The Talk

[averygoodshot]

There is a fundamental peace that comes with being near his son in a way that allows Aramis to hold him, to sing to him. Even though things are still unresolved in Paris, he is not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He cradles the Dauphin to his chest and hums even as he hears a knock at the door. He walks over and peers into the small looking glass to see Porthos on the other side.

Well. It isn't as if he can pretend to not be here, is it? And if he can adjust to his friend being a woman, then surely, Porthos will take the news of his being the Dauphin's father ... in stride?

Aramis can hope.

Holding the baby securely, he opens the door to his friend.

Comments

[averygoodshot]

Yes, yes. For all intents and public purposes, that is true.

But in his heart, the boy is his son. And he would die for the Queen as it is; he's already demonstrated that, hasn't he? Before there was even love between them.

"It is never something I shall speak of publicly," he assures Porthos.

But.

[praiseandglory]

"Aramis," Porthos starts, because his friend needs to understand, but -

But they are in the Nexus, and it doesn't matter here, for now. He can give Aramis a reprieve, although he isn't sure that it's a kindness, when the parting will be that much more difficult, upon his return to Paris.

"You ought to tell d'Artagnan."

[averygoodshot]

Yes, Aramis should, he supposes, and his face shows the gratitude he feels for Porthos's seeming acceptance for the situation here, at least.

Little does he know he will come close to death once he returns to Paris.

"I will," he promises, bringing his hand up to rest on Porthos's shoulder. "Sit and have some wine?"

[praiseandglory]

Porthos shakes his head, unsure why he feels so uncomfortable at the suggestion. It might simply be that he doesn't want to start thinking of the baby as anything but the Dauphin.

"Spend what time you might with him, while you're both here," he tells his friend, his eyes grave on his. "This is all the time you will have, Aramis." He hopes that he is making his message clear; no more seducing the governess when he returns to Paris, an action which now seems cruel to the poor woman, if the infant was the only reason behind it.

[averygoodshot]

Ah, Marguerite. Aramis doesn't know Porthos knows about that.

But he nods, yes; he will take as much time as he can with the boy.

This tension, though, between them, disconcerts him. "I will be careful," he adds, belatedly.

[praiseandglory]

Porthos nods, then doesn't hesitate as he wraps Aramis in one of his usual friendly embraces, but one that perhaps means more, now, clapping him softly on the back before stepping back and turning to go.

It might also be fathers abandoning their sons, and the recent wound in his heart, that pushes him out of this room, to leave father and son in peace while they can be.

[averygoodshot]

It seems abrupt, certainly and Aramis is reaching out, almost saying Porthos's name when the baby starts to cry again. He turns to care for the boy.

For his son.