By The Poolside [Francis+Feli]

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis enjoyed swimming. Mainly for two big reasons, firstly he could work out for long periods of time and not have to worry about sweat which is always very pleasant and secondly, he looks damn attractive in the water.

Right not he was sitting on the edge of Lily Pad's pool. It was the most beautiful pool in Eishoff, the Frenchman has been coming to this pool ever since he was a boy. In fact it was here that he first swam in public once he got his cybernetic legs. Since that day, Francis has only had fond memories of the place.

A waiter came by and offered Francis a glass of water. The Frenchman was always thirsty after a good swim and drank a full bottle before going back in the pool, he was happy the waiter caught onto his little quirk. He winked at the waiter while thanking him flirtatiously. While the man blushed and made a quick escape, Francis took his liberty to watch him flee.

He smiled a little too happily into his drink. His eyes started to wander around the pool, curious to see if there were any other prey he could speak with.

[feliciano]

Feliciano's grandfather had always insisted that he become well-acquainted with the upper class- connections never hurt, he said. And he had never quieted about that, that insistence to get out, be social, and gain some influence ringing in his ear every day. And finally, the young Italian found himself acting on his grandfather's wishes- only because he'd been sent a card from the man with an address written on it, which he'd later find out to be this... hotel.

The restaurant owner was quite familiar with his own little corner of the western sector, but a place like this? It seemed so... gaudy, so flashy, so unlike him. Fortunately he'd dressed well, though his suit and scarf were both a rather muted, humble shade of grey. He knew it was a pool-based sort of affair, but Feliciano was briefly certain he'd been lost.

And then a man ran past him and was about a centimeter from running right into him, though Feliciano reflexively flinched away just in time to avoid both an embarrassment and a potentially compromising collision- if anybody hit his legs, his secret was out. That much he was sure of.

So why did you come here, you idiot? How are you going to hide this at a pool?

...He'd figure it out. Feliciano found himself lingering around the side of the pool, surveying it- make friends, make connections- before he went with his instinct. It took Feliciano less than a minute to realize that the waiter that had nearly crashed him had been running from this man he suddenly found himself staring at. Feliciano should have been entranced by his fine blonde hair, by the aura of sophistication he carried- but instead he found himself staring at his leg. ...So he wasn't alone.

The first thing he did was silently swear at himself for probably looking so rude. Feliciano was sure he wasn't giving a good impression, staring at this unknown fellow's leg like it was a neon sign advertising the finest delights known to man. But there was an odd sort of comfort- some sort of strange camaraderie. He could relate to this man- or... at least. Half-relate.

So when he breached the silence, he did it with a genuine- if cautious- smile, preparing himself for the worst sort of response. He really did look like a nitwit fully dressed like this, didn't he?

"Ah... ciao, signore. And you would happen to be...?"

He tried to give off the aura of some newly-arrived businessman, but Feliciano was sure he was bumbling at it with the way he nervously kept picking at his sleeves.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis had noticed that someone was staring at him, while this wasn't entirely new, what was strange was that this new arrival seemed more interested in his legs than anything else. Then again, that wasn't very new either... Everyone he knows is always surprised to discover that underneath the BonneVie designer pants are cybernetic. None of them could have ever guessed that before he got this particular upgrade, the great Francis Bonnefoy had to struggle with his self-confidence.

But that had nothing to do with the matter at hand, because this particular man (seriously, how adorable could he be?) wasn't starring at him like most others did normally. -Non, something was different...

Nevertheless, it was quite a turn of events that prey should approach him first and begin a conversation with him. Lately it seemed like, the Frenchman had to start every little thing. So this was nice.

"Francis, Francis Bonnefoy, et vous? And you monsieur?"

He lifted his hand in a light wave, not wanting to get the Italian's good clothes wet.

[feliciano]

<sub>Feeling more and more like a fish out of water- ironic considering his circumstances- by the minute, Feliciano attempted to avert his eyes from where he knew they were wandering. He wouldn't have enjoyed it if some random stranger just stared pointedly at his legs, so it was only right to be courteous to a man in a similar situation, right?

The Italian found himself gaining a little bit of courage, moving himself the slightest bit closer to the pool as he found a comfortable position to stand in- after all, it wasn't like his legs were going to get tired anytime soon, his previously stiff and business-like posture relaxing ever-so-slightly. It was difficult to drop his act, but when Feliciano found common ground, he was quick to reach for it- he did not know anything about this man except for the fact that he was quite... visually appealing, apparently quite friendly, and also undoubtedly quite French.

Normally the Italian would have been more of a reflexive talker- quick assurances, swift denials and the occasional nod- but there was something inviting about this whole exchange, despite the fact it'd hardly even started, though he flinched when he heard the familiar creak of a joint as he shifted his weight slightly.

Play it cool.

"Ah, signore, I'm... Feliciano. Feliciano Vargas. I am nobody of any real importance or power, you could say, ve."

Of course you are, why else would you be here, you idiot? Sharply exhaling at his own lie, Feliciano quickly amended his statement, offering an apologetic smile to Francis- ...that was a nice name.

"Ah, rather- I am not used to this sort of thing. Y-you can probably tell, si?"

Feliciano managed a laugh at his own expense- after all, it was better to admit one's faults than to smother them, as hypocritical as that was considering his situation.</sub>

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis chuckled, (it didn't sound like a giggle damn anyone who would say or think otherwise). The adorable italian seemed quite nervous but luckily more at ease around the Frenchman. Francis took pride in this, the Bonnefoy family have always been good at a few things, making people relaxed and act like themselves was on Francis prided his life with, his mother and grandmother never realised what a great skill it was.

"Well, if it I'd your first visit here, then I could play the role as your guide for a while. This is a place where people can relax and ignore the business calls and meetings and just have some fun."

Francis looked back out at the pool. Looking back at the italian who wasn't in his swimwear yet the young man grinned playfully. Hopping back in the water Francis through a smile over his shoulder.

"If you want more tips you'll have to come in the water and play~"

He walked further into the pool, not looking back. Francis hopped the prey would take the bait, it would be fun playing the syren, drawing the sailor away from the safety of the shore...Not that the 22 year old was planning on drowning anyone, but flirting was fun and he had an active imagination.