Aramis smiles down at Athos, certain the words will come again even as Athos musters the will to say them, and he is still smiling when Porthos and Athos again break apart. "Thank you," he whispers back, for he knows how brave Athos has been for them, how much he risks even now, and leans down to kiss his cheeks. "He is quite right. I do love you. To distraction sometimes."

His smile widens, for he is quite aware of Porthos still in need. "I can't recall what I was up to at all."