Evening My Lovelies

Sorry this is a little later than usual but I really like how this turned out so i think it'll be worth the extra hour or so's wait.

Question for you all: Do you want to see more whumpage coming to our boys? We're kinda beginning to wind down a bit now but I have a few ideas for a bit of whumpage that I could include if you want to see it.

Oh and also, there's a prayer in this chapter, I'm not religious at all so if it's wrong or not really appropriate I apologize. I found it online and it seemed to fit the situation.

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - Yay I'm glad you liked it, that was my favourite chapter that I've written in a while so I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it. We're still in for some sadness today as well as some brotherly love. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - I think it was still hard for Aramis to hate her considering he still feels some guilt over how Marsac died, hence making it slightly easier for him to forgive her as she was dying. Definitely wasn't sorry to kill of Aimeric though :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

romirola: Thanks for the review - You're welcome :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - Hmm you might be getting a bit misty-eyed today as well as we're dealing with Aramis's grief. Glad you're relieved about the news of Jacques being allowed to live... After all the demands I received for him to live I figured you'd all probably hunt me down with torches and pitchforks if I killed him off lol. We're in for some brotherly moments today which I hope you enjoy. I still have some stuff planned for this story but yeah it is beginning to wind down a bit. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Helensg: Thanks for the review - She gets reunited with her brother and we get the lovely brotherly comfort moments I have planned :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - Aramis is too badass to be beaten by someone like Aimeric, plus he was motivated by what he had done to Vivi. I wasn't actually sure I was going to kill her until I wrote her getting stabbed but I quite like how it's turned out. It means I got to write chapters like today's one which I had a lot of fun with :) Loved you're comment about Athos as your review email came through shortly after I had decided that that's what he was actually going to do :D Great minds think alike I suppose :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Nah it's not bad, Vivi was a bit of a bitch anyways. The story was beginning to wind down a bit but there are a couple of more opportunities for whumpage if you'd like to see some more. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Haha I know! No one is safe! Mwhahahaha! This story was beginning to wind down a bit but I'm happy to include some more whumpage moments if you want :) Also thank you for the kind words. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - Yeah poor Aramis isn't handling it well, though his brother's are there to look after him. Glad you liked the fight scene though you're right, Moreau is not going to be impressed with Aramis... though given the circumstance I think he'll be willing to forgo his lecture. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Nope not mean at all, I figured you'd be happy Jacques is going to live after our conversation earlier lol :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I know, I felt a bit bad for how I ended Viv, especially bringing in Aimeric. I wasn't even sure that I was going to kill her until I wrote her getting stabbed. I think it all works out well for us though as we get to read cute comforting brotherly moments like I hope we have today. Poor Aramis really isn't handling the grief well, especially seeing as how she died in his arms, much like her brother. Wow I'm really glad you think so :D That chapter was probably the most fun I've had writing a chapter in a while and I was so proud of how it turned out so to hear (or read i suppose) your words regarding it totally made my day :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading. Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Lost In Grief

The sight of their friend and brother in such pain was heartbreaking for the musketeers gathered in the courtyard. Most felt they were intruding on his grief and that they shouldn't be there so, with Treville silently ushering them, they returned to the infirmary, sympathy burning brightly in each of their eyes.

"Athos," sighed Treville sadly, having spotted the musketeer as soon as he entered the infirmary. The swordsman was in the process of trying to get out of bed without jostling his injuries too much and given by the sheen of sweat on his forehead, he had been trying for some time.

"What happened?" demanded Athos, exhaustion and pain clear in his voice though he pushed them to the side as he continued to attempt to get up.

"Should you be doing that?" asked Reynard worriedly; imagining the pain his lieutenant was subjecting himself to by doing this.

Athos said nothing in response, settling for glaring at the man while he continued his attempts at getting up. The problem was, whenever he moved he felt the pull on his stitches and the pain nearly had him gasping for breath and that wasn't even thinking about the pain that was going to shoot up his leg as soon as he put pressure on his broken ankle when he stood up.

Looking back at his Captain, Athos couldn't help but feel fear and panic welling up inside of him, his attention might have been focused on getting up but even he hadn't missed the fact that none of his brothers, not even D'Artagnan, had returned to the room.

"Sir?" he asked, doing his best to keep his concern out of his voice. "What happened?"

To Athos's great surprise Treville remained silent, choosing instead to move to his side and gently help him up onto his feet, even supporting some of his weight as he waited for the worst of the pain to dull.

"Captain?"

Treville sighed sadly once again, nodding towards the infirmary door. "They need you Athos," he said softly, feeling the musketeer tense at his words. "I doubt they will be able to get through to him alone."

That was enough for Athos and with a sharp nod to his Captain as he eyes narrowed in determination, the swordsman began limping out of the room, gritting his teeth the entire way to prevent himself from screaming or collapsing in pain.

"Are you sure that was wise sir?" asked Alain softly, the red tint to his eyes speaking to how he had been affected by Aramis's pain. "He really shouldn't be out of bed…"

Treville nodded weakly, practically sinking into the nearest chair as he felt the heavy weight of exhaustion settle on his shoulders. "He would have gone with or without my help," explained the Captain sadly, his worried eyes lingering on the infirmary door. "At least with my help he didn't tear anything trying to force himself out of bed… that's the last thing Aramis needs right now."

Stepping out into the courtyard Athos had to take a moment to lean against one of the support beams as he waited for the dizzy spell he was currently fighting against passed. Dark spots were dancing across his vision and he knew he was doing more harm than good to his ankle, probably extending his healing time a good couple of weeks by walking on it before it was sufficiently healed but Treville's words, coupled with the clear pain in his Captain's eyes had him believing whatever was going on was worth the pain threatening to overwhelm him.

Once the dizziness had faded to a manageable level the musketeer pushed himself off of the beam and followed the sound of Porthos's voice, which he could just make out.

His heart lurched as he realized his brother was pleading, using soft calming words… A familiar approach he only ever took with one person.

As he rounded the corner he felt his heart shatter at the sound of his brother's agony as he noticed the medic clutching the limp form of the young woman he had once considered sister, completely oblivious to his friends' attempts to calm him as he was too lost in his grief.

"Just breathe 'Mis," pleaded Porthos, hating the sound of his brother's breaths as he could tell the man was imminently close to having a panic attack or hyperventilating at this point.

Unfortunately Aramis showed no signs of even having noticed his friends were beside him, let alone speaking to him.

"…Aramis…" tried D'Artagnan, worry thick in his voice as he tried to gently touch Aramis's arm, only for the man to violently flinch away from him but still show no other recognition. "Aramis," he sighed sadly, pulling his arm back to him. "We need to have a look at your wounds," he explained trying to be practical and those words sent Athos, who was watching from a distance as he tried to assess the situation, to conduct his own visual assessment of his brother in a panic, fearful his brother would end up like the woman in his lap.

Porthos and D'Artagnan shared a sad look, both hating that they were unable to get their friend to even acknowledge their presence. Moving on shaking legs D'Artagnan rose from his spot on the ground, intent on at least getting some water for the medic, knowing he would need the fluids.

As he moved Athos's eyes widened fractionally at the amount of blood on his young protégé and he was about to storm up to the man and check him for injuries when his mind registered how he was moving. The boy moved stiffly, like he was in pain but otherwise showed no signs of any injury that would lead to that much blood staining his now ruined clothes. Leaving Athos to come to the conclusion that the blood belonged to the now deceased woman in Aramis's arms.

Unable to stand the sight before him without doing something any longer Athos took a deep steadying breath, pushed the pain to one side and stepped forward.

"Aramis…" he called, infusing his voice with the same amount of authority he had used shortly after the man's drowning incident, hoping it would have the same effect and would be enough to push through the grief breaking his friend.

Both Porthos and D'Artagnan looked only slightly surprised at his arrival but his own focus was on the grieving medic.

To his great relief it seemed that part of the marksman's mind still responded to the voice and silent command of a superior as his tear stained face slowly lifted from Vivienne's shoulder.

Athos's face instantly softened as he read the obvious agonizing pain in his brother's face. Ignoring the pain of his own injuries and the attempts from both Porthos and D'Artagnan to help him, he limped over to Aramis's side; the medic's tear filled eyes never leaving him as he approached.

For a moment no one said anything, both D'Artagnan and Porthos were waiting to see what would happen and both Aramis and Athos were waiting for the other to break the silence first.

With a sad look in his eyes Athos reached out his hand, slowing, but not stopping, the movement as he noticed Aramis's grip on the woman tighten. With his attention focused on the deceased woman in his brother's arms Athos missed the confusion that broke through the pain to flash across Aramis's face at his actions.

With a gentleness that might have surprised some people considering their history Athos closed Vivienne's eyes, making her look more at peace and less fearful by doing so.

"Have you?" he asked quietly, adjusting the position he was crouched in so he wouldn't pass out from the pain of his own injuries before taking care of his brother.

Both Porthos and D'Artagnan were fully expecting the medic to remain unresponsive so both were equally surprised when Athos's vague question garnered a slow and weak shake of his head from the sharpshooter, the man clearly having understood what was being asked of him.

"You should," said Athos softly as he gazed down at the woman. "It will bring you both peace I think."

Aramis blinked at that, knowing that his brother's own relationship with God was strained at best but he couldn't deny the truth in his brother's words. Both Vivienne and himself had believed, he had done the same for her brother as he died at his hand, the least he could do, would be to do this for her now.

Taking a shaky breath, his breathing beginning to return to normal now he was focusing on something and not losing himself in his grief, Aramis gently moved a wayward lock of hair from Vivienne's face, taking a moment to compose himself before speaking in a quiet and trembling voice.

"…Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace… Amen."

"Amen," echoed his friends as the medic finished his prayer, tears streaking down his face once again as his shaking returned and his grief settled in once again.

Having decided to risk his friend's reaction Porthos looked to Athos, who understood his silent decision and nodded, before easing the dead woman from Aramis's trembling arms before pulling the sobbing man into a tight embrace, not caring at the weak attempt of resistance his friend put up before sagging in his arms and sobbing into his shoulder.

While the larger musketeer comforted their grieving friend Athos whispered a few orders into D'Artagnan's ears, the Gascon nodding and moving to his feet, wanting to do something for his friend.

He returned a few minutes later with a small bucket of water and a few cloths. Aramis was still lost in his grief in Porthos's arms and the larger man was too focused on whispering comforting words into his brother's ears to notice what his other friends' were doing but Athos nodded his thanks before the two of them got started.

Part of Athos was worried how Aramis would react to what they were doing but he pushed those thoughts out of his mind as he and D'Artagnan worked to gently clean the blood, tears and dirt from the woman's body, neither wanting Aramis to be forced to look at her covered in them anymore, knowing full well it was only adding to his pain to see her in such a way.

Once she was as clean as they could get her without removing her clothes, something neither man was ever going to do, D'Artagnan stood and left again, this time returning with a large white sheet and a comb.

Being nearest her head Athos took the comb and gently removed all the tangles from the woman's hair whilst D'Artagnan carefully covered her, up to her neck, with the sheet.

By the time they were done Aramis had calmed slightly and was now staring at the pair of them with a look that was somewhere between gratefulness and awe. Both men had been meticulous in their work and now Vivienne looked like she was peacefully sleeping and not dead with a stab wound to her gut.

Aramis opened and closed his mouth several times, desperately trying to get the words to come out but failing.

"Take all the time you need my friend," said Athos softly as he placed a hand on the medic's shoulder, not commenting on the slight trembling that could still be felt. "We're with you… You are not alone."