Evening (or very early morning) My Lovelies

I have the distinct feeling I'm going to regret staying up so late to finish this when I'm at work tomorrow but I LOVE how this turned out so it'll hopefully be worth it providing you all enjoy reading it.

I've also realized that if you're all lovely again with your reviews then I could end up with 550 by this time tomorrow :D How awesome would that be!

Today's chapter is almost double yesterday's lengthwise so I'm hoping it'll make up for yesterday's being so short.

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - It's going to get a bit better by the end of today don't worry! Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - You know what he needs to conquer sleep... Snuggly moments with his brothers! (I can't resist writing them they're too cute!) We're getting a bit of an insight as to what's going on in the garrison today as well. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (guest): Thanks for the review - D'Art was always planning on going back, even if it was to turn in his pauldron, he couldnt just disappear without a trace. Aramis and Savoy will be a factor that'll be helping D'Art with his nightmares. Oooh I can't wait till they get back to the garrison and I can let our muskys loose on those men :D I dont know if Treville can kick them out as there's no law against talking but he'll probably find some way to punish them. Hopefully this publishing issue gets sorted soon. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (guest): Thanks for the review - Aww don't cry *passes tissue* D'Art's getting better after today :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

pain in the mikta: Thanks for the review - *grabs shoulders to stop running around and passes new chapter* D'Art's still got a little more to get off his chest but our boys will be covering that all today so things will start getting better for out Gascon now. Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - I know! :D ^.^ I still can't believe how big this story has gotten. It's expanded WAY passed the original plans i had for it *happy dances* You might get a bit misty eyed today as well but hopefully not too much so you cant read lol Ooooh our boys are going to go full out at the men responsible for this at the garrison when they get back (I'm so excited!) I'm SOOOO happy you're enjoying the story :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

AmazingWriter123/Teddy2104: Thanks for the review - Our boys will be reiterating the fact he's not at fault again today ... The only thing that's his fault is worrying them all by running away. Theres a little bit more D'Art has to get off his chest and that the boys have to address but things will be on the up at the end of the chapter I promise :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

pheonixriv: Thanks for the review - He was probably your first thought for one of two reasons... 1: because he's a bit of a dick or 2: You're physic :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - I didnt have time to include that bit yesterday as I hit a bit of writers block + distractions but worry not we'll be getting that bit today :D Hmmm I've got a few ideas as to what Ortiz could have been up too but we'll have to wait till tomorrow to find out :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I just loved the image of sleepy D'Art not quite registering what was going on lol :D Haha loved your explanation for Aramis's actions ^.^ It was sooo true, he's getting the pain out of the way so he can yell and berate him without feeling overly guilty. I loved writing the arguments between them all yesterday and they're back again today as theres still more they need to address. Our inseparables are going to be quite pissed when they get back to the garrison tomorrow ... I'm quite excited :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Bombadilo Baby: Thanks for the review - Hopefully today's will make up for yesterday's being short :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Fifty-Three: Wayward Brother IV

"Who?" growled Athos with such anger that D'Artagnan actually felt himself finch from the intensity in that one word. Sneaking a glance at his other brothers he could see an equal anger burning in each of their eyes.

"Why does it matter?" sighed the Gascon tiredly, he felt happier then he had in days at the protectiveness and love he was feeling from the men before him but he didn't want to cause them any more problems by causing trouble when they returned to the garrison.

"How can you even ask that?" said Aramis softly, the anger in his eyes being replaced by hurt that D'Artagnan felt himself undeserving of their brotherhood.

"You're our brother whelp," reminded Porthos with a fondness in his eyes as he ruffled the boy's hair, "That makes you family and family looks after each other."

D'Artagnan felt his cheeks burn with that simple declaration and he couldn't stop the soft smile that spread across his face as he allowed Porthos's words to sink in.

"So?" Athos asked gently, his famous half-smile gracing his face as he watched the Gascon's embarrassment with amusement.

There was silence for a few moment while D'Artagnan tried to figure out a way to get out of telling them, but while thinking over his options he noticed the three men sharing in one of their famous silent conversations and he could tell by the looks shared that if he didn't tell them then they would be more than willing to dig and interrogate until they found out on their own.

"Thierry's the worst with the looks," mumbled D'Artagnan, completely refusing to look at his brothers while he talked. "Probably because he was the one I saw most. I know he didn't mean anything bad by it but…"

"But?" Aramis pushed, holding the boy's hand in his own in a show of support.

"But he nearly died!" exclaimed the Gascon, internally cursing himself when he saw Porthos flinch at the reminder. Sighing he continued, "He nearly died and no-one looks at him the way they look at me. No one looks at him with pity or sympathy. They look at him with respect for what he did and continue acting like everything's normal while I'm treated like a fragile piece of glass who's gonna break at the first opportunity!"

The three senior inseparables shared a look, none of them had noticed D'Artagnan was at the point he had reached and each of them felt guilt rear its head for not having noticed sooner.

"Etienne and the others aren't too bad but they still do it too," muttered the Gascon, a slight pout forming on his face that made the three men chuckle silently to see.

"You scared everybody whelp," smiled Porthos, moving closer to the boy so D'Artagnan, who's energy was rapidly draining, could lean against him, his mare having left her master's side when the others turned up.

"And Thierry didn't?" retorted D'Artagnan, the sting in his words hitting the musketeers.

"Course 'e did but…"

"But?" snapped D'Artagnan, crossing his arms over his chest as he tilted his head so he could lightly glare at the larger man.

"He's not you," explained Athos so seriously that D'Artagnan didn't know how to respond to that.

Catching the young man's completely flummoxed look Aramis decided to talk pity on him and clarify what Athos meant.

"What our illustrious leader means," smiled Aramis, his smile only growing at the glare Athos sent his way. "Is that everyone didn't react the same way because you're young."

"What's that got to do with anything? I can take care of myself!" snapped D'Artagnan, interrupting the medic's explanation.

"We know," nodded the medic, "but you have to remember D'Art that you're the youngest full fledged musketeer in the regiment's history," the medic smiled softly at the look of pride that entered D'Artagnan's eyes at the reminder of that fact… perhaps there was hope yet. "You're younger than most of our brothers by at least ten years."

"So?"

"So," grinned Porthos, taking over the explanation from his brother, "It aint easy for people to forget that fact. The pity and sympathy comes from not wanting someone so young to have been in the position to get so hurt in the first place."

"Aint the first time I've nearly died," muttered the Gascon with another pout and the three senior inseparables had a feeling he wasn't just talking about his time as a musketeer and so each made a mental note to question him on it later.

"But it is the first time they've all been there to witness it," reminded Athos, knowing that other times – like the events with Vadim or Milady, the regiment had only been made aware after the fact and once D'Artagnan's health was well past the point of being a concern.

D'Artagnan nodded slowly at this, realizing the truth in his brother's words.

"Give them time D'Artagnan," Athos said kindly, "The looks will stop and there aren't any ill intentions behind them."

Again D'Artagnan simply nodded in response, though his brothers could tell the words had be received by the young Gascon and that he would process and accept them in his own time.

"Now," Athos said moments later, the kindness previously found in his words was quickly being replaced by a seriousness the Gascon had come to expect from the older man.

Raising his head from where it had been resting on his chest as he pondered his brothers' words, D'Artagnan looked questioningly at the older man, a sense of dread settling in his stomach as he realized what was coming next.

"You said there was looks and accusations."

It wasn't a question but D'Artagnan nodded regardless, the small piece of confidence his brothers' words had given him preventing the Gascon from lowering his head again.

"These accusations are coming from within the regiment?"

There was a slight hesitation but eventually D'Artagnan reluctantly nodded.

The three inseparables had to force themselves not to go charging back to the garrison to confront whoever was responsible as they watched D'Artagnan confirm Athos's words.

"Who?" Porthos growled, his hands clenching into fists as he tried not to let his anger cause him to glare at the boy.

"D'Artagnan?" pushed Athos, his eyebrow raised in question when the boy refused to answer.

Part of him wanted to continue to be stubborn, to refuse to tell them anything because the knowledge that one of their comrades had said things was already hurting them… He had no desire to cause them more hurt.

Aramis, ever the observant one, seemed to notice this and smiled gently at the boy, a slightly mischievous look coming to his eyes, "You can tell us or we'll find out on our own D'Art but either way we'll know who it is by the end of the week."

D'Artagnan sighed, Aramis's words confirmed his earlier suspicions and although he wanted to glare at the man he found the words he spoke comforting so decided to abide by the request.

"…Claude," he muttered eventually before quickly turning to face Porthos with wide eyes as the larger musketeer let out a stream of curses that would have made a sailor blush.

"Porthos!" chided the medic with a cheeky smile on his face as he leaned forward to lightly cover D'Artagnan's ears. "Innocent ears are present!"

That one sentence, and the puppy pout D'Artagnan sent with it, was all that was needed to release the tension that had built up as the four men burst into laughter, Aramis actually ending up in tears from laughing too hard.

"Claude…" D'Artagnan said again quietly once the laughter had died down, "and his friends."

Athos sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he thought of the two men who stuck religiously by Claude's side and copied his opinions in nearly everything … including his thoughts on people like Porthos and D'Artagnan who came from a commoner background.

"When was this?" Aramis asked softly, a confused look gracing his face as he didn't remember a time when Claude was alone with D'Artagnan and he wouldn't have allowed such things to be said to his brother if he was there and knew the same applied to his brothers as well.

"Mainly when you were treating the Captain," explained D'Artagnan.

"But that wasn't the only time?" asked Athos, picking up on what D'Artagnan wasn't saying.

"They…" D'Artagnan yawned, "They like to talk outside by the window to my room. I know they know I can hear them," scowling he added, "they're loud enough I'm surprised the whole garrison hasn't heard them."

"What 'ave they been saying?" Porthos asked tightening the hold he had on the young man.

D'Artagnan shrugged and shifted uncomfortably in his spot, really not wanting to elaborate on what was said but an unimpressed look from Athos along with his raised eyebrow had him sighing and answering anyway.

"They said a lot of stuff," he said quietly, his hand, which he was still being held by Aramis, tightened it's grip without him realizing, though Aramis noticed and sent a look to the other two musketeers. "A lot of it was along the lines of how pathetic I was for not being able to complete a simple document recovery mission without needing rescuing."

The three men scowled at their brother's words but kept their mouths shut as D'Artagnan continued.

"They kept saying how much of a mistake the King made when he commissioned me into the regiment and how ashamed Treville must have been for me to have come to his rescue during the fight with LaBarge."

"It's one of Treville's proudest moments regarding you in actuality," added Athos, hating the unsure look that ghosted across D'Artagnan's face for a moment. As he spoke Athos was sure to keep his gaze of the Gascon so he could see the truth within his words. When he saw that Athos wasn't lying to him or trying to make him feel better a beaming grin blossomed across the Gascon's face, only to be quickly forced down and an embarrassed blush to take its place – much to the amusement of the three musketeers.

"They went on to say how I'm a disappointment to the regiment and how clearly Treville was mistaken in making Athos his lieutenant when he couldn't even train me properly," D'Artagnan added quietly, though the anger in his eyes at the slur against Athos made his brothers smile at the boy with complete fondness.

"That it?" Porthos asked, really hoping that was all that had been said to the boy. He was still reeling over the fact that none of them had noticed this was going on. Sure they were all dealing with their own problems and injuries but how did they not notice that D'Artagnan was being bullied within their regiment, right under their very noses?

D'Artagnan shook his head sadly and picked up his explanation before any of his brothers could say anything else.

"They said that Ortiz must have been going easy on me otherwise I would have broken the very first day."

That, was said quietly, almost like he didn't really want to admit it and the three inseparables felt their anger continue to grow. How dare Claude even suggest such a thing! The whole regiment knew just how close Ortiz had come to killing all of them, not just D'Artagnan during their capture and they even knew that D'Artagnan had risked putting himself even more in the madman's crosshairs by making up a lie to save their lives. It infuriated the men that people who were supposed to have their backs would question D'Artagnan's strength after remaining unbreakable through all that.

"Please tell me that was everything," pleaded Athos, wanting very much to punch Claude in the face for what he had put D'Artagnan through.

D'Artagnan shrugged, "They said some other stuff regarding the fight we had the other day," Athos winced at that, hating that his words had provided the men with further ammunition to use against his brother. "They've recently started adding some further comments about how I got my commission but I'd die before I repeat them." Growled the Gascon and the musketeers were shocked by the fury and disgust burning in their brother's eyes.

Nodding their acceptance to not push that particular subject anymore the three men then straightened where they sat and looked straight at D'Artagnan.

"Our turn now," smiled Aramis softly as he squeezed D'Artagnan's hand gently in reassurance.

"First off I need to apologize for my words the other day," Athos said, the thickness in his voice actually stunning the Gascon as he could do nothing but stare wide-eyed at his mentor.

"You recall how I lost my brother Thomas?"

If possible D'Artagnan's eyes opened wider at the mention of Athos's deceased brother but he nodded regardless, afraid that his mentor would clam up if he spoke.

"I lost him because I was in need of protection and he was self-sacrificing enough to be the one to offer it… When you jumped in front of Ortiz's blade… I… it took me back to that moment and then when you started saying goodbye while bleeding out in my arms… it… it made me realize I cannot lose another brother because of my inability to act. I let my memories of Thomas as well as that realization to change what was supposed to be words of gratitude into words of guilty anger and I can never apologize enough to make up for what I said."

D'Artagnan looked completely dumbstruck as he struggled to absorb and process what Athos had just admitted to him as well as the fact that the swordsman appeared to have actual tears in his eyes as he spoke. It eventually got to the point where Aramis was poking his cheeks in an attempt to get a response from him.

Blinking out of his trance he sent his mentor a sad smile, "I never meant for my actions to cause you pain."

"It is my own problem to deal with" shrugged Athos, obviously uncomfortable with being so open with his emotions but regardless, he dismissed D'Artagnan's attempt at an apology.

"You should know D'Artagnan," he added after a moment, eyes shining bright with all the fondness he felt for the boy before him. "Had our positions been reversed I wouldn't have hesitated for a single second before jumping in front of that blade."

D'Artagnan smiled brightly at his mentor, feeling a weight lift from his chest at the man's words. Though he couldn't help himself from cheekily adding, "and I'd yell at you for doing so."

Both Porthos and Aramis guffawed at the look on Athos's face.

"With regards to your capture," stated Aramis seriously once the pair had composed themselves. "I think we've covered it enough times to get it into your thick skull that we place no blame on your shoulders for what transpired in Lupiac. It was our choice to come for you, as Porthos so eloquently said earlier, family looks after each other. The blame for our injuries lies solely at the feet of the man who inflicted them is that clear?"

D'Artagnan looked each of his brothers in the eyes after hearing Aramis's words and for the first time he actually felt himself starting to believe them. Sending the medic a small but honest smile he nodded his head, earning him a beaming grin from his Spanish friend.

"With regards to 'Thos being the right person for lieutenant given your training…" Porthos said, sending the swordsman a sly smirk as he passed the explanation over to him, knowing full well how uncomfortable this entire conversation was for the man.

"You have the most potential of any recruit I've ever trained," admitted Athos honestly, smirking himself when he saw the blush on D'Artagnan's cheeks return in full force. "Treville made me lieutenant because of my achievements in the regiment and my training of you clearly wasn't a failure if the King himself was confident enough to select you for the mission."

"The Cardinal said…" began D'Artagnan; his voice quiet as he was still getting over the praise Athos had just given him.

"It would be simpler to send someone familiar to the area that's correct," nodded Aramis, knowing where D'Artagnan's mind had gone, "but the mission could have been completed by any one of us. It was his faith in your skill that made him pick you."

If at all possible D'Artagnan's blush intensified at that.

"Please tell me we don't need to address the whole, Ortiz going easy on you thing?" asked Porthos, his voice somewhere between a whine and a growl making the Gascon snicker quietly before shaking his head.

"Good," nodded the larger man, "Now that that's all cleared up, care to tell us why you picked this out of the way place?"

The wistful look that entered D'Artagnan's eyes had all three men curious and each felt smiles grow on their faces as the Gascon explained that this had been his mother's favourite place to visit whenever she wanted some peace and time away from her parents, having grown up in a village not too far from the meadow they were currently resting in.

The Gascon's eyes grew sad as he explained that every year on the anniversary of her death he and his father would come here instead of visiting her grave, as they wanted to remember to good memories as apposed to the bad. He explained that he always felt his anger dissipate whenever he was here, that it was the one place he could always find peace and that it had become special to him because it had been special to her.

"Who knew you were such a sentimentalist?" teased Porthos, though they had all known for a while that their little brother treasured any memory of either of his parents deeply.

D'Artagnan tried to glare at the man but was cut off by a large yawn, his small energy reserve dangerously close to being extinguished.

Athos couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him at that, "It's too late to return to Paris tonight. We have enough firewood to last the night so I say we get some sleep and return in the morning."

Both Aramis and Porthos agreed readily to Athos's suggestion but their eager grins quickly turned to alarm when they saw the fear enter D'Artagnan's eyes at the mere thought of sleeping.

"You need some rest D'Art," soothed the medic, knowing full well how terrifying the simple act of sleeping can be sometimes, "Some non drugged sleep. We'll stay with you, it helps me whenever Savoy is brought up." He added with a shrug though they could all see the tenseness in his features at the mere mention of Savoy.

D'Artagnan looked unsure about trying to sleep, even with his brothers present but the men were having none of it.

Aramis and Athos made quick work of stripping the four of them off their boots while Porthos, the brother closest to D'Artagnan, eased them both into a laying position, his arm tight around the boy's waist as he pulled him against his chest.

D'Artagnan looked like he wanted to protest but the warmth coming from the larger man was seeping into his tired bones and offering him more comfort then he would be able to express.

Aramis was next and snuggled in tight the other side of D'Artagnan, instantly tangling their legs together, being mindful of his broken one.

Athos smirked at the picture his brothers had created before moving to sit by the top of D'Artagnan's head, his hand automatically finding the boy's hair as he started stroking it gently.

"Sleep D'Artagnan," he ordered softly, "We'll watch over you."