Evening My Lovelies

Holy crap people we're at chapter 100! Do any of you remember when I started this story and said it'd be around 30-40 chapters? *snorts* well that didn't happen XD

I can't thank you all enough for sticking with me for 100 chapters, it makes the many many hours spent writing this completely worth it and I hope you'll continue to stick around for the final few chapters we have left :D

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - Seeing as how you were the first one to request anything I can definitely do that one first :) It'll probably be up a week or so after this story is finished :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, we've got some more cute moments today as well that I hope you'll like. Corbett will be showing up, probably tomorrow to talk to D'Art. Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Yes this story is ending (in a few chapters time) but that means we're one step closer to the next one :D Hmmm that's a really intriguing idea. I'm not sure if it would work for what I have in mind for the Vadim story but there's a part in my new story where it might fit in ...kinda...Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Oooh an intriguing idea, I like it :D We're definitely going to be seeing a caring side of Athos in my next story but it'd be interesting to write a one-shot for them. Corbett will probably show up again in tomorrows chapter to have his chat with D'Art which should be interesting to write. Glad you liked the idea I found for coping with D'Art's nightmares. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Cynthia (Guest): Thanks for the review - Welcome :) I always welcome new reviewers, thanks for taking the time to let me know what you think :) I'm really glad you've been enjoying my stories so far. This one is definitely the most intense one I've written so I'm especially pleased you're enjoying it :D OOOH I love the idea of a collapsed building thing I'm definitely writing something were that happens (It's been added to my "to write" list) thanks for the suggestion! Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - I'm sad to see this story so near its end too :( But on the plus side it means we're one step closer to the start of the next one (which I'm really excited to start) Worry not about Corbett, D'Art'll set him straight when they meet up tomorrow. I'm probably going to write a whole string of one shots so I'll probably do them all, plus a few new ones that have been suggested. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tardimpalarts (Guest): Thanks for the review - I know this was for a previous chapter but I'm far too lazy to go back and at this response to the appropriate one so here it is :D Wow if my story can help give even a smidge of inspiration for your own then I'm all for it. The whole mission idea is going to be the first of string of one shots I'm going to write while working on my new longer story once this is done so the one shot should be up in a week or two. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the reviews - (chapter 98) As heartbreaking as it is D'Arts nightmare will get better, it may not look like it but I promise they will :) Constance was a bit forceful but I loved writing her in so I'm glad you liked seeing her. (chapter 99) How odd it didnt let you publish your review for this one and it wasnt just you either, I had someone else say exactly the same thing... how odd. Though I do appreciate you taking the time to PM me instead so I can read your thoughts on the chapter. Corbett's guilt is definitely unwarranted and don't worry D'Art'll set him straight about that tomorrow when they meet up. I figured the nightmare "treatment" idea didnt seem to outlandish given the time period our boys are in but it's definitely going to be a little while until D'Art's able to get a handle on his dreams and get a full nights sleep again. Enjoy the new chapter! x

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - I havent seen the end of the season yet myself either but I very much like the idea of exploring the whole beating/after effects of Athos further... I'll add it to my "to write" list :D I completely agree there's lots I could do with those two episodes and I hope you like whatever I end up doing with them when I get there. Thanks for the suggestion! Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - How odd it didn't let you post it as an actual review, Issai had trouble too, I have no idea what's going on with it but I very much appreciate that you took the time to PM me instead so thanks for that :D Yeah poor D'Art's not really liking being alone right now but he also doesnt want to appear weak to our boys so he's in a bit of a catch 22 sort of situation. Definitely lots of guilt going around and I'm adding a little more today, although it was guilt that was already there so I dont know if that counts. Enjoy the new chapter! x

FierGascon: Thanks for the review - I'm glad you liked it and I'll definitely be writing the Vadim story so don't worry :D With regards to this story though we probably wont actually see Jacques until tomorrow or the day after I think. Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - Glad your happy for Jacques though we wont actually see him properly until tomorrow I think. I have a feeling you'll like my next long story as theres sooo much D'Art whumpage planned my evil little mind is practically purring in contentment lol :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Haha I thought you'd be happy to see Jacques waking up :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Unfortunately for our poor pup he's quite terrified about being alone. I loved writing mother hen Aramis soooo much, though he's more protective then motherly today. Porthos knows how to handle Aramis when he's being too motherly and fussy with his care of others. For as much as Athos wanted to stay he did need to leave, though he gets a caring big brother moment today which I think you'll really like :D D'Art's got a while to go to banish his nightmares from his mind but its definitely a good start. Corbett and Jacques will both be appearing properly in tomorrows chapter I think and I know! Who would have thought this'd make it to 100 freaking chapters! *happy dances* Thank you so much for sticking with me for so long with it! Enjoy the new chapter! x

Wine, cookies, cakes & other yummy goodies for you absolutely awesome people who follow/favourite/review/read

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter One Hundred: Bets, Brothers & News

"So who get's to give the pup the news?" grinned Porthos, in a better mood then he had been in weeks now that both Corbett and Jacques looked to be making full recoveries. Issac was still a cause for concern but Etienne, who they had caught coming from the man's room on their way out, informed them that their friend was still fighting hard and was improving, just very slowly.

They were also beginning to get concerned for Favier who had refused to leave the injured musketeer's side for any longer then he had to and it seemed the Etienne shared a similar worry but assured them he was keeping an eye on the man.

Aramis and Athos shared Porthos's grin, knowing that this one piece of information was going to make a world of difference to their young friend.

Aramis had just opened his mouth to speak, no doubt about to say some teasing comment about their currently absent friend when a voice caught the group's attention.

"Aint the sewer rat," muttered the voice, it's owner not so subtly glaring at the trio as he addressed his companion, "must be the farmers brat instead."

The three musketeers bristled at this and were about to demand an explanation when the man's companion spoke up, his words igniting the flames of anger within the three men.

"Yeah?" mused the man, a smug look on his face that set the trio of musketeers' teeth on edge. "Ha! That means I won! Pay up Talbot!"

"Care to share what's going on gentlemen?" asked Athos as the three men approached the duo, his voice cold as he barely managed to bite back the growl that threatened.

"Well Athos," grinned the man who had apparently won the bet, his eyes never looking at the trio as he instead focused his attention on counting his money. "We figured one of your… companions… must have been dying for you to lock yourselves away." The musketeers bristled at this, Aramis having to physically put a hand on Porthos's arm to calm him down when they realized the implications of what was being said. "Talbot here thought it must be Du Vallion but I had a feeling it was that country brat that's been following you around for months now like a lost puppy and given he's not here. That means I won!"

"You what" spat Porthos, visibly shaking in his anger, much like his brothers who's hands were gripping the pommels of their blades.

"No real loss honestly," shrugged the man, "Its not like the boy had the talent… or the breeding, to belong to the regiment."

Porthos had heard enough and with a growl he ripped his hand away from Aramis's grasp and, before anyone else could blink, had it wrapped around the man's throat, essentially pinning him against a wall.

"Hell Athos, control your savage!" spat Talbot as he leapt to his companion's defense, drawing his blade as he moved.

"The only savage here is you!" snarled Aramis as he jumped in front of Talbot's attack on Porthos, parrying the attack with his blade.

"ENOUGH!" bellowed a voice, freezing not only the group but also the remaining men who had been in the courtyard. Both Aramis and Porthos refused to move from their positions but did relax slightly, especially when they noticed that nearly every single musketeer in the courtyard was openly glaring at Talbot and his friend.

"What the hell is going on here?" demanded Treville as he stormed up to the group. "For Christ sake, let Gerald go Porthos." When Porthos refused to comply, his grip on the man tightening ever so slightly Treville glared and filled his voice with even more authority. "Porthos," he snapped, watching as the man seemed to blink out of his anger-driven haze and calmed enough to release the now gasping Gerald and to take a couple of steps back so he was level with Athos, who wasted no time in placing a reassuring hand on his brother's arm, squeezing it gently before returning it to the handle of his crutch.

Treville also noticed, with a worried frown growing on his face, that Athos's blade was out of its sheath. Whatever had happened was clearly very serious. Porthos and Aramis could both be impulsive at times but even then it would take something big to make either one of them to attack their comrades, but Athos. For Athos to raise his blade, even if he didn't attack, against one of the regiment's own, it would have had to be a truly serious event.

"Weapons away now and someone had better start talking about why I have musketeers brawling each other in the courtyard!"

The men had only just begun explaining the situation and Treville was already regretting getting involved. Both Aramis and Porthos were one more snide comment away from attacking the pair again whilst Talbot and Gerald were acting very smug, as if his presence guaranteed they were in the right.

Treville was about to turn to Athos, the furious swordsman glaring daggers at the pair whilst gripping his crutch so tightly his knuckles were white and Treville was surprised the wood hadn't snapped yet, when a faint, yet clearly audible scream pierced the air

"D'Artagnan," breathed Athos, his eyes widening in horror before he turned a pleading look onto his Captain.

"You weren't actively involved in this," nodded Treville as he gestured towards the musketeer's room. "Go, Aramis and Porthos can stay and sort this out."

Both musketeers looked visibly pained at not being able to go to their friend's aid but relented without complaint when Athos sent them a look, the three of them sharing one of their famous silent conversations which Treville watched with a tiny amount of amusement before turning back to the situation at hand once Athos was heading to his rooms.

"D'Artagnan!" exclaimed Athos as he practically flew into the room, his worried eyes softening at the sight of a teary-eyed, yet clearly startled D'Artagnan.

"I-I'm fine," mumbled D'Artagnan shakily as he furiously wiped the tears from his cheeks.

The sight of D'Artagnan like he was brought forth Athos's protective, brotherly instincts and without even thinking he made his way over to the bed, sliding in on the empty side and gently pulling D'Artagnan to his chest. The Gascon made a small whimper of pain that had Athos instantly regretting his actions but then he noticed the tense muscles under his hand begin to relax.

"You're okay," whispered Athos as he tucked the younger man's head underneath his chin and he repeated the mantra until he felt the boy's tremors stop and his breathing calm.

"Better?" he asked softly, his hand coming up to run its way gently through the Gascon's hair.

"I want them to stop," admitted D'Artagnan quietly, absolutely hating himself for appearing so weak in front of anyone, let alone Athos.

"They will."

"When?"

"Maybe when you finally talk about whatever it is you've been holding back?" offered Athos, a curious look growing on his face as he felt D'Artagnan once again tense.

"Talk to me D'Artagnan."

"Its nothing."

"Clearly."

The pair sat in silence for a minute or so, Athos knowing that it was only a matter of time before D'Artagnan spoke and was willing to wait and refrain from pushing.

"…You'll think it's stupid," muttered the Gascon minutes later, unwilling to look his mentor in the eye as he spoke.

"Doubtful," dismissed the swordsman as he waited for D'Artagnan to elaborate.

"You… You promise not to tell the others?" asked the boy, feeling like a small child as he finally looked up into his mentor's face, his eyes begging the older man to promise him this.

Athos was growing concerned now and he hated the idea of keeping secrets from his brothers, especially Aramis given how dedicated he was to helping their youngest friend with his nightmares, but he saw the earnest look in the younger man's eyes and couldn't help but agree, knowing that the others would understand if and when they found out.

"So-Sometimes they don't torture me," stuttered D'Artagnan, his eyes once again not looking at Athos's face, which was now the picture of confusion as to why this would be a problem.

"What do you mean?"

Athos could feel D'Artagnan trembling in his grasp and he couldn't help but tighten his hold on the boy, hoping to reassure him despite whatever horrors he had seen in his mind.

"S-Sometimes I'm the one doing the torturing," admitted D'Artagnan quietly, shame and fear clearly evident in his voice.

"And just who are you torturing?" asked Athos, ensuring to keep any judgment, not that he really had any, out of his voice.

"…Porthos… sometimes Corbett."

"…Understandable," nodded Athos, leaning back instantly as D'Artagnan's head shot up despite the pain that the movement clearly caused him. Seeing that his protégé was about to speak Athos was quick to raise his hand, silencing him before he had even begun.

"You said before that you felt like you failed them by being unable to prevent what happened to them," D'Artagnan nodded, confusion clear on his face. "And that you felt helpless," again D'Artagnan nodded.

Athos sighed, "Perhaps this is your mind's way of reacting to that guilt?"

D'Artagnan blinked, "How so?"

"You feel responsible for their pain so your mind makes you responsible for it when you dream," shrugged Athos, internally wishing that Aramis was here for this.

"I…guess," mumbled D'Artagnan, seeing the logic in Athos's explanation, even if it didn't give him a way to end it.

Apparently reading the boy's frustration Athos added, "Way I see it, you let go of the guilt and that part of your dream goes away."

"Since when have you been so wise mon ami?" grinned Aramis as he and Porthos stood in the doorway, soft smiles on their faces as they took in the sight of their two friends.

"Always," retorted Athos without missing a beat, "If you weren't so busy combing that facial hair of yours you'd know that."

Aramis choked at the swordsman's rare display of jesting while Porthos let out a booming laugh and even D'Artagnan laughed lightly.

"Well it takes time to achieve perfection," smirked Aramis, taking the teasing jest in stride as he fondly stroked his beard.

Athos shook his head at his brother's actions before turning his attention to Porthos, "How long have you been there?" he asked, slightly worried they had heard the entire conversation that D'Artagnan had asked to be private.

"Arrived just in time to hear your snippet of wisdom for the whelp," shrugged Porthos as he settled himself into a chair. "Speaking of the whelp," grinned the larger man as he ignored the relieved look on both men's faces, "How'd 'e take the news?"

Athos shrugged, ignoring D'Artagnan's confused look, "I haven't told him yet, what happened with Treville?"

"What news?" asked D'Artagnan, though it was clear he had been ignored when Porthos spoke.

"Captain went off of Talbot and his friend, told them he had instructed the betting to stop when they had been confronted about it before." At Athos's dark look Porthos nodded, "I know. Anyway he's suspended them for the rest of the week and assigned them cleaning duty in the kitchens with Serge for a week when they're back."

Athos smirked; knowing all too well just how much Talbot and Gerald would detest kitchen duty. He was pulled from his musings when D'Artagnan asked again.

"What news?"

"Why don't you tell the pup 'Mis?" smirked Porthos, though Athos could tell something about the medic was worrying the larger man and whilst he was determined to find out what he would trust Porthos for now and wait for the man to confide in him.

Aramis blinked, a soft grin tugging at his lips, replacing the frown that had been there. "When we were visiting Corbett –"

"Who's fine by the way," added Porthos with a cheeky grin.

"- Moreau asked us to pass a message on to you," continued Aramis, blatantly ignoring his brother's interruption.

"A message?" asked D'Artagnan, fear and hope building within him as he waited for the message. There was, after all, only one thing Moreau would specifically ask to be passed onto him.

With a beaming grin on his face Aramis announced, "Jacques is waking up!"

D'Artagnan's face broke out into the brightest smile the trio had seen from him yet. "He is?"

Athos nodded though his own smile faded when he noticed D'Artagnan was apparently trying to move.

"D'Artagnan," sighed Athos, exasperation already filling his voice as he watched the boy's futile efforts, "What are you doing?"

D'Artagnan blinked, "Isn't it obvious? I'm going to see Jacques."

Porthos snorted at the absurdity of it all before sending the boy an apologetic look when he frowned at him.

"D'Art you need to rest," stressed Aramis softly, his eyes worriedly watching the increasingly pained expression that was growing on the young man's face. "Jacques will understand if you wait a few more days."

"I'm going."

"D'Artagnan you can't even stand," reminded Athos as he too watched the expression on the Gascon's face with growing concern and worry.

"I'm fine," snapped D'Artagnan bitterly before he mustered what remained of his trademark stubbornness and forced his protesting body to move the way he wanted it to.

"Whelp maybe you should stop," said Porthos warily as they all watched him, each of them worried to intervene in case they made his injuries worse.

Unable to speak passed the pain in his body that was causing dark spots to dance across his vision and an all to familiar churning to start in his stomach, D'Artagnan settled on glaring weakly at the man before wincing as his feet touched to cold floor.

"Seriously whelp," implored Porthos as he rose from his chair, intent on stopping this before it went any further.

Unfortunately he hadn't anticipated D'Artagnan pushing through the pain enough nor actually having the energy to force his battered body up onto his feet.

Although it seemed like D'Artagnan wasn't ready for it to happen either as he was barely standing for more than a second or two before the pain became too much and his legs gave way, sending him crumpling to the ground.

Fortunately Porthos, even while healing, had good reflexes and was able to catch him and bring him to his chest before he could meet the ground.

"D'Artagnan!" exclaimed the musketeers, Aramis rushing to Porthos's side as the larger man, while still cradling the Gascon, absent-mindedly sat back on the chair he had been occupying only moments earlier.

For a few moments the musketeers were silent as Aramis checked over their young friend who was being held protectively clos to Porthos's chest.

"He's just passed out," announced Aramis, sighing in relief. "He should be okay with some rest."

"Stubborn boy," growled Porthos lightly as he looked down at the Gascon in his arms.

"You should rest too Porthos," said Athos softy as his eyes locked onto D'Artagnan's unconscious form, silently hoping that if the Gascon slept near Porthos then the alternative to his nightmare that he had been telling him about earlier wouldn't happen.

Porthos raised an eyebrow in confusion but willing agreed, feeling quite tired himself and a little unwilling to hand off his charge right now, not after the insinuations of his death that Talbot and Gerald had been betting on. So without another word the men got both their friends settled on the bed, Athos reclaiming his chair by D'Artagnan's side while Aramis made himself comfy on the pallet on the ground by the foot of the bed. Each content to rest until D'Artagnan woke up, at which time they would deal with his reckless behavior.