Athos sees something unexpected in that smile. Perhaps not shyness, exactly, but he does not see the guile he has come to expect, nor the swagger. He has caught his friend in plenty of unguarded moments before, but rarely have they felt quite so directed at him. By God, so much has changed.

And is that really so bad? a small voice asks.

Perhaps that smile gives him confidence, for Athos does not retreat in the face of his feeling, not yet, though he does not trust himself to speak. In reply, he offers a faint nod, and turns only to collect Aramis’ waistcoat and jacket. Heart in his throat, Athos helps into one, and then the other.