A/N I am back, thought it would take longer to get this story going, but I was wrong. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes, I have 5 chapters already written. Thoughts are always welcome and hoping my amazing readers from 'breath of life' join me again for this adventure, and welcome new readers.

Chapter 1

"I need a drink!" Porthos announced as the four friends collapsed on their usual bench in the garrison courtyard.

They had just arrived back from an assignment that hadn't gone to plan and had resulted in an 'argument' with a few bandits just outside Paris. Barring a few cuts, and in D'Artagnan's case a knock to the head, they had come out unscathed. Though the dressing down they had just gotten from Treville for failing to find any information on the rumored attempt on the Kings life had sort of dampened the triumph of that.

"D'Artagnan, you should go home. You took a pretty nasty blow to the head and you need to rest that arm," Athos advised him, taking in the youngster's pale features. D'Artagnan just nodded, getting unsteadily to his feet.

"I shall see you in the morning," he muttered as he wandered to his rooms.

"Make sure one of you checks on him later," Aramis told the other two, standing up. Porthos looked up at him, frowning.

"Where are you off to?" he asked his friend. Aramis flashed him a sly grin.

"I have some needs of my own to attend to at home," he replied. Athos rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"What? It's been two weeks, and when a man has a beautiful wife waiting at home… well, needs must," Aramis said defensively.

"Don't say any more, I don't want to know! She's my sister. I know nothing," Athos cried, stopping him with a wince. Aramis just smiled, inclining his head to his friends.

"Good night, my old friends. I shall see you tomorrow," he said before disappearing.

"And then there were two," Porthos sighed, pouring Athos a drink as they fell into easy conversation, both too tired to move for a while.

Marie stopped running a brush through her mare's coat suddenly, feeling a presence at the stable door. She smiled slightly, knowing exactly who was watching her.

"You know, I heard a rumor that some Musketeers had returned from two weeks away. Did wonder when I would get a visit from one," she said casually, resuming the therapeutic rhythm of grooming. A gentle hand fell on top of hers, causing her to stop. She looked up into soft brown eyes, eyes she had missed.

"The rumors seem to be true. Your Musketeer has returned home," Aramis replied quietly, smiling fondly at her.

"So he has. I have missed you so much," she sighed, going into his arms and sharing a long kiss with him. They pulled away and she placed a hand to his face, gently tracing his features.

"You look tired. Come on, let's get you inside. I shall make you some dinner," Marie told him, taking his hand and leading him back to their small house.

Once inside Aramis took a seat, suddenly feeling exhausted. The fight and the travelling from the past few days were catching up with him at last. Marie busied herself with making a fire before disappearing to the kitchen. She reappeared a while later with a tray of food and some wine. She handed it to Aramis and watched as he picked at it.

"You need to eat. I doubt you have had a proper meal in days," she ordered him. Aramis sighed but did as he was told and ate the bread and soup she had handed him.

"Are you hurt? How are the others? My brother?" Marie asked.

"D'Artagnan has a bit of concussion and a shoulder wound from a musket ball, but nothing that won't heal in a few days. The rest of us are fine. Nothing my needle work couldn't handle," he assured her, flashing a tired smile.

"Good. You can fill me in properly tomorrow. For now, it's bed for you," Marie told him firmly, pulling him up and leading him to their bed. A squeal escaped her as she felt Aramis's strong hands scoop her up and place her gently on the bed, flopping down next to her.

Aramis turned on his side so he was facing her. Marie looked at him, recognizing the glint in his eyes that matched the cheeky smile that was creeping across his face.

"You made a vital mistake, my love. You said bed, but you never said what we would be doing in bed," Aramis smirked.

"Not what you are thinking, monsieur!" she warned him, though she could feel herself giving into temptation as she felt Aramis gently start planting kisses down her body. She had missed having him with her in bed, missed his affection and love too much to resist him.

"You going to stop me?" he challenged, grinning dangerously at her.

"I suppose not," she murmured, removing his shirt.

"Good, because I have missed you so much. Tonight I want to show you just how much," he whispered, kissing her tenderly on the lips as she pulled him down to meet her.