Evening (or very early morning) My Lovelies
Okay first off before anything else I watched the first episode of season 3 today (don't know if its already been on for a while in any other countries) But OMG what a perfect first episode! The first thing I noticed was Porthos's hair :D It's gotten so fluffy looking I just want to pet it :D Constance is an evil genius in this episode and I might just steal her plan to include in a later story :D Right enough on that now before I start giving spoilers to any of you who haven't watched it yet.
Right, Back to the chapter. Sorry this is a bit late today I was about to publish when I decided to re-write the entire second half which is a bit of an emotional chat between our boys. It took longer then I was expecting it to but I really love how it turned out so I'll let it off :D
I'm a little worried that Athos is out of character in this chapter... Especially in the 2nd half. if he is can we all just agree to go with it and ignore it *Offers up cookies as bribe*
Notes On Reviews:
Deana: Thanks for the review - It was either that or to have them pass out from exhaustion... this was more fun :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - The boys will be learning who Thomas is today. I'm hoping you like how it turned out :) They'll be beginning their journey home today ... can't promise it'll be a smooth journey but for today at least they're safe :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - :D Yay I'm really happy it made you laugh, I was slightly worried my tired mind wouldnt make it funny... clearly I write humor better when I'm tired lol. There's still time, Henri might punch them out at some point :). Enjoy the new chapter! x
Guest: Thanks for the review - Wow thank you so much I'm really glad you got such a laugh from the chapter... Maybe I should leave writing all the funny scenes until I'm really tired, seems to work for me lol :) Unfortunately not much in the way of hurt D'Art here but just for that lovely review I'll include some in tomorrow's chapter :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
romirola: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, Thomas storyline/idea is back today. Hopefully I've done it justice *crosses fingers* Enjoy the new chapter! x
criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Haha yeah I know that line was totally him just jinxing it :D Thankfully they've gotten off okay so far journey wise but it's a long way to Paris, who knows what could happen... Hmm if we're taking away one eye why not just say screw it, have them blind but able to track thanks to their superior sense of hearing... it can be a "Shh Don't Make A Sound" moment for whoever they're hunting lol Enjoy the new chapter! x
Helensg: Thanks for the review - Poor Henri deserves a medal for getting them to rest I think :D The journey definitely wont be easy on them but so far it seems to be going well... It's a long way to Paris though... Who knows what might happen *cackles* :D I think both Aramis and Porthos realize they would be reacting the exact same way had Athos admitted the truth to them and asked them to keep it a secret so they can't really blame the pup. Enjoy the new chapter! x
watlocked: Thanks for the review - We're actually moving on a bit today as our boys are beginning the long journey home, with the addition of a couple of snuggly moments that I couldn't resist adding :D Henri and Corbett seem to be pairing up a lot in my writing now I'm beginning to see them as an alternate Porthos and Aramis with Henri as Porthos and Corbett as Aramis... This was unintended when I created them but I quite like it so I'm gonna run with it :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - I almost wanted Aramis to argue just so Henri could knock him out lol Athos will be having company in the wagon... maybe even a small snuggy moment as I really couldn't resist with this chapter. Athos's determination to keep his past a secret definitely hurts Aramis and Porthos who don't really hide much of their past from the other two but I get the feeling that they're okay with him doing so because of the obvious pain it causes him to even think about. They'll be learning of Thomas today which is not going to be an easy conversation for Athos to have. Moreau was extremely pleased they managed to get our boys to rest... even if they had to threaten them to do it. Enjoy the new chapter! x
Issai: Thanks for the reviews - (chapter 47) I hated having Aramis snapping at D'Art all the time, they needed to make up and a hug was definitely in order so I'm glad you liked it :) (chapter 48) Personally I think Henri deserves some kind of award for getting our stubborn boys to rest lol I have a feeling Treville may be beginning to think that place cursed given all they've endured there :) thankfully they're off back home today, it's going to be a long journey for them given how slow they have to go because of the injured members. Currently it's going okay for them but it's a long way home... anything could happen :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I could see both Aramis and Porthos acting exactly the same way as D'Art is at the moment had they been the one Athos swore to secrecy about Thomas so I think they understand why he's doing it and accept that they wont be getting answers from him. They will be learning about Thomas today though. I really wanted the conversation to be quite an emotional one for Athos so I'm really hoping it comes across that way. Henri deserves an award for getting our boys to sleep though I did almost have Aramis argue just to have Henri knock him out as he wasn't in the mood to take any of their crap but I figured the last thing Aramis needed before a long and possibly painful journey home was a minor possible concussion so i resisted the urge to write it in. With D'Art I was tempted to have them wake him just to see his childish tired side come out because the image of it was too cute but I couldn't resist the cute brotherly moment of Porthos carrying him more :) We're in for a few cute snuggly moments as well with today's chapter that I hope you like. Enjoy the new chapter! x
As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading. You guys are the best!
Enjoy!
xxx
P.S Yay longest chapter!
P.S.S Holy crap we're almost at 50 chapters!
Chapter Forty-Nine: Questions Answered
When morning arrived Moreau was extremely pleased with the progress Athos was making, the man had yet to wake up again but his fever, while still high, had come down some and the infection was already showing a vast improvement to the other day.
It had been a few hours before dawn when the doctor had banished Henri and Corbett from the sleeping musketeer's side. Treville had been round before stating his intention for the group to depart the area come morning so Moreau knew the men would need to be rested to handle the ride.
Despite dawn having only broken about an hour earlier the camp was already coming alive with Treville issuing orders to the men already awake, sending them scurrying off to prepare for their journey.
Moreau had noticed however that the men were conscientious enough to stay away from Athos and the other three men while they slept on, letting the exhausted men get a few more hours sleep before they left.
The doctor was putting the final touches on his latest batch of pain draughts, having had a feeling the injured men would need them during the long journey home, when a soft groan caught his attention.
"Monsieur Athos?" called the doctor softly as he gently squeezed the musketeer's shoulder.
"Do you know who I am?" enquired Moreau when Athos's eyes finally fluttered open and locked on him.
Athos's brows furrowed in confusion before he mumbled "Doctor…. Moreau"
At his words the doctor sent him a soft yet clearly pleased smile. "And do you know who you are?"
If possible Athos's brows furrowed, "Athos…" he mumbled after a moment though it was clear he was struggling to stay awake, "Of the… Kings… Musketeers."
Moreau grinned, "The last part wasn't needed though I am glad you appear to be more lucid then last time you woke."
"W…What?" slurred Athos, clearly very confused with the doctor's words.
"You're quite sick I'm afraid," explained Moreau as he helped the musketeer drink some water. "Thankfully it seems your young friend sought help just in time to prevent it from getting worse."
At Moreau's words the doctor noticed Athos's face soften as he turned his head to where his three friends were sleeping soundly, a small tired smile tugging at his lips as he noticed the position they were all in.
Porthos was lying on his back in the middle of the trio snoring soundly, Aramis was curled tightly against his side, his head using the larger man's shoulder as a pillow while their legs were completely tangled up together. Porthos had his arm wrapped around the medic like he had pulled him towards him sometime during the night. D'Artagnan mirrored Aramis's sleeping position, only instead of Porthos's shoulder the young Gascon was using the musketeer's chest as a pillow, his injured hand resting lightly beside his face, rising and falling as Porthos breathed. Unlike Aramis however D'Artagnan's legs were tight to his chest, surprising Atos slightly at how small the Gascon could make himself when he tried, though it also brought forth a surge of protective feelings at seeing the young man so small and vulnerable.
Noticing where his eyes were focused on Moreau smiled softly, "It took some time and no short amount of threats to get them to sleep. They were very adamant at not leaving your side." Helping Athos to have another few sips of water Moreau added, "You have fine friends musketeer."
A small yet clearly proud smile lit up Athos's tired face mere moments before he could no longer keep himself awake and fell asleep once more.
"He good to be moved?" enquired Treville an hour or so later as he approached a sleeping Athos and working Moreau.
"He's doing better then I thought he would be so as long as we take it slow he should be okay."
Treville nodded, clearly relieved at the news and eager to leave the camp. Not that Moreau could blame the man, in the short time alone that he had been there D'Artagnan had been poisoned, Treville had been held at gun point, Aramis had suffered a deep heartbreak and Athos had fallen seriously ill.
"I'll have my men bring one of the wagons around and we can get them loaded up."
"Who's going to be riding in them?" Moreau asked, his mind already categorizing the list of injuries the men were suffering from, internally deciding who was up for sitting on a horse for hours on end and who needed the wagon.
"Athos and D'Artagnan for definite," stated Treville before breaking off briefly to order Corbett to bring the wagons around as soon as they were ready. "Aramis, though I'm hoping we can be on the road before he wakes up and starts complaining about it." Moreau chuckled having heard the discussion regarding the travel arrangements between the two men a few days before.
"Porthos should be okay to ride one of the horses," mused the Captain though he waited until Moreau nodded in confirmation before moving on. "Other then that just Favier. He keeps telling me he can handle the ride but with how serious his wound was I'm not going to risk it."
"And yourself?" Moreau asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer, "I do remember several of your men stating you weren't up for riding."
At this Treville smirked, "That's why I'm going to be driving one of the wagons, technically not riding then and Aramis can keep his complaints to himself."
Moreau chuckled, standing to help the men when they approached with the wagons, "Somehow I get the feeling that's not very likely to happen."
With a precision that only came from practice the musketeers made quick work of packing up the camp and settling the injured into the wagons. Thankfully despite everything that had occurred Henri and a couple of the other men had still had the foresight to finish the repairs on the wagon they found abandoned by the compound meaning they had two usable wagons to transport the injured men.
Favier, who was awake and complainingly quietly about not being allowed to ride was the first man to be settled, Issac helping the stubborn man walk and climb inside, barely biting back a teasing 'I told you so' when the simple act of climbing into the wagon caused the man to hiss in pain.
"Yes, yes you were right, happy now?" grumbled Favier at the smug look on Issac's face once he was settled in the wagon. Issac merely shrugged before moving to get his horse, allowing his friend a moment alone to compose himself from the pain.
Treville decided next that he didn't want to risk Aramis waking up before they managed to get him settled so he was the next to be moved. Henri and Corbett took extra care of gently lifting the still sleeping musketeer into the wagon, settling him in beside Favier who promised to try and curb the musketeer's likely attempts to get out of the wagon when he woke.
Getting Athos into the other wagon was completed in much the same way as Aramis, only this time the men paid extra attention not to jostle him as they were all aware of their lieutenants current poor health and need for rest.
Overall it seemed liked the entire operation was going smoothly until it came time to get D'Artagnan into the wagon beside Athos.
For several moments Henri and Corbett stood in front of the sleeping man, not moving, until Treville came over to find out what was causing the hold up, a smile tugging at the stressed Captain's lips as he saw what was stopping his men.
Apparently after sensing the loss of Aramis's warmth from his side, Porthos had rolled over and pulled D'Artagnan close to him, much like a child cuddles their favourite teddy. The scene was almost too amusing and cute to break up but eventually Treville lightly kicked Porthos's boot continuously until the larger man stirred, a light smile tugging at his lips as he saw D'Artagnan sleeping peacefully before it turned to one of confusion as to why he was being woken up.
"Morning Porthos," grinned Corbett with obvious amusement in his eyes as he looked at the pair. "Captain wants to head out soon, can't get the lad into the wagon with you cuddling him like that."
Still not quite awake enough to realize he was being teased Porthos untangled himself from the Gascon and watched as Henri and Corbett slowly moved the sleeping boy to the wagon with Athos, the young man instantly curling towards his mentor.
"You feeling up to riding Porthos?" asked Treville, his eyes searching the musketeer's face for any signs of pain or deception. "There's room in the wagons if you're not, I don't want you pushing yourself unnecessarily."
Moving to his feet and running his hand over his face to dispel the last vestiges of sleep Porthos shook his head, "I'm good Captain."
"Good," grinned Treville, "The rest of the men are ready to go, Blaise and Alain are going to keep an eye on Vivienne and Durand is going to ride up front in the wagon with me. Seeing as how D'Artagnan wont be riding any time soon we've left his horse for you to ride as you know how temperamental Aramis's mare is about other riders."
Porthos grinned at this, Aramis's mare was well known in the regiment for refusing any rider that wasn't Aramis. Not even himself or Athos were allowed to ride her unless they were riding with Aramis.
Noticing that everyone was waiting for him Porthos moved to where D'Artagnan's horse waited, mounting with ease before moving to walk in between the two wagons so he could keep a close watch of all of his friends.
The group had made it to midday before Moreau demanded they stop so he could check over the injured, noticing the winces of pain that a now awake D'Artagnan and Aramis couldn't quite hide.
With Corbett and the men who had originally accompanied him out scouting the area Treville instructed his men to set up a temporary camp, intending to stop for an hour or so to have lunch and to let the injured men recover from the jostling they had received so far. Unfortunately the paths they following were full of bumps and dips', meaning the ride was very uneven. This wasn't too bad for the riders but for those in the wagons it meant they were jostled about a lot, often resulting in jarring their injuries and causing them even more pain.
After a couple of hour's rest, where the injured were given another pain draught and bandages and poultices were changed, the group once again packed up and were on the road.
During their brief stop the trio of two inseparables and D'Artagnan had been disappointed to see their friend remained asleep. Their spirits had lifted earlier when Moreau informed them that Athos had woken briefly and had been lucid. Aramis had been angry that they hadn't been woken but Moreau simply brushed off his anger and moved the conversation on to how each of them were healing.
The group continued their pace of riding for a few hours, and then stopping for an hour before continuing again until dusk began to fall and the group was forced to search for a safe area to camp for the night.
Treville had been frustrated with the lack of progress the group had made given the speed they were being forced to travel but even he would admit he would have struggled to handle going any faster.
With orders to get an early night as they were leaving as soon as possible in the morning most of the camp quickly moved to their sleeping rolls, leaving only Porthos and Aramis awake as they waited for Athos to wake, the man having shown signs of waking for the last hour.
"You back with us 'Thos?" grinned Porthos as he watched Athos wake with a small groan.
"P'thos?" came a mumbled reply that had the larger musketeer's grin growing.
"Aye," he nodded before nodding towards his companion, "'Mis too, the whelp's gonna be pissed though. He's been forcing himself to stay awake all day in case you woke up and now you do and 'e's asleep."
Athos let out a huff of laughter at his friend's words, a half smile tugging at his lips at the sight of D'Artagnan sleeping soundly with his head in Aramis's lap.
"You're lucid this time," remarked Aramis with a grin of his own.
"Apparently so," deadpanned the musketeer, forcing his aching body into an sitting position with the help of Porthos who had leapt to the man's aid as soon as he realized what he was trying to do.
"How is he?" Athos asked nodding towards the sleeping Gascon.
"Weak and sore," sighed Aramis sadly as he looked down at the young man using his lap as a pillow, "Worried for you," he added with a knowing grin towards his friend that Athos ignored.
For several minutes the trio sat in comfortable silence but before too long Athos could tell there was something both men were desperate to say but were nervous to do so.
"What?" he asked having finally had enough with waiting.
"Who's Thomas?" Aramis blurted out eventually, clearly no longer able to keep his curiosity at bay.
Athos's eyes went wide with surprise and, to the musketeer's concern; they filled with a pain and guilt that was near overwhelming.
"H… How do you know that name?" Athos breathed, his carefully constructed walls rapidly rebuilding themselves before the duo's very eyes.
"The whelp," said Porthos, "You called him it when you first woke."
Once again Athos's eyes went wide with surprise and instantly locked onto the sleeping form of the young man he was rapidly coming to consider a brother.
"I… did?" he breathed, his voice full of disbelief.
"You weren't exactly lucid," stated Aramis sadly as a way of explanation, "D'Art seemed to recognize the name though."
Athos blinked, surprise and confusion quickly settling on his face. "He… He didn't tell you?"
Both Aramis and Porthos smiled sadly at this, though Athos could see the pride in their eyes as they explained that D'Artagnan had admitted to knowing who Thomas was but had refused to tell them anything as he had made a promise to him.
"We understand if you don't want to talk about it," said Aramis quickly, hating the pain and guilt brewing in his brother's eyes.
"No…" sighed Athos sadly, "You have held back most of your questions regarding my past for long enough. You are my brothers. You have trusted me with the pains of your past… It's only fair you know mine."
"Athos…"
"It's fine Porthos," smiled Athos, though the smile was sad and didn't reach his eyes, making both musketeers frown at the pain they could see there.
"Thomas…" Athos began, his heart clenching in pain at the mere mention of his brother's name, "Thomas was my younger brother."
Both musketeers' were shocked at this, neither having ever heard mention of a younger brother in any of the rare moments when Athos spoke of his past.
"Was?" Aramis asked quietly, his heart breaking at the pain that was clear as day on Athos's face.
"He was murdered," stated Athos, ignoring the surprised gasps from his brothers. "His death and my failure to prevent it is what spurred me to join the musketeers… I had nothing after he died, that one event cost me everything I cared about. I was so hollow and in so much pain… I just wanted to die." He admitted quietly, not at all surprised by the strangled gasp from Aramis nor the quiet growl for Porthos.
"Fortunately for me I suppose, my pride wouldn't simply let me kill myself and end my own pain so I sought out Treville. He had had dealings with my father before and knew of my skills. After some persuasion he arranged for me to get my commission from the King. Death serving France and dying to protect others seemed an appropriate form of penance for someone who couldn't even protect their own blood."
Looking up from the spot on the ground where he had been staring he noticed the expressions on his brothers' faces and a soft, yet still sad smile tugged at his lips.
"Thankfully Treville knew me well enough at that point to predict my true motives behind joining, hence why he kept me away from overly dangerous mission despite my skills, until later and paired to three of us up on a mission early on. He knew the pair of you would be too stubborn to let me fall on my blade like I so desperately wanted to do."
"Athos I…" breathed Aramis, his voice thick with emotion and Athos knew that had D'Artagnan not been sleeping on him he would currently be engulfed in a tight hug from the medic.
Having no such restriction Porthos wasted no time in pulling the emotionally drained swordsman tight to his chest, whispering soft words into his ear that had tears pooling in his eyes.
"I have never regretted Treville's decision that day," admitted Athos once Porthos had released him, love burning bright in his eyes as he looked a the men he considered brothers. "Thomas's death broke me and the guilt of not being able to prevent it left me convinced I didn't deserve to be fixed."
The offended look that appeared on both musketeers' faces at his words warmed Athos's aching heart.
"While nothing I do will even earn me redemption for his death… it is… comforting to know there are those who deem me worthy of repair."
At this Athos was pretty sure Aramis was about to cry and Porthos looked ready to hug him again, something the guarded musketeer wasn't entirely sure he was comfortable with right now.
Looking over at D'Artagnan who had mumbled something in his sleep that, judging by the amused yet proud grin on Aramis's face, had been some form of retort to Athos's last statement, the swordsman couldn't help the sad smiled that formed.
"Thomas was around D'Artagnan's age when he died," he admitted quietly, his eyes never leaving the sleeping boy, "I have found myself making comparisons between the two more frequently then I would like. Both have such an unnatural ability to find trouble it's troubling and the devotion they have for the things they're passionate about is uncannily similar."
Both Porthos and Aramis grinned at this, both remembering the instances of having to force the sleeping Gascon away from training before he dropped, the boy too focused on perfecting the latest thing Athos had shown him that he lost track of time.
"Why does he…" asked Porthos hesitantly as he watched the Gascon.
"Know?" Athos asked, waiting for Porthos's nod before continuing.
"When D'Artagnan returned for me during the Bonaire mission he encountered me during the aftermath of an confrontation of my past. The shock of that confrontation along with the emotions of being back in that house had me talking before I even realized what I was doing." Athos offered by way of explanation
After a few moments of silence however he added, "I was hoping he would see the truth."
"The truth?" Aramis questioned, hating the self-deprecating tone Athos's voice had taken on.
"Of my guilt," admitted Athos without looking either brother in the eye, "I wanted someone to see me how I see myself… to see me for the failure that I am."
"You're not a failure!" snapped Aramis, wincing slightly when D'Artagnan briefly stirred in his lap before settling back asleep.
"Clearly the pup agrees with 'Mis considering the way he looks at you," teased Porthos, though there was a seriousness to his voice that dared Athos to question him.
"Yes, I guess he does," smiled Athos softly, remembering the look D'Artagnan had given him the morning after his confession. He had been expecting distain or at least distrust but to his great surprise the boy had looked at him with a renewed look of awe and respect.
"One person knowing my guilt was enough," said Athos after a few minutes of silence, "I ordered him into silence when we approached the garrison, I didn't need nor want to burden either of you with it."
Finally having enough Aramis gently moved D'Artagnan's head off of his lap and practically pounced on his friend, Porthos joining him mere moments later.
"You, my dear friend," whispered Aramis as he embraced his friend as tightly as he dared with both of their injuries, "are anything but a burden."