Swimming It Off

[Artemis James]

Artemis rarely made a show of the fact he played the violin, often choosing to practise alone in the music room as opposed to anywhere remotely public. Alex had only stumbled across his ability to play when she'd curiously investigated one of his practise sessions; So it was understandable if Franck had no previous idea that Artemis played the instroment. Lucy had alwyas been the talented one, the singer, the dancer, the actress. Artemis had shown next to no talent in any of those fields, bar one aspect of the arts; It was true that he knew he held other abilties, but when it came to soemthing that had the ability to be potentially truly outstanding, he honestly felt as though his violin playing was the only exceptional aspect about himself... Sve for the whole wasp wings and poisonious barbs, of course, but that was more a factor that was forced on him then a talent born of practise andhard work.
"More classical," He spoke proudly to Franck's question. "Although I'm pretty open with other ways of playing. I want to really delve into orchestral pieces, though. I need to find myself an orchestra." He grinned a little.

Once he'd returned from the changing rooms, and slipped into the warm waters of the pool, he took a deep sigh; The heat immediately presented slight relief to the ache in his shoulders. He ducked down up to his chin to get his shoulders fully under the heated waters before pushing himself back up again and grinning a little nervously at Franck, folding his arms and leaning on the outside ledge of the pool. "... I hope they don't... Freak you out at all..." He indicated with a nod over his shoulder towards his wings, where they lay delicately over the skin of his back, looking for all the world to see like very detailed tattoos. He then nodded slightly at Franck, giving him a warm smile. "If it hurts, I'll tell you. I mean, if it works I can tell my trainer, see if they can sort out some sort of regular treatment for my back." He then trailed off a moment. "... Franck? Thanks. ... For everything. I know we haven't spoken too much... But you've been... Well. A true friend." Artemis hoped the guy knew how much he appreciated him; Few would take the time and care that Franck had with him after, however accidentally, nearly killing their boyfriend's brother.

[François Laffont]

It was not as if Franck asked to know everything about Artemis. He hid several aspects of his life to the young man as well, although nothing in the line of a particular talent like playing the violin. Well, he never told him he could dance but he was not considering his footsteps to be good enough to make a career out of this. It was only good enough to make him a perfect dancing partner to any single girl or those whose boyfriend didn’t want to dance. The fact he was gay probably made him harmless in their eyes too, making him indeed the perfect partner. He still didn't hold any grudge to Artemis for not sharing this with him before. He was too busy being surprised he was good with an instrument he considered had to be pretty difficult to play. And, for the same reason, proud of him. Although he probably should listen to him before being proud for his friend. But Artemis was the kind of person, like himself, to underestimate his own value so he was likely to believe he was great just because the guy said he was good. He grinned with him at his plans for the future. “I don’t think we have anything like this here but I’m sure you will someday. Good luck with your dreams.” Franck was always the optimistic after all. If it proved hard, they were of the youtube generation, it shouldn’t be hard to get someone with a camera and one who was computer savvy enough to upload videos and become famous that way.

Franck had to admit he was curious to see what those wings looked like, even though Artemis told him they were more like a tattoo on his back right now. He had enough imagination to picture them out, although the length would likely be wrong. Artemis was a little nervous... well maybe more than just a little. Franck could feel it and he knew he would even more when he’ll start touching him but he also figured it would go away eventually. Franck’s knowledge in tattoos didn't go very much further than those he could look at on his boyfriend’s body. Those were a lot more detailed. He didn’t say. Instead, he came closer to have a better look and with some hesitation, he brought his hand to Artemis’ back and touched them with the tips of his fingers. “Does that hurt or anything?” he asked, only to figure it might be a little too soft and he applied just a little more pressure. He would likely apply even more if he were to massage him so if that hurt now, it was clear they couldn’t have it happening.

Franck nodded, as this was the plan but before he could come and try to rub Artemis’ shoulders, he turned again to thank him. Franck gave him a warm smile. “It’s what friends are for, non? And don’t worry about it. I know you’re probably thinking of the twins. If they are upset, I’ll take the blame. I can be friends with whoever I want,” he assured him. Artemis was probably able to understand being friends with him didn’t mean he liked the twins any less. Jasper might not see it that way but he’ll work on making him understand should he ever hold that against him. Until that happened, he was not going to tell him anything. He didn't have to justify why he was seeing someone. “Now, let’s try that, shall we?” He told Artemis before he would start to do anything on the boy’s shoulders and back.