Once I get up I feel better

[François Laffont]

When a friend of yours is at the hospital, it’s natural to go and see them. Sometimes with flowers, or balloons, or whatever other silly gifts people created that says ‘rest well’. When that trip turned out to be much, much longer than first expected, you make more than one visit. Franck didn’t go as far as seeing Artemis James every day, but he did come over when his schedule allowed it. After all, you don’t abandon a friend like this, especially one whose main family was a twin sister you don’t trust to come over as much as she should. Not that he ever asked Artemis whether she came often or not. There were better stuffs to talk about.

And, of course, when same friend got out of the hospital, you had to celebrate it. And perhaps make sure they were taking it easy. Franck didn’t want Artemis to overdo it. He even waited a little while before coming over to ‘celebrate’ his recovery. Franck might have been hit by the Sprite too, but it was not as terrible as it did to Artemis. All it did was allow him to read into emotions better. And make him more emotional when he did. It was nothing in comparison.

He knocked at the door of the boy’s dorm and waited to be opened. No greetings though once it happened, instead: “Okay, so since you can’t celebrate without a cake,” and he pulled the white box he was holding to show it to Artemis. It was not a huge cake, since it was not like they were throwing a party. Odds were they’d be only the two of them. “Hope you like chocolate because I don’t think I’ve seen a more chocolatey cake than this one.”

[Artemis James]

Artemis had never been afraid of his mutation. He'd been nervous about it, unsure on the reactions of others, but overall he'd always embraced it as being a part of him... Mostly due to Devyn's positive input; That was however until the events of the Sprite. The bizarre biological adjustment the mutant gene had taken, warping some powers completely, enhancing some and stripping others of it, leaving them human. The effect it had on Artemis however took a dark turn.

He took a deep, slow breath, a small smile on his lips as he stood back, folding his arms across his chest, silently praising himself for work well done. His new college dormitory was bigger then his previous room at the academy, and while he didn't exactly have many items to fill it with, Artemis was thankful to have the space. His smile fell slightly as he brought a hand to his face, clenching his eyes shut with a small breath out; It had only been a small task, organising his books on his new shelf, but it had taken the energy from him... The Sprite had certainly taken it's toll. His own toxin had been increasing, becoming gradually more potent, faster then his body could adapt. It had struck the poor boy hard, and while he was on the mend, Artemis still had some significant recovery ahead of him. At least he didn't look as ill as he once had... A touch of warmth had begun to slowly integrate it's way back into his complexion. He was brought from his thoughts by the sound of knocking at his door, which startled him; He wasn't expecting any visitors... Lucy never called beforehand, but when her generally irritated voice didn't come immediately from beyond the door demanding he open up, he had the fair assumption that it wasn't her.
Maybe it was Alex... He'd barely seen her since leaving the hospital...
"... Hello?" He called out, making his way steadily to the door, his heart leaping into his throat, from nerves and the surge of joy at a visit; Naturally a people person, he'd struggled being away from people during his time on a ward... Embarrassedly, he knew he must come across recently like an excited puppy at the prospect of human interaction with someone who wasn't in a medical uniform.

The sight once he opened the door however was an unexpected one, although it still brought a goofy smile to Artemis's face. Before he could say anything, the Frenchman had presented him with a white box, heavily hinting at the chocolatey decadence within. Artemis couldn't help his grin widening, rubbing his forearm with his other hand a touch awkwardly; It wasn't that he didn't like being given presents, it was more he wasn't overly used to it. "Franck!" He spoke up, addressing with boy with obvious affection; He had been one his more frequent hospital visitors. "You didn't need to get me anything, honestly... I..." He trailed off before he got too carried away with his words. He walked forward, intending to embrace him, before remembering Franck's general uneasiness when it came to physical contact; He instead reached out one hand, placing it on his shoulder. "Thank you... Really. It means a lot..." He then glanced down at the box, pouting a little. "So... How chocolatey?" He then cast his friend a smile.

[François Laffont]

Franck remembered when he moved in, but it was a home and he had his dad around. Maybe that meant placing a lot more stuff than just what little clothes and books he had but he didn’t do it alone. And that was nine years ago. The memory of it was pretty old and fading. Franck considered suggesting he helped Artemis moving in to his new dorm. But he also learned not to push himself too much on people. It was not always easy, Franck had very much of a mother hen nature about him, but he didn’t want to let Artemis feel like he was still a weak little thing that needed people’s help for everything. He’d wait for Artemis to ask for his help if he wanted it.

Franck grinned as the boy opened the door. He was pretty happy to see him. A little surprised too but that made sense since it was sort of a surprise. He wanted to make sure his friend was settling in fine and had recovered well.

Artemis was perhaps as sweet a thing as Franck could be. So, of course, he had to talk with humility and object that his friend didn’t have to get him anything on his return to school. “Please,” Franck said, raising a hand to stop Artemis from saying anything more. That boy, no matter what state he had been in, had always been happy to see him. More, even now, Franck was pretty sure he was this close of thanking him. Yep, he did that. He smiled to him as he said that. “Hey, you’re my friend, it’s natural. Besides, I’m sure you would have done the same thing,” Franck pointed out. Whether Artemis would have come as often or more or less did not matter, he was certain this guy would have come and even done whatever little service he would have asked out of him. So that closed the matter for Franck. “The Sprite hit a lot of us and some pretty badly. I’d say it’s like you fought cancer and won, this deserves a little something.” He grinned when he asked about the cake. “Uh, like chocolate cake with fudge icing and I think I saw some chocolate chips on too,” he said, looking at the box as though he could see through the carton at the cake. He gave a little sheepish smile to Artemis as he looked back at him and shrugged. “They’ve been kind of robbed of most of their cakes when I walked in.”

[Artemis James]

Artemis was more then used to having a place he called home which contained few personal belongings. Mostly this was due to not exactly knowing for certain where he was going to be living, so it was simply easier to only take what he needed. As a child, he'd been moved around a number of times, his mother not exactly settling easily into... Well, pretty much anywhere. Even now, his future residence was uncertain; He couldn't exactly return to his home... But that was a hurdle he'd tackle when he came to it. He was used to having to cope by himself... But despite being used to having to survive alone, Artemis craved being surrounded by and
immersed in his friend circles. He knew that despite his own strength, if it weren't for them, for Franck, for Alex... Artemis wouldn't have reached the stable state he was in now. Knowing they would always be there to help him if he needed it was a constant comfort; And of course, he would go just as far for them.

The excitement of having a visitor kept the goofy smile on Artemis's face, touched by the Frenchman's actions; He'd always been one of the kindest souls he'd known... Despite what had happened a few years ago, to someone that Artemis could only assume still meant something to the other man, that had been mostly been his fault... Franck still had treated him with such kindness, and welcomed his friendship with open arms... He was perhaps one of the few in this uneasy world which honestly went out with the single desire to support and aid his fellow man, be they mutant or not. He was someone to truly respect. "Still... Thank you for everything," He replied brightly. "You do go you know... Above and beyond." He gave a small nod, before blinking at the fellow college student when he reeled off the details of the cake; It sounded delicious. Artemis's smile widened to a grin. "Well, why didn't you say so?" He spoke eagerly, gently taking hold of the other guy's arm and pulling him into his bare room. He still felt a touch exhausted from arranging what few items he had, but that would have to wait... There was cake... And Franck. Artemis brought his hand to the side of his head as he looked round his room, feeling for the first time a touch embarrassed at how threadbare it appeared. "... I'm not done arranging just yet," He spoke quickly, casting Franck a sheepish smile. He was sure once he'd put up a few posters he had, advertising the shows he'd performed in from his time in Japan, that the room would feel a lot more welcoming.

[François Laffont]

Franck paid little attention to the decor around. This mattered so little here while he was looking at his friend. Artemis was happy and all but the emotions he got from him would not tell in what kind of physical state he currently was and it was what he wanted to look at. Franck needed his eyes for that. He seemed to be okay but Franck’s motherly nature was ready to come out at the first sign of fatigue.

But Artemis was mostly happy and it appeased Franck’s worry. He had meant to keep it hidden as much as he could and was hoping the sigh of relief he was doing inside was not coming out on the outside too. He knew his relationship with Artemis had not always been easy. It was hard when you boyfriend and his twin brother hated your friend so much. Luckily, Franck found a balance between them. Jasper dated him, not his friends, and it was not like he ever tried to get them all to get along together. They never did and doubted they’d try for his sake.

He smiled when Artemis insisted on thanking him. “No problem. I’m just glad you’re doing better,” he replied, his voice soft. He was not doing all of this for the praise but he was only human and said praise did feel good to his ego. To have his actions matter like this, and be recognized... at least he would know he made something good for someone. Despite everything Franck could say or do, he still felt sometimes that he had to be the best he could be, just to prove he was not a monster. As if anyone could ever call him that upon knowing him.

He laughed as Artemis was now eager to eat the cake. “You got plates?” he asked, looking around at the living areas of the dorm. He never lived in one so how was he supposed to know what the school provided them and what had to come from the students? “I can still run downstairs to the cafeteria and grab some,” he suggested in case finding what would be required to cut the cake and eat it could not be found here. Artemis was a tad embarrassed at the look of his room. Franck paid attention to it now that it was brought up. But he shrugged his friend’s embarrassment off. “You have plenty of time for that. Just do a little at a time. You must still be a little weak, no?”

[Artemis James]

Since leaving hospital, Artemis's condition had grow steadily healthier. While on a ward, his complexion had been sickly pale, the warm glow of health absent from his blue eyes; Now while it was returning, Artemis was still afflicted with fatigue, and by the early evening on most nights he could barely force himself to move from his bed. The doctors had instructed him to rest when he needed to, and while this was a significant instruction to aid his recovery, the college student was more then glad of the excuse to avoid his training...
But that was an issue Artemis didn't want to think about. His toxin, something his body created naturally due to his evolved DNA, had almost killed him... Slowly, too. He'd never wanted to showcase the pain and weakness he felt during that process, and now... Artemis had reached a level of distinct uncomfortableness around the subject of his mutation. He hadn't even used his wings since before falling ill, the idea of doing so causing an uneasy churning in his stomach. But this was his problem... And he had no intention of bringing it up now, not ever, if he could help it. One thing at a time.

"I'm actually doing... Pretty okay," Artemis spoke honestly, giving a small shrug, his smile remaining positive; It was clear from his eyes he was tired, but it was a rare occurrence to have a visitor, so Artemis would rather grasp the opportunity to spend time with someone like Franck. "I mean, I'm getting better." At the mention of the obvious need for plates, Artemis blinked at the Frenchman, before quickly smiling as he quickly made his way to the more communal area of his dormitory, where a small cupboard held a few pieces of emergency cutlery. It was simply for convenience; With Artemis's dormitory one of the furthest from the kitchens, it was a long trek for simply a fork when hunger perked your interest in the middle of the night. He carefully took out two plates, a pair of forks and a knife, struggling a little to carry them as he closed the cupboard door with a nudge of his elbow, using his chin to help hold them in place agains his chest when they shunted dangerously in his grip.

He turned to face Franck, the pile of cutlery in an off kilter pile of china in his arms, smiling sheepishly.  He managed a small shrug. "Sometimes... But I'm getting there. Um, so how are you?" He asked, hoping to distract from his obvious clumsiness as he walked back into his room. "How's your college course?" He stumbled slightly, almost dropping the plates, slowly placing them down gingerly on his desk.

[François Laffont]

Artemis looked tired but at least Franck could see he was recovering. He didn’t look as sick as some of the days he visited him at the hospital. Sometimes, it was to a point Franck considered leaving since he obviously needed rest more than he needed company. Being sick was annoying. Being stuck in a hospital bed with virtually no visit other than the medical staff must be even worse. It was why Franck made sure to visit whenever he could, even if he barely had anything new to say to the guy or that he could stay only a few minutes before leaving. At least that was a few minutes of his day he didn’t have to feel left out.

He had one brief smile as Artemis assured that if he was entirely okay he was getting better. “That’s what matters. It might feel too long but it’s better than having to go back because you exhausted yourself. One step at a time.” He nodded at that. It might be tough but the consequences otherwise were not worth it. It also meant Franck would have to make sure he was not staying too long and let Artemis rest a little. They would eat some cake though and they could be sitting comfortably for that. Nothing that would tire the boy too much. Still, as he seemed to realise Artemis might not just dare asking him to leave until he really couldn’t take it anymore, Franck knew he would have to pay close attention to him and know when it was time to go. He’d feel less like he was kicking his friend out if he was the one saying he had to leave.

He wouldn’t have suggested to help but he saw how they nearly escaped is grip. “You alright?” he asked, ready to take it from his hands if need be. But Artemis seemed to find some balance as he walked back to his room. Franck followed him. “I’m good,” he assured him. Then there was college, as Franck was opening the box and showing the cake of chocolate decadence he brought. “I’m doing good. I like it a lot. But I’m still not certain what I’ll do after this year,” he explained. He was done with his degree this year but he could continue. He would, if he wanted to treat anyone but he was just wondering how far he wanted to push his studies or if he’d specialize in child psychology like he once pointed out his interest in. “I know I have the time but I also want to be prepared in case I, you know, have to move.” He said it rather casually but he wasn’t as cool about it as he pretended. It was hard for him. He had grown to consider this place his home. Plus it reminded him that whenever he left a place, he also left a parent behind. It was tough and had him question himself a lot. But, as he told Artemis, he still had plenty of time to consider the whole matter. “How about you, you started your classes yet?”

[Artemis James]

Franck's words were so often filled with comfort that Artemis had found himself latching onto them perhaps more then he should; Although Lucy had visited him on occasion and their relationship had vastly improved, she was far from someone Artemis looked to for kind hearted words. There was Alex... But despite her well meant visits, and as much as Artemis wanted to see her, he couldn't prevent the ache in his chest whenever she walked through the door... Like an old battle wound. So, Artemis had found himself looking forward increasingly to Franck's visits, someone who offered him support that he didn't feel a burden to. He knew that perception was not Alex's intention, and he doubted she actually thought that of him, but it was a feeling he couldn't shake.

He smiled softly at his friend, giving a nod of agreement when he mentioned having to take things one step at a time; It was a long hard road, but Artemis was a determined soul.
After his clumsy retrieval of cutlery, Artemis began to arrange it on his desk, putting the two plates down carefully. "I knew you could do it... And I just know that no matter what, you'll pick something great. You were born to help people." Artemis spoke the last part of his sentence with great affection; Franck had done so much for him, so much for others... He was a pillar of the Academy, and he deserved to make something of his life. Artemis then found a wide grin pulling at his smile as Franck made the grand unveiling of the cake; Artemis blinked at the confection, a gooey, shiny chocolatey form of perfection. It looked fairly expensive, which had the boy frowning slightly with a faint pout. "It looks amazing... You really didn't need to go to all of this trouble for me, though," He spoke, casting Franck a smile. "But I mean... It does mean a lot. Everything you've done." He gave a nod, before carefully taking the box from the other boy's grasp, carrying it with care to the desk. He began the process of cutting it, giving the Frenchman a larger piece then his own; He'd bought it, after all. "I'm starting this week," He replied brightly. "I'm pretty nervous... But I know I can handle it. I've got some catching up to do... I couldn't do too much in hospital." He then turned back round to face Franck, a plate displaying a piece of cake in each hand, smiling. "I don't have many places to sit... ... Is my bed okay?"

[François Laffont]

Many things explained why Franck did all of this to Artemis. Sure, he was good by nature, almost to a fault, but he also forced himself to act like this around people. Doing otherwise would be like forcing a cat to bark. In truth, Franck got as much good helping people than those he helped. He needed it as much if not, sometimes, more. It just so happened that in this case Artemis really could use a friend to come over. It only took a little bit of his time to have his friend feel like he might not just be forgotten somewhere in a hospital bed. And, let’s face it, Franck did fear for his friend’s life at some point and needed to make sure with his own eyes that he was indeed recovering. Franck had no idea where that Sprite came from. He was not even certain the specialists knew where it came from. But it did enough damage like this. People had no idea how hard it was already to be different without having to deal with your power going haywire like this. The fact Artemis’ could have killed him only made Franck remind himself he was extremely lucky with his. He couldn’t believe he had one of the worse ability possible just because he could not turn it off. Not when others could nearly die thanks to theirs.

He smiled softly, a light chuckle coming out of his lips at the faith his friend had in him. “That’s what I’m trying to at least. With everything that happened, I feel like they should make a psychological course for mutants. But I fear what kind of lesson that can end up as,” Franck said with a light chuckle. He’d rather not think about it. Child psychology seemed the most appropriate. They did mention puberty. With some luck, that would give him enough tools to also know how to help said kids deal with their power.

How could he hate being around Artemis, when that guy had only but affection for him no matter what he did? Sometimes, he felt like he was taking advantage of that to feel better himself. He often did when he approached someone to chase away feeling that either belonged to him or others but he wanted out. He didn’t think too much of it though as Artemis argued this was too much. “Please. You’re welcome and it was nothing, really. Stop thanking me for everything I’ll done or else I’ll start feeling I’m only doing it for the praise.” He was joking but he wanted Artemis to understand he wanted to do these things and didn’t need a thank you every time he did something. He noticed how his piece was slightly larger. Not that Franck minded. He intended to leave whatever remained to Artemis.

“Ah yes. It would have been hard for me to give you today’s lessons, right?” Franck said with a little smile. Hard indeed when you don’t exactly take the same classes. Besides, it might work for one day or two that you are out but, in his case, he needed more than just being told what work he had to do. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. They’re aware of your condition. It’s not like you’re the only one in that state,” he added to reassure him. He nodded yes for the bed and came to sit there. He would leave some space between them, just to make clear he was not getting any ideas there. “Here’s to you being back in one piece. You must be pretty impatient to play again too, right?”

[Artemis James]

Artemis knew Franck likely could no more drop his natural desire to aid others no more then he could, which was a rare thing; Few held such a naturally caring attitude in this age. Perhaps that was what drew Artemis to latch onto Franck's words and to look forward to his visits with anticipation... It served as a comfort, not just for the company, but for the company of someone who held many of the same moral values as he held; Not everyone was cruel... Sometimes it was soothing to be reminded of that.
On occasion, the exact nature of Franck's ability often escaped Artemis's mind; He hadn't considered the idea that the Frenchman would use his naturally bright demeanor in order to shift his own emotions, but even if Artemis had been informed of that being a possibility it wouldn't alter his opinion of his friend. In that situation, it could almost be described as a symbiotic friendship.

"I'm sure no matter what you choose to do, you'll be great," Artemis reassured his friend when Franck spoke of his future career plans. Artemis held every faith in him. Artemis then however found himself slipping into a sheepish smile, as Franck reassured him that he really didn't need to keep thanking him; He felt a flicker of embarrassment. He didn't mean to keep thanking the other guy, it was second nature to him to try and make his friends feel appreciated for what they did, although Artemis did have a habit of running with it longer then was necessary. The last thing he wanted was for Franck to feel uncomfortable, so he gave a nod in agreement. He then found a small laugh escaping his throat. "It's okay, don't worry," He spoke with a polite dismissive wave of his hand, settling down on the bed beside his friend; He didn't notice the purposefully left space between them. "We're taking different classes. Not that I'd expect you to run around the Academy for me either way." He gave a light hearted shrug; Although he was fairly certain Franck would if Artemis had asked. He gave the Frenchman an upbeat smile, before looking down at the decadent cake. "I am... It's all I've ever wanted to do." He glanced over towards his violin case, which was propped up against a wall; He'd only just had the strength to play a little in his last few weeks in hospital, so Artemis knew he was pretty rusty... Still, at least now he had recovered enough to scatter the dust from the strings. He then looked to Franck, wondering why his friend hadn't begun to eat the cake yet. "... OH. Oh, sorry!" Artemis spoke quickly, offering Franck one of the forks he'd been holding. "That would help, right?"

[François Laffont]

Franck was always the one cheering up people, being on the side, telling them they could make it, getting them back on their feet if they stumbled and pushing them back to continue. He was always there for people. That didn’t mean he couldn’t use that similar help from time to time. Franck looked so positive every time he talked to people that it probably seemed weird to find out he had moments of doubt or sorrow. He too could feel bad about things or lost hope. He would put up a front for people but he too felt good when being told the same things he could tell them. Even when he knew it was said only to cheer up. It still worked. That’s why people kept saying it.

He chuckled softly at his friend’s faith. “Thank you. I really hope it will. I’ve been working for this long enough,” he admitted. As a child, he certainly didn’t think to become a shrink. He didn’t even know what those people did. He knew however that he wanted to help people, do good around him. It was just too important for him not to try. When he discovered what therapists could do, and more particularly what they did around here, he knew he wanted to do that. He had doubts, because of his power, if he could not control himself enough, but he still chose that line. It just seemed to fit him too well to d anything else.

It was not like Franck scooted away from Artemis. He simply placed himself in such way that, should they end up touching, it would only be their knees. He didn’t think Artemis was trying to flirt or would believe that Franck thought he was flirting but it was the kind of precaution he tended to take with guy friends, just in case. “Well, if you had asked... but I think it was more important that you rest than wrote down your essays on time,” Franck replied with a light shrug. Of course, had Artemis asked for some books or work or anything like that, Franck would have given it all to him. Even if he thought it was not too important.

He didn’t press Artemis on the fact he had no fork to eat his cake with. He just waited, casually chatting in the meantime. When Artemis realised it however, he started laughing before giving Franck one. “I guess I could still use my fingers but it has a bit more class that way,” he teased him nicely. He took a bite of the cake he brought. He was not sure he ever ate something with as much chocolate in it. To add anything else would have been too much, really. “You know, I never took that one before. That was a big mistake on my part.” He laughed at that.

[Artemis James]

Sometimes it did cross Artemis's mind that he took Franck for granted. Not so much that he purposefully abused his kind nature, but that he put himself out to such an extent in an effort to help others that Artemis... Almost forgot that surely at times the pillar of the Academy would need his own support. You didn't give so much of yourself out without taking some hits yourself, and it had come to Artemis's attention that maybe he didn't show this guy as much appreciation as he should. Artemis knew he thanked the Frenchman significantly, on occasion perhaps to the point of annoyance, but he hadn't really done too much in terms of actions to show the other guy how much he valued everything he did, from the way he'd remained friends with him despite that angering his ex, to the number of visits he'd made to the hospital. Artemis needed to think of some way to repay him.

Artemis gave a small nod with a bright smile. "I don't think you'll make it, I know you will," He shrugged his shoulders; The aches the muscles in his back usually suffered with had calmed since Artemis had been admitted into hospital... Likely due to his sudden drop in using his wings. "I guess it's kinda a bit of blind faith... But you're just a natural, you know?" Sometimes people were simply born for a certain vocation, and Artemis knew Franck was one of them. He liked to think he was too, but for him he was swayed by the playing of violin strings. He'd once thought he'd only leaned that way since it was one of the only things he felt he was any good at, but as he'd grown Artemis had warmed to the instrument to such a degree he could no more give it up then stop his heart from beating.
The boy hadn't noticed Franck leaving any purposeful distance between them simply because Artemis didn't often think like that; He was generally oblivious to people flirting, and as such it didn't even cross his mind if his friend was making a small attempt to avoid him thinking that Franck was. Honestly, Artemis would not have cared how close to him Franck would have sat.
Artemis smile warmed when Franck confirmed that he would have gone out to pick up work for him if he'd asked. "Thank you... Although you're right, I wasn't much use in hospital," He grinned, giving a small laugh; He wanted Franck to think he was pretty okay with discussing what had happened to him... If he acted light hearted about it, Franck might not bring it up too much, and Artemis could then avoid him reading the uneasy emotions he was trying to forget about.

Artemis pouted his lips a little at Franck's teasing, before smiling. "Well, you always struck me as a classy kind of guy," He chuckled, sticking his fork into the cake and bringing a piece of the glossy chocolate confection to his lips. His eyes widened slightly at the taste; To say it was sugary was an understatement, but to Artemis, it was perfect. His mutation had given him a extremely sweet tooth, so the cake was practically heavenly. "This is... So... Good." He sighed softly, taking another piece on his fork before he'd even finished his sentence, before looking to the man beside him. "Franck, could I take you out into town sometime? Kalispell's changed so much... I'd like see what's different. And I'd like the company."

[François Laffont]

Franck was just like that. No matter how tired he might be, no matter what crisis he might going through himself, he would always go out of his way to be there for others. It sort of helped him, really. One might argue it just made him avoid the real problem but he really felt better after this. Even when he was completely drained afterwards. He might have understood he had to let go of his mother and all the haunting this woman may cause him but he couldn’t stop being the good little boy he always tried to be for her. It had just grown into who he was, making being selfish, eccentric or wild traits he simply could not show. He too could feel that though. He too wanted to do whatever he wanted or tell some people to go to hell or just flirt with every cute guy he met. But it was so unlike him that he always ended up feeling uncomfortable whenever he tried to be like that.

It seemed to make him the good guy everyone could rely on. He was fine with this, even if he sometimes felt like people may be pushing it. His real issue was more about the fact that being the ‘good’ one might make him the best of friend but apparently not the first choice for boyfriend. He was not thinking that too much now however. Artemis could use a friend and he was happy to be it. The guy had been through a lot, both physically and mentally, although one more than the other. What he needed the most right now was some rest and slowly get back to his life but Franck figured he could use someone around as support at first. Without asking Artemis, he designated himself as said person. It was just how he was. And if Artemis preferred someone else, he only needed to say so. Franck would likely keep an eye on him, only from afar.

Franck smiled, being reminded of his good nature. He knew there was nothing wrong about it. But he had grown to someone hate that nature of his. He didn't want to let Artemis see it though so he only smiled. “Thanks,” he also added on a soft tone. He laughed with Artemis, putting more heart into it this time around. “Could have been good to kill time,” he said but he had a little amused smile, like he was saying this was not that nice of a way to kill the time. Even if Artemis had plenty of that to kill back then.

He laughed again as Artemis seemed to appreciate the cake. “I’m glad you liked it. I was afraid it might be a little too much but they were rather short on cakes and it seemed a better choice than a plain vanilla one,” he admitted. He didn’t need Artemis to admit he liked it, as he could very easily pick it up but it was always nice to be complimented over something, even if it was only your talent in cake picking. He listened as Artemis talked again. To him, it sounded more like it was Franck who’d take him out into town but that was just paraphrasing. He swallowed the piece he had in his mouth before smiling to his friend. “Of course. Once you’ll feel up enough to go around town without tiring yourself, we can go out.” He was not quite sure what Artemis would like to see but he knew whatever it was, he wouldn’t mind.

[Artemis James]

Artemis was jealous of Franck in a way... He very much seemed to have found a home for himself as the helper, as the support. Artemis... Wasn't sure what he was. It was a funny thing, three years ago he'd been so sure of himself and his goals, but since Japan, since the SPRITE... He'd fallen into an uncertain state. He was an adult... Officially, now. But he wasn't certain on where exactly he was going. He knew he wanted to spend his life filling it with some small amount of beauty through his music, but apart from that...
Artemis was unsure. He been so focused before... Being the protective younger brother. Being the boyfriend. He was still very much the overprotective one, and his relationship with his sister had vastly improved... But he wasn't the first person she would turn to, and he doubted he ever would be. He was no longer the boyfriend, and so wasn't Alex's first choice either. Perhaps it was childish, perhaps it was selfish of him... To want to be important.

Artemis shook his head, before settling a gentle smile to the other man beside him. "It's perfect, honestly," He assured Franck, before taking another forkful, hovering it inches from his lips. "I have a... Bit of a love for sweet things." He took in the chunk of oozing chocolate, chewing it thoughtfully; He furrowed his brow a moment. He wasn't too certain what sort of thing he could do for the Frenchman, but he felt as though he very much needed to; Artemis didn't want the poor guy being dragged around town aimlessly.
He then quickly pointed his fork at Franck with a bright smile. "How about I take you to that... Paintball place? It could be fun. Or we could..." He trailed off, dropping his gaze to the remains of the cake on his plate. He... Hadn't frequented the Kalispell night life before he left. He'd slowly flourished in the evenings spent out in the bright lights of Tokyo, but then he'd usually be one of a larger group made up of the orchestra. He knew he was far from completely recovered,
He gave a light hearted shrug, trying to act casual about the idea. "Or we could head out at night. Go to some of the bars or a club." A little bit out of Artemis's usual haunts, but he was willing to try something new if it meant giving his friend a good time. He didn't fancy the idea of Franck, after all he'd done, just being dragged around town as he no doubt worried about Artemis's condition. He'd likely be concerned regardless, it was in Franck's nature, but another reason for taking him out was so that Artemis could try and prove to the guy that he was recovering... To try and calm Franck's concerns.

[François Laffont]

Some negative thoughts must have crossed Artemis’ mind for Franck felt a change in his emotions. It was the hardest for Franck. Someone’s face might remain the same, they could choose to keep things inside, he could always sense how easily emotions shifted. One glimpse at something, one word from someone, one thought, and the happiness he felt could turn into sorrow. It was going back to happiness just as quickly but Franck still perceived it. It was not always easy to deal with. Even if you could understand that no one controlled their emotion, it was hard not to be affected when a friend was suddenly angry at you or that your lover was hot for whoever passed by. He tried not to focus too much on Artemis’ negative feelings, figuring this little down would go away eventually.

Franck smiled as Artemis shared his love for sweets. “Then I’m glad I picked well’” he replied, rather amused, and somewhat relieved, that he chose right. He didn’t know what Artemis liked in terms of desserts after all. It was not exactly the first thing you think asking a friend about themselves. But chocolate... it was a safe bet, right? It had been his thoughts at least when he picked it, not thinking that Artemis could have been allergic or anything like that. Luckily, he wasn’t.

Artemis suggested the paintball place. Franck chuckled at that. War was not his thing but he was not taking it seriously enough to associate it with the actual war or actual violence. This was a game. “If you want to go there, tell me. My friend Frank owns it, I’m sure she can let us in anytime,” he told Artemis. He was not thinking that the guy might want to pay him something, only spend time with him. And if that was the case, why not take advantage of Franck’s connections? “You won’t believe it, but I married her. Best I tell you before she starts calling me ‘hubby’ in front of you. Not that she should still call me that. We divorced as soon as we realised what we did. Just... alcohol and Vegas is a terrible mix.” He laughed, trying to make it sound like it was nothing at all. It was not entirely true though. Franck always took marriage very seriously and to know he was now part of the oh so many who married without thinking only to divorce shortly after was not something he liked to admit. But Artemis might just hear of another Frank Laffont around the school, one who was female and blonde and the male Franck preferred to explain it now to avoid any confusion.

Artemis had other ideas though in case paintball was not to please Franck. Explore the nightlife. Franck had done it a little but not that much. He had some friends who enjoyed it more than he did and he would accompany them but going out on his own was not like him at all. “Sure, we can do that too. I’m not a regular but I’ve been to a few of them. Apparently, it’s all about whether you want to dance, flirt or just sit and chat around a drink. Not quite sure which ones are best for what but that too can easily be found out.” Franck really had friends in high places and low.