Aramis, too, brightens, and it is not as if he has expected Athos to be closed off from the world forever, a secret joy only for themselves to treasure, but that it is happening at last is a welcome surprise.

He laughs and claps his hands, seizing Athos so tightly after it's clear he's only just resisting pulling him into his lap, and nods for every word of Porthos'. "We have longed for it," he agrees. "Thank you, Athos."