Hi guys! Here's the next chapter! This ones more of a filler chapter, as my I think my original idea needs more of a build up and so will now be the central focus of Chapter 3!

I think Aramis is slightly OOC in this chap, but hopefully you can forgive me for that. I figured, while he has been with a lot of woman before he's never been in this exact situation so that's why he has such an unusual reaction.

I'd also like to say a big thanks to my friends for motivating me to write this, especially a certain Taylor Swift fan who edited the last chapter! She hasn't looked through this one for me and I've done the best that I can, so please excuse any mistakes.

Word Count: 3,839

Disclaimer: Still don't own the Musketeers :(

Enjoy!

Charlotte smiled sleepily as she rolled over under the covers, the soft beams of pale sunlight dancing through the window to settle lightly on her face. It had been a long time since she'd slept so well, and she doubted that the soft feather bedding had much to do with that. Never had her dreams been so sweet.

Tossing the covers back, she clambered out of bed and began to dress in the clothes her mother had sent on for her, letting her thoughts wander back to yesterday's events before making her way downstairs. After ushering her Uncle out of the garrison, effectively saving her new friends from an angry interrogation, they had head towards his house a little ways away. The building was rarely used; the Captain usually ended up sleeping in the room adjacent to his office back at the training yard, so the majority of the furniture was covered in a thin film of dust. Still, the house was homely enough and she planned to give the place a spot of spring cleaning in her spare time to try and spruce things up a bit.

She didn't expect her Uncle to spend much time here with her. His heart lay with his duty, and while he obviously loved her, Charlotte new he'd be much more comfortable surrounded by his work and more importantly his Musketeers. From his tone of voice last night, and the way he had looked at his soldiers as they both left made it abundantly clear that he didn't want her spending much time with them either. Hopefully he'd come round on that front, she thought idly as she gathered some old rags and cleaning materials on the kitchen table.

Scraping her hair back into a tight bun, she interlocked her fingers and stretched her arms out in front of her until her joints cracked. She surveyed the mess around her, before pushing her sleeves up past her elbows. Time to get to work.

Captain Treville had woken particularly early that morning considering how late it was when he and Charlotte had finally retired to bed. They'd spent countless hours catching up last night, and Treville smiled at the thought of his adventurous niece as she had recounted her various tales from over the years. Admittedly he had sorely missed her and was saddened by the knowledge that he'd missed so many years of her life, but his heart swelled with joy just imagining all the trouble she would get up to in Paris.

Hopefully she wouldn't hurt herself though, he thought worriedly. She had explained the cause of her injury to him last night, reassuring him that it wasn't that serious before hugging him tightly as means of an apology. He should be relieved really; just thinking about how much worse off she could have been had his Musketeers not turned up made his skin crawl.

Well, at least now she has her own protection detail he mused, chuckling softly to himself as he entered the garrison. Remembering the looks on his Musketeer's faces before he'd called out to Charlotte was enough to reassure him that they would be willing to lay down their lives for her already. Hopefully her safety would be one less thing he'd have to worry about, though judging by the stories Treville had heard last night he was definitely in for a stressful journey.

Aramis groaned loudly as he rolled out of bed, a persistent headache ragging behind his eyes. It was quite possible he'd over done it with the wine last night, having turned to the drink after his mind had refused to shut down. Even then his thoughts had continued to buzz incessantly around his brain until the small hours of the morning, leaving him with particularly bad hangover from excessive alcohol consumption and pure exhaustion.

Throughout the night his thoughts had been consumed by just one thing: Charlotte. Ever since he'd first laid eyes on her across the street she'd proved to be a constant presence in the back of the Musketeer's mind. Mostly he'd preoccupied himself, rather conscious from his friends earlier teasing that his admiration of her had not gone unnoticed. And while drinking had been a welcome distraction, as soon as he parted from his comrades to settle down for the night her face had raced to the forefront of his thoughts. He dreaded to think how long he'd laid there enthralled by her beauty, imagining the taste of her soft skin beneath his mouth, his body pressed up against her supple curves. Even after he'd finally nodded off she'd continued to feature throughout his dreams, leaving him to awaken in his current sleep deprived state. Throwing back the thick covers, Aramis gritted his teeth as he shielded his eyes from the bright light of day, dressing quickly before making his way down to the courtyard for some much need sustenance.

That was how his brothers found him later that morning, huddled over his bowl of porridge at their usual table, blearily staring down at his food. Porthos smirked at Athos as they took in the state of their friend. It wasn't often they found him like this, and never to this extent. He was head over heels in love already, and the best bit? He probably hadn't even realised it yet!

Sending his fellow soldiers a sneaky wink, Porthos made his way over to their love sick comrade and clapped a hand down on Aramis' shoulder. The young man flinched in response and then groaned loudly at his sudden movement.

"Morning 'Mis!" Porthos greeted cheerfully, making no effort to lower the volume of his voice when his friend winced at his loudness. He sat down with a thump and was swiftly followed by Athos and D'Artagnan, the former sliding a similar bowl of porridge into Porthos' hands. They all shared a collective look when Aramis failed to acknowledge their arrival, and chuckled lightly at his stubbornness. It was exceptionally rare for the charmer to be in a bad mood so the trio would in no way waste this prized opportunity.

They all sat in companionable silence as spoons scraped against bowls, Aramis' head still bowed low while the others shared devious looks across the table.

"As much as I'd love to sit here in agony, waiting for you to start the relentless taunting," he joked, finally looking up to meet their gazes with playful brown eyes and a relaxed, perhaps slightly pained smile. "I'd much rather you just got it over and done with."

"What you do think of us my friend," Athos quipped, leaning forward across the table, staring at him from underneath the brim of his hat. To an outsider his expression looked stony and cold, but Aramis could see the amused glint in his icy blue eyes. "I assure you, your fleeting romances are of no concern to me, unless of course you see fit to drag us into another adventure," he concluded with an eye roll, alluding to past events where his legendary charm had landed them all in trouble. He watched the defiant line of Aramis' shoulders relax slightly before continuing.

"However, seeing as Treville's involvement necessitates our intervention, I advise you to keep your idle fancies to yourself," he warned, giving his friend a stern look, making his feelings on the matter clear. Aramis simply stood, slowly walking off in the direction of the armoury, probably to clean his pistols while he thought things over. Athos fought the need to run after him, almost regretting his actions. He was in a bad mood now, but he'd come around soon enough. As much as he disliked meddling in his friends affairs he would hate for this to explode in all their faces as he knew it inevitably would, but more than anything he didn't want to see his brother get hurt.

It seemed like hardly any time had passed at all when Charlotte finally finished her cleaning for the day. Placing her hands on her hips she blew out a deep breath causing a few errant curls that had escaped her bun to fly wildly around her face. Slowly she began to survey her work, turning around on the spot until she had come full circle. Satisfied that her Uncle's home was at least now presentable, she quickly gathered up her supplies and upon leaving them in the kitchen hurried upstairs to her bedroom. Once there she slipped into a looser dress that allowed for better manoeuvrability and then pulled on her riding boots. She'd left Diablo at the garrison last night, seeing as her Uncle had little way of suitable accommodation for a horse at present. However, her obedient stallion was more used to open fields and wide expanses of land where he could roam to his heart's content; it seemed cruel to keep him cooped up all day, and seeing as there were a least a couple hours of day light left Charlotte was determined that he get his daily quota of exercise.

As she made her way through the streets of Paris trying to remember the path her Uncle had shown her last night, her mind began to wander. Whilst she had been cleaning it had been easy to lose herself in the activity, but now that she was finished and heading towards the Musketeer garrison of all places, it seemed inevitable that her imagination should wandering in that direction. It had been bad enough last night when after countless hours of catching up with her Uncle she'd retired to bed only to have a certain Musketeer relentlessly plague her thoughts.

Aramis had been beside her almost instantly after one of her attackers had cut her with his sword, fluttering around her almost nervously as he treated her wound back at the garrison. He had made a considerable effort to engage her in conversation as they walked to the Musketeer's headquarters and even arranged care for her beloved horse. She couldn't deny that his smooth voice and eloquent charm had drawn her in, and she suspected she may have formed a small crush on the handsome soldier.

Despite the mud that caked the back of his head, from what she could see under his hat his tousled brown locks looked soft and silky to the touch, curling gently at the ends. Practically begging her to run her fingers through it. Initially she had worried for his state of dress; at first glance it seemed as if he'd been bathing in dirt, but the way he'd tugged fiercely at the clumps of mud stuck in his hair when he thought she wasn't looking assured her that that was not the case.

And his eyes, oh god his eyes. She should have realised that as soon as she even so much as glanced into the warm depths of his sparkling mahogany orbs she would be lost. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and after gazing into Aramis' she knew almost certainly that inside he was a humble, kind and considerate man, despite the sometimes cocky façade he hid behind. Merely hours after their meeting, Charlotte already found herself captivated by this small band of Musketeer's she'd stumbled upon almost by accident, and had an entirely unique fascination with their expert marksman. She was in deep already, with no hope of turning back.

By now she had finally reached the garrison, having taken several wrong turns along the way thanks to her wandering thoughts. Stealthily making her way into the empty stables. She found Diablo who whinnied in greeting and started to run her fingers through his mane. The huge stallion leaned into her touch; regardless of his intimidating height and size Charlotte had found out relatively quickly after his purchase that he was a big softie at heart. Quickly finding all his tack, she saddled him up before guiding him out into the courtyard.

After a particularly rocky start to the day Aramis had returned from the armoury refreshed and rejuvenated, greeting his brothers in his usual jubilant manner. His friends shared a brief smile, happy to see that he'd returned from his reflections in a good mood, and Porthos wasted no time in engaging him in a duel, something Aramis now readily participated in with renewed determination. He still had no idea what to do about the whole situation, but concluded there was no point making himself miserable over the matter. From now on, he'd just go with what felt natural, like he was used to doing.

It was later that day, just as the sun began to sink in the sky when he next saw her. He was relaxing against a pillar after a particularly gruelling sword fight with Athos when he felt the same tingling warmth begin spread within his body. His eyes darted around wildly, quickly settling on her person as she led her horse across the courtyard towards the gates. Despite having spent most of his evening marvelling her beauty and grace he couldn't help studying her now, almost desperately drinking in her form as he tried to cement her perfect image into his mind's eye. Her hair free from any constraints, flowing easily around her, the long curls bouncing with each step. Her dress, though loose and obviously worn for the practicality of increased mobility, still complimented her luscious curves and accentuated her small waist. God, he was in so deep already, and he wasn't sure if turning back was even an option now. This feeling, the desire she sparked inside of him, not just sexually but the never ending need to protect her and hold her safe in his arms, was like nothing he'd ever felt before. And as strange and frightening as this new feeling was, he didn't want it to go away.

He continued to watch as one of her delicate hands came up to rest comfortingly on her monstrous horse's neck, gently stroking back and forth. She was so attuned to the beast; it was remarkable really, how well connected they were. When Aramis had first laid eyes on the Friesian he had worried for Charlotte's safety around such a large and unpredictable horse, but the intelligent look in the animal's eyes and his gentle mannerisms around his mistress assured him that Diablo loved her and would do anything to protect her.

At least that explained his behaviour he mused, recalling how last night when he'd gone to check on the creature the beast had lashed out at him with his teeth, effectively trying to warn him off. Why did everyone seem to think he would ultimately hurt any girl he desired to have a relationship with? No one seemed to appreciate how he felt when any of his past romances had disintegrated. Surely he deserved happiness just as much as the next man. Regardless of what everyone else thought, all the Musketeer had ever really wanted was a committed relationship, with a loving wife he could dote on and half a dozen children to spoil. It was a simple dream, but one he craved more than anything.

Locked up in his thoughts as he was, Aramis completely failed to notice the longing look Charlotte sent in his direction as she mounted her steed and made her way out of the garrison. He was roughly pulled back to his training by a restless Porthos a couple of minutes later, but by that time she was gone. He spared a brief scan of the courtyard to confirm his theory, letting out a small sigh of disappointment, before plastering a huge smile on his face as he turned to engage his friend in hand to hand combat.

Charlotte smiled widely, beaming up at the setting sun as it peeked through the leafy, jade canopy. She ducked under a low hanging bough, before gently coaxing Diablo into a canter as they enjoyed the last of the fading light. Their trip outside of the city had infinitely relaxed the pair as they escaped the oppressive and noisy streets of Paris. Charlotte knew she would grow to love the city in time, and couldn't deny that it held a certain charm, but she would always be a country girl at heart. Never one to be cooped up inside for very long, she was grateful for the huge expanse of woodland outside the city limits where she could exercise her loyal mount and reconnect with nature.

Their afternoon together had been spent exploring the forest and then lounging in a picturesque meadow they had stumbled upon. They had then stopped to take a refreshing drink from the river before making their way back towards the city. The hem of her dress was torn and muddy, and various twigs and leaves lay tangled throughout her hair but she honestly didn't care. For her, this was a relatively clean state to return in.

As they began to approach the signs of civilisation she slowed Diablo to a walk. She received a few weird looks at her state of clothing and the way she straddled her mount, in direct contrast to the traditional side saddle style many would expect of a woman. Mostly she ignored them and continued on towards the garrison.

After almost half an hour tirelessly trawling through the streets, she happened upon the remnants of small market. Carefully she began to pick her way between the few people and venders that still meandered around, hoping to catch a late bargain. Though still mindful of people's feet potential being crushed under Diablo's huge shod hooves, Charlotte took in the sights around her marvelling at how different a city market was from the ones back home.

Suddenly a startled gasp broke her out of her thoughts as an angry face appeared down below her. Diablo neighed softly as he finished off the rest of his stolen apple, beads of juice rolling down his muzzle. Charlotte swore he wore an almost satisfied smirk.

"Oh my Madam, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, dismounting quickly from her high seat. She sent a brief disapproving look in her steed's direction, who only snorted in response, before turning again to look at the victim of her horse's mischief. Her face sparked an inkling of recognition, but she quickly dismissed the thought as she reached around to find her purse. "I apologize for my horse, I wasn't paying to attention to where I was going and he's really too mischievous for his own good," she rambled. "I promise I'll pay you back for the apple. I have the money with me right now…."

"Charlotte?" the woman asked breathily, grasping her shoulder and spinning her around to better inspect her face. "It is you!" Charlotte simple looked back at her with a bewildered gaze. "You don't remember me do you?" the woman smiled sweetly.

Charlotte stared back at her with wide eyes for a little while longer, momentarily confused as she tried to place the face before her. Slowly she began to take stock of any of her memorable features. Her long brown hair was beautiful and shinied lightly in the little remaining light, but unremarkable when it came to recognition. She couldn't identify any significant aspects in her facial structure nor her style of dress. No, it was the softness in her eyes that sparked an interest in her memory.

"Constance!" She exclaimed in surprise, throwing her arms around her dear old friend as warm tears started to pour down her cheeks. The woman in questioned hugged her young friend tightly, guiding her head to rest in the crook of her neck as she continued to cry, softly shushing her as a means of comfort.

"But how did you recognise me?" Charlotte questioned, pulling back swiftly to look into Constance's eyes. Hastily she wiped away her tears, before the lady in question cupped her face with her hands, marvelling at her young friend's maturity. She'd grown up so much since she'd last laid eyes on her.

"I'd know those curls anywhere," she replied, allowing her hand to trail through the tousled mess. "And your state of dress, of course," she chided softly, indicating the dirty stains that clung loosely to the material. "But your eyes… I held no doubt in my mind it was you the moment I saw that lovely blue." Charlotte blushed lightly at the compliment, before her face turned serious, her brow furrowing as she thought deeply.

"How is he?" she asked tentatively, a slight tremble in her voice. Constance smiled down at her sadly, pity flooding through her veins as she recalled the horror of the situation and the inevitable decision that had been made. Still, if she could turn back the clocks she doubted she would change anything. She let out a small sign, before replying.

"He's as good as can be expected." Upon seeing her face fall, Constance quickly made to change the subject. "But enough about that, we've got some catching up to do! And you still owe me that apple you know," she joked good-humouredly. She then linked arms with her companion, and after waiting for her to gather up her horse's reins, they set off in the direction of her home.

It was several hours later when night had well and truly fallen that Charlotte returned to the garrison with Diablo, well fed and well reacquainted with her dear friend Constance. She'd known the woman from her hometown where they'd become quick friends before she got married. She was absolutely delighted to have found her again, and her presence made her move to Paris seem much less daunting.

Needless to say when she'd gone up to the office to find her Uncle after settling her stallion in for the night, the man in question was less then pleased with the late hour of her return, but his attitude soften considerably when he learned of her revealing afternoon. He was glad she had a female friend she could confide in; after all that had happened over the last couple of years his niece deserved to have a confidant as trustworthy and honourable as Constance.

The pair left not long after Charlotte's arrival, both tired from a long day's work. Treville listened intently as she recounted her journey through the forest and relayed to him all her discoveries. Upon reaching their house, he remarked appreciably at its new clean state, thanking his niece with a kiss to the cheek before they parted ways and headed off to bed.

Charlotte smiled contently as she sank deeper into the thick sheets that cocooned her in their warmth. Slowly she slipped into a peaceful slumber, allowing her exhausted body to recharge and unwind. Idly she wondered at how handsome a certain Musketeer had looked today as he relaxed in the courtyard. Across the streets of Paris, in his own cramped quarters, Aramis too allowed himself momentarily to marvel at a fair maiden's beauty, as her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

Hope you enjoyed that!

Please review, it keeps me motivated!

Constructive criticism welcomed!

Jess