Evening My Lovelies

Guess what! We're at over 40k views! I'm extremely honored and grateful that so many of you have stuck with me and are reading (and hopefully enjoying) this story.

I'm not too sure of the ending of this chapter so apologies if its a bit rubbish.

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - Haha I'm sure he'd have absolutely no objections to you being his nurse, though maybe wait until after Athos's has had his mini lecture at him in today's chapter :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - Glad it sounded terrible (oh that was mean :D) I wanted it to reflect the bad survivors guilt he suffers from. We get to see a bit more of D'Art/Aramis today so hopefully you'll like that too :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

romirola: Thanks for the review - I know :) it was practically swimming in guilt (which was quite fun to write) I was a bit worried as to whether D'Art's worry would work but I think it leads to quite a cute moment today so I'm pleased with it :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Worry not I have plans for things to get worse soon :D I've never really written nightmares for Aramis, it's usually just for D'Art so that was interesting to do. I wanted it to reflect the survivors guilt he carries as well as his own pain from those days, hopefully i did it well. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - I almost had it that he didn't remember but I felt this worked better. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - I agree, Moreau is in dire need of a rant. It didn't really fit in with today's chapter but it'll happen soon, I'm trying to decide what poor musketeer is going to be on the end of it :D I was sorely tempted to have Aramis not remember him, at least not until later chapters but changed my mind right at the last minute. I was toying with both ideas but it wasnt until right near the end of writing yesterdays chapter that I actually made a decision. Hopefully you still like it :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - D'Art's too preoccupied and worried to be thinking about bedside manner unfortunately. I LOVED writing the nightmare for Aramis. Nightmares are always interesting for me to write but I don't think I've ever done one for Aramis before, I've mentioned them but actually including them I think I've only ever done it for D'Art so this was a bit of extra fun and a bit of an experiment. It seems to be well received so I'm gonna count it as a win :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Helensg: Thanks for the review - Hmm probably not (unless you're evil minded like me :D) but I know what you mean :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Shy & sensitive D'Art is cute to write, course I prefer hurt D'Art as well. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Wow I'm honored you think it worth a re-read :D I'm LOVING the idea of having some H/C come our 2ndary muskey way, I've spent most of the afternoon figuring out how I want it to happen and I have it all sorted in my head now so expect that to come soon (probably in the next day or two) I was soooo tempted to have him not remember, hopefully you'll all still enjoy it with him remembering. Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - :D Porthos's 'therapy' will probably be happening tomorrow, i'm toying with 2 different ideas as to how it's going to happen but it will definitely be appearing. I was tempted to drag out the whole remembering d'art thing but hopefully what I've done still works. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I was tempted to be evil and have him not remember him but after everything I've put them through (and have planned :D) it just seemed too much. Hopefully the idea I'm running with still works and you all continue to enjoy it :) Glad you liked the little bit of angsty D'Art :) Haha I did keep you all guessing for a bit there as to whether he remembered or not didn't I? :D As for the rest of Aramis's memory we'll be addressing that today. I LOVED writing the nightmare. I usually only do them for D'Art so it was interesting to see if I could write a decent on for one of the other boys as well, even more so for Aramis as he has a lot of baggage which would cause vivid nightmares like the one I wrote. We'll probably be seeing another nightmare coming Aramis's way soon... I'm thinking of one relating to his near drowning. To be honest I'm surprised I get it all done as well. I think it helps that I'm quite antisocial so I have time to write thanks to a lack of social plans lol. Sometimes it's easier as I get on a roll and get a chapter out in like 1-2 hours... it's when writers block hits and I'm there for hours and hours that it gets difficult. Thank you for the concern though, it was really sweet of you :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, as for women I'm mentioning it today ;D Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always many thanks and much love for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading. You are epically awesome and I love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Fifty-Six: Memories II

Aramis felt his confusion reaching all new heights as D'Artagnan refused to answer him and the pain and nervousness in his eyes was quickly being replaced by hope.

"…D'Art?" he asked hesitantly, doing his best to hide his frustration at the Gascon's continual dismissal of his words. The pain his body was in was making the task difficult but the young man before him looked so vulnerable that the medic forced himself not to snap at him.

"Y…You know who I am?" whispered D'Artagnan, hope now burning brightly in his eyes.

Aramis felt his brows furrow but before he could question the matter further a familiar voice interrupted him.

"If you don't want to be snapped at by Moreau again then do as he says," teased Porthos. Aramis slowly moved his head, unable to hide the wince the action produced, to see his brothers approaching. Athos was clearly trying to walk, or his case limp, unaided, much to Porthos's worry and amusement, though judging by what the larger man had just said, the doctor wasn't pleased with his stubbornness.

Eventually, after a hissed curse from the swordsman Porthos had clearly had enough with the man's stubbornness and threw his arm around his waist to help support some of his weight.

"Don't give me that look 'Thos," scoffed the larger man lightly, "You injure yourself further and you might actually be the one who makes the doctor snap."

"I can walk," growled Athos in clear frustration, though his voice lacked any significant bite as he scowled at his brother.

Porthos raised an unimpressed eyebrow at his friend, "'Thos you have a broken ankle, you can't walk. You barely managed a single step before cursing now shut up and let me help you."

"ATHOS! PORTHOS!" exclaimed D'Artagnan, seemingly oblivious to how painful the yell sounded as he was too wrapped up in his elation.

The two musketeers instantly stopped their light hearted bickering at the sound of their youngest yell and it was only the lack on panic in his voice that stopped them running over there.

"Whelp what's…" Porthos blinked, finally noticing his brother was awake, despite the confusion that seemed to be being displayed on his face. A large beaming grin broke out on the larger musketeer's face as he ran over to the injured medic's side, the Gascon quickly rising from his own spot to move and help Athos the final few steps.

"'Mis you're awake!" Porthos exclaimed, the joy on his face clear for everyone to see, though the level of joy displayed made Aramis wonder exactly what had happened to have worried his friend so.

Unsure exactly how to respond to his friend's exuberance Aramis simply settled for a weak nod, regretting the movement instantly as it sent a wave of pain through his battered body.

"And he remembers me!" exclaimed D'Artagnan with all the joy of a child on Christmas morning as he helped his mentor sit on the ground next to the medic.

A frown quickly formed on D'Artagnan's face after he said this as he soon realized Aramis had never confirmed that he knew him, nervousness returned in full force the Gascon turned to his injured friend. "You do remember me right?"

Despite not really understanding what was going on the mischievous side of the sharpshooter wanted nothing more then to pretend he didn't know him, just to tease the boy a bit but one quick look at the desperate look on the Gascon's face had him tossing that idea out of the window.

"I should hope so," he grinned weakly, his heart warming at the beaming grin growing on the young man's face as he spoke. "I've only been helping train you for the last few months."

Porthos barked a laugh, "Only you 'Mis," he grinned, ruffling the medic hair softly, "Only you could almost drown in a river and come out as much of a smartass as before."

Aramis began to frown slightly at Porthos's comment but before he could comment on it he was tackled into a tight, one-armed embrace from the ecstatic Gascon.

"I'm so glad you're okay Aramis," whispered the young Gascon into his ear, keeping his voice low enough that only Aramis could hear him.

Aramis chuckled despite the pain and confusion and patted D'Artagnan's back, understanding at least, that the boy had been extremely worried about him.

Seeming to sense or see his confusion Athos gently pulled the still clinging Gascon from Aramis before looking him in the eye and asking, "Aramis what's the last thing you remember?"

Aramis felt his brows furrow once more as he tried to push past the pain in his head to piece together his memories, never noticing the concerned looks that had taken place of the men's earlier grins.

"Urm… Yelling at the Captain?"

Athos sighed, it seemed their friend's memory wasn't completely back yet. "It's better then the last time we asked I suppose."

Aramis blinked, confusion once again clear in his eyes, though he absently accepted Porthos and D'Artagnan's help to sit up just enough to swallow some broth.

"W-What happened?" he asked eventually, weakly pushing the half empty mug of broth away from him as his stomach began to protest the food.

"You somehow managed to find and fall into a river," deadpanned Athos, though Porthos and D'Artagnan could see he was struggling not to yell at their injured friend.

Aramis's eyes widened in shock, his hand subconsciously moving to rest against his chest wound, "W-What?"

Porthos nodded sadly, taking over the explanation. "'Thos sent me looking when you hadn't come back. Your foot had gotten caught in some reeds and the current dislocated your knee." At this Porthos paused briefly to point out the splinted knee to his stunned friend. "I was close enough to hear you scream and managed to get you out before you drowned but… but it was a close call."

Hearing the emotion in Porthos's voice Aramis snapped out of his stunned state. "…Porthos," he whispered, his hand moving to lightly grip his brother's in his own.

"He got you back here and Moreau saw to you but…" D'Artagnan added, trailing off at the end as he remembered the fear they had all felt only hours earlier.

"But?"

"But you didn't remember anything," explained Athos, an expressionless mask on his face that was almost negated by the pain even an exhausted Aramis could see in his eyes. "Moreau suggested we let you rest but warned up that the memory loss could be permanent."

"…T-That's" breathed Aramis, his complexion paling slightly at the thought he had lost, no matter how temporarily, his memory, turning to face a frowning D'Artagnan. "That's why you asked if I remembered you?"

D'Artagnan nodded sadly, "Your last memory was of Savoy," he explained, hating how Aramis flinched in Porthos's arms at the mention of Savoy. "You remember the others as you met them before but…"

Aramis sighed sadly, slowly moving his other hand to weakly grip D'Artagnan's good hand. "Well I remember now," he said with a forced grin that had D'Artagnan responding in kind.

"On the plus side," remarked Porthos with a teasing smile, attempting to lighten up the atmosphere slightly, "You also forgot about all the jealous men you annoyed by sleeping with their women."

Gasping in an over-dramatic fashion Aramis placed his hand on his heart, "That in itself my friend is a sin. No man should ever forget the nights he spends with beautiful women."

"Only the leaping from windows he has to do the following morning?" Porthos asked teasingly as he wiggled his eyebrows at his friend.

"Hey Athos," called a voice, completely interrupting the conversation the four men were sharing. "Oh," exclaimed the voice, clearly having realized this.

"Henri," nodded Athos.

"Well look who's awake!" grinned the musketeer, completely forgetting why he had come over to the group in the first place at the sight of his friend awake.

"Henri," smiled Aramis, though it was weaker and full of exhaustion.

"Damn," cursed the musketeer, a slight teasing tone in his voice as he spoke, "You're looking worse each time I see your ugly mug."

To the group's great amusement and surprise Aramis actually snorted in response to this.

"Please," he scoffed, mock glaring at the man as much as he could, "even half dead I still look better then you."

Henri barked a laugh, "Keep dreaming Aramis," he teased, winking at the other three men as he spoke.

"I assume you came for a reason other than to rile up Aramis?" enquired Athos, effectively putting a stop to the light bickering between the two men, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes that told Henri he wasn't really all that annoyed with them.

"He was supposed to be telling you that the Captain wants to be leaving soon," interrupted Corbett with a teasing grin as he flung his arm over the now scowling Henri's shoulders.

"I see," nodded Athos, his eyes now scanning Aramis's form as he debated whether or not the man was fit for travel.

Noticing this Aramis couldn't help but glare lightly at his friend. "I'm fine Athos!"

Leveling his friend with a single raised eyebrow Athos shrugged, "I don't believe those words when D'Artagnan says them and the same applies to you."

"Hey!" exclaimed both the Gascon and the medic at the same time, making Porthos and the other musketeers' chuckle under their breaths.

Ignoring his friend's protests he turned back to the two other musketeers, "Any idea when he plans our departure?"

Henri nodded, "He's got the rest of us setting up the wagons and going over supplies and everything now, he wants to leave within the hour. Moreau's doing last checks over the injures so I imagine he'll be over with you guys soon."

As Henri was explaining Athos couldn't help but notice the grin on Corbett's face that only seemed to grow when he sent the man a questioning look.

"He's been muttering under his breath about how we're never going to get back to Paris as we're clearly cursed or something."

This statement drew a round of laughter from the men who only found they agreed with their Captain's assessment given everything that had happened to them.

After a few minutes of carefree banter Henri and Corbett left the men to their own last minute preparations while they went to go assist the other men with setting up the wagons.

"You're not riding," stated Athos, leveling the medic, who looked about ready to say something, with a stern glare.

"Athos…"

"Even if the rest of you wasn't injured you'd still need to rest that knee and the only possible way to do that on a horse would be to not have your foot in the stirrup. If you did that it would be a lot easier to knock you off your horse should we be attacked."

"You're assuming we'll be ambushed?"

"Given our luck so far it wouldn't surprise me," sighed Porthos though there was a slight lightness in his voice.

"You'll be riding with D'Artagnan," stated Athos, ignoring Porthos's interruption. "Maybe if the pair of you compare your near drowning experiences you'll actually learn to be careful in situations like that."

"But I can't even remember mine," whined Aramis, though he knew instantly that it was the wrong thing to say when Athos's glare intensified.

"They found no evidence of anyone else besides yourself and Porthos near the river so clearly you put yourself in a situation where you could easily fall in," lectured Athos before he turned his glare onto the slightly ashamed and embarrassed looking D'Artagnan. "I don't even know how you managed yours considering the current wasn't strong enough to do any major damage to you."

Under Athos's stare D'Artagnan felt his cheeks burn as he mumbled his response under his breath.

"What?" asked Athos, his voice stern and unwavering.

"I… I was washing off the blood when…"

Porthos tilted his head to one side, concern filling him as he looked at the young man, "When?"

"I… I had a panic attack," D'Artagnan admitted, his voice just loud enough for his brothers to make out.

"What!" the three of them exclaimed, each of them moving to check him over before remembering the incident happened days ago and the boy was as well as could be expected right now considering what followed.

"I managed to loop my arm around a branch before I lost consciousness though," the Gascon added quickly, not wanting his friends to think him completely hopeless.

"Athos if you're done lecturing those two on water safety, I need to start my examination. The Captain wants to leave a.s.a.p."

Athos blinked, forcing his eyes away from his brothers to look at the softly smiling, but still clearly exhausted and slightly stressed, Moreau.

"Of course," nodded the swordsman, biting back any other retorts he had for his friends as he was subjected to a round of painful prodding and disgusting draughts and balms before he was deemed okay for travel and was helped over to the wagons by Alain, who had left Vivienne in the hands of Blaise for the moment.

"Porthos!" barked Treville, the tone of his voice getting the larger musketeer to ignore his aching body and scramble over to where his Captain was waiting.

"How's that arm doing?" Moreau asked gently as he slowly unwrapped the swollen limb, not missing D'Artagnan's hiss of pain.

"Fine," stated the Gascon through gritted teeth, his good hand unknowingly tightening its grip on Aramis's as Moreau checked he hadn't done any further damage to the bone.

"The extra splints seem to be helping," nodded Moreau approvingly as he passed the now pale and trembling boy a pain draught with an apologetic smile. "Though just to be safe I don't want you walking unaided for a few more days at least."

D'Artagnan's eyes widened and he was about to retort when he caught the challenging look in the doctor's eyes and thought better on it, with a resigned sigh he nodded.

Chuckling at the kicked puppy look his friend was now sporting Aramis weakly ruffled his hair before watching as Corbett moved to help him over to the wagon.

"You seem to be doing better yourself Monsieur Aramis," remarked Moreau with a soft smile as he moved to check over the musketeer.

Aramis was about to respond when he was cut off by the sound of a frustrated Treville barking out orders to anyone and everyone.

Wincing slightly at the Captain's tone Moreau turned back to Aramis, "Let's get this done before we stress out your Captain even more.