"That is not how love works, Aramis," Athos says in a voice full of fondness. As is so often the case, he admires Aramis' surety, which brightens the man's face like the sun. But Athos cannot pretend that all things are possible with love - love of God or love of fellow man.

It is appropriate, somehow, that Athos sits so literally exposed, as well as figuratively. "Fear has never stopped you from going after what you want, Porthos. But I am a coward. And selfish." His gaze flickers to Aramis, and his voice drops low. "I want you to myself a little longer."