"Yes, I'm not sure of that either." He looks sheepish enough about it, really. And he didn't know Athos was there! He doesn't know the man's schedule, for Christ's sake. He shrugs at the question.

"I'm not sure. I suppose a time when I was at least more than a little bit sure that you wouldn't slap me in the face?" Though he wasn't all that sure it wouldn't happen this time around either.

"But now, I don't know, it's not as if I have much to lose by doing it now, right?" But that's a lie and he knows it is. He had everything to lose with her, and still does. He could have, conceivably, been friends with her if the nature of their relationship had never changed, but now he's not sure. He'll try, no matter what happens, though. There's always that to count on.