AN: It'd be great to hear if you guys are enjoying this!

Ice skating!

"Aramis," d'Artagnan grit his teeth and glared at the older man as they entered the rink, Aramis doing so as if he was gliding on air. d'Artagnan unfortunately was not so graceful. Holding on to the wall at the edges for dear life, he wondered not for the first time why he had asked Aramis to arrive earlier with him. "Aramis, I can't do this!" Speaking carefully, he tried to keep his eyes both on the floor and the wall, having no coordination whatsoever.

When the others had suggested ice skating, and Constance was excited to go, he knew he'd have to do something about his lack of skill. He didn't want any of them to see his pathetic attempts at it, but then Aramis had seen his unease and had managed to worm it out of him, and somehow, they had come to the idea that they should arrive earlier than the rest to give d'Artagnan a chance to catch his bearings. Right now, his bearings were so far out in front of him he thought there was no chance.

Shivering, d'Artagnan caught himself for what felt like the hundredth time since they had got onto the ice. He was aware of Aramis' presence near him, but he daren't look up to see where he was exactly, or whether he was laughing.

"Of course you can do it, d'Artagnan." It sounded as if he sighed but being so distracted by the floor the lad couldn't tell if it was in exasperation or irritation that he had no faith. "Let me guide you."

d'Artagnan resisted some as his friend almost tried to pry him from the edge, "if you stay there like that, we won't reach the other side before they all get here." He spoke without malice or jest, but he did have a point. Hesitantly, d'Artagnan moved a hand off the wall, immediately grateful for the support Aramis offered. After a little longer, he removed his other hand, feeling safe, if a little wobbly.

It was with slow progress that the pair made their way around the rink, still by the edge, but Aramis stayed by his side. d'Artagnan felt terrible for making the older man stick by him this whole time but knew Aramis wouldn't leave his side until he felt secure. But how could he feel secure with blades on his feet? Blades! How could anyone enjoy this? Maybe if it had been roller skating, he would be able to get on with it, because wheels could only do so much damage. Blades, though, they could cause some serious injury.

"Ara- Aramis," clearing his throat, he continued to stare at his feet. Right. Left. Right. Left. "Aramis, I think, I think I can do it." Feeling a squeeze in his shoulder from his brother, he smiled, grinning himself as his confidence grew a bit.

"It seems you can," they both went faster now, d'Artagnan not as fast as Aramis, but considerably faster than what they had started with.

Eyes glancing up for the first time since they had arrived, he took a quick look at the other skaters gliding with the ease Aramis did. Envy shot through him but was soon replaced with awe as his eyes caught two dancers, spinning and jumping without a fear. Wow, he mouthed in wonder.

"d'Artagnan!" He heard the shout, and then felt the crash.

"I really, really am sorry!" Sitting with a suitably bashful frown, he grovelled to his friend who lay in the bed, no longer in the pain he arrived with. "Honestly, I thought I had it, I didn't mean to get distracted-"

"d'Artagnan," Aramis halted him, holding up a hand but allowing it to drop in tiredness. "You've explained it enough times, it's fine." Grunting as he positioned himself comfortably for about the fifth time, he was clearly ignoring d'Artagnan's terrified expression.

"Well, er, the others will be here soon."

"I'm just looking forward to leaving."

"Oh, well. We'll be able to go soon." Biting his nails anxiously, his eyes moved to the doors, hoping the rest of their group would burst in and save him from this. Aramis was being so kind about it, but d'Artagnan felt so awful. He hadn't meant to get distracted. He didn't see the wall until it was too late. He didn't know Aramis would end up with a broken leg. He was honestly surprised more people weren't hurt, even having only ended up with a few bruises himself. Still, best not think about his own fortune. "I should have been watching, I am sorry."

"If it's anybody's fault, it's Porthos'."

"Hm?"

"For suggesting ice skating." d'Artagnan huffed shakily. "Just stop fretting, lad." Aramis' gaze carried no anger there, just pure forgiveness, and d'Artagnan wondered for a moment if anyone had ever faced an unforgiving Aramis. He shivered unconsciously at the thought.

"Well, thanks. I did enjoy myself, though. Until… you know." Indicating the leg, Aramis actually chuckled.

"I'm glad," Aramis' eyes suddenly lit up with mischief, and d'Artagnan smiled uneasily. "Because until this is healed, you are certainly going to be doing a lot to help me out."

It was then that the others came bounding into the room, leaving d'Artagnan to grimace at the thought.