Who: Athos and Aramis When: Early August Where: Aramis' place What: Coffee and a question Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Complete
Athos had to admit he was intrigued when Aramis had said he needed to ask him something, he assumed it was a favour. Perhaps he wanted some extra time off with Sharon and the baby but he’d be entitled to paternity leave. Porthos too. Athos had already taken care of that with their personnel department.
He hoped they could still come to Paris with them. Thanks to Athos’ friend Elizabeth they’d got all the paperwork in order and had reserved a small little old style inn for the ceremony and following reception. Small reception just the four of them but nice, relaxed and D’Artagnan didn’t need to feel pressured.
Arriving he knocked on the door and waiting for his friend.
The arrival of the baby and the presence of Aramis’s mother had, for a bit, calmed him down. But now he was settling back into being scattered. His head was in an entirely difference place, which made him restless, and anxious, so while he waited for Athos he puttered around to make coffee.
“Hey,” he said, when he answered the door with a smile. “Come in, hello, come in.” Aramis stepped aside, ushering his friend in before the dog decided to try slip outside. “I thought we could go sit out in the yard. Enjoy the summer.” And being outside meant Aramis could smoke without filling the house with the smell of tobacco.
“Of course. It’s a lovely day” Athos agreed easily, fussing the dog as he entered. He couldn’t imagine being without Grim now and he was sure it was the same for Porthos and Aramis. “So, has it actually hit home that you’re a dad yet?” he asked with a smile as he followed Aramis through the house.
Mousqueton was delighted at Athos’s attentions. He was likely feeling a touch left out, what with the attention being on the baby and all, and only Bazin to keep him company. For his efforts, Athos got some sloppy kisses on his hand until Aramis tutted him away with a bit of a laugh.
“That dog. Every bit as personable as his namesake. A bit less cowardice, though. Aramis gave Athos an amused look. “It’s a bit … Sometimes it still feels surreal,” he answered, ushering his friend through the house and to the backyard. “I keep sort of falling back into my thoughts and then suddenly there she is and I feel the same way I did the first time I held her. I can honestly say I have everything I’ve ever wanted from life.”
Athos didn’t mind at all, he was very much a dog person and was happy to give the animal the attention he so obviously wanted. Athos chuckled, “D’Artagnan would know, I admit I find it odd that I still have yet to experience those particular dreams” he’d quite like to if only so he could reassure his fiance.
“Well that is wonderful to hear you say my friend” he smiled truly happy for Aramis, “And I have no doubt the three of you will make wonderful parents”
“Porthos is still lagging, too,” Aramis said, in regards to the dreams. His own didn’t seem to stop barreling forward and sometimes he felt frustrated that no one else was at the same spot as him. He needed someone who understood the mess he was facing, but he also was glad no one was there to see any version of him fall flat on his face. Athos was already witness to that in one set of dreams. “For the best, probably. He wouldn’t be too happy.”
He grabbed some cups of coffee before settling in at the table on the back patio. There were already some dishes of milk and sugar, for Athos to serve himself as he wanted.
“I hope so. I’m glad I have two people to lean on. And … Actually, that’s why I wanted to talk to you.”
It was strange that both Athos and Porthos were not having the dreams the others were but then who knew how this place worked. There may or may not be a reason behind it. He suspected it wasn’t something they’d ever know.
Athos poured milk into his coffee and stirred it, “Ah yes, your request” he smiled.
“Yes, my request.” Aramis stirred sugar into his coffee. Too much sugar, maybe, but he’d always liked sweet things. “I spoke to Sharon about it already, so, you don’t need to worry about that.”
Down the hatch went to the coffee. Half the cup was gone before Aramis finally set it down again. He looked across the table and cleared his throat. “Will you be Viviana’s godfather?”
Athos was surprised but happily so, and he nodded almost immediately, “Aramis, I would be honored. Thank you so much for asking me” he said, glad that they Aramis and Sharon were in agreement. It was very touching.
An instant look of relief washed over Aramis’s face. He hadn’t expected Athos to say no, of course, but the fear was always there. He grinned, reaching over to squeeze his friend’s arm.
“Thank you. I’m glad. Sharon said you’d have been her first choice, too.” He took his hand back so he could finish off his first cup of coffee. “So. How are plans for Europe coming?”
Athos wouldn’t have dreamed of saying no, it hadn’t crossed his mind at all. He patted Aramis’ hand before the other man removed it.
“Thank you, it means a lot that you’d both think of me” he said smiling. “Well...” he said before telling his friend all about the plans he’d made. Everything was going great and this was like the icing on the cake.