A/N I'm back! With another chapter that took me ages to write. I finally got some inspiration after we experienced some beautiful snowy days here. For the record, I love snow and what I love most is playing in it with my little sister. So, most of the chapter was based on my own experiences. All the things the boys do, I've done as well at least once. This particular chapter is for Helseng, who requested some physically hurt Athos. I hope you like this, I spend a lot of time on this one. Enjoy y'all!

Disclaimer: Ehm, I own the typos and spelling mistakes but that's it.

Ages: Athos is 20, Porthos is 18, Aramis is 16 and d'Artagnan is 10.

Chapter 25

In hindsight, it was probably not the smartest thing they had ever done. They could've easily avoided the accident, if they had just been careful. But no, they had not and now Athos was paying for it. If you asked him, it was all Aramis' fault. He just had to tempt fate by saying the famous sentence: "What could possibly go wrong?" Wasn't there some law that said: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong?

It had all started relatively innocent. It was winter break and Athos had come home to spend the holidays with his family. To the great delight of all four brothers, it had started snowing only minutes after Athos had arrived. The next morning, there was enough snow for them to play in. And yes, 20-year olds can play in the snow with their younger brothers.

Aramis announced a snowball fight and said they should do it in teams. He then immediately claimed that he was teaming up with d'Artagnan, because oldest vs youngest was always fun. Both teams had 10 minutes to build a fort and then the war would start. They had great fun and the older brothers had noticed once again that Aramis had a unnervingly good aim. He very rarely missed. After having been hit by the umpteenth snowball, Porthos had bowled into Aramis, taking both of them down and shoving his brother's face into the snow. D'Artagnan eyed his wrestling brothers, clearly contemplating if he should help Aramis or not.

'You know, if you help him,' Athos warned. 'Then I'll have to join as well to help Porthos.'

That was all the encouragement the 10-year old needed and soon, the snowball fight had turned into an all-out wrestling match. This lasted a good twenty minutes before they agreed to a truce. By then, all four boys were completely covered in snow. D'Artagnan shivered and Porthos produced a beanie from his pocket, which he placed on d'Art's head. He was rewarded with a beaming smile.

'So, what do we wanna do now?' Aramis asked, while rubbing his arms vigorously.

Porthos looked around a bit and his eyes fell on something sticking out of the snow. He walked over and pulled it out, laughing when he recognized it. He turned back to his brothers and held it up.

'Recognize this?'

Athos smiled.

'Of course I do. That's your old skateboard. We took the wheels off at some point. I can't remember why though.'

'I do!' Aramis said excitedly. 'Some punk challenged Porthos to a snowboarding contest. He accepted before he realised none of us had a snowboard. So we turned his skateboard into one.'

'Did you win?' d'Artagnan asked.

Porthos immediately answered in the positive, but Athos felt something pricking in the back of his mind. He wasn't sure if Porthos had actually won that match. Before he could voice his thoughts, though, Aramis was herding them all towards the hill at the end of the street.

'We can take turns. It'll be fun.'

Athos was ready to argue with that when he looked down the very steep hill. It certainly didn't look very safe and something in him was shouting that there was a reason they hadn't done it in years. He looked back at his brothers, who were arguing about who was allowed to go first.

'It's my board,' Porthos said. 'So I should go first.'

'Yeah, but we already know you're good at it. So I'm gonna go first.' Aramis argued.

'Youngest first!' d'Artagnan stated.

At this point, Athos intervened.

'd'Artagnan, no way in hell are you going down that hill with the board. I can go grab the sled if you want. Porthos, Aramis, if you really want to do this, at least wear a helmet.'

D'Artagnan pouted and kicked the snow sullenly. Porthos and Aramis agreed to Athos' condition and ran back to the house to grab a helmet. When they returned, they also had the sled with them, which they gave to d'Artagnan. The boy pulled it to the side and sat on it, a big scowl on his face.

Porthos put the helmet on his head took his board from Athos. Placing his board on the edge, he made the mistake of looking down. The hill seemed really steep all of a sudden. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. But when Porthos looked over his shoulder, he caught Aramis gaze. He was staring at him with his eyebrows raised, his eyes clearly asking: scared? That was enough to convince Porthos and he placed his feet on the board. When he kicked off, he went downhill with a terrifying speed. Before he knew it, he was at the bottom. Luckily, he was able to make the board stop and he quickly trudged back up the hill.

Aramis went next and he enjoyed the rush of adrenaline. It was quite different from the snowboarding they did on vacations, but it was fun. When he looked up, he saw that d'Artagnan seemed really disappointed about not being allowed to try out the board. Suddenly, he was hit with an amazing idea.

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

'Come on, Athos! What could possibly go wrong?'

'Don't get me started on it. There are seriously a million ways this could go wrong.'

'But we did the same thing when we went surfing three years ago!'

'Yes, but the surfboard was actually big enough to fit two people. This is a freaking skateboard without wheels!'

'Why are you so against the idea? The pup will be absolutely safe with you.'

Athos sighed and turned away from Aramis, only to find d'Artagnan staring hopefully at him. His brown eyes were shining and pleading with him to say yes. Athos felt torn. On one hand, he didn't want to disappoint his youngest brother. But on the other hand, he didn't want the boy to get hurt either. Athos looked down the hill again. Aramis had dragged them all to a different hill that wasn't as steep. In the worst case scenario, they would hit a snow bank. Finally, he caved.

'Alright, I'll do it! Porthos, give me your helmet.'

D'Artagnan cheered and hugged Athos, before running towards the board. Athos secured d'Artagnan's helmet and placed one foot on the board. D'Artagnan placed himself on the front of the board and looked back at Athos excitedly. The oldest brother was ready to reconsider his life-choices that had lead him to this point in life. But the look in his youngest brother's eyes made him put his worries to the side-line.

Athos made sure d'Artagnan was prepared and then kicked off. The first few seconds consisted out of balancing the board for both of them. It nearly made them fall over but luckily they managed. Even though this hill wasn't as steep as the other one, they still went downhill with a terrifying speed. Still, it didn't feel like the board was out of control. But just as Athos dared to feel relieved, he saw a bump in the road. A literal bump that would send them flying if they took it.

'd'Artagnan, lean to the right!'

The boy did so without questioning and Athos did the same. They managed to steer clear of the bump, but then they hit another one that was even bigger. How Athos hadn't managed to see it was a mystery to him, but the fact was that he hadn't. They hit the bump and suddenly, both brothers were airborne. Instincts kicked in and Athos wrapped himself around d'Artagnan to ensure the boy wouldn't land too badly. The moment Athos hit the ground, white-hot pain flared up in his leg and then everything went black.

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

'You know,' Porthos said as he and Aramis watched their brothers. 'I suddenly remembered something. I didn't actually win that match. If I remember correctly, I fell and broke my wrist. After that, dad told us we were never allowed to use the board for snowboarding again.'

Aramis hummed in agreement.

'Oh well, so far so good right? Besides, this hill isn't as steep as the other one, they should be fine.'

Just as he said that, they heard Athos shout something and the next moment, they watched their brothers become airborne. Porthos and Aramis looked each other for one second and then scrambled to get to their brothers. They were halfway when they heard a terrible snapping sound. They ran even faster and skidded to a halt when they had reached their brothers.

D'Artagnan was on his knees, softly shaking Athos who seemed to be unconscious. Athos' face was as white as the snow he was laying on and his left leg was bent in an unnatural position. It made all three of them feel sick. Aramis immediately checked if Athos was breathing and his heartbeat. When he established nothing was wrong there, he tried to rouse Athos.

'Come on, 'Thos, wake up. There are way more comfortable places to take a nap then here.'

They all sighed in relief when Athos groaned and opened his eyes. He immediately closed them again when the pain in his leg registered. Aramis tapped lightly against Athos face.

'Open those eyes for me. I need to check if you have a concussion.'

Athos complied and Aramis studied his eyes carefully. The pupils reacted evenly to the light, so that was good.

'Okay, big brother. What day is it?'

'Thursday,' Athos mumbled.

'Very good. Where are we?'

'On the stupid hill to snowboard.'

'Good, doesn't sound like you have a concussion. D'Artagnan, go get dad, I don't want to move Athos if I don't have to.'

D'Artagnan took off at an incredible speed. Aramis took off his jacket and folded it, before placing it under Athos' head. He smiled cheerfully at his oldest brother.

'It's a good thing you had a helmet. Imagine what could have happened if you hadn't.'

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

Yep, Athos was definitely paying for it. He was in a wheelchair that his dad was pushing, his left leg in a white cast. His younger brothers were unusually quiet, probably a result from the fact that one of their stunts ended up with one of them seriously injured. Their dad seemed to be angry, but didn't say anything until they had arrived home and Athos was placed on his bed.

'Get some rest,' Treville said. 'I'll wake you for dinner.'

Treville was positively fuming. Porthos, Aramis and d'Artagnan were standing before him in the living room, their heads bowed. For once, not even Aramis was trying to talk his way out of it. Treville paced, trying to calm down a little before he would lecture his sons. He did not want his anger clouding his judgement.

'What in God's name where you thinking?!' Treville shouted. 'Wait, don't answer that, you weren't thinking. You were being reckless and now Athos can't walk for at least 10 weeks! Was I not clear enough the last time? I strictly forbade you to ever do it again but you didn't listen. Well, what do you have to say for yourselves?'

'We're really sorry, dad,' Porthos said.

'We didn't mean for anyone to get hurt,' Aramis added.

D'Artagnan just looked at his dad with tears in his eyes. Treville sighed. He knew the apologies were genuine, but he also knew a punishment was needed here. The boys had pulled countless of reckless stunts over the years, but this one topped the cake. What made it worse that it was a repeated offense. They had done it once before, when d'Artagnan wasn't living with them yet. It had ended with Porthos breaking his wrist and Treville had punished them then too.

Calmed down significantly by the fact that his sons were genuinely sorry, Treville sighed again.

'Okay, here's the deal. I am upset with you but I know you're sorry. As punishment, you three will do all the chores in the house for one month and you are grounded for 3 months. Am I clear?'

'Don't punish the pup! Punish me more instead of punishing him, I should've intervened!' Porthos exclaimed.

'It was my idea. I'm the only one who should be punished,' Aramis argued.

'No, I should be punished. It was my fault too,' d'Artagnan said.

Once again, Treville was astounded by how much his boys looked out for his each other. All three of them were trying to take the blame and it made him extremely proud of his sons. However, he could not show it right now.

'Boys, I agree with d'Artagnan. The punishment is for all three of you and that's it. No more arguing. Now go set the table, I'm going to get some painkillers for Athos.'

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

Treville waited until the pain in Athos' leg wasn't bothering him too much before he talked with his oldest. Athos was sitting on his bed, his back leaning against the headboard and his left leg propped up on some pillows. By the look in his eyes, it was clear that Athos was expecting the lecture.

'Athos, I'm really disappointed in you. I expected more from you. I assume I don't have to tell you how much worse this could've ended? What if your brothers had gotten hurt too?'

'I'm so sorry, dad. I should never have allowed them to do it.'

'You're right, you shouldn't have. What I really don't understand though, is why you thought it would be a good idea to take d'Artagnan on the board with you.'

'It was my idea. I thought I could handle it, but I was overconfident.'

Treville couldn't help but chuckle at that. Athos looked up at him surprised.

'It's funny you should say that. 'Cause I have already heard three different versions of this part of the story and they all say someone else is to blame. All three of your brothers claimed it was their idea and they convinced you to do it. D'Artagnan even went so far as to say that he threatened to go by himself if you didn't go with him.'

Athos smiled.

'Since I will never find out who's version is the truth and you're all set on taking the blame, I will punish all four of you. Although, I think you're already being severely punished for it. Promise me one thing, though,' Treville's voice became softer. 'Don't ever do this again.'

'I promise dad. Next time, I'll just burn the damn board.'

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

Why they hadn't noticed it sooner, Athos didn't know. Perhaps the boy was just really good at hiding things. Or maybe it was because the boy had been withdrawing himself a lot. It didn't matter though. The important fact was that they discovered it way too late.

It had been two days since Athos broke his leg. Treville had helped him get downstairs and parked him at the couch, telling him to stay there. Porthos had entered the living room soon after, carrying a laundry basket and together they started folding the laundry.

They were halfway when Aramis came home, carrying three bags with groceries. He placed them on the floor before hanging his coat away and greeting his brothers. Aramis then proceeded to plop down on the ground and groan tiredly.

'I hate doing groceries. Those bags are really heavy and there was this old lady in front of me at the register and she took ages! Seriously, I thought I would still be standing in that line when Christmas rolled around.'

'If I were you,' Porthos said. 'I would get those bags to the kitchen. If dad trips over them, he'll gut you like a fish.'

'Don't I know it,' Aramis groaned.

He heaved himself up and called out to d'Artagnan, who was just coming downstairs, to help him with the groceries. Aramis took two of the bags, leaving the last one to d'Artagnan. Athos frowned at the way their youngest brother was moving towards the bag. The boy kept his left arm out of sight the entire time.

The moment d'Artagnan lifted the bag, he cried out in pain and dropped it. The groceries rolled over the floor, but nobody cared about them. Porthos and Aramis sprinted towards the hallway, while Athos cursed his leg. Aramis and Porthos reached their youngest brother at the same time. D'Artagnan was sobbing and clutching his left arm. Porthos immediately carried the boy to the living room and placed him on the couch opposite of Athos.

Aramis kneeled by the couch and gently took d'Artagnan's arm to examine it. All three of them gasped. D'Artagnan's left wrist was badly swollen and bruised. When Aramis very softly touched it, d'Artagnan cried out again and snatched his wrist back.

Treville suddenly stormed into the room and skidded to a halt by d'Artagnan's side. He took one glance at his son's wrist and turned to get an ice-pack, only to find Porthos already offering him one. Treville grabbed it and held it against d'Artagnan's wrist. The boy started crying and tried to pull his wrist away, but Treville held it in place. Aramis tried to comfort the boy.

'I know it hurts, pup, but it will get better soon. The ice will help with the pain.'

'No!' d'Artagnan sobbed. 'Don't want it to go away. I deserve it!'

Before anyone could respond to that, Treville picked d'Artagnan up, making sure to keep the ice-pack against his son's wrist.

'Aramis, you're coming with me. I want you to keep icing d'Artagnan's wrist while I drive. Athos, Porthos, if we're not back by six, order something. I'll pay you back.'

TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM-TM

Athos and Porthos ended up ordering something, seeing as their dad and brothers hadn't returned when it was six o' clock. They had decided to order Chinese and the deliverance man had just left when the others returned.

Their dad looked angry and d'Artagnan looked like he had been crying. Aramis silently moved to the kitchen to help Porthos set the table. Athos wished he was able to walk, when it looked like he was getting a front row seat to d'Artagnan arguing with their dad.

'd'Artagnan Charles Treville, I have never been so angry with you before. Not only did you purposefully hide a serious injury from me, but you also hit me. I do not tolerate such behaviour and you know that. Do you have anything to say for yourself?'

D'Artagnan mumbled something unintelligible.

'I didn't hear you. Care to repeat that?'

D'Artagnan looked up, his eyes shining with tears and anger.

'It's none of your business, jerk!'

Before Treville could stop him, d'Artagnan ran upstairs. Athos was absolutely flabbergasted and judging by his facial expression, so was his dad. Never before had d'Artagnan dared to be rude to their father. It was so very un-d'Artagnan like that neither man doubted there was something else going on with their youngest.

Porthos and Aramis, who had heard everything from the kitchen, immediately went after their brother. They found d'Artagnan on his bed, crying his heart out. Porthos stared at the cast on the boy's arm, but Aramis shook his head, signalling he would explain later. They sat down on either side of d'Artagnan.

'Hey now,' Porthos said soothingly. 'What's gotten you so sad?'

'D-don't wanna t-talk about it,' d'Artagnan sobbed. 'Leave m-me alone.'

'You know we can't do that,' Aramis said. 'Not until you tell us what's going on. Come on, why did you shout at dad?'

D'Artagnan lifted his head from his pillow and looked at them with red-rimmed eyes. Tears were still streaming down his face and his bottom lip was quivering. All in all, he rather looked like a kicked puppy.

'I didn't m-mean to. H-he just d-doesn't understand.'

'Doesn't understand what?' Porthos asked.

D'Artagnan looked down at his cast before returning his brother's gaze. His wrist was still hurting, since he had thrown away the painkillers the doctor gave him when she wasn't looking. He took a deep breath, to make himself stop crying. D'Artagnan felt glad when his brothers didn't press for answers, just waited for him to find the words.

'I don't deserve to get help. I deserve punishment.'

Porthos frowned.

'Who have you been talking to this time?'

'No one.'

'Then why do you think you deserve punishment?' Aramis asked.

D'Artagnan bit on his lip and looked away. Tears started shining in his eyes again. Porthos and Aramis immediately moved to give him a hug but to their surprise, d'Artagnan backed away.

'Why aren't you mad at me? You should be mad at me!'

'There isn't any reason for us to be mad at you. Why should we be?'

'Because it's my fault Athos got hurt! He got on the board of me and he broke his leg when he protected me. It's all my fault!'

D'Artagnan hiccupped and the tears started streaming again. Aramis sighed and placed his hand on d'Artagnan's shoulder.

'It's not your fault, d'Art. It was my idea and I got your hopes up. I should've known it wasn't safe.'

'Just like I should have intervened when I saw Athos had his doubts,' Porthos said. 'But I decided not to and look how that ended. D'Artagnan, you're not solely to blame.'

Before d'Artagnan could say anything, another voice piped up from the doorway.

'He's right, little brother. I could have said no but I didn't.'

Three gazes swerved towards the open door, where Athos was standing on his good leg, supported by their father. After hobbling towards the bed, he gingerly sat down and grabbed d'Artagnan's good arm.

'Look, me breaking my leg is not your fault. I just landed wrong. So stop feeling guilty. I don't blame you and neither do Porthos and Aramis. But, I am mad about the fact that you didn't tell us you hurt your wrist. I don't care if it was because you believed you deserved more punishment, you don't do that. You understand me?'

D'Artagnan nodded and then looked fearfully towards his dad.

'I'm really sorry, dad, for everything.'

Treville kept a blank mask for about two seconds, but then he smiled.

'Just promise me you will never do something like that again. I'm the one who decides on punishments, understood?'

'I promise, dad.'

Treville opened his arms and d'Artagnan jumped into them. When they turned it into a family hug, Aramis, who was sitting the farthest away, scrambled to join them. In his haste, he knocked Athos' left leg clean of the bed. A groan of pain, followed by a beat of silence and then:

'ARAMIS!'

A/N My apologies to Helseng if this wasn't what you were hoping for. It seems like d'Artagnan has a way of hijacking the chapters I write. If you hate this, let me know and I'll change it.