Well the time is upon us. This is the final chapter. I feel slightly sad that this has come to an end but all things must. There is a little bit of joy and a bit of angst in this chapter. Rochefort is back.

Warning: Right at the end a couple of curses.

I hope you enjoy it. :)

Chapter Forty-Six

Aramis happily spent a few days in his room before he started pleading again. This time he wanted to go outside but he was still very unsteady on his feet. Due to his exertions to get back to his room he had also developed a slight fever from pushing himself too hard but he preferred to ignore it than acknowledge that he had returned to his room too soon. If there was a contest for eye-rolling the remaining Inseparables would have won it easily.

'But it's sunny!' Aramis pleaded for the third day in a row. His fever had gone but he had practically been locked in his room by the others to stop him doing something idiotic. They had agreed that Aramis had to be supervised at all times for his own good. 'Sun makes you feel better,' Aramis tried again.

Athos pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and sighed loudly. He was going to give in and he knew it. Porthos and D'Artagnan were currently elsewhere on duty in the marketplace and Aramis knew that with only one of them he had a much better shot at getting out. Athos also knew that when he finally left Aramis alone if he needed to get food or water Aramis would be stubborn enough to try and get down the stairs by himself.

'Please, Athos?' Aramis managed his best pleading eyes. 'I don't like being stuck in here.'

'Alright!' Athos exclaimed as he finally gave in making Aramis smile broadly. 'You'll have to get dressed.'

Athos threw Aramis his breeches and watched in amusement as Aramis was still unable to bend sufficiently to put them on. Aramis sighed and threw his breeches back to Athos who quirked an eyebrow.

'Do you require help?' Athos enquired with a smirk.

'Please,' Aramis said looking annoyed at Athos' trick. The cuts on his chest were healing but he was still having trouble bending.

Together they managed to get Aramis dressed quickly and made the slow journey to the courtyard. It took a fair bit of effort and a few stops but they finally reached 'their' table which was immediately vacated by the cadets who had been using it in the absence of the Inseparables.

Athos and Aramis shared a smirk as they finally sat down. The cadets had already learnt not to mess with Inseparables, injured or not.

'Don't you dare tell me you want to go back to your room,' Athos threatened light-heartedly making Aramis chuckle.

'Now you come to mention it...' Aramis waited and saw the glare that told him Athos was not taking him back until the others arrived. No arguments. 'It's a nice day,' Aramis smiled as he breathed in the air and felt the sun on his face.

Athos disappeared to get some food and wine leaving Aramis to soak up the sun. He watched the courtyard where some of the new cadets were training and deduced that some weren't bad but some had a long way to go. He chuckled as he remembered he had been the new trainee a long time ago. Well, he was never that bad.

Athos returned with some cheese, bread and wine and both men started to eat and drink. Aramis was feeling much better being outdoors and was glad his persistence had paid off.

There was a noise at the gate as it looked like someone was trying to deliver something as there was a cart involved. Tréville came out of his office.

'What is your business?' he barked as no deliveries were expected today and he was still under strain even though he was no longer captain.

'Sorry t'disturb you, Capt'n,' a familiar voice rang out. 'My name is Dubois and I work for the Comte de Fortier.'

Athos and Aramis turned at his voice and watched as the cart was let into the courtyard. Dubois jumped down from the seat and immediately grinned as he saw Athos and Aramis sat at their table. Herbert and Bouchard appeared smiling as well.

'Well, he'll be chuffed to know you're ok, Monsieur Aramis,' Dubois beamed.

'He'll be fine, as long as he doesn't annoy me anymore,' Athos said dryly.

'I'm not that annoying,' Aramis retorted.

'So what do we have here?' Tréville asked as he moved to inspect the wagon.

'Six barrels of cider as a gift from the Comte de Fortier,' Dubois said proudly.

'Why?' Athos asked looking slightly incredulous as he held Aramis up as they approached the cart.

'Well, he wanted to thank you all for the amazing job you did in protecting his gifts and all of us,' Herbert smiled looking slightly embarrassed.

'Really?' Aramis looked directly at Dubois.

'An' he wanted to know whether you'd been found safely,' Dubois admitted. 'He had to leave before he knew what happened an' he hoped that you were well. He'll be happy to know that you're recovering. He would have come 'imself but his eldest son returned last week.'

'Well, I'm glad to see that Herbert has recovered,' Aramis smiled warmly making the younger man blush slightly.

'A lot of it was thanks to you, Monsieur,' he mumbled.

'What's goin' on?' Porthos' voice drifted over as he and D'Artagnan returned from their patrol. 'Dubois,' he grinned.

'What's this?' D'Artagnan asked.

'Cider for t'garrison,' Dubois stated proudly.

'Nice,' Porthos chuckled. 'An' what are you doin' out of your room?' Porthos looked accusingly at Aramis who was being supported by Athos.

'He was pleading and I couldn't take it anymore,' Athos answered causing Aramis to giggle.

'He got to you then?' D'Artagnan laughed.

'Aramis, you should be resting,' Constance's voice shocked them all and Porthos had to catch Aramis before he fell after Athos' jolt of surprise.

'Hi Constance,' Aramis smiled looking rather guilty.

'You lot are supposed to be looking after him,' she said accusingly at the other three.

'Don't blame us,' D'Artagnan indicated himself and Porthos, 'it was Athos that let him out.'

'Thank you, D'Artagnan,' Athos said sarcastically as he and Porthos manoeuvred Aramis back to the bench.

'Where d'you want the cider Capt'n?' Dubois asked as Tréville decided not to point out that he wasn't captain anymore and a gift of alcohol was one he couldn't really refuse.

'Put it in the kitchen please,' he said as the barrels were unloaded. 'You three can take the spare rooms for tonight as it's the least we can do,' Tréville looked stern as Dubois looked to object. He turned to the Inseparables who just shrugged suggesting that Dubois just do as he was told.

'We thank you for your hospitality, Capt'n,' he responded leading to a small smile from Tréville.

'Captain?' Constance called as Tréville turned to her and saw her holding a rather heavy money bag. 'Her Majesty wanted to thank all the musketeers that were involved in her rescue and she wanted to offer her condolences for the men that were lost in the original ambush. She hoped you would be able to distribute this money fairly.'

Tréville took the pouch and realised how heavy it was.

'She also wanted to thank you for everything you did,' Constance smiled.

'I did nothing,' Tréville replied but he felt all eyes on him. Technically, this was no longer his responsibility but he would distribute the money fairly. 'I'll see to it,' he said quietly and started back up the stairs.

'Is he ok?' Constance turned to the musketeers.

'No,' Athos replied honestly. 'The longer Louis keeps him in the lurch the more he pulls away.'

'Louis'll change his mind soon enough,' Porthos stated boldly.

'Let's hope so,' Aramis sighed as D'Artagnan nodded.

'I better get back but don't do anything stupid,' Constance glared not only at Aramis but the rest of them as well.

Later that evening the musketeers along with Dubois, Herbert and Bouchard ate their evening meal and washed it down with a healthy, or maybe unhealthy, amount of fine cider. The musketeers told an edited version of Aramis' disappearance so that the men could reassure the Comte that Aramis would be fine. Dubois reiterated the Comte's desire for them to visit again should they have time. They chatted into the night before Aramis fell asleep on Porthos' shoulder indicating that the time to sleep was upon them.

A week or so later and Aramis was back on duty. Athos had to wonder whether D'Artagnan and Porthos had arranged for him to be on duty with Aramis as punishment for letting Aramis out of his room early. Consequently, Aramis had made it clear that he wanted to go outside every day after his excursion with Athos meaning that Porthos and D'Artagnan had been required to get Aramis out of his room and back to it alone as the others had been on duty at the palace most of the day.

Today they were on duty at the palace in the gardens and after a few hours it was clear that Aramis was struggling. He looked a little flushed and was constantly pulling at his shirt. The day was rather hot and humid and leather was never the best clothing in these circumstances. Athos sighed as he realised he would, once again, be required to carry a brother home. Next time he would lock Aramis in his room until he was healed!

Constance looked out of the window and smiled at the sight before her. The day was warm and the palace was cooler than sitting outside so the Queen and her ladies were inside embroidering.

Constance caught Anne's eye as the Queen looked up from her pattern and Constance gave a nod towards the window. Anne moved across and a smile crossed her face as she saw Aramis stood with Athos under some shade. She knew she shouldn't go to them but she couldn't help herself. Constance seemed able to read her mind.

'May I get some fresh air the gardens, Your Majesty?' Constance asked with a twinkle in her eye. The other ladies failed to hold in a sigh as they clearly did not want to go anywhere.

'Of course,' Anne smiled. 'I think I will join you but I know how warm it is outside so anyone who wishes to stay indoors may do so,' Anne was secretly hoping none of the other ladies would join them. The other ladies politely made their excuses as Constance and Anne headed outside with fans at the ready.

They tried not to make it look as though they were heading straight for the musketeers but Athos and Aramis had twigged what was happening and exchanged knowing looks.

'Aramis,' Anne smiled as she approached. 'It's good to see you well.' She did notice that he looked a little flushed and tired.

'Hmmpf,' Athos couldn't stop himself before Aramis could answer.

'You disagree, Athos?' she smiled.

'He's only here to stop him getting bored and doing something stupid,' Athos rattled off quickly with an added glare as if daring Aramis to contradict him.

'I'm fine,' Aramis stated with a hard expression.

'Except when I have to carry you home,' Athos shot back. Anne watched this interaction with interest while Constance smiled at the banter.

'But you will carry me home?' Aramis retorted with a smirk.

'As always,' Athos sighed.

'Forgive me, why is he here if he's not fit for duty?' Anne asked Athos looking concerned.

'To stop him being a menace and hurting himself,' Athos drawled.

'Hang on, I'm not that bad!' Aramis looked truly offended.

'Musket incident,' Athos raised an eyebrow as Aramis looked slightly ashamed.

'Musket incident?' Constance dared to ask while Anne stayed silent.

Athos and Aramis exchanged looks and were having their own conversation. Aramis' glare told Athos, 'Don't you dare', while Athos' smug look told Aramis 'It happened so I'll tell them'.

'Traitor,' Aramis mumbled.

'He hurt his leg a while back so we had him cleaning the muskets and pistols in the armoury,' Athos explained with a smirk. 'He decided to test one of the muskets and forgot that his right leg couldn't hold his weight properly. The force of the musket release sent him crashing to the ground, hitting his head and giving him concussion.'

Constance and Anne couldn't contain their laughs but Aramis now shot a look at Athos that said 'Fine, if that's how you want it'.

'Of course, there was the time you defied my advice of staying in bed and promptly fell down the stairs fracturing three ribs,' Aramis smirked triumphantly as Constance and Anne watched the exchange while laughing quietly.

'Indeed,' was Athos' answer.

'What have the other two done then?' Constance asked. She wanted to hear mainly about D'Artagnan but she was aware that she and the Queen would be talking about this exchange for a while to come.

A mischievous exchange passed between Athos and Aramis.

'There was the time Porthos injured his back...' Athos gave a small smirk.

'You mean the one where he was walking around like a cripple for a week?' Aramis smirked back while Athos nodded. 'That the physician told us how to sort it but was too afraid to do it himself?'

'Yes,' Athos agreed.

'What happened?' Constance asked.

'He had been injured and was weak because of it but Porthos has always prided himself on his strength,' Athos did sound amused which was a different tone for Anne to hear from him. 'He tried to lift a heavy crate before he was recovered and hurt his back. The doctor suggested that he needed to straighten the muscles and Aramis and I ended up treating him.'

'Yes, it was my right knee and you left wasn't it?' Aramis asked lightly.

'What?' Constance looked confused.

'In his back,' Athos answered.

'Then we pulled his shoulders towards us and he let out quite the roar,' Aramis couldn't hide his amusement now.

'I think Tréville thought we were murdering him,' Athos gave a small laugh that was rather unlike him.

'Sorted his back out though,' Aramis said jovially.

'What about D'Artagnan?' Constance asked as Athos and Aramis exchanged looks once more. 'What did he do?' she sighed.

'He never told you how he got those grazes on his forearms?' Athos asked.

'You mean after he was nearly blown up?' Athos nodded. 'He said they were from the explosion but they looked too recent to me.'

'He decided he could get out of bed when I'd told him to stay put,' Aramis licked his lips for a moment. 'He tripped as he tried to leave the room sending him sprawling and grazing his elbows. Thankfully he didn't hit his head.'

'Idiot,' Constance muttered.

'It seems to me he's not the only one,' Anne said looking directly at Aramis.

'Don't worry, Your Majesty. I'll make sure he's alright,' Athos gave a small bow but his eyes were fixed on Aramis who was currently looking at his boots.

'I shall leave you to your duties,' Anne said with a smile as Aramis finally looked up and gave her a brief smile himself.

Constance and Anne walked away fanning themselves as they walked back. As they entered the palace again they saw D'Artagnan and Porthos arrive and from the body language it was clear they had come to relieve Athos and Aramis and weren't going to take no for answer. Aramis' slumped form showed that he had finally conceded as did the triumphant postures of the other three.

'Come on,' Athos said as he and Aramis walked slowly away. 'You lasted longer than I thought.'

'I could've stayed longer,' Aramis mumbled after a momentary silence.

'Let's get home,' Athos could see Aramis' energy starting to wane significantly. He needed to get the marksman back now.

Aramis barely spoke as they rode back to the garrison and Athos was mindful that he would have to help Aramis back to his room. In the end, Aramis managed but Athos helped him to remove his weapons and his doublet before getting him to drink some water and leaving him to rest.

Athos returned to his own room to find that his wine supply had been used while they had been caring for the marksman so he decided to go and buy some more. He checked on Aramis and found the man fast asleep which made him chuckle quietly.

He set off for his favourite supplier but was distracted in the market. Rochefort was there.

Rochefort was in the marketplace as he had just finished meeting an informant. He was desperate for information on the musketeers known as the 'Inseparables'. He had just found out that Aramis was very much a ladies' man and had been sleeping with the Cardinal's mistress before Richelieu had her killed for betraying him. He was starting to suspect Aramis of being close to the Queen but so far he had no way to prove it. Besides his beloved Anne loved him and wouldn't stoop to the level of a musketeer.

Rochefort passed an empty building but suddenly felt hands on him as he was pushed inside.

'What do you think you are doing?!' he yelled as he turned to find the icy stare of Athos glaring at him. 'Athos,' he sneered.

'I know what you did,' Athos was seething and Rochefort knew that Athos could kill him in this mood.

'What did I do?' Rochefort backed away from Athos.

'You set Aramis up to die and you organised the attack on the Queen,' Athos' eyes were boring into Rochefort now.

'Prove it,' Rochefort replied harshly.

'I can't but I know what you did,' Athos unsheathed his dagger and was glad to see the flicker of fear that crossed Rochefort's features.

Rochefort decided to unsheathe his sword and Athos followed suit. Rochefort was no match for the best swordsman in France as Athos blocked Rochefort's attack and sliced Rochefort's right buttock with his dagger causing the blonde man to cry out in pain. Athos slammed Rochefort against the wall, sword at Rochefort's throat, so that their faces were inches from each other.

'Let that wound remind you that we know what you are,' Athos said coolly but his eyes were on fire.

'Just wait till I tell the King that you injured me?' Rochefort sneered back. 'He will believe me over you.' Rochefort wasn't actually sure that was true, yet.

'But will he believe you over me?' Athos and Rochefort turned to see Milady standing in the doorway.

'You!' Rochefort sneered as Athos finally released him.

'We all know that you were involved in recent events and I would go as far as to say you killed the Duke of Épernon,' Milady moved into the room her skirts swishing. 'Perhaps we all have our misdemeanours that we could share with the King.'

Rochefort understood that she could tell the King about all his indiscretions even if he tried to reveal her past nature and Athos' attack.

'I'm sure you were injured by a thief who wasn't caught but you will endeavour to find him,' Milady said quietly and Rochefort gritted his teeth.

'Fine,' Rochefort said. 'I will take you down musketeer and you are just a whore who will be replaced soon enough.'

Rochefort pushed past Athos and Milady and limped towards the palace.

'You were lucky I was here,' Milady said as she approached Athos. 'You owe me.'

'I owe you nothing,' Athos said through gritted teeth as he marched passed her but she held his arm to stop him.

'You owe me everything,' she growled. 'You betrayed me remember. I live with that every day,' she pointed at her choker.

'You killed my brother,' he turned to face her, his face like thunder.

'You still believe your brother could do no wrong?' she hissed. 'One day you will need my help and I will not give it.'

'Not before you need mine and I refuse to help you,' Athos pulled his arm free and walked out of the building and found the nearest tavern. Drowning himself in alcohol was the only way to block her out and right now he really needed to.

Rochefort limped back to his rooms. Bloody Athos! He would have to be more vigilant when leaving the palace. He could tell the King about Milady and Athos but she was too close to the King. Would Louis even believe him without solid proof? Athos was a trusted musketeer so accusing the man of attacking him would only provoke more questions, especially from the Queen. He needed concrete evidence to finish the musketeers and that whore but he needed to leave that for another day.

His thoughts were interrupted as Lemay appeared and saw to his wound. Damn Athos! Rochefort knew the wound was hardly life-threatening but its location meant he would be continually reminded of it until it healed. That had been Athos' plan, of course.

Lemay gave Rochefort a pain draught and as Rochefort lay down to rest, his thoughts and dreams drifted to one person. Anne. His Anne. Her golden hair and beautiful body. The body that was wasted on the King but would be put to good use if he were her husband. He always liked her in blue and gold and any other colour. She was his and only his.

A/N: I hope you liked the ending. I know it was slightly dark but as we know Rochefort's not done yet and I thought Milady would be the only reason for Athos to be drunk enough to be kidnapped by the people of Pinon. :)

I'd like to say a BIG 'thank you' to everyone who has stuck with this story. Everyone who has read, reviewed, followed and favourited. You have really helped me to continue and finish this story. It's been a bit of a journey when I expected it to be relatively quick. Any pointers would be helpful to improve my writing if you feel you noticed something that you didn't like, i.e. pace, too many scenes that were somewhat irrelevant etc.

Once again, thank you for reading. :)