Evening My Lovelies

Wow we're almost at 90 chapters how crazy is that!

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - It's probably an understatement actually but Aramis is determined to work until he collapses so best not to try and get in his way. Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - They'll be moving today so he should be okay. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - Yeah Athos is ignoring his own injuries, though Aramis will be telling him off for it once they're all settled back at the garrison. Porthos will be okay with some rest and once his shoulder's been put back in, D'Art's in a seriously bad way and yeah poor Aramis is in dire need of a nap. Enjoy the new chapter! x

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - Glad your enjoying the story :) Yeah I kinda forgot about that wound, guess that's what I get for whumping our boys so much. His worry is kinda overwhelming his pain senses right now but I'll address it in the next chapter :) Good to know Athos is your favourite though as I have some scenes coming up in later chapters that focus heavily on him so hopefully you'll enjoy those. They're not complete whumpage focused but should hopefully still be a good read. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I'm so used to your reviews coming through late in the evening and usually when I'm writing that I proper freaked out when this one came through. Had a mild heart attacking thinking it was a lot later then it was and I hadn't even started writing lol. There's a lot of healing that needs to happen for our boys but thankfully the regiment all bands together when one of them is injured (as I've hopefully shown). We're getting a brief glimpse of Athos's protective brotherly side again today though it'll come out more in full tomorrow as he's going to be on comfort duty. Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Don't worry our boys will be on hand to give the pup the comfort he needs really soon. They'll be back in the garrison by the end of todays chapter and then things should be a bit easier for the boy. Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - If you like caring muskys you should hopefully enjoy the next few chapters as our boys are in full caring mode. Hmm I don't think anyone's going to dare tell Aramis to rest lol they might just have to wait until he passes out... though I'm sure Athos and Porthos could make a decent attempt at getting him to rest, at least for a bit. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Oh everyones guilt tripping at the moment, should bring out some good conversations though :D D'Arts in a bad way and definitely has a long road of recovery in front of him... all i can promise is I wont kill him. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, I see the regiment as being one that would all come together when one of their own is injured so I tried to show that in yesterday's and today's chapter. Everyone's feeling a bit of guilt unfortunately, though that should bring some good conversations up in the future. Our boys will be back in the garrison today. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - Glad you're enjoying the comfort, we'll be seeing a lot more of it in the coming chapters. I'm hoping I can give some good angst with our healing boys too, I'll do my best. I was hoping to include the chat between Athos and Treville today but I've decided it'd be better happening tomorrow but it is coming so I'm hoping you'll like it when it happens. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the reviews - Hmmm Alain and Reynard aren't really hurt... couple of bruises and maybe the odd cut does that count? We'll blame yesterdays bad grammar on how tired i was, hopefully today's is better and worry not our boys will safely get to the garrison today. Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Eighty-Seven: Getting Home

Thankfully the musketeers didn't have to wait long for the stretcher to arrive, as not even five minutes after Aramis admitted they needed to get D'Artagnan out of there they were greeted by the sound of footsteps hurriedly approaching.

Reflex had all of the men, particularly Porthos, tensing at the sound, even though they were certain that the threat Marcel and his men had presented had been handled. Needless to say there were several small sighs of relief at the appearance of the musketeers instead of a new threat. Etienne, who had accompanied the two other musketeers when he had learnt of the situation raised a questioning eyebrow at the response but said nothing as Reynard was immediately talking to him.

"Etienne!" exclaimed the musketeer, fear filling him at the sight of the solider he had left with their injured brother.

Etienne instantly understood what was coming next and took a couple of steps closer to the man who had been the leader of his group as well as the other two members, though Alain was obviously a little distracted and fretting over Blaise. "Issac's alive." He stated, smiling softly as he noticed Reynard and the others practically sag with relief at those two simple words. "He hasn't regained consciousness yet and he lost a lot of blood like you know but Beaumont's looking after him until we arrive and he seems confident about his chances."

"Right then," stated Treville, not bothering to hide the relieved smile on his lips before he twisted to look over at where Aramis and Athos were still working. "How long before the kid can be moved?"

Aramis audibly sighed and stopped working to turn and look at his Captain, not missing the way Porthos shifted in a desperate effort to see more of his young friend. "He's got a lot of wounds Captain," admitted the medic, his voice a mixture of sadness and anger. "We're still working on his front but his back needs attention too."

"No one's rushing you Aramis," reassured Treville, his expression filling with anger that was mimicked by the growl released from Porthos. "Just give me an estimate."

Aramis was silent for a moment as he turned back to glance at his friend, Athos's hand had once again found its way into the boy's hair and it seemed to be bringing both of them some comfort so he didn't comment, though even the reassuring presence of his friends and mentor wasn't enough to stop the pain and D'Artagnan let out another small, yet painfully heartbreaking whimper that had Aramis coming to a decision.

"It would take too long to finish treating them all here," he stated, his voice clinical as he pushed aside the worried brotherly part on him to allow for the medic in him to completely take over. "Being here is likely only going to make his condition worse. Give me a few minutes to stitch the wound Athos just cleaned and then we should be able to move him if we're careful."

Treville looked worried, he had only caught a glimpse of the boy's injuries as he had had his hands full with other matters but he knew they must be serious and numerous if they were generating that much concern from the medic. "You're sure?" he asked, not wanting to be the one forcing them to rush if the boy's chances would be better if Aramis worked on him for a bit longer.

Aramis nodded, "It's getting dark now anyway, soon I wont be able to work and I'm not leaving these wounds open and uncleaned for any longer then I have to. He's already developed an infection in a couple of them and that coupled with the extensive blood he's lost… it puts him in great risk."

Treville expression turned grim and Porthos looked ready to kill someone, it was only Etienne's grip on his good shoulder that kept him from getting to his feet.

"We'll get Corbett and Porthos ready, let us know as soon as you're done."

Aramis nodded sharply before turning back to D'Artagnan.

Once Aramis had turned around Treville turned to Porthos, he had originally intended to leave the man until last as he was conscious and only really needed help to get up and remain standing. Now though, he could see how agitated the man was becoming and knew that Porthos wouldn't leave without seeing D'Artagnan first so he moved to the larger man's side, his appearance pulling Porthos's focus away from the unconscious Gascon.

"Can you keep your anger in check?" asked the Captain, as he looked Porthos dead in the eyes. Porthos appeared slightly confused by the question but nodded regardless. "I'm not kidding Porthos, if we're risking moving the kid I can't have your anger getting in the way and distracting Aramis while he finishes up." Porthos seemed to grasp what was being said to him then and a fierce determination burned in his eyes as he nodded harder.

Treville sighed fondly at the man, grumbling under his breath that he was probably going to regret this before offering his hand to the larger musketeer, who took it without question or hesitation.

It took a bit of maneuvering and no small amount of pain on Porthos's part but eventually they were able to get him up and moving, though he was wincing frequently and leaning more on Treville then either man was going to comment on.

Athos noticed their arrival first, having stopped working to flex his fingers that were beginning to cramp. "Porthos," he smiled, though it was slightly strained and full of exhaustion. "Good to see you upright."

Porthos opened his mouth to respond but any comment he had been planning on making died on his tongue the second he saw D'Artagnan.

"Anger," snapped Treville quietly, tightening his grip on the larger musketeer just enough to grab his attention.

Porthos blinked, the red, rage-driven haze fading from his vision at his Captain's actions. His entire frame was shaking in anger at what his friend had endured and every fiber of his being was screaming at him to get revenge, even though Marcel and his men had already paid with their lives.

"Breathe mon ami," remarked Aramis casually, his eyes never leaving the wound he was stitching.

The voice of his brother jolted Porthos out from the last vestiges of his rage and he took as deep a breath as his ribs would allow. Somewhat grateful that Aramis knew him well enough to know he would have forgotten to breathe in his anger.

"I'm good," growled the larger man as he forced his body to calm. His anger would serve no good right now and if anything, would only be a distraction to Aramis, which was the last thing he wanted to be.

"Captain!" called Reynard, instantly grabbing Treville's attention. "Corbett's up!"

Another relieved sigh left Treville's lips before he could stop it and he quickly called Etienne over to help support Porthos while he moved to the now awake musketeer's side.

"Easy Corbett," soothed Treville as he helped the man sit up and drink some water.

"…T'nks," mumbled Corbett as he tried to breathe through the pain in his body.

"How's the pain?"

"Bearable," grunted Corbett before he offered Treville a weak attempt at his trademark cheeky grin. "Unless… you want to… give me some more of that stuff you gave me earlier?"

Treville huffed a laugh, reaching out to squeeze the man's shoulder gently. "Maybe when we've got you settled in the wagon but we could really do with you awake right now."

"Oh joy," groaned the musketeer before he caught on to what was being said. "We're leaving?"

Treville nodded, not missing the hope that was present in Corbett's voice when he spoke. "Aramis is preparing D'Artagnan, Porthos is awake and Marcel and his men are all dead. We should be out of here before long."

Corbett blinked, "I missed a lot when I was asleep."

"Just a bit," chuckled Treville lightly, his smile only growing at the matching one being sent his way by Corbett.

"I'm done here Captain!" called Aramis as he shakily made himself stand before issuing orders to Reynard and the others who had come to lift D'Artagnan into the stretcher. Treville couldn't hear much of what was being said but he caught the word 'careful' more than once.

"Do you think you can walk?" Treville asked, turning back to Corbett, who was watching D'Artagnan being moved with guilt filled eyes.

"What?" stammered Corbett, his gaze turning back to his Captain. "Erm yeah… probably."

Without saying anything else Treville helped Corbett to his feet, muttering words of encouragement at every sound of pain that escaped the man.

Eventually the group was ready; Alain was supporting Blaise, despite the man's objections. Treville had Corbett, Etienne was helping Porthos, Aramis and Athos were helping each other in an almost comical way while everyone else was supporting the stretcher carrying D'Artagnan.

Beaumont's eyes widened in worry as he saw the awful conditions of his comrades though he wisely said nothing as they approached, simply moving out of the way so they could get the men settled quickly.

It was a tight fit in the wagon, especially as they hadn't planned for Issac needing to fit in as well, but they managed and Treville was grateful that it was now late in the day as it meant that the roads would be significantly less busy for their return trip.

"You sure you're good to ride you two?" Treville asked as he apprehensively watched both Athos and Aramis mount their horses. Both men nodded, too tired and worried to verbally comment.

With a sigh Treville mounted, "Let's go."

As soon as they were close to the garrison Treville sent Reynard off to warn doctor Moreau and the others about their impending arrival. As such the doctor was waiting in the courtyard for them when they arrived.

"What do we have?" Moreau asked as he moved to approach the injured men. Aramis clumsily dismounted his horse, barely biting back the cry of pain the movement caused before launching into an explanation of the group's injuries.

"Are you well enough to handle your friends?" asked Moreau as his eyes roamed over the medic's injured and exhausted form.

Aramis straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm fine, I can do it."

Seeing the tension in his brother's frame Athos stepped in, "We can take them to my rooms here in the garrison. Most of your medical supplies are there anyway and the infirmary's going to be loud, they'll rest better somewhere quieter."

Aramis visibly brightened at the suggestion and immediately began running off a list of things he needed bringing to his brother's rooms to the musketeers who had gathered in the courtyard to help.

"They'd be better in the infirmary," huffed Moreau though he could see he was going to lose the fight when Aramis's only response was to ignore him and continue giving orders.

"It's fine," said Treville tiredly, having expected this to have happened. "I'll have someone check on them regularly and inform you of any changes that need your assistance."

Moreau looked ready to protest again when Issac groaned in pain, having been jostled by the men moving D'Artagnan and a now asleep Porthos out of the wagon. Moreau's eyes narrowed as he moved to the injured man's side and began ordering the remaining musketeers to move both Issac and Corbett to the infirmary.

"I'll come with you," said Treville as he fell into step with the doctor, "I'd like an update on the other men if you've got a moment before getting started."

Moreau nodded, smiling at the obvious care and concern he could hear in the Captain's voice. "Henri's reacting well to treatment, his infection is still bad but is definitely showing signs of improvement so I'm hopeful of his chances of beating it soon. His fever is a bit of a concern but I have one of your men monitoring it with instructions to alert me if it gets worse."

Treville sighed; he had been extremely worried when the man had developed a fast and intense infection from his encounter with the bear. The long journey back after that had only worsened the man's condition so it was a huge weight off of his heart to hear he was doing better, even if he wasn't completely out of the woods yet.

"And Jacques?"

The small smile that pulled at Moreau's lips ignited the hope inside Treville though he did his best not to let it grow too much until he had the information from the man.

"You've got quite a fighter in that boy Treville," remarked Moreau as the pair of them entered the infirmary. "I honestly wasn't confident at the boy's chances considering how much blood he had lost… but he's fighting hard. In the last hour or so he's become slightly animated, small twitches and groans, nothing too much but very positive signs after an injury like the one he had sustained. We're going to need to watch him very carefully for infections and complications but I'm definitely more hopeful then I was when you brought him in."

It wasn't the glowing report he had been hoping for but it was far better then the one his pessimistic mind had cooked up so Treville decided to take what he could get.

Treville was about to respond when a shout from a nearby bed caught his attention.

"ISSAC!" screamed Favier as he scrambled out of his cot to rush to his friend's side, his eyes widening in fear and worry at the sight that greeted him.

"Favier," called Treville calmly as he approached the stunned musketeer's side, the man having frozen on the spot while the men carrying his brother in placed the unconscious musketeer on an empty bed.

"Favier," Treville called again, this time placing his hand on the musketeer's shoulder and squeezing it gently to pull the man out of his current state.

"W…What happened?" breathed Favier shakily as he watched Moreau moved to examine his dearest friend.

"Marcel and his men had filled the house full of traps," explained Reynard stoically as he moved to stand beside Favier, knowing that, as the leader of Issac's group, the report should come from him. Treville seemed to understand this as he nodded towards the musketeer before leaving the two to talk.

For the next few minutes Reynard explained exactly what had happened and what they had done to try to help save Issac's life. Favier was visibly shaking by the end, just knowing how close his best friend and brother had come to losing his life.

"Th-Thank you," stuttered Favier, his voice shaky and full of emotions. Reynard appeared surprised at his words but Favier continued regardless. "Y-You kept him alive, gave him a chance… Thank you."