let him in. When the four passed through, their gaze went to D'artagnan in surprise and suspicion. D'artagnan fought the urge to curl in on himself.
You're stronger than that. Hold your head high and stand up for yourself. His father's words from childhood echoed around in his head, pulling him together. God, how D'artagnan wished he were here right now. He'd know what to say and do.
They continued into the courtyard, all eyes focusing on them. Or more specifically, D'artagnan. There was a range of expressions across the Musketeers' faces. Disdain, disgust and anger. And on a seldom few, there was happiness and respect. That took D'artagnan by surprise. He'd thought that they'd all hated him and to find out that not all of them did...it made him feel a little lighter.
They pulled up to the steps that lead up to Treville's office. Porthos, the first down, helped D'artagnan dismount with no care to what anyone thought. Screw them. All he cared about in that moment was the young man that wormed his way into their hearts, past all their walls. Nothing else mattered.
The group made their way to the door of the office, feeling all the eyes boring into their backs. The door opened with a creak and Treville just stared for a moment at his men, his best. They all looked worse for wear. Dripping with rain, soaked to the bone. He stepped aside and let them in shutting the door behind them.
Once closed into the office he turned back towards the men. They all looked expectantly, and maybe a little defiantly at him. He just calmly walked around them and took a seat behind his desk.
"So...do I need to ask?"
I know...cliffhanger. Sorry, but I had to leave it like that!