Title: Love's Musketeer, Christmas 2003
Author/pseudonym: Angelise
Author's webpage: http://writingonthewall.slashcity.net/~angelise7/index.html
Fandom/Series webpage: http://writingonthewall.slashcity.net/~angelise7/LMmain.htm
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Fandom: The Sentinel, Alternate Universe
Rating: G
Date:
Archive: Yes to WWOMB, CKOS, SXF
Feedback email: Either hit reply or send to angelise7@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: This story is written purely for
entertainment purposes. No money is being made from it and no copyright
infringement is intended.
Summary: D'Artagnan is left
behind when Athos accompanies the King on a trip to
Cast of Characters mentioned in this piece:
Athos-Jim
D'Artagnan-Blair
Porthos-Simon
Aramis-Rafe
King Louis XIII-OC
King's Consort-OC
Henri Phillipe-Henri Brown
Love's Musketeer -- Christmas 2003
Love's Musketeer,
Christmas 2003
by Angelise
A heavy sigh caught Porthos'
attention and he turned to find his young comrade staring out a window.
"What weighs so heavy on your mind, this fine winter evening?"
D'Artagnan pressed his face to the chilled glass. "Do you
think it's snowing in
Porthos resumed the task of sharpening his sword. "Aramis will keep his eye on Athos.
Do not fret yourself, young one."
D'Artagnan turned his head and rested his cheek against the
snow-crusted window. "I should have gone with him. Made sure he wore his
good boots and thickest socks. He forgets to do that sometimes." The
long-haired Musketeer drew a heart on the glass pane. "Did he take his new
cloak? I'm sure I laid it out for him to pack."
Porthos indicated the chair beside him. "Athos will be fine." The older man reached down and
tossed another log on the fire. "Come away from the window. Our captain
will have my hide if you catch a chill."
D'Artagnan sighed unhappily as he spared one last look at the
snowy landscape. Complying with his friend's wish, he settled down in the large
chair and watched the dancing flames of crimson and gold. "I wish he would
hurry back home."
Porthos smiled understandingly at the look of longing on the
young Gascon's face. "The King promised he would
return our lovers to us before the holiday commenced. He will not go back on
his word."
"I know." D'Artagnan
brought his legs up and wrapped his arms around his bent knees. "I just
don't understand why Athos volunteered to go with the
King. He could have assigned Henri to attend to his Majesty on this
journey."
Porthos turned his head to the side, hiding the knowing
twinkle in his eyes. Clearing the smile from his voice, he instructed,
"Drink some wine, D'Artagnan. Your melancholy
darkens the spirit of this holiday. Let us speak of the great celebration the
King has planned for tomorrow."
D'Artagnan tucked his emotions away and took a hearty swallow of
wine. Soon he and Porthos were regaling each other
with tales of past Christmas mischief. The fire crackled and spit as the two
men continued to talk late into the night. It wasn't long before D'Artagnan drifted off to sleep and a blanket was gently
tucked around him by large caring hands.
Porthos' gruff voice whispered into the silence. "Dream of your heart's desire, young one. I'm sure the
angels are listening tonight."
+++++++
D'Artagnan twisted in his chair, a worrying nuisance tickling
him awake. He brushed at his nose and mumbled incoherently,
sleep still tugging at his thoughts. A dampness swiped
across his cheek and the junior Musketeer frowned, his hand seeking out the
small aggravation. Sharp teeth caught hold of one finger and D'Artagnan was startled to full wakefulness.
"Ouch!" He sucked on his injured digit and
searched the darkness for the one responsible for disturbing his slumber. A
pair of large brown eyes greeted him seconds before a wet, drool-laden tongue
licked its welcome across his nose. Reaching out for the small puppy hovering
in front of him, D'Artagnan lifted his head and spied
the smiling face of his lover. "Athos!"
The puppy was tucked in the corner of the chair as the
young Musketeer hurled himself into the Athos' arms.
"You're home! You're home!"
Athos gathered D'Artagnan close
and spent several minutes re-acquainting himself with the unique taste of his
lover, the kiss soon growing wild and hungry. Pulling away for a much needed
breath, Athos smiled down at his breathless mate.
"I do believe you missed me."
D'Artagnan wrapped his arms around Athos'
tall frame and squeezed hard. "Yes, yes! I missed you in the worst way. I
don't like being separated from you." He pressed his lips to the older
man's mouth. "Why did you leave me behind? I would have gladly accompanied
you and Aramis."
Athos scooped up his lover and the forgotten puppy in his
arms. Turning, he sat down in the chair and settled both on his lap. "I
did not take you with me because I wanted to surprise you with this." The
Musketeer captain placed the playfully growling canine in his lover's hands.
"I remembered how much you admired Monsieur Deauvant's
hounds when we visited his estate last spring and I asked that word be sent to
me when a new litter was born. The message arrived a week ago and when I
inquired about taking a short leave, the King insisted on being told the
reason. He was so taken by my idea that he devised an excuse to go to
Athos petted the small dog's head. "I hope you like
your gift."
D'Artagnan laughed as the puppy enthusiastically licked his
lover's chin. "He's magnificent, Athos. I can't
believe you remembered a simple wish offered so many months ago."
Snuggling closer to his mate, D'Artagnan smiled as
the newest member of their family curled up for a nap in the crook of his arm.
"He will make a fine hunting dog, my beloved. We shall begin his training
immediately."
Athos caught D'Artagnan's chin
and directed his gaze away from the sleeping pup. "His training may have
to wait a few days. You will be occupied with a more important project."
"And what project could be that be?" A
knowing grin spread across the younger man's handsome face.
Athos slipped his hands beneath his lover's shirt and
brushed his thumbs over D'Artagnan's nipples.
"Me."
A joyous laugh spilled forth as D'Artagnan
pulled Athos' head down and shared with him a kiss
that revealed his truest feelings. "I love you, Athos.
Thank you for my gift."
The older Musketeer looked deep into D'Artagnan's eyes and realized he was thanking him not only
for the puppy but also for his love. He buried his smile of thankful wonder in
the thick strands of curls caressing the side of his face.
"Your love is my gift, too, D'Artagnan.
Noël joyeux, beloved."
The end
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