Certain that he will never grow used to Aramis’ easy compliments, Athos huffs and looks away, the sheepish turn of his smile revealing pleased embarrassment as well as any blush would. He does not refuse his friend’s help, letting Aramis slide the waistcoat onto his shoulders. Despite Athos' unexpected fear that this moment would be lost to the ether if he spoke, the thrum of energy between them has not lessened, and even the light touch when Aramis’ hand brushes Athos’ arm makes him shiver. But absent is the tension that has colored so many interactions among all three Inseparables since a certain revealing, unsettling, and utterly memorable December day.