Evening My Lovelies

Okay so I feel a little bad for not warning you yesterday but I am very sad to say that today's chapter is the very last one for this story :( I'm really sad to see this end but the time has finally come. I'm hoping the long chapter as well as everything that's going on inside it provide a good ending for you.

I kinda also feel like I haven't really done Corinne/Corbett much justice but I wanted to focus on D'Art and the boys... If you want it though i might write a small little one shot focusing on the two of them following this story.

I can't thank you all enough for the continuous support you've given me throughout this. Love you all!

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - I think even if they were bleeding out they would still ride out lol. Enjoy the new chapter! x

GoGirl212: Thanks for the review - Yeah, Treville wasn't about to lie to his men but also not about to stop D'Arts plan. Luckily our pup hasn't found too much trouble, although it was really tempted to have it happen. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Athos still isn't handling things too well today either... though that is fun to write :D I'm not sure if the reunion will live up to your expectations but I'm hoping you'll enjoy what I decided on regardless. Enjoy the new chapter! x

FierGascon: Thanks for the review - Yep Treville's deffo the man :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - Athos's is going to lose it a bit again today but with good reason. Our pups not finding too much trouble, though it was tempting to have it happen. Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Bwhaha no always review half asleep those are always fun to read :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - Treville's the man with the plan :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

pheonixriv: Thanks for the review - Hmmm well you'll have to read on to see if you're right :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - I don't want it to end either but alas it has too :( Don't worry though I already have several ideas lined up for new stories :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Stargirl11 (Guest): Thanks for the review - Yay I'm really glad you liked it :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Our lovely Athos definitely isn't making Treville's life any easier thats for sure. Hopefully you'll enjoy the reunion and don't worry, no dragging will be required. Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - Haha Yeah I was tempted to have them leave before hand but figured Athos would have a bit of logic in him to wait and speak to Treville. Our lovely Captain's unfortunately going to be baring Athos's anger a bit longer today. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - Yep they're following him... though will they'll find him? Glad you liked the chat between Athos and Treville, we'll be having another today. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Guest: Thanks for the review - Yay I'm glad you liked it :) Yeah unfortunately we're not getting a lot of Corinne/Corbett moments, though if you want I'll write a short oneshot about their relationship after this story. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Haha yeah as if I'd make it simple :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

WelshEssex (Guest): Thanks for the review - Our boys are desperately missing our pup, even more so in today's chapter. Treville couldn't keep the information to himself, especially given D'Art has now left. Hmmm to be completely honest I had forgotten about that wound but yeah lets just say it healed okay :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

KarenF (Guest): Thanks for the review - Yep our boys are finally chasing after our pup. Hope you like how I decided to have the reunion go. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I can kinda see Athos practically pouncing on Treville as soon as he returned ... although my brain is so tired it is now picturing Athos, with cat ears and a tail, actually pouncing on treville... if that's not a sign i need sleep i don't know what is lol :D Haha glad you liked the jealous and hurt feelings our boys had about the letter. Athos's anger is something we will be revisiting this chapter in several instances, hopefully you'll continue to love it. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Cakes, sweets, hugs & high-fives for you absolutely awesome people who follow/favourite/review/read this story.

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Finale

"Athos!" called a voice just as the man was about to finish saddling his horse. By this point both Aramis and Porthos had arrived and were just finishing up as well so the sound of the voice caused all three of them to turn.

"Corbett," nodded Athos, slightly confused as to why the man was approaching them when it was clear they were about to head out.

"I was wonder if you have room for one more?" asked the musketeer somewhat nervously, something that became all the more apparent when both Aramis and Porthos smirked devilishly at him.

"Why would you want to come?"

Unable to stop himself Aramis moved away from his horse to place a gentle hand on Athos's shoulder.

"Why mon ami I'd wager our dear friend Corbett here is missing the lovely lady Corinne."

At his words Corbett blushed, proving them true and making a small smirk appear on Athos's face.

"Young love," sighed Porthos teasingly as he clamped a hand on Corbett's shoulder. "I say let him come… 'sides might come in useful if we run into trouble on the road."

For a few moments Athos contemplated the idea before nodding his acceptance and returning to his horse, not missing the pleased grin on the other musketeer's face as he rushed to do the same, making both Aramis and Porthos chuckle.

Despite Porthos's concerns they met no trouble on the road during their day and a half journey to the village D'Artagnan had mentioned in his letter.

Nerves were running high for each member of the group as they entered the village, the three inseparables seeing instantly what had made D'Artagnan choose it. The village was nothing special, at least not to those who had grown up in large towns and cities like Paris, but despite that there was something about the quaint village that made each of the three men think of D'Artagnan.

"Based on the directions in D'Artagnan's letter the house should be on the other side of the village," explained Aramis as he took charge of leading the group once he discreetly noticed the trouble Athos was having with keeping his emotions in check now they were so close to their little brother.

By the time they reached the small farmhouse all four men's nerves were completely gone and each found themselves waiting with bated breath for the door to open after the medic's found his courage to knock.

Sounds from inside the house made them tense, though they found the tenseness vanishing from their bodies when the door opened and the softly smiling face of Maria greeted them, looking both healthier and happier than any of the men had seen her.

"You're late," teased the woman as she took a step back to let the four men into the small house.

Athos's brows furrowed, "You were expecting us?" he asked, sounding thoroughly confused by her words, especially as, in their haste, none of them had thought to send word ahead.

Maria smiled, "In a manner of speaking," gesturing to the chairs surrounding her table she added, "make yourselves comfortable, I'll call Corinne," chuckling lightly when she noticed Corbett sit up straighter at the mention of her granddaughters name.

"What do you mean in a manner of speaking?" asked Aramis when Maria returned from calling the absent younger woman.

"She means Charlie said you'd be here days ago," interrupted a voice, startling the four men slightly as they all stood when Corinne entered, the younger woman's grin growing when she saw Corbett in the group, though his presence did make a faint blush grow on her cheeks.

"He did, did he?" smirked Porthos, a teasing glint in his eyes as he watched the silent interaction between the two.

Corinne tore her eyes away from Corbett long enough to smirk back at Porthos as she nodded, "made a bet and everything, he's going to be so disappointed he lost, he was quite adamant."

"Speaking of our wayward brother," said Aramis, his tone serious despite the aloofness he tried to install into his voice. "Where is he? I think we've each got a lecture of two planned for him about the way he left."

Maria and Corinne shared a look that did little to assuage the growing unease the three inseparables were feeling.

"He's not here is he?" stated Corbett, sympathy and sadness in his voice as he noticed the looks in his comrades eyes.

Maria shook her head, "He left several days ago, he did leave a letter for you though, wait a moment and I'll – "

"No need madam I have it here," said a voice that thoroughly surprised the musketeers.

Aramis was the first to recover from the surprise as he practically jumped to his feet, pulling the now equally surprised man into a tight embrace.

"REMY!" he exclaimed joyfully, the worry he had felt since learning of the former bandits silent exit from the garrison several days ago vanishing as he took in the relaxed and happy form of his newest friend.

"What are you doing here?" Aramis asked, unable to keep the grin off of his face as he gestured to the farmhouse.

Remy smiled back, overjoyed to see his first friend once again, though the expression faded into one of complete seriousness as he explained; "I decided to follow your boy D'Artagnan after he left. That man could have very easily and justifiably turned me into the King for what my brother and I did to him but he saved me. I wanted to do better, to actually make something of my life other than the mess I was living through before…"

FLASH BACK

"What are you doing here?" demanded D'Artagnan as he stood protectively in front of the two women he was travelling with. He had not expected to see Remy ever again and as much as he hated to admit it the man had grown on him with how he tried to be better and how he seemed to genuinely care for Aramis.

"I…" Remy stammered nervously before taking a deep breath and starting again. "You gave me a second chance at life when you didn't turn me in to the King. I would like to use that chance well and attempt to make right the things I have done in my past… I know you can never forgive me for what my brother ordered and my own part in it but…"

D'Artagnan's expression softened at the pure honestly and vulnerability he heard in the man's voice. His mind was already working on how this offer could work in his favour when he left to travel on his own. Remy was by no means unskilled with a weapon and it would be a weight off of his mind to know his girls were protected at all times when he left… the question now was, if he could trust them to him.

"Charles…" said Maria hesitantly as she nodded in greeting to the new arrival, not missing the guilt that flooded into the man's eyes when he saw her. "Who is this?"

D'Artagnan was ready to lie, to come up with an explanation that would satisfy his maternal-figure whilst protecting Remy… something that surprised him greatly, only for the man himself to speak up before he could think of an appropriate thing to say.

"My name is Remy my lady," stated the former bandit, his voice so completely void of any of his usual sass or sarcasm it actually made the Gascon pay even more attention to what was being said. "I… I used to be part of Quentin's group," both women tensed visibly at this and another load of guilt flashed across Remy's face, though he continued regardless. "I've come to try and make right what mine and my brother's actions caused and…"

"Why are you still alive!" screamed Maria, the image of her husband collapsing before her playing on repeat in her mind.

Before the older woman could go off onto a rant D'Artagnan took both her and Corinne off to one side and explained what good the man had done since, both from saving and protecting Aramis, to helping with the rescue from Marshall's estate and even to killing his own brother to protect Aramis, himself and Favier.

It was this last piece of information that seemed to resonate the most with both women.

"That bastard Quentin was your brother?" growled Corinne, surprising the entire group with the language she used.

Having expected a worse reaction than he was currently receiving Remy nodded, "He had been a source of constant fear in my life for years now, I could never even think about going against him before the attack on your village."

"What changed?" demanded Maria, though her expression wasn't anywhere near as harsh as it had been only minutes prior.

"I met Aramis and your boy here," answered Remy honestly, "I saw what real brotherhood looked like and …"

Unable to finish he looked helplessly at D'Artagnan who seemed both surprised and pleased by the man's honesty

"Why did you follow after us?" asked the Gascon, speaking up for the first time since he finished explaining the man's actions to his family.

Remy shrugged, "Staying at the garrison wasn't going to work out long term, too many people know about my past there, not that I blame them for acting like they were. I wanted to make things right… or at least try to. You three were the ones I hurt most so I followed you."

"So…" said Corinne several minutes later when the conversation and relaxed slightly, "What will you do now?"

END FLASH BACK

"D'Artagnan said I could stay with them, providing both women were okay with it, and help them out, earning an honest living for myself whilst also ensuring their safety," explained Remy as he moved to sit next to Aramis at the table.

"You're okay with this?" asked Porthos, surprise clear in his voice as he looked at both women.

"He wasn't the one who killed my Mathis and Charles vouched for him, that's enough for me… Besides, he stays in one of the outbuildings rather than in the main house."

"You mentioned something about a letter D'Artagnan left for us," stated Athos as he tried to get the conversation back to their missing brother.

"Right," nodded Remy, "here," he said handing over the piece of paper to the swordsman, leaving the three men to read it while Corinne dragged Corbett off to show him the house and Maria busied herself in the kitchen.

With a shaky breath Athos opened the letter and began to read.

Athos, Aramis and Porthos.

No doubt the three of you are quite angry with me right now, as is your right and all I can say is that I am sorry I couldn't be there to greet you when you arrived.

Aramis; by now you've heard my prognosis from Treville or maybe even doctor Reynard. I know you're probably furious I didn't let you check out my arm but if I heard the same thing from you then it would crush what hope I have left.

Porthos; I know my actions of late have forced you to chose between staying with our injured brothers or coming after me and I am sorry for putting you in that position. Despite the pain it must have caused you to do so I am grateful you gave me the time to think and come to terms with what was going on.

Athos; I want you to know that I never lied. You made me promise I would come back, which is exactly what I am planning on doing. What you didn't specify was when. This isn't some half-baked plan I concocted the night before, I've been considering it since I was coherent enough to understand Aramis's explanations.

You may all feel that my decision to leave was a sign of my lack of trust but that could not be further from the truth. In fact I am trusting that you will let me do what I need to do, alone and trust in me that I will return the moment I am ready and able to do so.

Forever your brother

Charles D'Artagnan.

To say Athos was furious would be an understatement, the swordsman's hands were so tightly curled into fists that a distant part of his mind registered his nails piercing through his skin and drawing blood.

"Now what do we do?" asked Aramis, sounding a little lost as he stared at the piece of paper now in his hand, his thumb lightly ghosting over his baby brother's signature.

"We track him down and knock some sense into him," growled Athos as he forced his arms back through the sleeves of his jacket before storming out of the room.

Aramis and Porthos both turned to Maria intending on apologizing for their brother's actions only to find her smiling sadly at the door Athos had just stormed out of.

"Charles said he'd do that too," she said with a sigh before turning her gaze back to the two men, "I tried talking him out of this plan of his but he wouldn't hear of it… I hope and pray you three will have more luck; I hate the idea of him out there alone with only one useable hand."

"As do we," nodded Aramis as he placed a soft kiss on the woman's hand. "We will not give up until we find him."

Maria smiled softly and nodded, letting the two musketeers go with the promise she would inform Corbett of their departure when the man had torn himself away from Corinne long enough to notice their departure.

"CAPTAIN!" roared Athos in defiance as soon as the tired trio entered the garrison and saw said man.

The three men had been searching from their youngest brother for just over a week when word had reached them from Treville, demanding their return to the garrison.

"Athos," nodded Treville, his expression neutral as he nodded towards his office, gesturing for the three of them to follow him as he left.

"Why have we been summoned back?" demanded Athos as soon as the door to Treville's office slammed shut. "The longer we are away the colder the trail for D'Artagnan gets!"

"The trail is already cold Athos!" snapped Treville, irritated at the man's lack of care when speaking to his superior officer.

"While I may be happy to let you search as much as I can allow, I can not have it get in the way of your duties –"

"We have a duty to our brother," protested Athos, though it was clear he was trying to control himself.

"And your duty to King and country precedes that," retorted Treville in a tone that brokered no argument.

Once he was sure that none of the men were going to say anything else he sighed and softened slightly. "Before he left D'Artagnan gave me his word he would send word when he could. I will keep my ear out for any rumors of anyone matching D'Artagnan's description and will allow you to follow them providing there are no other matters requiring your immediate attention… Now I suggest you get some rest you are needed at the place in four hours time."

True to his word Treville kept them informed of every letter D'Artagnan sent as well as any leads he had to his location and the Captain even ensured that someone would follow up on them even if the inseparables weren't able to.

When time continued to pass and the Gascon remained gone however things began to go downhill.

Athos, who had significantly cut down on his drinking since the Gascon's arrival had started up again, his consumption proving to be a constant source of worry for both his remaining brothers who often lost sleep by trying to stay with him to ensure he didn't drink himself to death.

Aramis had become even more paranoid over any injury either of his brothers received during a mission, often fussing over them loads more than necessary to ensure their wounds healed properly and fast.

This often left Porthos with the arduous task of playing mediator with the two and their obsessions, which were only ever put on hold when they were out following a lead regarding D'Artagnan, though as weeks turned to months even the inseparables were starting to lose hope in their brother returning to them.

Six Months Later:

Athos almost wondered how they managed to get into the situation they were currently in, though he was distracted from his thoughts as he ducked under the blade his attacker threw at his head, the dagger missing its mark by mere millimeters.

The trio had been on their way back from a mission when they had been ambushed. The journey there had been suspiciously quiet but the men had pushed it from their minds, simply eager to get it done and get home. Unfortunately this meant they were caught slightly off guard on their return journey when a large group of bandits all but exploded from the trees.

In the months that had followed D'Artagnan's departure the three of them had gotten used to fighting as a trio again but there were times, much like now, when they slipped back into the formations they would use when there were four of them, leaving themselves increasingly vulnerable to attacks

A prime example of this came half way through the fight when Athos was almost caught unawares by a bandit sneaking up behind him while his own focus was on the two he was currently fighting.

"ATHOS!" screamed an all too familiar voice, cutting above the sounds of battle to reach all three musketeers ears.

Acting quickly Athos was able to dispatch one of his attackers and disable the other, spinning around just in time to see a horse charge into the clearing, it rearing back onto its hind legs as its cloaked rider swiftly withdrew a small dagger from his belt before throwing it with expert precision at the man who had been sneaking up behind the swordsman.

Without wasting a moment the cloaked rider then jumped off of his horse, withdrawing his blade from its sheathe as he moved, before charging into the fray.

The three musketeers were stunned at the new arrival, even more so when they caught sight of burn scars littering the man's arm. Despite their surprise the men quickly returned to the fight, the now quartet finishing off the last of the men with surprising ease.

As soon as the last man was dead Athos and the others rounded on the still cloaked figure, the man had returned his sword to its sheath and was now flexing his sword hand in an almost nervous fashion.

"Explicit timing my friend," smirked Aramis as he fought to contain both the urge to hug the new arrival as well as the beaming grin that wanted to appear on his face.

With a laugh that was full of more nerves than amusement the cloaked figure raised his hands to pull back his hood, the familiar mop of dark hair greeting the men.

"I try," shrugged D'Artagnan, his nerves clear as day on his face as his eyes flickered between his brothers.

Porthos was the first to break and, without warning, pulled the boy into a tight embrace, smirking as his move drew a small squeak of surprise from the younger man.

"Missed ya whelp," whispered Porthos softly as he held the boy as tight to his chest as he could, not that the Gascon seemed to mind any given how tightly he responded to the hug.

When they pulled away there were a few tears escaping from both their eyes but before D'Artagnan could do anything about them he was being pulled towards Aramis, though instead of going straight into a hug he found his face being cupped by the medic's hands.

"Don't you dare do something like that again, do you understand?"

Unable to speak passed the lump now in his throat D'Artagnan settled for nodding, hoping it would be enough for the man.

Sighing and muttering something that sounded suspiciously like a Spanish insult the marksman quickly released the Gascon's face and pulled him into a hug much like the one the boy had just shared with Porthos.

"Sorry 'Mis," he whispered, tightening his grip on the man as he felt a few more tears escape his eyes.

Aramis said nothing in response and simply tightened his own grip on the boy before finally letting him go to face the last remaining brother.

"…Athos," nodded D'Artagnan nervously. Out of all of his brothers it had been Athos he had been most worried about seeing again and he had spent many nights simply praying the man would forgive him.

"Your arm's better I see," stated the swordsman, his voice and face neutral and betraying no emotion.

Shifting nervously from foot to foot D'Artagnan nodded, a flicker of pride entering his eyes as he glance at his now uncovered arm, the man long since having come to terms with the scars marring his skin.

"Yeah, guess Reynard was wrong."

"…Does this mean you're coming back?"

Standing straighter D'Artagnan nodded, unable to resist the small smirk that tugged at his lips.

"I promised didn't I?"

Athos huffed at the younger man's cheek, shaking his head briefly before he too brought the boy into the tightest embrace he could, neither of them commenting on the tears that now flowed freely from the younger man's eyes.

"As touching as this is," interrupted Aramis, a slightly guilty look in his eyes for interrupting the men's moments. "We really need to get back to Treville, the Captain wanted the Duke's reply as soon as possible."

With a sigh Athos pulled away from the Gascon, sending the medic a nod as he did so.

"Mount up," he instructed, whistling for his horse to return before he turned his attention to his youngest brother. "Lets go home."

The beaming grin on D'Artagnan's face warmed each of their hearts and they soon found themselves mirroring the boy's expression…

Home… exactly where the four of them belonged.