#and i feel like THIS is that moment for aramis.

[longagoitwastuesday]

Oh my god Buckingham in insane (appreciative)

[backtothefanfiction]

Rain Grows | Aramis x Reader Imagine

Summary: sometimes we all just need a good cry.

Length: Short

Warnings: angst, hurt/comfort, depressed feelings

A/N: as usual at the moment, I’m feeling very emotional and angsty and need some hurt comfort from one of my boys. Tonight I chose Aramis.

It was like someone had blown out the candle inside you. The one that kept things running. Your spark. Your hope. Now- there was nothing.

You had always been known for your joy. Your bright smile. That small skip in your step. You had kind words for everyone. But now- now you just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry.

The moment the candle went out, it was like a delay, the smoke making you hazy as you aimlessly wandered around the market in a daze. All the usual faces tried to say “hi” to you, but you couldn’t seem to say it back. You couldn’t even give them your usual toothy grin. Your new polite tight lipped smile became the hushed talk of the market- and it only made you feel worse.

When one of the older ladies finally asked you if you were okay, it made your heart ache. You didn’t know what to do. You didn’t know how to act. This had never happened to you before. Then suddenly his name was echoing around your hollow skull. Your knight in roughed up leathers. He always made your heart skip a beat and brought a smile to your lips and a blush to your cheeks. You just had to see Aramis and everything would be okay.

When you got to the garrison it was empty, most of the musketeers- the inseparables included- were all up at the palace and not due back for a while yet. So you decided to wait. And wait. And then wait some more.

Feeling hollow and empty, you sat yourself on the steps that lead up to the Captain’s office and you waited. Your fingers fiddled idly with your skirts, the rough fabric rubbing against your fingertips grounding you and giving you something to focus on as you waited for the time to pass. 20 minutes. Half an hour. 1 hour. 2. 3.

When it began to rain, you still didn’t move. The cold drops of early spring rain hit the back of your neck- your arms- droplets running down and soaking into your clothes. But you didn’t care. You barely noticed. You had completely checked out, that empty darkness seeping out and wrapping its tendrils around every fibre of your being. You were vaguely aware of the passing looks of the stable hands and a few passing musketeers, but you never looked, never paid them attention, just kept your focus on your one mission. Waiting for Aramis and not completely falling apart until he got here.

*****

“Ahhh, I do love the rain.” Aramis hummed to himself and smiled as he took his hat off and allowed the water to wash over him.

“He’s mad.” D’Artagnan muttered to Porthos and Athos as the four of them made their way back down the street towards the garrison.

Porthos chuckled, “Is that so?” He said to his friend, clapping him on the shoulder, “because I remember just last week you said you hated it.”

“Ahh yes, but that’s because it was still Winter then my friend.” Aramis said back, “Spring is here now. The birds are returning, the flowers are blooming,” his fingers reached to brush across the petals of a couple of blooming flowers in a window box they passed.

“And it’s not so cold.” Athos finished Aramis’ sentence for him, in his usual droll tone.

“Exactly!” Aramis smiled enthusiastically, sweeping his hat back onto his head.

“Afternoon boys.” A fellow Musketeer said as he made his way in the opposite direction, away from the garrison from where he had just come.

“Benoit.” They each greeted him, none of them intending to stop, until he did.

“Umm, Aramis, you should know, there’s a young woman waiting for you. Been there a while.”

“Does this lady have a name?” Athos asked.

“She didn’t say, was just asking after Aramis, but I think it’s that girl who works down at the tavern on-“

Aramis didn’t need Benoit to say which tavern, he already knew it was you. But you never visited him at work. You’d seek him out in the tavern- sure- but you never sought him out outside of your work. “How long has she been waiting?” He asked.

“I’d say just gone 3 hours.” Benoit replied before he began to start walking in the direction of his next destination again.

“3 hours?” Porthos said.

“In this weather?” D’Artagnan added.

“Shit, it must be really bad.” Porthos continued, a hint of amusement beginning to fill his voice as he prepared to make a joke and mock his closest friend, “Don’t tell me you got her knocked up?” He began to joke, but Aramis’s face had grown serious.

He ignored his friends as he began to pick up speed, his brisk walk turning into a light jog as he left them behind to run on ahead. You had been waiting for him for over three hours. Why? It had to have been important if you were willing to stay there and wait in the rain for him.

His pace slowed as he came through the gate to the garrison, your rain soaked body near frozen on the stairs as you looked down at your fingers. He found himself pulling his hat off of his head in respect. His steps towards you were slow and tentative, as if he were stalking an animal in the woods, not wishing to startle it, just get a better look. He suddenly froze mere feet away from you as Porthos’s booming and defensive voice grew closer to the gate, making you look up at him like a startled deer.

“Hey- hey…” he said in ever softer tones as if to soothe you and make sure you were okay, “it’s okay.” He said. You both looked away from each other to his brothers as they came into view of the gate, their hesitating eyes locking on the two of you and your more somber faces, each giving you both a silent nod of acknowledgment before passing by and making their way inside.

“You should come inside,” Aramis said, taking another gentle step closer to you, “dry off-“ but his words got trapped in his throat when your eyes met his. They were so scared. So worried. “What is it? What’s happened?” He asked, placing his foot up on the bottom step and leaning in to you, his fingers instinctively reaching out for your face. He forced you to keep your eyes on him. Silently reassured you that he saw your pain and had no intention of averting his eye or looking away.

You had no words. You thought the moment you saw him it would magically make things better, but it didn’t. You didn’t know what else to do now. You had waited in the rain all afternoon in the hopes that you would see his face and it would make everything okay. Now you were just wet. Empty and wet. Your chest sagged, heart breaking and suddenly the dam broke too. Tears filled your eyes and big chest wracking sobs burst free. Aramis quickly shucked off his jacket, wrapping it around your shoulders. He then sat himself beside you on the step and wrapped you in his arms.

His embrace was comforting, the smell of his leather familiar. He kissed the top of your head as you just cried. Your tears mingled with the rain on your cheeks and after a few attempts of trying to brush them away for you, Aramis just gave up and held you tighter and continued to let you cry. “There, there,” he cooed softly as he slowly rocked you back and forth on the step, “let it all out.”

“I’m sorry.” Your broken voice said between sobs, but he wouldn’t accept it.

“Now, now, there’s nothing to be sorry about.” He said with another kiss to the top of your wet head.

After another few minutes wrapped up in his embrace, your sobs began to break. “There, there.” He continued to gently say, “it’s okay, I’ve got you,” he repeated, until your breathing was finally under control again and your tears ceased to fall anymore, the rain seaming to also grow lighter too.

As you pushed yourself up away from his chest, wiping at your face as you tried to meet his eyes, his own hands moving to replace your own to do the task for you, you slowly attempted to find your voice once more. “I’m sorry.” You said again. “I just-“ but you couldn’t find the words to explain what happened… because truly you didn’t know what happened, but with his presence, his kindness and warmth, the safety of his arms protecting you as you allowed yourself to shatter into a million pieces, it somehow eased the tension in your chest. You still felt a little bit empty, but now you felt lighter.

“It’s okay.” He said to you again as he smoothed back a sopping wet strand of your hair from your face. Already he could see the light in your eyes returning. He looked hesitantly down to your lips, then back up to your eyes. He’d wanted to kiss them for a while, the way you’d nibble on them and blush when you saw him and give him not your big smiles you gave to everyone else, but your smaller adorable, bashful and intimate ones. But now, knowing he meant so much to you that when you were hurting, he was the only one you’d share your vulnerability with, it made him want to kiss you even more. But now was not the time. Instead he decided to use his mouth instead to distract. “Do you know why I love the rain?” He asks you, his fingers reaching out to intertwine with your cold ones as he looks out towards the gates of the garrison.

“No.” You reply as you carefully watch his face from the side, the corners of his lips turning up as the dark clouds above began to pass and make way for a clearer skies.

“Because it washes away the old and makes everything clean, ready to start a fresh.” He says proudly, his chest puffing up slightly as he turns his head to share his grin with you and it makes the corners of your own mouth twitch, a faint ghost of a smile slowly gracing your features, observing his boy like wonder about the world.

“It also,” he continues, his thumb rubbing gently across the back of your hand, “brings life.” He smiles. “It waters the plants and helps the flowers to bloom and the crops to grow. There’s so much wonder in the rain. Everyone gets so caught up in it, you know. Their clothes get wet and the shoes get muddy. But it’s so much more than that. Plus,” he says, standing and pulling you up with him, “when it eventually passes and the sun begins to shine again, sometimes,” he says, pulling you into the centre of the garrison, his eyes moving in small searching flashes to the sky until they stop and he too stops, turning you in the right direction to see what he does, “you get to see truly rare beauty that no amount of money in the world could buy.”

His hands rest on your shoulders from behind and his finger points up to the sky- and there you see it, faint at first, but slowly growing stronger. A rainbow. It makes you smile. A full one this time too. You feel his body relax behind you at the sight of it and you can’t help but relax back into him again, your smile growing content.

“See, even the sky cries some times.” He says into your ear, and you can feel the smile on his lips with how close his mouth is to it.

“And maybe it sends rainbows to let us know it was a good cry.” You turn your head and smile at him.

He beams, a small breathy chuckle escaping his lips. With a warm twinkle in his eye, he kisses your temple in agreement. “Sometimes we all just need a good cry.” He confirms.

[bullet-prooflove]

NSFW alphabet f, i, o for our lovely musketeers?

Fair:

Jean is a little teasing but for him it’s about showing you how loved and adored you are, building up your pleasure, showing you sex can be an expression of love.  You didn’t have a kind start with men and Jean dedicates the time he spends with you to sure you experience all the ecstasy he can give you.

Jean will always submit to you if you require it. When your confidence builds and you start to tease him, he’s very encouraging, telling you how good you are to him, how amazing you’re making him feel.

Instigation:

Because of the nature of the work you do, your proximity comes in intervals. People aren’t aware of your relationship so your moments are often stolen, a night at a time. It’s usually a mutual instigation.

Overnight:

Again this is dependant on circumstance. Jean’s preference is to stay the night and fall asleep with you wrapped in his arms however if you need to go because of the work your doing, he’s more likely to stay up and busy himself.

Fair:

Athos loves it when you tease him. He’s a subby boi at heart. His command weights heavily on him and he needs to get out of his own head sometimes, being restrained, teased and used is a way of doing that.

As for teasing you it’s very depend on mood, sometime he needs to ravish you completely, others he needs to take his time, show you how much you need him, his good he can be for you.

Instigation:

It depends on mood. If he’s sullen, moody, needing to get out of his own head. You’re more likely to be instigating because he can’t bring himself to ask for it, no matter how much he may need it. However if that adrenaline’s running or he’s feeling content, he has no problem instigating.

Overnight:

Again I think this depends on mood. If he’s been preoccupied before sex, I think he’s leaving to continue working on the problem. The sex refreshes him, gives him some breathing space.

However if he’s feeling more contented or needy, he will remain cuddled up with you for as long as possible.

Fair:

Porthos loves being teased by you and you love teasing him. It does something to you having this big, powerful man at your mercy. Blindfolds, restraints, he enjoys all of it.

Porthos is a lowkey tease of his own, he’s a very physical person. His hands and his lips chase all over your body, mapping out every inch of you until you’re begging for him to out his mouth on you, or fuck you.

Instigation:

You both have high sex drives and you are both adrenaline junkies, you play off one another. If someone’s feeling frisky, the other usually is too.

Overnight:

Porthos loves to spend the aftermath wrapped up in you, dozing. You make him feel happy, loved and safe.

Fair:

Aramis does not play fair, there’s a reason he’s known for his prowess in bed. He will spend hours teasing you, edging you, overstimulating you. He’s dedicated entirely to your pleasure.

As for being teased it’s very rare that someone else does that for him. He can never bring himself to ask for it. The first time you ruin him, he’s completely obliterated, he’s never come that hard before, he’s completely relaxed. He couldn’t leave that bed even if he wanted to and he doesn’t. He thinks that’s the reason he falls in love with you, you’re as attuned to his needs as he is to yours.

Instigation:

Aramis is ravenous for you all the time. If he can get you alone for more than five minutes you can bet, he’s going down on you or fucking you.

Overnight:

Before you Aramis always left the women he was with. Ultimately they were a distraction from the circumstances that were happening in his life. Once he was done he was back to musketeering, leaving them along in the sheets. With you, he stays. He holds you in his arms, cradles you close. He loves going to sleep next to you and waking up beside you.

[roleplayfinder]

The search , Supernatural, Saltburn, ACOTAR, Shadowhunters, Fast & Furious, Sherlock and More

Heyo! 25 year old female writer here. I’m eighteen plus so please please please ensure you are before writing to me! Now about me, I do work, quick fire would be nice but I can’t always be here. So you may see me post more depending on what ideas I’ve got and what cravings I have. But with my time off you can guarantee I’ll be posting more! Just a heads up I’m looking for clean roleplays! I do prefer discord to conduct roleplays purely for the purpose of being able to keep things more organised! My discord is eleanorewinchester

So I’m looking for those of you who can use third person, past tense and lots of detail. I say this not to be mean but because I do consider myself to be advanced literate, I expect potential partners to be the same! I’m looking for oc (me) x male canon characters from the above movies but I will enclose further fandoms and movies with in the post! I use third and past tense and would be grateful if you do too! Please note I do have dyslexia. I’d love to get some aus going as well as some love triangles. Doubles are welcome! But please note ALL my roleplays are doubles. I will be prioritising those of you who don’t want to double and are happy to play canons. I’m just getting to a point where doubles feel transactional, I’d like to do something for myself where I can :).

I’m also craving; Fast & Furious, Saltburn and Supernatural, (please?! I would kill for a good detailed roleplay), Sherlock (please?!), Shadowhunters (please I beg?!), A Court of Thorns and roses, Supernatural, The Musketeers (bbc show), My Life With the Walters, Hunger Games (originals and prequel), GG at the moment as well! I’d honestly kill for someone to play; Felix Catton, Brian O’conner, Dean Winchester or Jace Wayland, Jules or Mark.

I’d love our roleplay to be something of comfort to us both. Something to cheer us up and keep us engaged in the story! If you’ve got any wild ideas you’ve been dying to do for the below fandoms send them my way if it’s doubles I’ll do my best to accommodate them! If there’s a character in brackets that’s who I’m looking to ship with, I need you to play them! Any fandoms with hearts are ones I’m desperate for!

Fandoms I seek include:

Fast and furious (Brian) ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Shadowhunters (Book/Show verse) (Jace, Julian, Mark)

Sherlock (Sherlock,John)

Superstore (Jonah)

Supernatural (Dean) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

ACOTAR (Cassian,Lucien, Rhys) ❤️

Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte

The Musketeers (bbc show Aramis)

Merlin (show)

Downton Abbey

Saltburn (Felix) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Kissing Booth (Noah)

Pitch Perfect (Jesse)

Ginny and Georgia (Marcus)

Game of thrones (tv verse)

House of the Dragon (Daemon)

Death in paradise

Riverdale

MCU (Thor, Steve, Loki)

Wuthering Heights

Teen Wolf (Stiles)

TVDU (Klaus, Elijah)

Pirates of The Caribbean (Jack)

Narnia (Caspian, Peter)

Buffy (Spike)

Hunger Games (Finnick)

Ballard of SongBirds and Snakes (Coriolanus, Sejanus)

Divergent 😍 (Four)

The Outsiders (Dallas, SodaPop)

[philtstone]

"falling asleep on the other’s shoulder" for your choice of the Musketeers squad

It is only once Constance has dozed off against D'Artagnan's shoulder that Aramis turns to Porthos with great haste and urgency of expression.

"Porthos," he whispers, "Quick. You must divine my innermost thoughts."

Porthos is in the middle of genteelly dabbing D'Artagnan's blood out of his hauberk with the hem of his own chemise. It is not going well.

"Yeah, alright then," he whispers back, glancing over at the youthful pair huddled between them in the cart, then toward the half-open flap that opens to the miserably rainy outdoors, and their kidnappers.

"Perfect," says Aramis, whose hands and feet -- like Porthos's -- are bound. With great concentration upon his face, Aramis lowers his head such that Porthos might look him in the eye more successfully. Porthos bites his lip with effort. His moustache, stiff with the crust of the afternoon's nose bleed, quivers.

"... beef stew," Porthos says finally, grunting with exertion.

"Hm," says Aramis. "No, that's what you're thinking of. Try again."

Porthos nods brusquely; yes, that is about right. His stomach's been rumbling for an hour. He sniffs, squares his shoulders, and re-begins the divining exercise.

"... The Bible," comes out all in one go. Porthos is nodding enthusiastically now; there's no way that one was wrong.

Aramis heaves a sigh and turns his eyes heavenwards. "Unfortunately correct! Well, at least now I know my instincts were true, and we are in fact capable of communicating, soulfully, without words. Here, I must clear my mind, and we shall try again."

"Think about an escape plan," Porthos mouths this last bit wisely. "That'll be helpful to my process."

"Yes, of course," whispers Aramis.

They re-engage. The rain is pouring torrentially outside by now. Aramis's eyebrows inch higher and higher upon his brow with each passing moment of intense staring.

Finally Porthos's eyes pop, and his mouth drops open.

"The Queen!" he bursts out in a mangled, affronted whisper.

Aramis yelps. "No!"

"Aramis, I swear I'll kill you! I can't believe you're thinking about the bloody Queen! At a time like this!"

"Excuse me! Be respectful, Porthos!"

"We're tied up in a wagon, mate!"

"Why'd he be thinking about the Queen?" interrupts a mullish mumble from their other side. D'Artagnan has not opened his eyes, but at least now they know the blood loss hasn't got to him yet.

"This is an imperfect science," Aramis protests, avoiding the question. A small snuffling noise sounds, and Constance shuffles in her sleep.

"Poor woman," Aramis says, sounding mournful.

"Must be properly knackered," agrees Porthos.

"Yeah," mumbles D'Artagnan, who is probably feeling most guilty of them all, "from dealing with you lot all day."

"And that, D'Artagnan, is why Porthos was attempting to read my innermost thoughts. We shall relieve her of the burden quite soon, if all goes well."

"Maybe you should try reading me," Porthos suggests, still in a whisper.

Aramis's eyes light up at the suggestion. Then there is a thump against the side of the carriage.

"... Or," he allows, "we might take part in the most ancient of musketeer practices."

Porthos regards his friend for a long moment. They really do need to get out of this one alive; Athos will be aggrieved enough as it is when he finds out what happened once he left them after lunch. He always looks like a wet cat when aggrieved. The whole thing'll be bad for Treville's health.

He nods, wisely. "Throw ourselves out the wagon and hope for the best?" he asks.

"Well, I wasn't going to say it aloud," says Aramis.

"Oi!" comes a shout from immediately outside the wagon flap. "What're you talking about in there!"

Aramis and Porthos share a look.

"D'Artagnan," says Aramis, "you and dear Madame Bonacieux stay here; we'll be right back."

Without another word, they hurl themselves into the fray with perfect syncronicity.

After a long moment and several yells and thumps, D'Artagnan looks down at the sleeping Constance with far too tender an expression, frowns, then wonders aloud,

"... why on Earth'd Aramis be thinking about the Queen?"

[thorin-is-a-cuddler]

If you disregard Athos kissing Aramis on the temple as Tom ad-libbing, why did Athos do that? Like was he planning on doing that or was it a spur of the moment emotional reaction?

Athos is such a mysterious man when it comes to his feelings… but I‘m pretty sure he loves Aramis vERY much!! There are so many moments in the show where their relationship is portrayed as a very intense once - remember that moment from season 3 where he pointed a gun at him? ;____; He is the only one who knows all of Aramis’ secrets! From Adele‘s death to his affaire with the queen. He supports him in dark moments and forgives him everything almost immediately. We know Aramis is very intense himself and I like the idea that Athos is in some way mirroring his intensity, that is is sort of their dynamic! I suppose Aramis‘ entire persona - the cheeky, daring, romantic, deeply feeling, struggling hero - just awakens in Athos a deep affection and protective energy. He kisses him on the cheek, because he is overcome with so much emotion, bc this man is so dear to him and he was in such a difficult situation… Athos is so relieved that he can still touch him that he must absolutely do so. *sniffs* Hope that helps! ;___;

[dennydraws]

I finished Unicorn Overlord! \o/

Kinda did it last weekend but I needed a moment to digest how amazing that game was! I ate well and I talked my friends' ears off about it xD; and I still need to talk about it! What an unexpected gem! Maybe because I went into it without any expectations and stayed away from any fandom interactions, or because the gameplay hit some sweet spot of being free roam type to not feel overbearing but the war battles being tactical enough to give me a challenge which I could adjust accordingly.

I did all the content post final fight and I have mad respect for games who do this kind of thing - you finished the game? Here are some goodies, have fun! Does it make sense? Nah but who cares! I only wish we had some kinda DLC post game cause I want to juggle the new beans and have fun with them too!!

I don't want to write a whole review here so I'll keep it super brief and spoiler free (as far as I know everyone knows the recruitables' names?)

Favorite Region: Drakenhold Favorite Male Character: Auch Favorite Female Character: Melisandre Favorite Class: Aramis Swordfighter (A lack of skill.) Favorite Story Spot: Bastoria Favorite Boss: Elgor Favorite Ship: The one who led me to the secluded shore Favorite Valor Skill: WILD RUSH II! Favorite Rapport: Gammel and Mandarin's 3rd rapport

It's hard to pick favorites, cause there were so many and I don't think there was a single character I didn't like.

While the story was simple, I really enjoyed how they handled the mind control magic. I loved the Zenoira backstory and all around, I think I really vibed with the simplicity of the plot. It was very very charming. My weakness being sibling dynamics I nearly bit my switch because of Travis and Berengaria's rapports and their story moments. And no surprise to any, I'm big softy who loves redeemable villains but I didn't expect to like Gammel and Mandarin as much as I did.

Did I mention how much I loved the digging mini game? This thing was way too addicting.

Did I mention I've been blasting the OST all week?

Did I mention I shake fist a the sky that I couldn't obtain the artbook? Anyone out there willing to sell theirs? qq asking for a friend. I'm the friend.

This game fed me well... so well...

[fandom-imagines-stories]

All For One

Musketeers Comfort Imagine

Words: 3525

Summary: In preparing for her trials to become a Musketeer, the reader’s anxiety begins to get the better of her. Luckily, she has the four best friends anyone could ask for. 

Notes: Another comfort imagine dealing with anxiety and burnout because *mental illness* I needed this haha. Thank you end of the semester struggles. Like my Pogues imagine, this doesn’t have any specific ships, but since Aramis and D’Artagnan are my favorites, I may or may not show a little bias. I also really wanted to capture the feeling of them riding off together at the end of the season because that’s one of my favorite parts of the show, so hopefully that came across. 

Find more Musketeers: HERE

-

They all knew something was off. Though it was early and most were still half asleep, exhausted by the night before’s activities, they saw with enough clarity to know that you were not yourself. 

You ate your breakfast swiftly- though, poking at your bread could hardly be considered eating- and in silence. You hardly responded to Aramis’s daily teasing, something that had become like a ritual for the two of you, or to Porthos’s suggestion of close combat training later in the day. Worst of all, your eyes were red-rimmed and swollen, though you kept them downcast to try and hide them. 

Once you’d hurried off, the four men at the table exchanged worried looks. 

“What’s wrong with her?” Porthos asked. 

“Nerves maybe,” D’Artagnan observed. “She’s going before Treville next week. I know I was terrified when it was my turn to prove myself.” 

“And especially difficult for her,” Aramis added. He gazed after you and shook his head. “But there’s something else. I don’t think it’s just nerves.” The way you’d looked at him just moments before, with eyes both pleading and yet… empty. It worried him. “We should do something.” 

“I don’t think that would be wise,” Athos said. He stood from the table and put on his hat. “We should let her come to us. If we try to force her, well-” he blew out a breath. “We all know how that’s gone in the past.” 

The other three nodded mournfully. 

It was odd. You were one of the more open of the group, but all of them could agree, when something was truly and deeply wrong, you always tried to keep it to yourself, though none could understand why. 

“We can’t just leave her like that,” D’Artagnan said. “There must be something we can do.”

“Just be patient,” Athos nodded. “She knows we’re here for her.” 

Does she? Aramis couldn’t help but think. While they’d made it clear that you were a part of their group and they all cared for you very deeply, he’d picked up hints that you didn’t quite believe it. Whether or not this was just your mind playing tricks on you, he was determined to show it to you. He turned to the others and a wordless understanding passed between them. They nodded, all feeling the same as he did. 

They’d make sure you knew you were one of them, even if they spent all day proving it. 

-

You started the day with close combat, asking Porthos to help as usual, since he was the very best. You hoped the physicalness of the exercise would help wake up your tired senses and give your on-edge body something to fight. Your limbs pleaded for a distraction from their tension while your head desperately tried to focus. 

How could you be so exhausted and so unstable at the same time? 

“You sure you’re ready?” Porthos asked. When he’d agreed to train, he hadn’t noticed just how tense you were. You paced in front of him like a street cat afraid of its own shadow. While he never used the full of his strength when sparring with you, he feared more than usual he might hurt you if this were to go on. 

“I’m always ready,” you said with a little more venom than you’d intended. He narrowed his eyes and you ignored the concern you could see in his gaze. “I don’t have all day, let us begin.” You ran at him before he could object. 

Porthos braced for your first hit- a punch toward his shoulder and counter-attacked with a swing at your legs. You jumped and kicked his knee while propelling yourself upward for another hit to his chest, launching away from the impact. You both fell back into the dirt but were on your feet in seconds. 

Porthos raised a brow. “Alright, love. That’s how we’re playing it.” 

You took a deep breath and went again. 

The fight was fiercer than you’d ever done before. Porthos seemed to struggle to keep up with you. He may have his strength, but your agility proved vital. At one point, you were able to climb onto his back, arm around his neck. Your body locked up and all you could focus on was the pounding of adrenaline in your head. 

“Y/N!” Athos shouted. 

The other three rushed over to the two of you and you suddenly realized that Porthos had hit his knees and was smacking at your legs to let him go. You gasped and jumped off of him. 

“Porthos, I am so, so sorry. I didn’t even realize- are you hurt?” You stammered. 

He coughed, breathing in with deep, hurried breaths to take in as much air as he could. Aramis knelt in front of him, dark eyes flicking over to you with more questions than you gave him time to ask. 

You brushed off and tried to hide the rising panic in your voice as it squeezed at your chest. “Guess I got carried away, huh?” 

“Only a little,” Porthos wheezed. 

You feigned a smile, turning to Athos. “I’ll go easier on you later, I promise.” It was meant to be a jest, but neither of you laughed. 

With your body locking up again, you got away before any of them could see the weakness threatening to overtake you. Once out of view, your fist flew, striking the wall and scraping your knuckles. 

“I wouldn’t give her a weapon,” Porthos shuddered as Aramis helped him to his feet. 

“She doesn’t seem like she’s going to take no for an answer,” Athos said. 

Aramis sighed. “This is worse than I thought.” 

“I’ll say,” Porthos grunted. 

“She needs to get out of here.” D’Artagnan stared after you with a pained expression. “All of this practice is getting to her. She’s pushed herself too far.” He swung his sword in front of him in frustration. “But how do we get her to take a break? She’s far too stubborn and worried about Treville.”

The four of them pondered this problem for a moment, eventually hearing you start up again, practicing with your sword with barely a minute’s rest. 

“I’ll talk to her,” Aramis sighed. “The three of you come up with something.” 

“And how do you propose we do that?” Athos asked. 

Aramis shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” 

-

You loaded the musket with relative ease, but he could see how your hands were shaking. Of all of the skills you had to master before facing Treville’s scrutiny, your marksmanship was by far your weakest, despite Aramis assuring you otherwise. Why else would he have suggested you practice it now, rather than after your duel with D’Artagnan and Athos? He didn’t believe you were good enough, you could feel it. 

“Take a deep breath and relax your body just like I showed you,” he instructed. 

“I know, I know,” you said. 

Aramis stood behind you as you aimed at an empty wine bottle at the other end of the field. He wasn’t used to you being so closed off to him. In truth, he’d brought you out here with the hope of helping you clear your head, but he seemed to only have made it worse. At least this way, you weren’t directly aiming a weapon at anyone. Given what happened with you and Porthos, he doubted giving you a sword would end well for anyone. 

“Alright, ready?” He stepped just enough into your line of vision. 

You ignored him and took the shot. 

The bottle remained standing, mocking you from afar. 

“Damn,” you muttered, already loading the musket again before he could say anything. 

“Y/N, perhaps-”

“I can get it.” You took aim and fired. A tree trunk several yards from the bottle splintered from the impact. A frustrated growl tore through your chest. What was wrong with you? 

You forcefully set the musket back down, readying to load it for another try. Aramis’s hand covered yours before you could. 

“Y/N, wait,” he said softly. “I think I know what’s happening.” 

“What’s happening is that I’m not ready,” you snapped, more at yourself than at him. “And I only have a few more days to get it right or else I’ll never be a musketeer and all of this would be for nothing and-” Your words caught in your throat even before he held up a hand to stop you. 

Aramis laid his hand on your cheek. 

“You’ve worked yourself to the bone for weeks, darling.” He gave you a small smile. “You’re so exhausted you can hardly see straight. Am I correct?” 

There was still a part of you that wanted to fight him. To deny everything he’d said. Tired meant weakness and you couldn’t bear it if any of them saw you that way. But with his dark, caring eyes looking into yours, there was nothing you could say. 

You bit your lip to keep it from trembling. 

He pulled you into his arms. 

“There,” he sighed, running a soothing hand up and down your spine. “It’s alright. You’re just working too hard, that’s all. It’s alright.” He pulled back, kissed your forehead, and looked down at you. “Better?” 

You shrugged, wiping away tears you hadn’t realized had fallen. “Maybe you’re right.” 

He smirked. “I’m always right, darling.” 

With an arm slung around your shoulders, he led you back to the courtyard of the garrison where your other three friends stood next to their horses. Aramis and your horses had been saddled and awaited their riders. 

“What’s this?” You asked, Aramis handing your musket off to one of the stableboys to put away. 

“You are leaving,” D’Artagnan grinned. “Well, all of us are leaving, of course. We’ve all decided that we could all use a break from Paris. You, especially, Y/N.” 

“I can’t leave,” you scoffed. “There’s so much to do still! I need to stay and practice and…” You trailed off, as Aramis gave your hand a gentle tug toward the others. 

“Paris will still be here tomorrow,” Athos said. He watched you with a raised brow. “As will Treville and all of your training. One of the things you need to learn about being a soldier is knowing your limits, Y/N. You cannot help anyone if you can no longer help yourself. Besides-” He held up a bulging saddlebag which clinked as it moved. “I already bought the wine.” 

“I for one think it’s a magnificent idea,” Aramis beamed. “I’m jealous I hadn’t thought of it before. We could all use a day away, don’t you think, Y/N?” 

You took a deep breath. There was so much left to be done. You still needed to perfect your marksmanship, ready your fencing strategy, and work on hand-to-hand without strangling your sparring partner this time. The pressure of it all lingered in your chest as you gazed at the four wonderful men who’d helped you this far. 

But they were right. How could you possibly hope to achieve your goals if you overworked your body to the point of disaster? 

“Alright, I’ll go.” 

All four erupted in cheers. Porthos even lifted you up, tossed you over his shoulder, and spun around, eliciting a squealing laugh from your lips. When he set you down again, he kissed your cheek and gave you the biggest smile you’d ever seen. 

“It’s been far too long since I’ve heard that sound,” he said. 

The others all grinned in agreement and your group of five mounted your horses. You looked back at the garrison as the city passed by and spotted the field where you'd been practicing with the musket. The mocking bottle remained in its spot, untouched. 

Aramis followed your gaze and chuckled. 

“Don’t worry, you’ll get it,” he nodded. “Just not today.” Aramis reached over and put a hand on your shoulder. “And that’s perfectly fine.”

You nodded in return and urged your horse forward, away from Paris and your responsibilities and your anxieties. You let them fall away with the pounding of hooves against the road and the laughter of your friends in the air. 

-

The sweet summer air filled your lungs, banishing the lingering scent of the city. Wildflowers lined the path, the soft earth shifting under your feet as you leaned down into a starting position. 

“I thought the whole point of this was to get away from training,” D’Artagnan teased, taking the same stance beside you. Aramis stood in between, arms raised for the signal. 

“Ready?” He glanced excitedly at both of you. “Set.”

“This isn’t training, D’Artagnan,” you laughed. “This is fun!” 

“Go!” 

You flew down the path, your legs sprinting as fast as they could carry you while D’Artagnan raced next to you. He started in the lead, but as you neared the tree at the end of the lane- your predetermined finish line- you began to gain on him. Your hair whipped around your face but you kept your eyes open and focused on that tree. 

The three cheered both of you on, all favoring you for the victory. Their hollering only increased when you finally surpassed your opponent, keeping just a step ahead of him all the way to the end. 

When you turned to gloat in your victory, however, you failed to see one of the tree’s roots stretched out in front of you. Your foot caught and, in your attempt to save yourself, your hand latched onto your competitor’s arm and dragged him down with you. 

D’Artagnan tumbled, the two of you rolling down the small hill behind the tree. Grass and flower petals broke your fall and burst up into the air as you landed with you on top and D’Artagnan sprawled out beneath you, both of your cackling filling the air.

“I’m-” You snorted. “I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” Your words were hardly understandable between your snickers. 

“I’m fine, are you?” His heaving laughs lifted your head which laid on his chest. You peered up at him, taking in his sparkling eyes and bright smile. You couldn’t help but feel all of your worries from before fade away. 

After a moment, the other three appeared over you, looking down and shaking their heads. 

“I would say Y/N is the winner, but seeing as she’s also the one that caused this unfortunate spell…” Porthos started. He helped you up with a smirk and you playfully punched his arm. 

“I agree with Porthos,” D’Artagnan said, brushing himself off. 

“Clumsy or not, I’m still faster,” you fired back. 

“Perhaps a rematch is in order.” 

“You should know by now, D’Artagnan.” You stepped toward him so that you were only inches apart. “I never back down from a challenge.” 

Aramis put a hand in between you two. “Alright, I think that’s quite enough competition for the day.” His deep laugh brought more warmth to your chest. “We should make camp soon anyway before the sun sets.” 

You pointed a finger at the youngest musketeer and smirked. “This isn’t over.” 

He bowed dramatically. “I look forward to it.” D’Artagnan hurried ahead to start the fire, his laughter still ringing through the air, and you strolled alongside the other three. 

Aramis removed a leaf from your hair and tucked the strand behind your ear. He held up a hand to his ear. 

“Listen,” he said. “Do you hear that?” 

“I hear nothing,” you shrugged. 

“Exactly.” He breathed in deeply with a content smile. “Isn’t it wonderful?” 

You scoffed. “Aramis, I give us all two days before we’re begging to get back to the noise and excitement of Paris.” You poked a finger at his chest. “You especially.” 

He opened his mouth to argue but found that he couldn’t. Instead, he chuckled and held out his arm. 

“Fair enough. But it is a break well deserved nonetheless.” 

You beamed, taking his arm. “That it is.” 

You all sat around the fire, eating rabbit that Aramis had shot earlier and Porthos roasted over the flames with a bottle of wine for each of you. D’Artagnan and Aramis sat across from you while you and Porthos spent dinner discussing your technique in sparring earlier in the day. 

“I am sorry again,” you said, putting a hand on his arm. “I hope I didn’t injure you too badly.”

“Just his pride!” Aramis chimed from across the fire. 

Porthos tossed a pebble at his head. 

This, of course, prompted a small battle between the three of them, picking up various projectiles from the forest floor and trying to hit each other. In the midst of their antics, you saw Athos from his place leaning against a far tree. He motioned for you to follow him. 

Having always been a little frightened of the leader of the group, you gulped, believing to be in some kind of trouble with him. Athos’s intensity was known throughout the musketeers, along with his skill with a sword and leadership. 

He led you in a perimeter around the small camp you’d made without saying anything at first, which of course only increased your returning anxiety. 

“I know you believe that you don’t belong here,” he finally said. His words were so blunt, you didn’t know how to respond and he continued. “I wanted to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, which I know isn’t very helpful given how you’re feeling.” 

“Unfortunately, it isn’t,” you sighed. “Though I appreciate your encouragement.”

“It isn’t merely encouragement, Y/N.” He stopped walking to look at you with that same intensity. “I believe it. I’ve never seen someone work with as much passion as you do. With as much tenacity and willingness to learn. Half of the men in the musketeers think they already know everything about the world, but you-” An impressed laugh made his blue eyes shine. “You have done more to learn and to improve than anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder you’ve exhausted yourself so much. It’s remarkable it hasn’t happened sooner.” 

You opened your mouth to rebuke his claims, to deny your skills and deprecate the work you’d done, but he put a hand on your shoulder that silenced you. 

“I would be honored to serve alongside you.” 

“Athos I-” You blinked back tears. “I don’t know what to say.” 

“Just promise me you won’t end our practices the way you ended with Porthos and I’ll be content with that,” he teased. “Let’s get back before they cause any trouble, hm?” 

As the two of you returned to the group, you felt so overwhelmed by the feelings stirring in your chest. But this wasn’t from anxiety or overworking yourself. You were just so grateful, gazing over the crowd of your four closest friends, that you couldn’t contain it. It spilled out onto your cheeks with joyous tears. 

Aramis noticed you first and his face immediately morphed with concern. 

“What have you done, Athos?” He leaped to his feet, soon joined by the other three as they scrambled to your side. “What’s the matter, Y/N, my dear?” 

“Nothing,” you laughed through your crying. “Athos has been nothing but kind, I promise. I just…” You took a deep breath. In one hand, you took Aramis’s, intertwining your fingers, and with your other, you took Athos’s. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this.” 

“You would do the same for any of us,” D’Artagnan said. “It’s the least we can do after all of the work you’ve put in.”

“Work that has not been ignored by Treville,” Athos added. “I believe he admires you even more than we do.” 

“If that’s even possible,” Aramis said with a wink. 

“Well, I can’t thank you all enough for taking care of me like this.”

Aramis glanced around the others with a mischievous twitch of his mustache. 

“All for one,” he said, twirling you around so that you landed in Porthos’s arms. 

“And one for all,” Porthos finished, lowering you into a dip. 

“You are all imbeciles. Now let me go,” you squealed merrily as they spun you around again. By the time you’d danced with all four of them, you were all dizzy enough that you collapsed beside each other in a heap of laughter.

My musketeers. You couldn’t help but think with your head on Aramis’s shoulder and your legs stretched out over D’Artagnan’s. You remembered why you were so adamant to join the regiment in the first place. To be one of them. You knew now that, no matter what happened in the coming weeks, you always would be. 

The stars twinkled over your heads as the fire died down. You let out a sigh and felt content. 

“I love you all,” you whispered into the night. “Even if you are idiots.” 

Aramis chuckled beneath you. “And we you.” He kissed the top of your head. 

D’Artagnan poked at your calf. “Even if you are stubborn.” 

“Some of us are trying to sleep,” Porthos whined, but you could hear the smirk in his voice. 

You settled again and heard Athos sit up. He placed his cloak over you as a blanket. 

“Rest well, Y/N.” 

And you did.

[darlinghowl]

i have. mixed feelings on the musketeers ending. i think i like d’artagnan being captain and i think i liked aramis taking trevilles place but i feel like porthos’ end came completely out of left field?? and athos leaving paris with sylvie despite all the change she wanted to make felt so. idk like i understand life goes on and the point is they have a brotherhood that will always be intact and they all lived and are happy but it lacked Something. to me. the payoff didn’t hit for me ESPECIALLY for porthos’ end. cramming elodie in at the end and sending him away to fight in the war again while everyone else is safe at home or traveling is like. nuts to me? esp bc i can’t recall a single moment of this season where it felt like he wanted to go back? when they talked about promoting him i thought they meant making HIM captain, and i understand and appreciate it being d’artagnan but idk. IDK it was a good ending so i’m ultimately happy w it it’s just mixed feelings rn

[prismatica-the-strange]

All I Am Belongs to You | Athos | Guns Hidden Under Our Petticoats

Warnings: 18+, brief mentions of nudity

A collection of scenes of Athos getting to know and bond with his daughter. (She's 4+ in all of these, Melody just worked aesthetically) (Post-season 3, my canon)

Chocolate by Mo Mo O'Brien | Banner by @cafekitsune | Dividers by @steddiecameraroll-graphics

Athos has just gotten back from a meeting with Aramis at the Louvre and he thinks Amélia might be right about Celine needing a bell when he spots her dashing toward the gate between the legs of a group of cadets.

"And where," He snatches her off the ground, pulling her up against his hip, "Do you think you're going, little miss?"

"Papa!" She whines, struggling in his hold for a moment before giving up, "I'm tryin'a go fight bad guys!"

"What bad guys would those be?"

"I dunno, but I'll find them!" She exclaims.

"Does your mother know you're out here?" He asks and she suddenly goes quiet, "I didn't think so. Let's get you back to her before she tears the garrison apart looking for you."

She pouts as he turns to go back toward the kitchens, only to start giggling when he places his hat on her head, "But Papa!"

"No buts. I'm the captain, and the captain says the cadets are to stay inside the garrison today."

That seems to ruffle her and she pushes the rim of his hat out of her eyes to look at him seriously.

"I'm not a cadet, Papa," She argues, "I'm a musketeer."

"Yes, of course you are," He smiles, pressing a kiss to her cheek, "But even Musketeers listen to their captain."

"Mama says Uncle Aramis didn't."

"Yes, well," He bites back a laugh, "Uncle Aramis has made a lot of mistakes that way. Musketeers are supposed to listen to their captain, alright?"

"Yes, Papa," she sighs. He sets her down and takes his hat when she runs off into the kitchen. He leans in the doorway, watching her hug Amélia's leg as she makes her lunch.

"You..." He comes up behind Amélia and wraps his arms around her stomach, "Are so beautiful."

He kisses her neck and then her jaw, before resting his forehead on her shoulder.

"Papa said I can't go fight bad guys."

She feels him smile against her skin.

"Papa's right," She reaches down to stroke her hair, "It's time for you to eat."

"Ughhhh," Celine groans, dragging her feet to the closest table.

"Ughhhh," Amélia mocks playfully, "I knooow, I'm the worst for keeping you fed."

It's late in the morning after a long few weeks of missions for the crown. And as much as Athos would prefer to stay in bed all day, he has things to do.

Amélia sits on the bed, Celine standing between her legs as she brushes her hair.

"Can I wear it like you today?"

"You want me to braid it?"

"Uh-huh."

Athos stands in the doorway, tucking in his shirt as he watches her twist their daughter's hair.

"Can you show me?"

She pauses for a moment and looks over at him, "How to braid her hair?"

"Yes."

She smiles at him so lovingly, he can't help but mirror it in his own expresion when she pats the bed next to her.

He sits beside her, sighing happily when she brushes his hair from his face.

She carefully braids Celine's hair, showing him how to do it, "You bring this over here, then here, and here, and so forth... Do you want to try?"

She turns Celine slightly, "Is it alright if Papa tries?"

"Yeah!"

She runs her fingers through the braid, undoing it before helping him separate her hair into sections.

He's slow and a bit clumsy, and despite needing Amélia's help tying it off, he manages a decent braid.

Celine doesn't wait to appraise his work in a mirror before running off to get dressed.

"I thought you had work?" Amélia teases, moving to straddle his thighs.

"I can go if you'd like," His hands wander the backs of her thighs through her nightgown as she leans close, their noses bumping.

"I prefer you where you are," She smiles against his lips, "I love you."

"I wanna go with Papa!" Celine cries.

She absolutely refuses to let Amélia take her as she clings to Athos's neck.

"Do you plan on coming?" D'Artagnan asks from his horse and Athos waves him away.

"Celine, I have to go," He tries again, gently tugging at her arms, but she just makes noises of protest. He looks to his lover hopelessly, "Amélia, please. The Queen regent is-"

"I'm doing my best!" She snaps at him, "Sweetheart, Papa will be back soon-"

"No!"

She's been incredibly clingy the past few days, as if she finally realized how much she enjoyed having him around after not knowing him her whole life.

"The queen won't be pleased if we're late-"

"D'Artagnan!" He barks, glaring back at him. He sighs when she holds tighter, "Go ahead, I'll catch up."

He nods and starts for the Louvre, leaving Athos and Amélia to deal with their daughter.

"I don't know what to do," She admits, "Short of tearing her away kicking and screaming, that is."

That's the last thing he wants to do. He's an absolute sucker for tears, and wouldn't be able to make himself leave with her crying.

"Dear one," He begs, "You have to let go, Papa can't take you with him."

"Tell me the rules," He says, lowering her from his horse, kneeling down to look at her.

"Be quiet, stay next to you, and do what you say, no questions," She repeats.

"Good girl," He smiles and wipes away a smudge of dirt from her cheek, "Come now, we're late enough as it is.

He takes her hand and leads her through the halls of the palace, gently tugging her along whenever she gets distracted by some painting or shiny object.

He bows when they join the others, acutely aware of Celine hiding close behind him when the queen regent smiles, "I see you brought the littlest musketeer with you, Captain."

"Apologies, Majesty, she was quite adamant about staying by my side."

"Nonsense, all my protectors are welcome here, no matter how small," Her smile widens when Celine peaks out from behind him, a big grin on her face.

She spends most of the security briefing next to her father, trying to see the plans on the table, only giving up when her toes get tired of holding her up.

Athos watches as Aramis rounds the table to lift her up to see, but she doesn't sit still long before she's ready to be set down. Then she's holding his hand again.

By the time the group disperses, her boredom is palpable, and while she's done a good job behaving, he can tell she's ready to take off running.

"Papa?" She asks as they walk back through the hallways.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Can we do something fun now?"

D'Artagnan bursts out laughing at her exasperated tone and Athos sighs, "Something fun, huh? Darling, you're the one who insisted on coming along."

"I didn't know it was gonna be so boring!" She objects.

He bends down and lifts her up against his hip, "It can't all be Sword fights and shootouts."

She lets out far too weary a sigh for a four-year-old and wraps her arms around his neck again, an idea forming in his mind

Amélia is confused when D'Artagnan returns alone.

"He took Celine for a ride just outside the city limits," He explains as he dismounts his horse, "She all but guilted him into it with those big sad eyes of hers."

"He said they'll be back in an hour or so," He says and she lets out a small breath of relief.

For a moment she doesn't know what to do with herself. It's so rare she isn't watching Celine or being needed by the cadets, and then she realizes, when was the last time she really got to soak in a hot bath?

"Keep your sword up," He knocks the tip of her wooden sword up with the end of his stick, "That's it! Guard yourself."

She already has a grasp of swordplay far beyond that of any other child of her age. Growing up watching the cadets train has given her an advantage.

"You're good at this," He says, and she grins proudly, "You'll be the best swordsman in our regiment before you know it."

"Better than you?" She asks hopefully and he chuckles.

"You've a way to go and a deal of growing before that."

He spars with her for a few more minutes before she manages to hit his thigh and he falls to his knee.

"Yes!" She exclaims, ceremoniously 'stabbing' him in the heart, and he collapses with a dramatic cry, his hand over his wound. He grunts when she climbs onto him and sits on his stomach, "I got you, papa!"

He takes a moment to look at her and he's so much of himself in her face. In honesty, it scares him a little. Had anything gone differently on the battlefield, he could have missed this, missed her. He never thought he'd be a father.

He reaches up and cups her cheek, her mother's smile beaming down at him and he feels contented.

"Come here, you," He wraps her in his arms and rolls over, blowing a raspberry against her cheek, making her squeal in laughter.

By the time they get back to the garrison, she's asleep, leaning back against him with his hat on her head, the rim tilted down in her face.

He's careful as he lowers her into his arms, letting one of the cadets take his horse.

"There you are-"

He holds his finger to his lips to shush Constance, speaking softly, "She's had an exciting day, let her sleep."

"I heard," She says quietly, brushing a leaf from the little girl's hair, "Amélia has been taking advantage of your absence."

He looks at her confused.

"She's been in the bath for over an hour. I just brought her more hot water."

"Ah."

He brings Celine back to their quarters, setting her wooden sword next to the door, and sets her shoes by the bed, but doesn't bother to fuss with her coat as he tucks her in. He brushes her hair out of her face and kisses her forehead.

Once he's sure she's asleep he hangs his jacket, hat, and belt by the door and makes his way down to the baths.

"I heard someone was monopolizing the baths and needed to be removed," He teases, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows as he leans against the partition.

He hasn't seen her so relaxed in quite a while, despite his threats, as she lays in there, steam swirling around her.

"You wouldn't dare," She groans, stretching her arms back above her head, her back arching just enough to lift the top of her breast out of the layer of bubbles.

"No," He agrees. He picks up her hairbrush from her pile of clothes, pulling up a stool to sit behind her, "I wouldn't dream of it. Not when you look so peaceful... Sit up."

She does as he says and he pulls her wet hair over the edge of the tub, water dripping from the ends onto the floor.

"I see you decided to pamper yourself when we didn't come back."

"D'Artagnan assured me you went of your own free will," She hangs her head over the edge to smile at him and he returns it, softly kissing her forehead, "How was she?

"She did well in the security briefing," He says, running the brush through her hair, "But every musketeer needs a little adventure, and being cooped up in the garrison every day is bad for morale."

"Mmm, she acts like she's trapped here," Amélia agrees, "Her escape attempts are becoming more and more frequent."

The corner of her lips quirk into a small smile, "I was the same way when I was younger. Always running."

"Were you?"

"Yes but for a far less adventurous reason," She admits.

"Really?" He continues brushing her hair and looks at her with a raised brow, "And why were you running?"

She looks back at him with an almost sad smile, but doesn't elaborate. He knows she doesn't like to go into detail about her past, so he doesn't push the matter.

"Either way," He murmurs against her temple, "It brought you to me."

"I love you," She sighs, reaching back to graze her fingertips across his jaw, scratching at his beard, "Kiss me?"

He lets out a breathy laugh and moves to kneel beside the tub, his hands cupping her cheeks before kissing her deeply, "I love you too."

The marketplace is buzzing with activity and Amélia is extremely grateful Athos came with them. Usually it takes every bit of energy she has to keep Celine wrangled by her side, so it's nice to have him their to entertain their little ball of energy.

"We need yarn," She mumbles to herself, fingers digging through her coin purse to see if she brought enough, "It's turning cold and Celine needs new mittens."

Athos hums in agreement, "I have something I need to pick up."

"I go with papa!" Celine grins, clinging to his hand.

"You'll go with your mother," He corrects and she pouts, stomping her foot in defiance, "Now none of that. I'll only be a moment."

She huffs when he ruffles her hair, but takes her mother's hand.

Amélia smiles at his brief kiss, tugging him close by the lapel when he pulls away to kiss him again.

"Be quick," She murmurs against his lips.

"Of course."

He can't help but smile to himself as he walks to the shop.

"Here you are," The man behind the counter hands him his order, "Is it to your specifications, monsieur?"

His smile widens as he looks it over, and hands the shopkeep the money, "It's perfect. Thank you."

He meets them just as they leave the shop and Celine immediate zeros in on the item in his hands.

"What's that?"

"What? This?" He holds it up, "Why? Is it something you want?"

"Is it for me?" She grips the bottom of his coat excitedly.

He doesn't answer, just places the hat on her head and she squeals.

"It's just like yours!"

"Do you like it?" He asks as he picks her up and she nods enthusiastically.

"I love it!"

"You spoil her worse that Treville," Amélia sighs, a soft smile on her lips.

"Her uniform was incomplete," He argues and she laughs, "I can't have my musketeers running around Paris improperly dressed!"

[aguamarinee]

...𝐈𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 &𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬. (𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝.)

[ This is strictly based on my opinion and thoughts, none of these have been confirmed by any member, staff, or anyone else! ]

𝐀/𝐍.: However if any of these would actually turn out to be true in the future — kinda doubt it but still — I will declare myself as a professional manifester lmao. And I will have my 'called it' moment too.

; 𝐒𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭!

[𝐊!]

TOP PICK • Dior Eau Sauvage; Truly the best of Dior, this fits K like a glove! Best-loved fragrance by far, and it has so much in it, so versatile, a bit of everything intriguing; vanilla, bergamot, amber, and of course, woods. The scent depends on what you want it to smell like, at certain times of the day. K would wear this with great elegance and confidence. This perfume is such an all-rounder, a pleaser for everyone included, he would totally enamor any crowd and audience with this!

HONORABLE MENTION • Chanel Bleu de Chanel; a fan-favorite oldsport scent but it would be a shame to call it grandfatherly — it's anything but that! It delicately embraces masculinity with a fresh, clear, green, woodsy aroma before turning it into a bright burst of citruses, empowering one's confidence. It stays on for quite long, not even a sweaty dance practice can make it go away! Entrust this to K as a second choice, he would greatly wear it for a cooler autumn day to show off his charm!

[𝐅𝐔𝐌𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Ralph Lauren Polo by Ralph Lauren Cologne for Men; This is a classic, sleek, smooth, and has been a favorite for decades around men, rightfully so. It has a lot of spin-offs, true, but nothing compares to the original mix of wood, tobacco, and leather feel. They say it comes with a tinge of American nostalgia but let the wearer decide that. It's a strong scent for Fuma every day, but when you come to realize how much it suits him you'll miss the aroma tickling your nose whenever you're near him, so anyone who asks him to change his cologne probably hasn't been around him for long enough. But luckily Fuma trusts his judgement and knows this is a killer combo!

HONORABLE MENTION • D.S. & Durga Bowmakers; It was hard to choose between these two which matches Fuma better, but it came down to this. I'd say this is better for special occasions, in the end, this combination can be too extra for ordinary days, sometimes you just wouldn't be able to handle it, just like Fuma himself! It's outdoorsy, woody, with hints of maple, cedar, even cypress, and mahogany... which makes me remember a lumberjack but it's a pleasant scent nonetheless! Maybe during a walk outside it can lift the mood, but definitely not inside.

[𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒!]

TOP PICK • Aramis Eau De Toilette; One of the longest-lasting ones on the list, but it's to be expected from Nicholas. But this staying time is because of strong fragrance notes, such as; starting with bergamot, then myrtle, sage, and pepper so it can morph into a spicy, musky intoxicating aroma packed further with clove bud and patchouli too. If Nicholas is on the line, it has to be extra and demanding, attention-demanding and he does it so well, honestly. The base has a bit of sandalwood, as well as vetiver and oakmoss, so all-in-all this perfume boasts such a presence behind it that projects self-confidence at all times.

HONORABLE MENTION • Le Labo AnOther 13 Eau de Parfum; If it's about Nicholas he has to go for it hard, again, overdoing and provoking everyone's expectations with a scent like this because no one will compare to this perfume! It's intoxicating in a good way, you want nothing else just to smell it until it's gone to try and decipher the cologne's components. Mysterious, but loud and clear! Putting heavy emphasis on the musky feeling here, mixed with traces of jasmine, a feeling of moss from the woods — you just want to feel it, touch it, devour this crazy combination! It will have you coming back very soon; either for Nicholas himself, or just another spritz from the perfume bottle.

[𝐄𝐉!]

TOP PICK • Gucci Guilty Pour Homme; Don't judge a book by its cover! The bottle is very simple and sophisticated but the scent can bring some surprises. Very citrusy, fruity, and sweet-smelling with the lavender and orange blossom additions! A perfect combination of comfort and adventure in just one sniff. EJ is the sweetest in all aspects so it felt right giving him something like this! You feel like you're in a beautiful flower field while enjoying some rare tropical fruits, a never-ending sugary feeling flows through you and the only thing left from the picture is Euijoo himself. He would wear this with great confidence!

HONORABLE MENTION • BOUTONNIÈRE NO. 7; Living and thriving proof that floral scent on men can be good, especially for EJ! True gardenia being the main element of flowers set against a strong string of citruses and lavender, this cologne is a walking garden of surprises. Instead of allergies, it brings clearness and joy, and of course, Euijoo! Perhaps he would be hesitant at first, wouldn't even think about discovering something like this on the perfume aisle but make him believe in the sheer magic of men wearing strong floral scents with a fancy shirt, it's a sight to look at!

[𝐘𝐔𝐌𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Burberry Mr. Burberry Indigo; It's bold, it basically speaks for Yuma! I honestly think this is my best match-up, I don't know why, but I'm just really feeling the vibes with this one. It has such a wild range of audiences for admiration; because of its crispness, and evergreen combination of strong citrus at first, then dying down to a pleasant blend of rosemary, violet, and some amber it's an extraordinary choice for everyday use. But Yuma would love this!

HONORABLE MENTION • Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver; I admit this choice may differ from the first one a bit too much but I can imagine this on Yuma on a late night out, attracting stares and looks, left and right with this captivating perfume. It's an interesting combo; very verdant, delicate orange-scented original, then it takes it up a notch with a harsh punch of Sichuan pepper! Too spicy for everyday use, this is more of a once-in-a-while-scented bottle of surprise, with the exciting fruitfulness of a new adventure on the horizon! Yuma would rock this on his own, I'm sure!

[𝐉𝐎!]

TOP PICK • Heretic Dirty Grass Eau de Parfum; The name is a bit weird but it's an absolute natural, earthy, green scent with a dash of oil in it, and some juicy lemon to add a smidge of flavor and interest to the wearer, but otherwise it's perfect for business-casual, and all-time-casual occasions. You might only smell it if you're very close to Jo, and even then you feel like questioning your senses, but it makes you embark on a bigger, longer journey on finding out Jo's secret, so it's definitely a win. You'll surely want to taste more than just a spritz of the cologne!

HONORABLE MENTION • Acqua Di Gio From Giorgio Armani; Great for the daytime in any hot weather! Incredibly natural scented light perfume; its watery, citrusy, and even more mysterious aroma makes you question if anything's present on your body while wearing it. Far from fancy, it brings out the best when one wants to seem effortlessly put-together and this inoffensive scent is the icing on the cake for Jo's laid-back persona!

[𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐔𝐀!]

TOP PICK • Jo Malone Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne; This is a polished, perfected, deep scent. It's cool, makes the wearer calm and collected with its earthy cedar — you already know this is a reoccurring theme —, juniper berry to ease the mind, and a touch of cumin and surprisingly, chili! Perhaps a bit spicier in the end than you would like, but surely unforgettable and outstanding, matching Harua's talent and visuals!

HONORABLE MENTIONS • Tiffany & Co Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette for Him; the definition of fresh, cool, and airy smell, very light and natural by carrying both the refreshing scent of woods and the sky together. Combined with a couple of intricate fruits and blue sequoia — which can be found in Tiffany & Love for Her, basically the perfect pair for this cologne! All in all, it's a perfect second choice for Harua and his calm, collected, and endearing persona!

[𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐈!]

TOP PICK • Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Cipresso di Toscana; This was one of the hardest that I had to look after the most, but now I'm confident! This screams holidays, fun, and the fresh feeling of seawater with a bit of salty aftertaste. Cypress, balsam, and pine blend all with bitter orange and lavender, creating a refreshing repackage of an Italian countryside! It felt so right for Taki, it just made me remember his bright smile, so summer crush feels it is!

HONORABLE MENTION • Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Bigrade Concentrée Parfum Spray; transparent and fresh but nothing like an ordinary scent! Zesty and delicious with orange and light traces of rose, but down-to-earth mixed with spice by the additional taste of hay and cardamom. Adds such an unforgettable extra flavor, the way you'll never miss Taki's outstanding skills and personality in any video-filmed content!

[𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈!]

TOP PICK • Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille; It radiates warmth and calmness, a spark of sympathy, without being outdated — this scent is forever! This is another one where you'll probably want to go back to have another sniff from the perfume bottle but Maki's got you! When he's covered in this — most days — a hug is sure to come your way any time during the day! It's spicy, but not in a heavy way, just the right amount! And if you stick around too much, maybe another hug is bound to find you!

HONORABLE MENTION • Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme; Another sunny scent, for another sunshine of the group! A lot of citrus notes; mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit but still a bit earth-bound with a whiff of rosewood and musk, maybe a tinge of juniper in there. It's that feeling when you're on holiday and you're in your hotel, away from the sea, but you can still feel it on you; yet you're surrounded by a man-made environment. Also, I can totally imagine these slightly stronger, woodier scents for Maki, I think it would make him stand out even more!

[ I spent too much time on this, but it was fun! Also, try to pass by my weird edits, I just wanted to include them in a way so everybody can see them and matches the aesthetic of my profile. They look funny, but it gets the job done! ]

➪ 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 【𝐌 𝐀 𝐒 𝐓 𝐄 𝐑 𝐋 𝐈 𝐒 𝐓】 !

[aragarna]

For the fandom ask: the three musketeers ❤️

What originally drew me to it

What I like most and least about it

The character/story arc I find the most compelling

A scene/moment that makes me really emotional every single time

What originally drew me to it

You do realize I first read that book 25 years ago?! I have not idea why I picked up that book in particular then, except for the fact that as a kid, I read as many French classics as I could. But what I do remember immediatly enjoying are two things:

The camaraderie. That strong and immediate friendship. That deep sense of loyalty, and that feeling that together we can face anything. Together, we're unstoppable. You need to cross the Channel and go right into the Enemy's den? Let's go, I've got your back. They didn't call it that back then, but it's totally the foundation of the "found family" trope. Tous pour un, un pour tous.

The other thing that contributed a lot to my love for this book was Dumas' writing style. It's joyful, and funny, and very rhythmic. There is quite often a sort of jubilation in his words. It's classic literature, beautiful and with a lot of flare, but still very readable (nothing annoys me more than a writer that makes it unnecessarily complicated. Words must flow.).

What I like most and least about it

What I like the most is the aforementioned friendship and the sense of adventure (see above).

What I like the least is probably the whole Milady story arc. As much as I love those books, I have to admit that, as a product of its time, the story lacks truly compelling female characters. Yes, there are a couple of female characters (including the Queen, who feels actually more important than the King), and of course Milady. And yes, Milady is an interesting and complex character but she's also, despite being originally the actual victim, shown as a very dangerous woman. One we must not feel too much sympathy for (and well, she did some pretty nasty things to our heroes, so I didn't feel too much sympathy for her...). And I've never really like the Femme Fatale archetype, which really is a male fantasy.

So on the one hand, she's not a character that I liked, but on the other hand, boys, what the hell?! You don't take justice into your own hands like that!! That's just... wrong! And Athos, my friend, really?! For a tattoo?! And you're supposed to be the wise one. So, yeah that whole *hand wave* thing at the end of The Three Musketeers, not their finest hour. (I'm actually quite curious how they're gonna solve that in the movie...)

The character/story arc I find the most compelling

My favorite character is d'Artagnan. He's the youngest one (18 already seemed super old to 12-13 years old me), and when we meet him, he's full of innocence and hope, something I could relate to. I love that he is so full of energy and ideas. Daring and adventurous. Very positive, though he becomes more philosophical and sarcastical as he grows older (I'm including Twenty Years Later and The Vicomte of Bragelonne). But always, all his life, he remains attached to his original three friends. He is the definition of loyalty.

And a story arc that I love is actually something that happens in Twenty Years Later. It's more of a scene than the whole arc, but it's one of my favorite. D'Artagnan and Porthos are in England for like, capturing Charles I, who was on the run or something. On the road at night, they encounter some enemies and start fighting, though it's too dark to see who they are. And d'Artagnan gets annoyed cause his opponent is parying all his attacks and he let go an exasperated "Mordious!" and his opponent freezes and they recognize each other - the enemies were Athos and Aramis, who were helping the King - and they just fall into each other's arms. Like, the circumstances that brought us here don't matter, we'll figure things out, but man it's so good to see you. Let's go clean out an inn, and we'll talk.

(I really wish they'd adapt Twenty Years Later for once)

A scene/moment that makes me really emotional every single time

Of all the very emotional scenes from The Vicomte of Bragelonne is probably Porthos' death. I won't give too many details as to not spoil the how and when but damn, I actually remember a lump in my throat as I was reading that chapter. It really felt like I had lost something. Or someone. The book goes all the way to the end of their lives, so, like, they all die, but Porthos', for some reason, is the one that hit the hardest.

Wow that got long! Thank you so much for the ask, my friend :)

[onesafezone]

a study in portamis (2023 martin bourboulon's ver)

it took me two days and one night to get my own version of terrible clickbait what actually happened in the 'milady' about the whole promising portamis thing (whatever it was).

this post contains film spoilers! no, i'm serious, SPOILER ALERT. (i know the film hasn't been released in all countries yet, so if you haven't seen 'milady', please decide whether you want to read this or not).

my post is dedicated to all the people who have seen 'the three musketeers: milady' or found out about what was going to happen in the film and were heartbroken (for obvious reasons), so I couldn't sleep until the morning, but I did find out why /spoiler, spoiler, SPOILER/ porthos decided to marry aramis's pregnant sister.

yes, i know. it will take me a moment to experience that as well.

OK, here's what we've got. the simplest explanation is this: porthos is flirting with aramis' sister in the camp because he is bored/he wants sex/he wants to flirt/etc. yes, this characterisation portrays him as a frivolous character, but what if this is a fallacy? what if there is still love for aramis in his actions and i can prove it?

___________________________________________________________

i started by formulating the three main reasons why i can't agree with the 'i don't care who i seduce' version of porthos.

first of all: the events of the film unfold very quickly. in the first part, it was made clear to us that porthos has no shortage of lovers. we saw his bed once, and it was warmed for him by both man and woman. he also said that he doesn't sleep with fools, which is not to be taken literally. in any case, this gives us the idea that he has his own standards, that he will not sleep with the first person he meets to quench his thirst. yes, he examined d'artagnan from head to toe, but did he drag him into bed? in general, he knows how to stop and he will be able to restrain himself if the situation demands it.

second reason: you can throw a stone at me, but I swear that his lover in the awakening scene looks a lot like aramis. no, it's not because this man has a beard or curly hair like aramis. there's something in his jaw, his features are built like the aramis-coded type of man. you know what i mean. porthos' lover is literally not d'artagnan-coded, not athos-coded. his lover has a certain type of body/face build. and that type is the same as his best friend's. this is no coincidence.

so, having worked out why i just couldn't accept the fact that porthos suddenly fell in love with a girl (aramis' sister, i'm not going to hinting at anything… because i'm saving the last reason for the finale), i asked myself: why did he decide to get involved? what drove him?

here is my answer:

when aramis received a note from his mother telling him that his sister was pregnant, he immediately changed his face and went to see her. at the same time, porthos immediately noticed the change in his friend's face and tried to call aramis, but aramis did not answer. what did porthos do? without further ado, he immediately went after aramis.

micro-conclusion: he cares about aramis' feelings, he cares about him and he wants to help him.

OK, let's move on. we know how the episode of portamis meeting matilda's fiancé ended: zero result. literally. apart from the fact that the bastard was hit by a cannonball, the meeting had no result. again, what was porthos doing at the time? he asked aramis what he was going to do. he predicted that aramis would challenge an arrogant and dishonest groom to a duel. spoiler alert: he was right. where are his 1000 ecu?? ok, i'm kidding. but here are the facts: he looks after aramis again, tries to cheer him up. and from their conversations it's clear how well he knows aramis.

let's keep going. we're almost there!

porthos has been excluded from scenes involving athos or d'artagnan (let's ignore the scenario that made this happen). at first glance, it would seem that he was not involved in his friends' affairs for no reason. but no, he was wounded (there was a scene in the camp where he was leaning on a crutch) and drunk. in fact, we got a scene where aramis holds a dead drunk porthos, who relieves himself, by the cape, without feeling disgust. what do i mean by that? while aramis, athos and d'artagnan were chasing after milady, porthos, who had remained in the military camp, had time to think carefully about everything. in both sober and drunk mind.

yes, porthos is not as tricky as aramis. and not as cold-blooded as athos. he sees the problem: aramis is very upset that someone has dishonoured his sister. had it not been for an accidental death, the would-be bridegroom would have lived and not taken matilda as his wife, for to him she was obviously a one-time entertainment. aramis is upset, he is sad, and how can porthos help? (yes, he comforted matilda by giving her a made-up explanation, as if her fiancé had been a hero and had saved aramis and porthos from a cannonball, but that was not enough, it only solved the problem temporarily). how to end all this? what can he do? matilda is pregnant, she is not rich, no one loves her, he tells himself that he can do this, he can offer her his hand and his heart, and he will save her (and aramis). it will make his best friend happy again. this is the right thing to do. they will be more than brothers. isn't that the best scenario? aramis will be happy and they will become a family.

attention, now it's time to announce the third fact that doesn't allow me to bury my portamis hopes: when porthos talks to aramis about this decision, aramis doesn't look happy at all.

moreover, his face was masked in confusion.

the scene also ends with them unable to talk about it. porthos is taken away by aramis's sister, his future wife, and all goes well. aramis should be happy. but why isn't he? and porthos, too.

something tells me that this is because his subconscious chooses lovers for him who are similar to aramis, because he tries to make aramis happy, because he cares for him, because he wants the best for him, because he loves him.

i think at that moment, when the words of the forthcoming wedding are heard and there is a sad atmosphere between them, like at a funeral, they both think that maybe all this time their feelings for each other were something more.

[bullet-prooflove]

A Cottage in Nice: Captain Jean Treville x Reader

Tagging: @lovemissyhoneybee @sekretwindow @rey4kat @roschele  @sassyscottishchick @aiko24k @scorpio-1357 @kmc1989 @burningpeachpuppy @swanfan17 @dragon85faby @angelnyx @caffeinatedwoman @missyhoneybee

Jean’s fall from grace is inevitable. You see it coming the moment he turns down the position of First Minister.  It becomes the talk of France because no man in his right mind would defy the king’s wishes and your husband does just that.

It moves quickly from there, the king shows his displeasure by stripping him of his rank before he dismisses him from the service entirely. His career is shattered within a matter of weeks.

He steers clear of you in the aftermath, he doesn’t want the taint of his misfortune to muddy you. Your marriage has always been his most closely guarded secret, he will take it to the grave if he has to.

He ignores your letters, vacates his premises in the garrison and disappears in the night.

There is one other man who knows your true identity as Madam Treville and you meet with him under a rain drenched canopy a few streets away from the garrison.

“We’ve tried to locate him.” Athos tells you as you watch the droplets form puddles in the mud. “It is as if your husband has disappeared from the face of the earth.”

“He is ashamed.” You say quietly as you remove your riding gloves from pocket of the men’s jacket you are wearing. Your hair is tied away from your face with the red ribbon that secured the bouquet on your wedding day and your clad in fitted men’s breeches. It’s easier to move around Paris in this guise. Women tend to be hassled if they are alone during this late hour. “If he isn’t in his cups, there’s another place he would have gone in order to lick his wounds.”

“The cottage in Nice?” Athos questions.

It’s been years since he’s thought of that place, of the town where he witnessed your marriage. It hadn’t occurred to him that their Captain may return there, that he maintained that level of sentimentality.

“We bought it several years ago along with a small patch of land.” You reveal as you tug the kidskin riding gloves up to your wrists. “A place for an old soldier and his spy to retire in their golden years.”

It’s a joke between the two of you because you both know there will be no golden years, not with your choice in careers. The cottage serves as a safehouse these days, a place to go amidst the chaos of the world.

“I’ll escort you.” He says, removing his own gloves from his belt. “The roads at this time of night will be treacherous…”

“Athos.” You say fondly because his loyalty to you and your husband is admirable. “The Musketeers need a leader in my husband’s absence and Jean has always intended to name you as his replacement.”

“Take Aramis or better yet Porthos, even D’artagnan.” He argues as he helps you up onto your mare and you shake your head as you grip the reins in your hands.

“This is something I need to do as a wife.” You say softly. “The presence of others will only serve to silence him.”

You see the resignation in his features as he looks up at you. It’s hard for him to concede to your wishes, it’s the gentleman in him you think.

“Stick to the main roads.” He recommends as his palm smooths over the nose of your horse. “The back ones will be filled with vagabonds.”

He’s not telling you anything you don’t already know but it’s the warning of an old friend, one that doesn’t want to see you dead. You feel his eyes on you as you disappear into the night, watching you for as long as he can. He can’t stand the thought of his Captain losing anything else, especially not his wife.

*******************************************************************

It’s a long ride to Nice and you spend that time considering the state you’ll find your husband in. There have been ups and downs over the years, the rise and falls of your professions, your personal follies but there has never been anything like this. The king has thrown his whole identity into flux and you’ve seen what that can do to a man, how it can twist them into bitterness.

When you arrive at the cottage nothing is as you expected. The windows are wide open, airing it, the garden is neatly trimmed, the flowerbeds recently tilled. The vegetable patch has been replanted and there’s a small harvest sorted into several different baskets. Each one has a name tied to them written on parchment in Jean’s hand.

Local families you realise as you study each one of them. You know that some of them have suffered hardships recently and Jean can’t stand to see someone struggle, not if he can help.

You employ a house keeper and a groundsman from the village to maintain the cottage while you are away. You use money you earn from your spywork and the jewels your first husband left you to fund it. His lands, along with your own had been seized when he’d been tried for treason but the jewels, you kept as payment for what you had endured underneath that tyrant. It had been a pleasure to watch him hang, knowing that you had orchestrated his demise.

You find Jean around the back, bare chested, chopping wood. His scars stand out starkly against his firm muscles as he swings the axe down over and over  and over again. There’s a catharsis in being productive, especially for him. You watch as he tosses the logs onto the wood pile before clearing your throat and stepping into his line of vision.

“You shouldn’t be here.” He says wearily as he sets the axe down, diverting his attention to the wash bucket and rag he’s set alongside the well.

“Here or with you?” You ask him as he cleans himself with the cool water.

He doesn’t answer you, he won’t even look at you and you can tell he feels ashamed. He has lost his stature, his position. His name may be on the title to this house but it is you that it belongs to. He has nothing besides the clothes on his back, his pistol and the sword that’s been with him for almost as long as you have.

“I have no prospects as a husband.” He says finally as he wrings out the rag. “You’d be wise to ignore the affiliation you have with me, it will not put you in good stead if our relationship is ever revealed.”

You take the rag from his hand and toss it back into the bucket and he sighs because you would never let him off that easy, despite it being in your best interests.

“My love.” You say softly as you lean against the well. “Will you look at me?”

The line of his jaw clenches as he shakes his head, his palms coming to rest upon the stone rim as he looks down into the clear water below.

“I know that it feels that you have lost everything.” You say quietly, studying the profile of his features. “But you have not lost me, you will never lose me.”

“Terese…” He says, his voice rough as he finally tilts his head to meet your gaze. “I have nothing to give you…”

“Our marriage has never been about trinkets or reputation.” You say, your forehead coming to rest on his as your fingertips chase along his grizzled cheek. “It’s about love, it always has been.”

“Terese…” He begins again but you press your lips to his and all thoughts of arguing fall out of his head because there’s just you, here in this moment, anchoring him, holding him steady.

His world is full of turmoil but you’ve always been a safe space, a guiding light in the dark. With you he knows who he is, who he’s always been, who he always will be.

Jean Treville, your lover, your husband and most importantly the man you call home.

Love Treville? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[roleplayfinder]

Heyo! 24 year old female writer here. I’m eighteen plus so please please please ensure you are before writing to me! Now a little about me, I do work, quick fire would be nice but I can’t always be here. So you may see me post more depending on what ideas I’ve got and what cravings I have. But with my time off you can guarantee I’ll be posting more! Just a heads up I’m looking for clean roleplays! I do prefer discord to conduct roleplays purely for the purpose of being able to keep things more organised! My discord is eleanorewinchester

So I’m looking for those of you who can use third person, past tense and lots of detail. I say this not to be mean but because I do consider myself to be advanced literate, I expect potential partners to be the same! I’m looking for oc (me) x male canon characters from the above movies but I will enclose further fandoms and movies with in the post! I use third and past tense and would be grateful if you do too! Please note I do have dyslexia. I’d love to get some aus going as well as some love triangles. Doubles are welcome! But please note ALL my roleplays are doubles. I will be prioritising those of you who don’t want to double and are happy to play canons. I’m just getting to a point where doubles feel transactional, I’d like to do something for myself where I can :).

I’m also craving the MCU, Shadowhunters, A Court of Thorns and roses, Supernatural, My Life With the Walter Boys, Hunger Games (originals and prequel), GG at the moment as well! I’d honestly kill for someone to play Dean Winchester atm. I think he’s a really well written character and I have some ocs who may work with him.

I’d love our roleplay to be something of comfort to us both. Something to cheer us up and keep us engaged in the story! If you’ve got any wild ideas you’ve been dying to do for the below fandoms send them my way if it’s doubles I’ll do my best to accommodate them! If there’s a character in brackets that’s who I’m looking to ship with, I need you to play them!

Fandoms I seek include:

Saltburn (Felix)

Downton Abbey (Tom,Matthew)

The Musketeers (bbc show, Aramis, Athos)

Schitt’s Creek (Ted)

ACOTAR (Cassian, Rhys)

Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte

Merlin (bbc show)

GG

The Mortal instruments: Shadowhunters (Jace)

Sherlock (Sherlock)

Skins

Pitch Perfect

Supernatural 😍 (Dean)

The Office (us)

Brooklyn Nine Nine 😍

Superstore

My life With the Walter Boys 😍❤️ (Cole, Will)

Ginny and Georgia ❤️(Marcus)

Game of thrones (tv verse)

House of the Dragon (Daemon)

Death in paradise

Riverdale

MCU (Thor, Steve, Loki)

Wuthering Heights

Teen Wolf (Stiles)

TVDU (Klaus, Elijah)

Pirates of The Caribbean (Jack)

Narnia (Caspian, Peter)

Buffy (Spike)

Hunger Games (Finnick)

Ballard of SongBirds and Snakes (Coriolanus, Sejanus)

Divergent 😍 (Four)

The Outsiders (Dallas, SodaPop)

#bxg #longterm #romance #detailed #drama #literate #advanced #dark #sweet

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[typicalopposite]

2023 Fanfic Wrapped

Thank you @onthewaytosomewhere for the tag! :)

Sooo this year has been a wild ride fandomly for me... to say the least.

(we're gonna go ahead and add a cut cause she's gonna get long)

It started with a few prompt fics in January

Feel The Rain On Your Skin Destiel(SPN)663 words Tumblr Prompt Game “We’re in the middle of a thunderstorm, and you want to stop and feel the rain?” overtime - Steddie(Stranger Things)1305 words Fic prompt game “we’re you ever going to tell me?”

I worked on some WIPs I wont include because they were started in 2022 through February . Then in March I started three new fics (because I am insane) that are all still on going WIPs as well, but the first two that I share were left on a good stopping point; so you're not left with that bitterness once you see they haven't been updated in a long time. The last one... we won't talk about her(I swear it's not abandoned I just have been hyperfixated elsewhere and life has been messy)

It Takes Two - Starsky & Hutch 8746 words Nothing more than a box that had fallen over. He laughed at himself and relaxed for a brief moment — since at least there was no rat — but it was short-lived as he turned the box to reveal the writing on the side.  Give to Dave It was written in big red letters in Terry’s handwriting; Starsky felt like he might be sick. Her parents had brought it after… said it was in her apartment. He didn’t even know about it, and he had not yet found the strength to open it. So it was hidden away in his closet where he could forget about it, and he had. Go figure, he thought.  Interdit - Portamis(The Three Musketeers)8241 words It happens while Aramis is hunched over Porthos, stitching — or rather trying to stitch, as Porthos repeatedly flails and hisses and snatches away from Aramis’ needle — the slash across his left eye. just a little while - Gallavich(Shameless)12,725 words Mickey will be a shit dad. He will. He knows he will. It’s fucking encoded in his DNA… or some shit. Except, how come every time he’s stuck with one the Gallagher kids, it feels like the exact opposite…

Which brings us to August, when everything changed... drastically. I was introduced to RWRB and although I started getting ideas for fics and even started writing one I still haven't finished prior to seeing the movie, just a few days after it released I went on a spiral of writing i have NEVER gone on before... and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

August - December every fic I wrote has been FirstPrince

August

Zahra Deserves A Raise 5091 words or Five times Zahra has to put up with Alex and Henry's shit... and definitely didn't get paid enough for it... plus one time she was happy to. A Summer Scandal 6123 words It’s next summer and they made it back to the lake house… but let’s make it angstier than last time. :) we're gonna need some pizza 1017 words Missing scene from when Alex comes out to Ellen. or What happens between Ellen ordering the pizza and her asking Alex what he identifies as. Home 2675 words Just my take on Movie Henry getting into the brownstone :)

September

Sometimes 2638 words Alex helps Henry through a difficult time regarding his father. what's not to like 1096 words It’s been four days since Oscar looked at his son and said, “Sometimes you just gotta jump… and hope you’re not standing on a cliff.” Or... Missing scenes after Henry leaves from Oscar’s POV What If 5817 words Alex called all day, everyday, for a week after Henry left the lake house. Each time Henry wished it would be the last; that Alex would take the hint, and let it go. Each time there was another call. Until there wasn’t. or... What if Alex never stormed the castle to win Henry back?! tell me more, tell me more 2981 words What are best friends for if not to go gush about the person you are secretly in love with after each (totally not but totally IS) date. or... The missing scenes of Nora and Percy finding out the story behind each time Alex and Henry get together. The Royal American Wedding Planner 9371 words It’s going to be the wedding of the century! But more importantly it’s going to be the wedding of their dreams. Zahra is going to make sure of it. ORRR 5 weeks of problems with the FirstPrince wedding and 1 perfect day!

October

Three Days 29,542 words He looks down at Henry’s body, steps closer. He’s right beside the bed and lays a hand on the top of Henry’s head. “Say you could go back three days; back to before all the missed plans, before all of the arguments, before the promotion… before the accident. Would you?” “Of course I would…” ooorrr I decided to write an angsty little Christmas fic in October based off an equally angsty movie I use to love back in the day one thousand four hundred and sixty four hours 926 words Alex has always made a habit of obsessively remembering certain days. Important days, of course. Ones that leave a special mark on his memory. Ones that he never wants to forget. eight legged freaks 895 words henry pulls a prank on alex based on a picture of a spider earring i saw on facebook cake-gate, baby gates, and a mess Henry could have avoided 1655 words Henry and Alex agree on a lot when it comes to parenting. They also disagree on a lot; that's just par the course with parenting, though… right? One thing they both sway on the fence about is baby restraints… or whatever the technical terms for them are. and so the story goes 2068 words Henry suggested Alex try his routine on the days he would have been putting her to sleep, to keep her nights as close to normal as possible. But Alex’s eyes went crossed trying to understand which concoctions (and the correct amounts) Henry uses for bath time. He knew he wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough to brush through her hair more than just the amount of times it took to detangle it. Most importantly though, he absolutely sucks at bedtime stories… which have always been her favorite part of Henry’s routine.  let me hear you SCREAM 2789 words Then Henry looks up from his writing desk, through the front window of the Brownstone, and sees a ghost face mask staring back at him from across the street. He certainly didn’t expect Alex’s idea of getting him back to involve… well that. The cloaked figure doesn’t move, save for a slow rise of his hand to give Henry a slight wave. It’s extremely creepy and Henry has to push back from his desk and get away from the window.

November

proud to be yours 4086 words “Made me very proud to be your boyfriend,” Henry had said. And Alex replied; “I’m always proud to be your boyfriend.” Henry made his little snide upperclass joke and Alex grinned and laughed as if he had just heard the most hilarious thing in the world. Then the moment was interrupted and quickly forgotten as they readied themselves to meet with the King. And it probably should have been the end of the topic — for Alex, perhaps it truly was. But for Henry, who tends to overthink things for the worse, he just can’t forget about it. or... Five times Alex was introduced as Henry's boyfriend, and one time he was introduced as his husband. ten seconds 'til 3544 words Five New Years showing the reasons that brought Henry to hate the holiday… and the one that changes his mind so says social media 606 words Alex shrugs and turns his phone off, sliding it into his pocket to resume watching TV. “Who knows, people just love to stir up drama.” Or... I have watched people micro analyze TZP and (especially) NG on social media so much I wrote a FirstPrince fic about it.

December (I have only posted one this month, because I was feeling the pressure of giving myself a timeline on a fic, and also joining the gift exchange... that being said I am going to add the gift fic to this list on the first.)

i saw papa kissing santa claus 3483 words “O- Oh, hello there young lady,” Henry says, swapping back to the deep American accent he’s been using as Santa, and Alex looks past him. There is a little girl storming towards the cottage; their little girl.

There you have it! My insane list of fics I've published in 2023, totalling up to 118,000+ words!

I honestly don't know anyone to tag who hasn't probably already been tagged, so I will leave it open to anyone who wants to join it! It's really fun to go back and actually see what you have accomplished in a year. Here's to 2024! :)