“I thank you for your restraint,” Athos says with a flicker of a grin. Sheepishly, he remembers the infatuation he had swiftly developed for her when he was a youth. Had she been aware of his childish emotions? Now, the thought is strange, even ridiculous.

He offers a small bow, well aware that that is a ridiculous gesture as well - but it seems appropriate, somehow. “Bon anniversaire."