D'Artagnan has the Devil's Luck (![]() ![]() @ 2014-04-28 11:57:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, athos, d'artagnan |
Who:D'Artagnan and Athos
What: Sword fighting and trying to figure out what they are to eachother.
When:After Athos received his rapier
Where:Athos's home.
Warnings/rating:pg-13.
status:Complete!
Athos hadn’t been entirely sure how things would be once they returned from their group trip to San Francisco. Since that first night he and D’Artagnan had ended up sharing the bed they had slept together the nights after, usually accompanied by rather intense make out sessions. It never went much further than kisses and wandering hands though, they both needed to work out what it was between them and Athos was aware this was D’Artagnan’s first intimate involvement with a man.
But he had to admit that even in the short amount of time they’d been home he’d missed the younger man. He had become accustomed to his presence and it hadn’t been long until he suggested D’Artagnan come and stay with him. To which he had agreed, much to Athos’ relief. He’d put D’Artagnan’s things in the master bedroom, which had elicited no comment so he figured D’Artagnan didn’t mind, and at the same time retrieved his own rapier to show the other man who had brought his along too.
D'Artagnan wasn't sure what was going on in his head, he wasn't sure he wanted to over analyze it either. That was usually when things got messy for him. He was going by what felt right, being with Athos did. He wasn't sure if it was the new surroundings talking or not, but even when they returned home he found himself missing Athos's presence. He'd gotten used to it. Was even bored without it. Most of the short time they were home was spent thinking about Athos and wondering what he was doing.
He couldn't stop thinking about him. There was an age difference, but that didn't seem to stop his attraction to him. Everything about Athos intrigued him. He wanted to know more about him, he wanted to feel him again. Just remembering his touch caused an excitement to grow as Athos put his things in the room. He liked Athos's place better than his own anyway. He had no complaints as he watched him go, only that he was for a moment out of reach.
His own sword in hand, moved closer to him to look at the weapon he'd brought out. A hand touching it's sheath. "They are something else..I've had mine a while now, felt odd leaving it behind even for vacation." He didn't like being away from it.**tag
“I know what you mean now, when you said before about it” Athos agreed, standing close to D’Artagnan as they looked at the swords together. “Everything about it seems familiar, the weight of it all the way to just the feel of it” As soon as he’d picked it up it had been like a spark of recognition shot through him.
“So do you think we have some skill with them?” he asked looking up from the beautiful weapon, “Or are we going to end up at the hospital if we try?” his tone was light but there was some concern there. He didn’t want either of them to get hurt.
"Aramis's gun didn't agree with me. I was a terrible shot. I doubt your sword would either. I think there is something to that." He commented idly as Athos looked over his sword. "Like they're made for us." His sword though felt different, but he didn't know the words to describe how, like he wasn't the original owner. It still felt right, but he didn't know who the owner was. Nor did he feel like trying to figure it all out on his own just yet. Maybe in time the dreams would reveal it to him.
"I think some things are worth the risk." He gave him a mischievous smirk. "On guard." D'Artagnan challenged, his fingers gripping the weapon carefully.
“Perhaps the weapon chooses it’s owner or is at least made especially for us as you say” he agreed, it wouldn’t surprise him. If they were the weapons from the dreams then it stood to reason that they had been created for each of them in turn, perfectly balanced for their owners and nobody else.
Athos’ lips twitched, “As you say” he inclined his head and gripped his own weapon with more ease than he should for someone who had never picked one up in the real world before.
“The recoil was hell. Nearly fell over.” He was glad he’d managed to stand his ground in front of Aramis, but if the man had looked where he stood he’d have seen where D’Artagnan had been forced to dig in his heels. “Think modern guns are more practical though I am a bit envious.” He mused.
He tapped at Athos’s sword with his own and then attacked as he had remembered from the dreams. His movements however felt stiff. Like they’d gone unused.
“I can imagine” he said, and while modern guns may be more practical Athos felt there was a certain sophistication in the older weapons. He rather hoped his gun would come through at some point but he did know he was better with the sword.
Focusing on D’Artagnan and the sword he was a little slow to respond to the attack but managed to block it still. The more they moved the easier it became and things he didn’t realise he knew propelled his movements, almost like muscle memory.
The gun that D’artagnan saw in his dreams was much less detailed than the one Aramis had been given, and he wondered why. He didn’t have enough information on his dream self to have all the answers he wanted, but he hoped they would start filling quick enough.
He kept attacking Athos, but the sword took a great deal of energy. He wasn’t sure how long he was going to be able to keep it up unlike his dream self. That version had a great deal more practice than he had in real life. The swings started to feel more natural, but Athos was far more skilled than he. He wasn’t getting any of his attacks through, only gaining a bit of sweat on his brow. His pride didn’t let him quit yet and probably wouldn’t until he was physically unable to take another step forward.
It was definitely a good workout that much was true, Athos considered himself to be in good shape but even he could feel the fatigue in his muscles. He continued on though, adrenaline coursing through him as they parried. It seemed the natural aptitude from the dreams was indeed carrying over into the waking world and he soon had D’Artagnan pinned against the wall.
“Well it would appear we both have more skill with these than I would have thought” he said with a small smile, tapping his sword against D’Artagnan’s where he held it trapped above their heads.
It seemed he was putting a great deal more energy into his attacks than Athos was, but then he supposed that’s why he was the teacher in his dreams D’Artagnan hadn’t quite figured out how not to use as much as he had. And he’d been so busy focusing he didn’t realize how quickly the wall came up on them.
Athos had him. For a moment he attempted to free himself, but then he realized it was futile. He was pinned. Dark eyes stared Athos down intensely as he tried to get more air. Athos with that sword was sexy, even if he’d been beaten, he smirked as he watched him through dark bangs for a moment. “Yeah but you’ve got me. “ He emphasized by trying to move the weapon again in amusement. Adrenaline pumping through his own veins. He couldn’t even feel resentful, all he could think about was kissing him again despite being beaten.
Athos did have a slight advantage in that his previous job training CIA agents had taught him about gaining the upper hand with as little effort as possible. That combined with the instinctive sword knowledge he seemed to have made it unfair on D’Artagnan really.
“I definitely have you” Athos agreed, “Entirely at my mercy in fact” he added before moving closer and giving in to temptation as he pressed his lips to D’Artagnan’s.
In spite of his advantage, D’Artagnan mostly did keep up even if the skill levels were uneven. He didn’t have any regrets, so he didn’t harbor any sort of resentment for losing. The opposite really. He’d held his ground as he thought he might, and later he’d have to remember to tell this fact to Aramis. But now, Aramis was far from his mind as Athos moved in.
“Whatever will become of me?” He teased, but his words were soon silenced and only a sound of pleasure from them as Athos kissed him. He returned it with a bit more need than he’d intended, and bit at his lip playfully.
Oh D’Artagnan did very well, Athos was impressed there was no doubt about that. And he’d be sure to tell him that later on. But right now there were more pressing important things to worry about. Like kissing him thoroughly.
His lips curved as D’Artagnan bit his lip and he opened his mouth to deepen their kiss. His body pressed against D’Artagnan’s and leg slipping between the others. D’Artagnan wasn’t the only needy one.
This was how things often went between them lately, and he didn’t mind at all. Part of him wished they could have told the others, but the other was enjoying the secrecy. He hadn’t told Anna either, it was an extra spark. The sword dropped from his hand and landed beside them with a clatter. It wasn’t delicate though, it wouldn’t break from a single fall. He wasn’t worried about it in the least.
He was possibly enjoying being at Athos’s mercy too much, moan escaped his lips as the leg came between his own. His tongue slipped into Athos’s mouth willingly as he felt his lips part. He’d been missing this since the trip, though it hadn’t been that long since they’d been together it was all he could think about when they were apart. His pants were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. His hand above his head gripped into a fist in attempt to ignore it.
Athos was happy to keep things just between the two of them for now, partly because he was a private man anyway and partly because he didn’t want to share this side of D’Artagnan. Once others knew they’d interfere, it was how it always went with friends. And yes there was a certain spark with it being a secret. It added a level of excitement.
His own sword accompanied D’Artagnan’s and he responded to the others eagerness with his own want and urgency. One hand held D’Artagnan’s arms above him while the other traced along his side, slipping underneath his shirt to touch his skin.
His eyes were half shut with desire as Athos teased him. Every touch causing a tingling sensation to build in the pit of his stomach, and he moaned his name. He wasn't normally so secretive, he was usually the sort that was an open book but this was his. He didn't want to share either. He wanted to be selfish with Athos, he didn't want to care about the repercussions the relationship could have. He just wanted to feel him. Athos's name played on his lips as that hand caused him to shiver with pleasure.
D'Artagnan practically whimpered under the warm hand against his skin. Adrenaline still surged through him. It was the most alive he’d ever felt.
The things Athos had imagined doing to D’Artagnan would probably succeed in making the boy blush but damned if he didn’t want to see that too. He knew he should be taking things slower and not overwhelming D’Artagnan but he’d not touched him since they returned from their vacation and having him here like this was too much. Especially when D’Artagnan was so responsive to his touch.
He pulled back a little breathing hard, “You are such a temptation” he said softly, hand still stroking the soft skin along his side and stomach.
D’Artagnan didn’t do things by the half. When he was with Athos, it consumed him. His touch, his scent, everything about him was like a drug. When Athos pulled back, he had to once again catch his breath before he could even think of responding. He writhed at the touch and watched him intently.
“What is it you want to do?” He finally managed as he caught up to breathing properly. Dark bangs clung to his face a bit as he tilted his head back against the wall slghtly to watch him.
D'Artagnan's responsiveness was intoxicating and would be easy to become addicted to. Not that Athos minded, in fact it was rather appealing. He wanted to explore his body and see what other reactions and sounds he could draw from him.
"Everything" he replied honestly, moving in to mouth at his neck, "I want to see how much pleasure I can give you until you beg me for release" he moved his hand up over his stomach around to his back as he spoke, watching his reaction to the touch and words.
He didn’t care about taking things slow, as far as he was aware he wasn’t overwhelmed emotionally. But at the same time he couldn’t tell, every time he got near Athos his head got all foggy in the best way. It didn’t leave much time to think, just react.
D’Artagnan tilted his head some to give him room, it caused another soft noise from his throat. The words alone caused him to chew at his lip. “Do it. Please.” His voice barely audible, eyes watching like a hawk.
Athos stilled his hand, drawing back he looked at D’Artagnan, “Are you sure?” he asked, fingers stroking D’Artagnan’s wrists where he still held them. As much as everything in him was screaming at him to do as he wished, to pleasure this man until he couldn’t stand it, the honorable part of him knew he couldn’t do so with a clear conscience if D’Artagnan wasn’t completely on board.
He didn’t want to become something D’Artagnan would regret, he valued his friendship more than that and already cared about him too much to risk it.
The loss of the warm lips caused his head to clear a little as Athos pulled back. "I want this. I want you." There was a hint of nervousness just then, but no regret. He hadn't been with anyone like this, so naturally there would be some nerves involved. D'Artagnan did well enough though at hiding them. He didn't want Athos to think it was because of him or some silly nonsense. It was just in general.
He wanted to be with Athos. He'd never clicked with anyone else like this. He'd never experienced something so intense before and he didn't want it to end. His eyes met the others, A warmth in them. "I'm sure."
Athos saw the nerves but correctly interpreted them, the warmth in D’Artagnan’s gaze convincing him that it wasn’t simply the intensity of the moment making the other agree. And finding he was incredibly thankful for it. A smile appeared on Athos’ face as he stroked D’Artagnan’s cheek, “I’m so very glad” he said before kissing him once more.
It was brief, he wasn’t about to ravish the younger man in the living room so he moved D’Artagnan’s arms around his neck and moved them into the bedroom, where they could be more comfortable. And hopefully more relaxing for them both. He also may have wanted to see D’Artagnan naked and flushed against his sheets but he couldn’t be blamed for that.
For some reason the idea of moving things into the bedroom was intimidating to him. Like it all had become more real just then as he let himself be led there. He lay on Athos's bed, it was much more comfortable than his own was really, but his nerves were starting to get the best of him. He wanted him, but it was as though everything had started to catch up all at once. For a moment he was just quiet as he tried to figure out what his head was doing. He couldn't find the words, he didn't want to insult him after all that. Or turn him off, but he was worried.
"Wait.." He knew Athos would want him to speak up if he needed to, and despite his internal swearing he did need to.
Athos froze when D'Artagnan spoke, looking at the younger mans eyes he saw the worry in them and took his hands off him as he moved back. He should have known he was moving too fast, despite appearances D'Artagnan would of course be hesitant. This was all new to him and Athos should have known better. Been better able to control himself. "I'm sorry" he said softly.
"Don't be. Just need a minute." He hated the loss of his hands, but he needed suddenly to catch up. He just lie there catching his breath for a moment. "I want this I just.." Why did his brain have the worst timing to turn on? "I just need.." His voice trailed off as he focused on breathing evenly. Not sure what he needed or how to react, he rubbed at his eyes in frustration. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Athos sat up and ran a hand over his face, it was obvious D'Artagnan was confused and he knew he was responsible for that. "Don't" he said looking at his hands, "There's nothing wrong with you. This isn't...I moved too fast, it's my fault. I need to apologise" The wall he kept around himself was returning, he didn't realise but it was. Self preservation was kicking in.
He removed his hands from his face to look over at him in concern. “Athos..” He sat up and took one of his hands, kissing it gently. “It was my choice to come in here.” His breathing had settled finally, and he laced their fingers before Athos could protest. “I just need to know some things first. My brain wasn’t exactly functioning.” He mused softly, still refusing to let go, but no longer worried in any case. “You don’t have two or three other boyfriends anywhere I need to worry about do you?” He tried to keep his tone light. “I’ll tell you right now, I can be pretty horrifically jealous.”
He frowned a little in confusion when his hand was kissed and he looked at D'Artagnan, it had been Athos who had moved them. They should have just made out in the living room, but Athos was greedy and had to have more. He let the other tangle their fingers as he listened, still a bit wary. He couldn't stop a small huff of disbelieving laughter escaping. "I can assure you there is nobody else, hasn't been for a long time" he said, "You are the only one D'Artagnan and you'll find jealousy is a trait we share" he added pointedly. He doubted there was anybody else for the boy not after he admitted the embarrassment with Aramis but it didn't hurt to lay things on the table.
He knew he was doing his share of confusing now, he felt badly for it especially as he watched him recoil away at first. D'Artagnan was glad he didn't fight harder to pull away entirely. He feared he might. His lips brushing over his knuckles affectionately in an attempt to make up for confusing him as he listened. "Think I like that, being the only one. There's no one else for me either." He slid a little closer and rested their hands in his lap, leaning his cheek against Athos's shoulder. Watching him much like an apologetic puppy.
"I want you." He repeated quietly as he had before. He only then looked aside, he was nervous of it in general. "Just maybe slower?"
It was confusing but understandably so. This wasn't something D'Artagnan had ever done before and Athos needed to keep that in mind even when the other was as into it as he was, he needed to remember how new it all was to him. Not that he'd planned on going all the way with him yet, that wasn't the reason for moving in here. He'd actually thought it might be better since their previous make out and groping sessions had been in the hotel bed in San Francisco, he should have known it would be different here. Athos sighed and placed a chaste kiss on D'Artagnan's head, "You set the pace" he said, thumb rubbing over the others knuckles where their hands were joined.
In theory it shouldn't have been different, but it was. That room sort of made things feel more final. It was Athos's personal room. So he wanted to understand where things were going, and he had a better idea. He didn’t feel like Athos was just going to leave him because vacation was over. He began to relax a little more again and now wanted to get Athos to relax also. "Slower doesn't have to be bad." He teased and leaned up to kiss his jawline, giving his earlobe a little nip, and then attempted to draw him back down again ontop of him. "I don't have any idea what I'm doing, you might need to help me." He wanted to please him too, as much as he enjoyed the wandering hands, he didn't quite know how to get the same reaction Athos had gotten out of him from the other. Athos had more experience at this sort of thing but D’Artagnan was willing to do whatever it was he wanted him to try within reason.
Athos smiled, "Slower isn't bad at all" he said, "I should have been moving slower with you anyway but you seem to have the rare ability to make me stop thinking logically" he explained with a slightly self deprecating tone. Athos allowed himself to be drawn down until he was leaning over D''Artagnan, "Just go with whatever feels good" he replied though he did lay his hand gently on the others side before kissing him again. There was still tension in him, he didn't want to risk coming on too strong again and scaring him off. For Athos this was definitely far more than a vacation fling.
He didn't need everything solidified as to where they were, he liked the excitement he felt whenever he saw him because it was always something new. But he did need that little reassurance that he wasn't about to lose him right away if he did get wrapped up in the moment again. Athos was willing to give him the time he needed to adjust to the physical and emotional side of things. That went miles with him. As he spoke D'Artagnan chuckled. "Tell me about it. I can't stop thinking about you." He really hadn't since they’d gotten back, all he could think of when he’d gotten home again was when he could see Athos. To emphasize just how good slow could be he kissed him at first again gently, and then a bit more urgently. Parting his own lips to deepen it some.
He could have that reassurance, Athos wasn’t going anywhere not while D’Artagnan wanted him around as a lover or as just a friend. And he’d give him all the time he needed if it meant he got to hold him as he’d done in San Francisco, it was rare for Athos to allow anybody close either physically or emotionally and he was embracing it rather than running from it. Athos smiled at the words and let himself relax a little into the kiss, his hand stroked as it had before but through D’Artagnan’s clothes this time.
Clothing was getting in his way. He kept doing as Athos did though. His hand sliding under the mans shirt as he kissed him. He hated that he’d been afraid, but he was glad Athos understood. He didn’t want to lose him because of it. There was a deep attachment there, and it might have actually broken his heart if he had. His hand ran against Athos’s bare chest, fingertips brushing over one of his nipples teasingly. He kissed him until he was forced to breathe again, but it didn’t last long, he leaned up to catch his lips in yet another kiss. His nails were short but he drew them against his skin gently. A soft sound of pleasure escaping his lips as he let his hand roam a bit further down beyond his stomach. He wanted more than a fling, D’Artagnan wasn’t the sort for one night stands, he’d tried to be but that was more of Aramis’s territory. He got too stuck in his head and jealous for that sort of thing in the end. Some part of him felt Athos wasn’t that type, it made it easier to kiss him. And now that he knew he wasn’t going anywhere, only more so. He felt Athos start to relax again and a wave of relief washed over him.
When D’Artagnan’s fingertips brushed over Athos’ nipples his breath caught in his throat and he moaned in pleasure at the sensation that rippled through his body. It had been a while since he’d been with anybody and this boy caused his head to become fuzzy. He already knew he could fall and fall hard for him but it was too soon to be thinking about that. One thing was certain though, neither of them were the one night stand sort. Hearing D’Artagnan’s own moan of pleasure relaxed Athos even more and he decided that he needed to touch too so he slipped his own hand under D’Artagnan’s shirt to touch his skin. He moved slowly and softly, allowing D’Artagnan to move away or stop him if he wanted to.
The sound he managed to draw from Athos caused a smile to play on his lips. He didn't stop him or shy away this time at the touch of his hands against his flesh. He wasn't worried anymore. But he also wasn't thinking about the future. He tended to live in the moment most of the time. Thinking of the past was too painful, and before he'd met his friends the future hadn't looked so great either. Maybe one day he'd try it, but for now he was very content with the present. Athos's warm hands caused his own head to go a little fuzzy in the best way. He sighed happily and felt as though he could melt into the blankets. He hadn't been this relaxed either in a long time. He only moved into his touch this time, wanting more of it.
Athos would agree the past was too painful to dwell on but he couldn’t ignore the future completely. He was always thinking and planning, it was a hard habit to break. And in truth he didn’t want to. He was prepared for anything which might occur, well usually. He hadn’t entirely been prepared for D’Artagnan but that little surprise was turning out to be a very good one so he couldn’t say he minded being blindsided by the other man. The more pleased noises D’Artagnan made the more relaxed Athos became and his hands travelled more freely over smooth skin.
Every time Athos touched him, he felt it. It left a pleasurable tingling sensation running through his body. He reached up a hand to run it through the man's hair affectionately and drew him down into a gentle kiss. The heat was still there, but it was there in a manner that D'Artagnan could keep up with this time. That was the difference, despite the fog he could still feel every move Athos made, and that was what he wanted. He wanted to experience it. He watched him warmly, his hands reaching down to the ends of his shirt and peeling it off over his head. He wanted to see him, and frankly it was getting in the way.
The slow gentle heat was different to the intense overwhelming one and for them right now it was preferable too. Athos wanted to take his time with D'Artagnan, savor every touch, every noise. The guilt was lessening as they continued and he truly smiled when the shirt was removed. "Better?" he asked lightly, "Now you have me at an unfair disadvantage" he teased playing with the hem of D'Artagnan's shirt and looking at him for permission.
"Much." He looked him over appreciatively. His hand reaching out to touch him again, drawing him back down. "Depends on your point of view." He smirked as he pressed a kiss to his chest and shifted some, nodding as he felt the hands toying with the fabric. Athos didn't have to ask for everything, but the idea that he was trying to was nice. Made him feel that there was still a hint of control there, and he needed that. This was still new for him but with the control Athos displayed he was no longer worried.
Athos wasn’t the self conscious type but he realised he was somewhat conscious of the fact that he was older than D’Artagnan as the younger man looked him over. He was fit of course, he needed to be with his job but he no longer had the body of a twenty year old. Still, D’Artagnan must not be too unhappy if the kiss and appreciative eyes were anything to go by. At his nod, Athos evened the score a little and removed D’Artagnan’s own shirt. Hands running over him before he too bent to kiss the chest beneath him. Athos was more controlled now and would ensure he stayed that way so he did not cause any more panic or upset, it was the last thing he wanted to do. He wanted D’Artagnan to feel safe and relaxed in his company, no matter what they were doing.
A look and wandering hands accompanied it soon after. D'Artagnan was slender, but not unhealthily so. Though there may have been signs that at one point he had been. Growing up he didn't always have food to eat so he got used to not eating for a few days at a time when necessary. It took it's toll, but as an adult he seemed to have fought those conditions. He was a little underweight but not dramatically so. Besides that, Porthos had recently taken it upon himself to make sure he did have food as well. He finally found a good weight to be at and stuck to it. His eating habits weren't always good, but he didn't miss meals anymore. He wasn’t as self conscious as he thought he might be either because of it. He relaxed as Athos kissed him, not paying any mind to his little hangups. Athos didn’t seem turned off by him either, so it didn’t take him long to get out of his head again with each gentle touch. He had some tone to him at least thanks to his job, that helped with his vanity issues.
Things D’Artagnan had told him meant Athos knew some things about his past and the struggles he’d been through but he was glad to see that the boy was healthy. He was a little slim but not unhealthily so, he looked good and Athos was letting him know that through the touches and kisses he placed along his torso. Athos would be taking over from Porthos for as long as D’Artagnan stayed with him, they’d eat proper meals and good ones too. It wasn’t something many people knew but Athos wasn’t too bad in the kitchen. His mother had made sure that he and his brother could fend for themselves and it was something he enjoyed. Living alone meant he didn’t really bother much but with D’Artagnan there he would.
He wasn't sure how long he'd planned on staying, that involved looking ahead again. He was busy enjoying the time with Athos. He didn't want to think about it ending. Athos's touch drew a soft sigh of contentment. He felt comfortable with him, more than that really. Wanted. It was a thing he hadn't felt in a long while. Someone wanted to be with him, and it wasn't just one sided. He reached up again to toy with Athos's hair. "Going to make me never want to go home at this rate.” He teased him softly.
“You know that’s more of an incentive for me to continue than anything else right?” Athos replied with an easy smile, “Getting to keep you would be the star prize” He bent to kiss D’Artagnan then, hand resting on his stomach fingers splayed but not moving too much. Slow and steady he kept reminding himself, this boy made him lose his head too easily. He meant what he said though, he wouldn’t mind if D’Artagnan didn’t leave. He had a spare room so he could have his own space even if it was probably far too soon for anything like that, it didn’t stop Athos wanting it. He wasn’t the sort to crave company yet he did D’Artagnan’s, and the others too though not to the same extent.
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” He teased softly as Athos leaned in again. Returning the kiss, he wrapped an arm around Athos’s shoulders. His nails scraped affectionately against his shoulder blade, and his eyes closed half way. He really could just lay there all day with him, enjoying what they had. And at that point he didn’t feel it was necessary in the least to even try moving so there was a high possibility of that happening. “Star prize hm.” He mused out loud as the kiss parted, and he sighed contently.
Athos smiled into the kiss, he’d lay here all day too if he could. It was nice to just be with someone without pressure or expectation. He could relax and enjoy that with D’Artagnan. He laughed softly as D’Artagnan spoke, “Definitely a star prize, how could you not be?” he replied, shifting a little so he was laying next to the other man now, hands stroking his chest gently.
When Athos lie next to him, he slid over a bit closer. His head resting gently on his shoulder. “How could you not be hiding two or three others?” He mused as he let his eyes slide shut a bit more. He was tired. Between the sword play and the fooling around, it seemed Athos had finally worn him out and he laughed a bit about it. “Looks like you finally figured out how to tire me out.” He reached a hand to rest gently on top of the others.
“It’s my grumpy side, puts people off” Athos half joked, it was also the fact that he never let people get close to him but D’Artagnan didn’t need to know that. A hand caressed his cheek before he placed it back on D’Artagnan’s chest, “That will be handy to know in the future. You do seem to have a ridiculous amount of energy” he teased gently linking their fingers together.
“Then they aren’t worth your attention anyway. Besides that, if anyone did just appear I may have to kill them. ” Whether or not he was serious was uncertain, but then he smirked a little. ‘Or at least cause them to mysteriously disappear.” He closed his eyes to the touch and chuckled at that. “I’ve been told.” His thumb brushed against Athos’s hand as he held it. “Who knew all it took is sword fighting.” He was getting more comfortable with being touched, no more worry or fear to be seen.
Athos let out a small huff of laughter, "It's okay, until you I've not taken interest in anybody for a long time" he said, "So no need to worry about disappearing anyone" Though he thought it sweet that D'Art thought he'd need to. "You know anybody who hears that would think its a euphemism for something naughty" and one day it would be, Athos thought contentedly. It would be slow and steady with him and that was just fine.
“Why me then?” He couldn’t help but be curious, but then he was amused again. “You say this like it’s a bad thing.” He didn’t know what it was about Athos, despite his grumpy appearance he felt connected to him. He would take a bit of time to get further than kissing, but it didn’t seem the thought of that had turned Athos off or pulled him away and he was glad. He rolled onto his side, his arm draping across Athos’s chest and his head resting against the crook of his neck.
"There was just something about you" Athos said, "I feel differently with you" before he too chuckled, "No, it wouldn't be a bad thing, though when the others eventually find out that we're together I'm sure Aramis will have something to say. Especially as I warned him to leave you alone" Yes, that would be an uncomfortable conversation. As D'Artagnan got settled Athos held him close and kissed his hair.
“Me too.” He admitted, then just fell quiet as he listened to Athos. He liked the sound of his voice even when he was wary of things. He almost didn’t even answer, but then he raised an eyebrow. “That’s what he meant then when he mentioned you wouldn’t be pleased and he’d need proof.” It all made more sense now, and he made a face. “Aramis confuses me.” He frowned, his fingertips idly toying with Athos’s side. “You really warned him though?” He was amused at the idea that Aramis needed warning. Of course now he understood why. “Can we just not tell them a while longer?” He didn’t want to complicate things more. “Involving people gets confusing.” He could be easily overwhelmed when it came to the emotional side of this as Athos had discovered earlier.
"Aramis confuses himself, I wouldn't worry too much. He's a good guy really, he's just scared I think" Athos said, own fingers stroking D'Artagnan's skin. "Mmm yes I warned him. Didn't want you to get hurt" though now he also wondered if there had been more to it. "Nobody needs to know until you're ready for them to" Athos assured him, "You set the pace D'Artagnan, in everything you need to"
“I know he is. He told me about his partner and that he doesn’t do love anymore.” He wondered if there might be a way to fix that, but it wasn’t as though it was his place to do so. Still he cared for the men he’d befriended. “I thought I could handle him. But it was too much. “ He really hadn’t even known what he was thinking where Aramis was concerned. “It wasn’t his fault though, he told me everything up front. I just couldn’t go through with it. Didn’t feel right.” His pride had suffered from that a bit, but he managed to bounce back easy enough anyway. “Good. Sort of like having you to myself anyway.” He mused as he snuggled there with him constantly, reaching to pull one of the blankets up over them a bit more.
Athos nodded, “He’ll ask for help when he’s ready, he just needs time” Aramis was a good friend and Athos would help if he was asked but he wouldn’t push. That never helped. “Well I have to admit I’m glad you couldn’t” he said with a small smile, squeezing D’Artagnan a little, lips against his hair. “I like having you to myself too so we’re in agreement there” he tucked the blanket around the younger man caringly.
D’Artagnan yawned as the blanket was placed more warmly around him, his palm resting on Athos’s side, and his eyes closing part way. He struggled to stay awake and just talk. He could talk to him all night and not grow bored or restless, which was new for him. He was comfortable and calm, and not even attempting to squirm away. “I felt like a fool, but better a fool than regret.” Regret could have torn them apart the way he felt. “I thought maybe it was love, but it was far from it. I don’t love Aramis. Not that way.” It was too early to admit love for Athos, but he could fall for him quite hard. His eyes closed at the squeeze and he began to drift to sleep.
Athos’ hand found it’s way to D’Artagnan’s hair and rested there, letting the strands run through his fingers as he saw how tired the other man was. Wanting to help him relax and rest. “A fool wouldn’t recognise that so I think you’re far from being a fool. No matter how it felt at the time” he kissed D’Artagnan’s head. “Now sleep” he advised, closing his own eyes, “I’ll be here when you wake up”
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Athos looked so rough around the edges, and yet there he was murmuring such soft words of reassurance. D’Artagnan felt wanted and secure in his arms. He had no problems drifting off to sleep and not worrying about whether or not he’d be alone upon waking.