Who: Athos and D'Artagnan Where: Around town When July What House hunting Status: Complete Rating: Low/PDA
House hunting wasn’t something most people enjoyed but then most people didn’t house hunt with an energetic D’Artagnan. And Athos had to admit his enthusiasm for the task was kind of infectious. Athos’ good mood had been started that morning when, while snuggling together, D’Artagnan had told him he’d handed in notice on his own place.
Living together was something they’d been doing unofficially for a while now and rather successfully and as much as Athos liked the place he lived now he was very keen on the idea of a place that was ‘theirs’. It probably wouldn’t be their forever home but it might be and that, to Athos, was exciting. He had very few requirements other than a garage and good sized garden but he knew D’Artagnan had a few more ideas.
He’d not even been a little wary of handing in his notice. He had never really liked that apartment. D’Artagnan was rarely in it. There was no point in hanging onto an expensive extra room nobody was actually using. He didn’t really have many things he cared about in either. The only things he wanted to pick up were his Musketeer things and a few various work things. But other than that he could really just care less. He’d never bothered to really decorate it or make it his own, because it never actually felt like his. With Athos it was differen. He wanted a place that was truly theirs, so he made up a list of some things while he put together breakfast. Of course it was simple, this was D’Artagnan. He hadn’t become a magical cook all the sudden just because he was staying with Athos. It was bagels and cereal.
Had he known Athos was thinking about the idea of forever homes, he’d have blushed something fierce. D’Artagnan was more of a in the moment sort though. He wasn’t good at thinking that far ahead, probably better for both their sakes lest he get incredibly awkward about it. D’Artagnan didn’t have the patience to sit there and listen to every realtors spell on homes, and so he brushed past the first one leaving them rather annoyed in his wake and peering around for himself. It needed personality, he didn’t want any place that looked ‘dead’ or forgotten by time. He quietly looked around at it for a few moments while he waited for Athos to ignore the realtor too. He wasn’t very impressed with this one. It was bland.
Athos would always be the more 'future focused' of the two, it was just the way he worked. Though he probably wouldn't share most of those thoughts with D'Artagnan, not unless he felt he should or it became important. He smiled as his boyfriend brushed off the realtor and started looking around himself, after apologising and requesting some time alone he joined D'Artagnan. Wrapping an arm around his waist he said "Thoughts?"
D’Artagnan wasn’t really the sort to be lead about and shown things. He liked to look on his own terms, the realtor was just getting in the way at this point. The guy had a good sales pitch, but D’Artagnan wasn’t interested in that. He was interested in the house itself, not how many the man had to sell to reach quota. He was interested in the house they were going to be sharing. When Athos joined him he leaned into the touch instinctively and shrugged. “Eh.” He didn’t have any strong feeling about this place one way or another. “It’s okay? It just doesn’t seem like us?” He frowned a bit, not knowing how an empty house possibly could. Maybe he was just a little too attached to Athos current place just yet. He really did enjoy the homey feel of it. “It’s not awful?”
Athos didn't mind the sales pitch but he never really listened to it. He understood why they did it but he'd always make up his own mind. "It's not but it's not great either. Not perfect for us, right?" he said with an incline of his head.
He nodded to that and made a bit of a face. “This might be harder than I thought.” He really was going to try not to turn down every place they saw, but he wanted it to be something special. “I really don’t have any idea how to do this.” He frowned as he looked around again. “I didn’t really put any thought into my other place except I wanted it closeish to work..I never really liked it though. It never felt like mine. I lived there for a few years and it’s remained the way you saw it. I didn’t even really decorate it or anything.”
“Well we don’t have to rush and we have time to find the perfect place” Athos said easily, “I think when we do find the right place we’ll just know. I didn’t put any thought into my place. The agency found it for me and I just lived in it” He hadn’t decorated either but it had been done nicely and he’d brought things that made it feel more like a home. He found it felt even more like that after D’Artagnan moved in. “We’ll find somewhere that feels right and then we can decorate and do everything like that together. Once we agree on colors” he added with a wink and a squeeze of D’Artagnan’s waist.
“I sort of thought that was what it was supposed to be like. We’d know what it is. I don’t think this is it.” He frowned a little as he looked over at the various things. It was just a place. At those words he slid his hand to rest on the one wrapped around him. “Maybe so. But I like that place. “ He liked that the things in it reminded him of Athos, since they’d been everything he picked out. He gave him a small smirk and nodded. “Colors and style and feel..maybe we’ll need a little help with this?” He said slightly overwhelmed by it all. He liked the idea of house hunting with Athos, but it was a lot to take in. “How many more did you want to go look at?”
Athos nodded, “Yeah I think we will. And I agree I don’t think this is it” Linking their fingers Athos smiled, “I’m glad you like it. We might be in it for a while until we find our perfect place” It was looking likely it might take longer than he’d imagined but at least they had a place in the meantime which they both liked. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. We’ll take our time and just do what we can” Athos said squeezing D’Artagnan’s fingers reassuringly, “There’s a couple more which looked promising unless you’ve had enough for today?”
“I don’t want to just settle this time.” He smiled a little as he held his hand. He’d settled on his place in favor of it being close to work, but that didn’t matter much anymore. He was considering accepting the job at the Agency anyway. “It reminds me of you. Of course I like it.” He chuckled at that, he wouldn’t have been there all the time if he didn’t. Everything was Athos’ and that comforted him somehow. “I can handle a couple more.” Though he was getting restless with it.
“I don’t want you to just settle either. I want you to love it” Athos said, it was very important to him that D’Artagnan was happy with their home. He always wanted him to feel safe and secure whenever he was there. “Well aren’t you the sweet talker” he teased, tilting D’Artagnan’s head up to steal a quick soft kiss. “We’ll do another one and then see how you feel okay?” he suggested, knowing even after the short time they’d been together how fidgety D’Artagnan could get. It was only natural with the amount of energy the boy had.
“Us. I want us to love it.” He corrected him. He knew Athos would do many things if it meant his own happiness, but he wanted him to be happy with it too. “It’ll be ours, not just mine.” He chided with a warm expression as Athos kissed him, he returned it sweetly. It had been a short time, but he felt a strong bond with Athos, like he’d known him much longer than that. “You worry too much.” He said softly, but agreed. His attention span would get the better of him rather quickly when it came to tasks like this..
“Us” Athos agreed, though he doubted he would dislike it if D’Artagnan didn’t. He was fairly easy going and, as soppy as it may be, he felt that any place D’Artagnan was would feel like home. The bond D’Artagnan felt was echoed by Athos, he’d opened up to the younger man faster than he ever had with anybody before. That was definitely a good indication that D’Artagnan was special. “Sometimes” he admitted, though he didn’t think this was one of those times. He didn’t want D’Artagnan to get bored with hunting for their home.
He raised the hand that was in his own to press his lips to Athos’ knuckles with an amused expression. “Good.” And lowered it back down to his side, where it had been before. He was getting impatient though simply remaining in that home and began to tug Athos toward the door. “Show me the next?” He frowned a little at Athos’ response. “No worrying today.” And gave him a gentle squeeze in attempt to be comforting of his hand. “I’m fine right now, honestly.” He mused as he once again ignored a disgruntled realtor.
Athos couldn’t help but smile rather dopily when D’Artagnan kissed his hand, he really was ridiculously in love. He needed to get a hold of himself more. He was a team leader for a government agency for crying out loud. “Of course. And I promise I’ll try not to worry. At least for today” Athos shook his head silently at the realtor and indicated they’d be moving on to the next house on the shortlist. It was only a few streets away.
D’Artagnan was amused by that reaction he could draw out of him. When he first met him he came off kinda scary, but now it was only scary when he needed it to be. “Good. Because there really isn’t anything to worry about. Unless you count me being hungry a thing to worry over.” He grinned a little. He was already naturally impatient. Throw hunger in and that would skyrocket. He didn’t release Athos’ hand as they moved on. He didn’t feel a need to and it was nice. If he wanted to be with him in public he didn’t need to hide anymore. Sure the hiding for him had added on an extra layer of excitement, but this level was also intriguing. He’d never gotten this far in a relationship.
Appearing scary was Athos’ thing, he’d gotten used to it now. Everybody seemed to view him that way and it did work in his favor, especially work wise. But even that hadn’t put D’Artagnan off which had turned out to be a blessing. “Uh oh, hungry? That’s it we’re all doomed” Athos teased kissing the top of his head after tugging him a little closer with their joined hands. He’d never shy away from being affectionate to D’Artagnan in public, something which had also changed thanks to this special man. Athos had no intention of letting him go, so D’Artagnan would simply have to get used to the idea of a long relationship.
That was one of the things D’Artagnan wondered about. If he took the Agency job, how would he have to treat Athos at work? When he just tagged along now it was different. Athos, Aramis and Porthos weren’t his superiors-they were just friends. If he went to work for them it would change. He would likely report to them. Maybe it would end up like the dreams, and for some aspects he hoped it did-others, not so much. He could do without random mindless tasks. Knowing Aramis and Porthos he may have to be careful with that. “Mmhm. I forgot breakfast.” He shrugged as he walked close to him. Laughing as he nearly tripped on Athos’ feet. He wasn’t the most graceful thing. “I’ve been thinking about this Agency thing too.” It was a little out of the blue, but he wanted Athos to be the first to know his decision. He wanted the job, but he worried. Maybe with the new house should come new job, new opportunities and all that. D’Artagnan was definitely not against the idea of being with Athos for a long time to come.
Athos was less worried about that, he’d always been pretty good at remaining professional when he needed to. Though that might change if D’Artagnan was threatened or in trouble, but then Aramis and Porthos would be there too. They were a team and they worked well together. “We’ll grab something nice on the way home” Athos told him before handing over a small chocolate bar from his pocket, “Here, that should help” he said with a smile. Keeping D’Artagnan upright he looked at him, “Yeah? You gonna say yes?” he asked easily, not pressuring but rather hopeful.
D’Artagnan didn’t really want to think what would happen if any of them were threatened really. He knew he was biased towards all of them, but especially Athos. If something were to happen he had no idea how he’d react to it. He raised an eyebrow. “You keep chocolate on you now? I’ll have to remember this.” He grinned as he took it and handed him some of it once it was unwrapped. “I think I am going to accept it. It’s a good job. I just...worry a bit about Sharon.” He admitted. But in the end it would be stupid to turn down a job he wanted to keep a job he was currently unhappy with.
“I know you too well” Athos told him, “But don’t get used to it. I’ll start swapping it out with fruit so you’ll never know which I have” he teased. In truth Athos had taken to carrying something for his boyfriend, since he’d realised the best way to help D’Artagnan when he lost his energy was a sugar dose. Athos took the offered chocolate and nodded his thanks, “For what it’s worth I think you’re making the right decision. You know Sharon would hate you to turn it down because of her”
He made a face. “That’s not fair.” The sugar rush definitely would tide him over at least until they got to meal time. He had so much energy but when he crashed it was hard core. He did nothing halfway. If he didn’t keep up that energy he’d be intensely grouchy “Fruit is evil.” He made a face much like a kid being told he wasn’t allowed a cookie before dinner of pure rejection. “Am I that predictable?” He asked with a raised eyebrow as he ate the chocolate and followed him to the next home. “I know..I want it but..” He was trying to be loyal. “Every day I like going to work less and less. I think it’d be different if I liked it.”
“Natural sugar is just as good” Athos informed him, chuckling as D’Artagnan made a face, “I am pretty sure there is no devil connection with fruit and evil” he deadpanned. “Not predictable, I’m just more prepared than most. Besides are you complaining that I’m carrying chocolate for you?” he asked, eyebrow raised. Athos hugged him closer, “Sharon will understand darling, and it’ll be better for you too. You aren’t supposed to dread going to work which is where you’re heading” he said softly.
He sighed at that. “I know I know.” He still couldn’t help but look defeated at the idea of fruit “It was..nevermind.” He didn’t bother explaining the evil fruit. He just looked exasperatingly at him. “Nope. No complaints at all.” He laughed as Athos pulled him in. It was hard to imagine the Athos from the alternate world doing this with him, but part of him hoped he would find some sort of happiness the way they were experiencing it. “I didn’t think so either..I used to be able to handle that just fine but it’s getting more and more tiring..” He admitted. “I don’t really trust any of them save Sharon. I can’t even trust them really not to get me killed at this point after the last partner they assigned me.”
Athos wouldn’t ever follow through on the fruit thing, well maybe chocolate covered strawberries but they were an acceptable exception and would be eaten at home before kissing D’Artagnan senseless. It was a very specific scenario in Athos’ mind. “Glad to hear it” he chuckled. It was even hard for him to imagine himself in the dreams being like this but he was glad he was. It was nice having a connection with someone, and that someone being D’Artagnan was even better. He was a good influence on the older man and was beginning to lighten his personality more. “That’s what I don’t like” Athos said, thumb rubbing over D’Artagnan’s hip unconsciously, “With us I’d know you were well protected and happy”
Had he known about the things in Athos’ mind he might have been intrigued. D’Artagnan was actually glad they’d stopped for a moment to talk rather than gone directly over to the next home. He needed a little time to let the sugar take effect and help raise his energy levels anyway. Plus he was enjoying Athos’ affections. He was glad for any amount of light he managed to bring him. He deserved to be happy. D’Artagnan wanted to see to that. “I just don’t know with them anymore. I don’t remember them being this bad..” He frowned a little, but Athos’ thumb brushing his hip caused him to raise an amused eyebrow, but for the moment he said nothing of it.
There were many things that went through Athos’ mind, some more innocent than others. Letting the sugar take effect and having some time to themselves was definitely needed and not just for D’Artagnan. He enjoyed being able to be affectionate in public though he was careful not to be too over the top. Athos was more concerned with D’Artagnan’s happiness but then one led to the other so it worked for them both in the end. “We need to get you out of there babe, I’d like to see you happy, healthy and safe with us. We’re a team after all, right?” he said leaning down to kiss him briefly.
The problem with having so much energy was there were times he over taxed it, and frequently. He wasn’t as well trained on things as the others were, so he often ended up running on fumes. As was also just a side effect of being young. He didn’t think things through all that much, like when he’d be needing said energy or when he’d run out. Thankfully it seemed Athos was keeping tabs on him, without that boost of sugar he’d have become a bit surly and moody. “Yeah..I just..” He frowned as he trailed off for a moment. “I guess by now I thought things would be better. I kept hoping. “ And then he nodded. “I want that. “ It was hard for him to leave that station behind. But dread was becoming a thing, and he knew Athos was right in that aspect. He shouldn’t have to dread work. He returned that kiss gently and gave him a content smile. “I guess that seals it.” He teased him as he squeezed his hand gently. “I’m quitting.”
Even younger Athos couldn’t remember ever having as much energy as D’Artagnan but he’d learnt to read his levels and knew when a boost was needed. His emotions affected his energy more than he thought D’Artagnan realised and he was hoping once he left that awful job he might find a more even keel. Either way Athos would be there to watch out for him, as would Aramis and Porthos he was sure. “Nothing wrong with hope but I do think there is a limit” And this was definitely it. “Good choice” Athos replied, before deciding to hell with it and wrapping his arms around D’Artagnan, “Okay, one more house and then I’m going to take you to dinner tonight in celebration” he said.
At least one of them had become used to them. D’Artagnan still was not. He often wore his heart on his sleeve so it made it difficult to judge when it was energy or emotion for him that was tiring him out. He was glad they had taken a moment to themselves as the sugar worked it’s way into his system. He was starting to feel a little better already, and Athos’ affections were helping. He melted into that embrace and smiled. “You don’t need to do that.” He chuckled as he rolled his eyes in an affectionate manner. But he did like the idea of spending time with him outside the house. He always would. He let his arms slide around his neck, paying no mind to passers by.
Athos was nothing if not observant and organised and when it came to D'Artagnan those skills were heightened as well as most of his own emotions. His boyfriend was a special man and Athos wanted him to feel special. He smiled, "I want to" he said, "We should celebrate, it's a wonderful thing you working with us" When those arms slid around his neck Athos grinned and leaned in to kiss him soundly.
Whenever he was with Athos he felt special, no matter what the man did. He didn’t require fancy meals or fancy presents, Athos’ presence alone made him feel like he was worth something. It was a new feeling. Most of his life he’d spent it alone, not feeling particularly needed or wanted, and now that he had Athos he felt both of those things frequently. “If you say so. “ He really was easy. All he wanted was to be by Athos’ side. His fingertips teased Athos’ neck as he returned that kiss warmly. Fingertips tangling into Athos’ hair gently.
He might not require fancy meals or gifts but that didn’t stop Athos liking to give them to him. He wanted to spoil him and he enjoyed seeing the look on D’Artagnan’s face. “Mmm I do” he whispered against his lips before they were simply standing there kissing on the sidewalk. Athos didn’t care, he was so proud of them and loved telling people how wonderful D’Artagnan was.
He couldn't help but feel a little shy just then as people kept passing. It wasn't that he was ashamed, it was just not a thing he was used to. Still he didn't move away or anything like that, but he did get a little awkward when the kiss parted. D’Artagnan tucked a bit of dark hair that had fallen into his face away and took Athos hand again with a bit of a laugh. "Keep this up and maybe we'll have to go home instead."
Athos felt D’Artagnan’s awkwardness and tightened his hold in reassurance. He’d never let anybody say anything to upset D’Artagnan. Slipping their fingers together he grinned, “Maybe we should anyway, I’ve got all sorts of ideas that don’t involve houses or realtors” he winked as they started walking once again.
So far nobody had dared say anything. D’Artagnan would have guessed it was because Athos was slightly intimidating to the naked eye. Insulting anyone with him would not be a wise idea. Still he couldn’t help his feeling and was amused when Athos spoke. “Hmm. Dare I ask?”
He didn’t try to be intimidating, it just tended to happen naturally. “I’ll tell you later” Athos smiled, leaning in to speak quietly, “Wouldn’t want to disturb innocent ears around” he said cheekily, amusement in his own tone.
He was comforted by Athos’ touch, his hand squeezed the others as he grinned at that. “Dirty. Buut I thought you said there was one more house.” He teased him gently as he tugged him along.
Athos laughed, "Yes indeed. One more house and then I can take you home and ravish you" he said as he squeezed D'Artagnan's hand and continued walking