[The combination of the two of them in his house already has Athos's spirits lifting and not just for how they'll spoil his dogs rotten. He snaps his fingers again and said pups go back to adoring his guests without pause. It's nice to see them so energetic and excited instead of echoing his silence right back at him.]

No, there's a table you're welcome to sit at. [He gives Aramis a raised eyebrow in a silent it's better than the counter, but he doesn't truly mind the other man's insistence to sit on anything except a chair. There's a reason why Athos keeps a corner of his desk free of any clutter.

He returns to the stove to double-check the main entree before turning off the burner entirely and carrying that skillet as well to the countertop to set beside the others.] Several, actually. Where would you prefer: the dining room or the deck?

[At this point, the maine coon who also lives in the house pokes her head around the corner to watch all the excitement with a curious gaze.]