In my opinion, this episode took the Athos Man Pain well over the top – I wasn't going to even try to touch it. But I thought Elodie and Porthos were adorable. I was happy to see him smile for real. And when Aramis and Juliette arrived at the room, his smile and Porthos brow raise made my day. This popped into my head from that. It's not much, but it made me chuckle – which was sorely needed after all that Athos angst.
Episode 7 – Fools Gold
What's in a Name?
Aramis stepped back as Porthos shuffled through the doorway with a sigh of relief. He placed a hand on the big man's shoulder and squeezed.
"I was down there, unarmed, facing who knows how many men with guns and swords, while you stayed back here inside this shack playing nursemaid to an expectant mother?" He waved a hand toward the room where Juliet was helping Elodie with the newborn. "Thank God I had the easier task."
Porthos snorted a laugh. "I see you made it through in one piece."
Aramis nodded. "As did you." He leaned back and peeked into the room. "Boy or girl?"
"Girl," Porthos announced proudly.
Aramis sighed, seemingly disappointed. "A pity."
The big Musketeer glared at his friend. "You of all people would belittle a child just because it was a girl?"
Aramis held up a hand in supplication. "Of course not. It's a rather well known fact that I love women."
Porthos frowned. "Then why's it a pity?"
"What if she feels the need to name it after you?" Aramis asked, his eyes wide with innocent mirth. "Can you imagine how difficult the child's life will be if she has to struggle through it being known as Porthosa?"
The big Musketeer's head fell back in laughter. "Maybe Porthica would be better?"
"Or Porthetta."
"Porthalina?"
"Are you two quite done?"
The two men wiped the smiles from their faces, turning to find Juliette glaring at them from the open doorway. They shifted on their feet, chastised, returning her gaze contritely.
"The baby is sleeping and Elodie is exhausted. If you don't mind taking this little game somewhere else, I think she would like to get some rest."
Aramis bowed, a smile playing at his lips. "Of course. Our apologies for the disruption."
"Porthos?" Elodie's voice drifted out from inside the room. "Please stay?"
The Musketeer's brows rose victoriously and he ducked past Juliette, grinning at his friend as he returned to the new mother's side.
"Perhaps I could interest you in some ale?" Juliette asked, her own smile threatening to crack the dour expression she habitually wore. She seemed different, lighter, and Aramis was thrilled to see it.
The marksman held out an arm gallantly. "I would be honored, Madame."
fin