A Missed Date
Athos had been back with the police department for a month. Treville was thrilled. His friends were worried. They had had a conversation with Athos after he announced his intentions of returning. They questioned his reasons. It got a bit heated until Constance stepped in telling them enough was enough.
During the last month Athos hadn't seen as much of Sylvie as he would have liked. Between his work schedule and the combination of her work and activist work it was getting more difficult to see each other.
It was late in the afternoon when they had the opportunity to close a case that had been opened since before Athos had originally left the department.
"Sure you're ready for this?" Porthos asked as they prepared for whatever potential.
"Yes," Athos sighed. "Let's just get this over; I promised to have dinner with Sylvie tonight."
They arrived at Feron Industries handing out a search warrant.
TM
Athos couldn't believe his miserable luck. In the process of arresting Feron Athos sustained a shot to his shoulder and a concussion. The man who shot him was Lucien Grimaud. He worked for Feron. The bastard got away.
But for now Athos was stuck in the hospital for the night.
"Constance is calling Sylvie," Aramis said from his seat in the hospital room.
Porthos and d'Artagnan occupied chairs in the room next to Aramis.
Athos groaned.
"Are you in pain?" d'Artagnan asked.
"No," Athos said automatically, but that wasn't exactly true. "A little," he said receiving a glare form Aramis and Porthos. "I was just thinking about the dinner I'm missing with Sylvie."
Three heads nodded in understanding.
Constance walked into the hospital room a few minutes later. "Sylvie is on her way," she said.
Athos shook his head. "Visiting hours are almost over. She'll just have to turn right around and go home."
"Never mind that," Constance said. "She's worried about you."
"What did you tell her?" Athos asked.
Constance fixed Athos with a raised eyebrow. "I told her you'll be just fine in a few days."
Athos nodded his head. "My apologies."
"You get grumpy when you're hurt, I know," Constance said patting Athos' hand.
Athos smiled at her gratefully. They knew him too well.
It was a few more minutes before Sylvie arrived. "Athos, are you all right?" She walked across the room to the side of his bed not noticing the others.
"I'll be fine," Athos said.
"You've been shot and have a concussion," Sylvie said. She looked on the verge of tears.
"Sylvie," Athos grabbed her hand squeezing it.
"We'll give you a few minutes," Porthos said directing the others to follow him.
"I'll be fine," Athos said to Sylvie once they were alone. "I am fine."
Sylvie frowned at him before beginning to pace the small room.
"Sylvie," Athos said. "Please come here," he stretched out his hand towards her.
Finally she stopped and turned around walking back to him. "Don't do this again," she said.
"I'm afraid I really can't promise nothing will ever happen to me again," he said.
Sylvie slumped in the chair next to the bed. She reached out grasping hold of Athos' hand. He turned his hand around in her grasp so he was holding onto her hand. Pulling her hand towards him he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
"I promise to make up for missing our date," he said.
She sagged against the bed letting her head rest against the edge of the mattress. She felt his fingers comb their way through her hair. She enjoyed the attention until a nurse came around telling them visiting hours was over.
Sylvie stood up kissing him on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said.
A few minutes later his teammates came in to say goodnight telling him they would be back the next day.
TM
Athos stood in the middle of his hospital room dressed and ready to go. His arm was in a sling to support his wounded shoulder. It made him grumpy. The strap at the neck chafed and he didn't like having an arm immobilized so he fidgeted.
Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan stood with him waiting for his discharge papers.
"Quit fidgeting," Aramis scolded him.
Athos scowled, but it didn't last long when Sylvie entered the room with Constance. Unfortunately they were followed by a nurse who was pushing a wheelchair.
"M. Athos, you'll have to sit in the chair on your way out," the nurse said.
"I think I'll be fine without it," Athos said.
"I'm sorry Monsieur, hospital policy," the nurse said.
"Athos," Sylvie said and he finally gave in.
"We've all had to," Aramis said.
Porthos chuckled patting Athos on his good shoulder.
TM
They took Athos back to his apartment. They stayed for lunch until Athos looked ready to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Soon it was just Athos and Sylvie.
"Come on, off to bed with you," she said.
"Think I'll just stay here," he said drowsily.
His eyes started drooping, but he jolted awake feeling his feet lifted onto the couch. He looked at Sylvie. He thought about the day and realized she had been awfully quiet. "Sylvie, sweetheart, everything okay?"
"Of course darling," Sylvie smiled, but it didn't seem to reach her eyes. He wanted to get to the bottom of this, but the pain meds were kicking in.
He felt a kiss pressed to the top of his head and a blanket laid over him. He made a silent promise to make up for their missed date.
The end