There's something like mild, boyish horror when Aramis makes his promise. It flickers across his face and is quick to settle as he stares at Aramis, wordlessly wondering if he's chosen Athos over him. He doesn't know if there are words he can say, but he understands that Aramis has honour and duty, has not as much cause as he does to want to stay here. "I want to remain," he says, stubbornly. "Because I've found something to stay here for. I've found acceptance and affection and I'm not ready to give that up," is what he says.

"I'll help, where I can...but I'm staying, even if it's alone," is what he says quietly to finish, setting his empty glass of wine down and busying himself in the kitchen to keep his thoughts off this mess.