A/N: I don't own ANYTHING to do with this story except the plots.
Inspired by Annie-morphs 'A Christmas Incident'.
Day 0: Fowl Manor December 21st
It was Christmas time again and the Fowl household was all a flutter. Juliet had gone mad with excitement with the season as well as the plans that had been arranged. Butler was the same as ever although secretly he was looking forward to having some more company around the house this time. 'Maybe Artemis might actually enjoy Christmas this year.' He pondered as he did his rounds. Artemis Senior and Angeline had gone away for the next few weeks as a sort of second honeymoon; just wanting to be with each other for the first time since he returned from the Arctic and was in good health. Even the phantom pain his missing leg occasionally gave him had long since passed; his prosthetic leg being good enough to walk on.
Artemis as was his usual nature busy working in the study. Had anyone asked him he would provide a nonchalant answer as to the arrival of his guests. Butler however knew better. Having been with his young charge since birth tended to provide one with a deeper insight than most. He knew Artemis could be close to sweating blood over his friend's arrival. As Artemis ferociously typed on his keyboard his mind was elsewhere. Specifically the turmoil over the people he had arriving. Or more accurately, why he had turmoil within him. He was rather glad that his parents had decided to leave it allowed him to spend this time with all the people he could rightly call friends. Juliet and Butler would always be here as was their duty and he was always grateful they would be; even if Juliet did occasionally drive him mad. Commander Root and Major Kelp were coming and since the last Opal incident; as well as returning Hybras has softened them to him and now they was at least grudging respect if not actual friendship. Foaly too was coming. It was going to be nice to be able to discuss theories with him that wasn't via a computer. He was slightly nervous about Mulch coming as well; though that was simply due to the dirty nature he had. His mother would probably faint if she saw the stains he knew Mulch was able to produce. No1 sadly was unable to come because he was far too valuable to risk on the surface for a whole five days. Besides he needed to learn to control his magic better soon or it could be dangerous. Then... there was Holly. He both loved and hated the fact she was coming. They had grown close since they had... met. He considered her to be his best friend. He was still haunted by the visage of her death on Hybras and was constantly reminded of her by his new hazel eye. He was unsure as to his feelings for her. No matter how much he tried to distract himself from her he could never achieve for more than an hour at a time and he could never figure out why no matter how much time he spent pondering the idea.
Now he was starting down a new line of interest concerning a new project; one he hoped might endear him more to the People as well as humanity. He was attempting to stop global warming but he still had nothing but a starting idea of how to do it. In truth he did not care what humanity thought of him; save his parents and the Butlers'. The People were the civilisation he felt more drawn to; as his friends were there. There was another reason he couldn't quite figure out. He figured this would come with time so he pushed it to the back of his mind attaching a note to ask Butler about it later. Glancing at the clock on his laptop he noted it was time to leave to pick up their guests from Tara.
LEP Headquarters
The station had hit a Christmas lull. Not that the People actually celebrated the holiday; but as the mud people were out a lot more; shopping and the like; even the smugglers and thieves didn't venture above ground in case of being spotted. As it was; the only slightly exciting thing that had occurred in the previous week had been when a rogue troll had stumbled near Haven. Even then the situation had been dealt with quickly so even that only allowed a temporary relapse. Everyone was bored. Commander Root would never admit it; but he was looking forward to the vacation that he had arranged with Artemis. If nothing else he liked talking to Butler and anything had to be better than just sitting here. He knew the several others who had been invited were thrilled to be getting a much needed break. He had ensured that the office would be left in capable hands since they were losing the Commander, a Major, a Captain and Foaly. Had it been the busy time of year then there is no way any of them would have been able to leave; let alone all at once.
Root had been right. Trouble Kelp had finished all his work hours ago and had taken to flicking paper clips into a bin to fill the time. Mulch was sitting at his desk in the PI firm and eating questionable food items in order to fill time and his stomach. Foaly was the only successfully keeping himself busy. Even that however was beginning to grow thin. He had no official work to do so he was practising his hobby: hacking Artemis' system. He was only just beginning to make headway after several hours and was struggling to get further. He had thought about stopping for now about thirty times and had finally given in. Though he had not been beaten.
Captain Holly short however was anything but bored. She had been inundated with work for days now. She was trying to get through it and was finally almost making it to the end. She normally would rush through the work generally spending fifteen minutes on each report but this time her mind was otherwise engaged. Her thoughts were constantly dragged back to Artemis Fowl. They kept in communication; generally speaking every other day. Just to catch up. Now however she was able to spend five days in his home without any work to do. She felt both excited and nervous. Ever since Hybras she had felt closer to him; possibly because he was now within her; or because they had been one during the tunnel. What ever the reason was; she could not tell. It took all her will power to finish off the work without thinking about him again.
She risked a glance in the corner of her office where her bag was filled with all the things she would need for the trip; namely clothes; toiletries and her presents. She only had the gifts for her fairy friends however so she needed to make a trip out to get the others. This was partially because she wasn't sure what to get her mud man friends; and she wanted an excuse to see this time of year on the surface. It was fortunate that Foaly had developed some new technology that allowed you to change your appearance into a human. There were still down sides; weakness to cold etc; but it seemed like a good excuse to test it. He had even managed to find a way of doing one for himself and Mulch both of whom would be harder to achieve. As soon as she placed the final piece of paper in her out tray Foaly's face appeared on her screen telling her; and the other Fowl guests it was time to leave. Holly let loose an enormous sigh; stretched; grabbed her bag and practically ran to the Op's booth; their agreed meeting point.
When she saw the others who seemed just as excited as she was her mood picked up considerably. They made their way quickly to the docks taking a shuttle to take them to Tara. On the shuttle they made idle chit chat about the plans for the next week as well as attempting to find out what the other's had bought them. There was some amusement however as Root bellowed at Mulch and Foaly to stop calling him Julius. Holly passed a silent thought to Trouble about whether the Commander's heart would last the entire holiday. He couldn't help but chuckle.
Tara Shuttle port
Artemis and Butler were waiting outside the entrance for their guests. Due to space they had to bring two cars. Butler had complained when Artemis had suggested it but knowing he was a good driver and in the blacked out, bullet proof Bentley he would be safe enough especially on the way back. They had arrived about ten minutes ago and they were waiting outside the car. Artemis by choice hoping it would help calm his nerves as well just generally enjoying the weather. Butler was outside as was his job to protect his charge. He knew he could wait in the car but he had a sneaking suspicion that Artemis wished to ask him something. He was right.
"Butler may I pick your brains on a matter that has been bothering me?"
"Of course Artemis."
"A solitary thought has been troubling me. For some reason I feel closer to the People than humanity. The reason why has thus far escaped me. Any idea old friend?"
"For once in your life you are over complicating matters. Until recently the only interaction you had with people that was not business related was Juliet and I. As soon as you met the People you got everything you needed: competition, rivalry, friendship-" Butler paused at that point as he debated whether it would be wise to mention the last thing the people had given him. He continued regardless of any consequences. "-And love."
"I do not see how love could be a part of those factors. As Holly is the only one who may even have a slight affection towards me; and I highly doubt that she does; I respectively disagree. You are correct however on the other factors. You have my thanks for assisting me Butler." He knew he would have to think about if Butler was correct about love; it may explain his lack of understanding. At that point however he noticed three heat shimmers coming off out of a rock that was headed in their direction. He waited until they were only a few feet away; obviously Holly wanted to try to surprise him. He allowed them no such luck.
"Evening Holly. Also to you Trouble and Julius." He was rewarded by a pout from Holly as she became visible and a mutter from the Commander. Something about calling him Julius. Before he could move however Holly ran forward and gave him a hug. She managed to surprise him all the same. He was not uncomfortable to feel her against him but he was not used to displays of affection and gave her a tender if awkward hug in return. When he was released she stood back to observe him as he spoke to the Commander and Major.
"Thank you for coming gentlemen. As to why I used your names; you are on holiday and as such your titles are without meaning. Besides it is far more fitting for friends to not use titles. Where are Foaly and Mulch?"
As she looked at Artemis she noticed just how much he had changed in the six months since they had last seen each other. He was probably another couple inches taller; he had even become more muscular she guessed when she hugged him; not being able to truly tell due to his clothing choices. She guessed ever since Hybras he had begun to exercise; probably through Butler's force. His new build however suited him and she found herself thinking him handsome. Something she had never considered before. She had always found him to have a charm and a look that was attractive; but definitely not handsome. It took Butler's rather loud cough to jolt her from her staring since they were going to be on their now that Foaly and Mulch had joined them. As the Fairies stood around the two humans exchanging pleasantries they were chilling quickly so they were hoping they could be within the warmth of a car soon. Artemis picked up on their discomfort and spoke up.
"Butler; could you take Foaly, Mulch and Trouble. Whilst I take Holly and Julius." Butler simply nodded and guided his three passengers towards the rear, much larger car.
When Artemis opened the door for either passenger he subconsciously hoped Holly would sit in the front. He was in luck. She practically jumped in to the Bentley in need of the warmth it provided. Julius climbed into the back seat also glad to be out of the cold wind. Artemis checked to see if Butler had managed to fit the three people into the car; and as Butler himself was climbing into the front seat he clearly had managed. Artemis followed suit and began the drive back to the manor.
Holly was pleasantly surprised at Artemis' driving skills. It did not shock her he could drive; being the genius he was; she was just surprised he was so good given how he reacted to her flying. Julius just pulled out one of his fungus cigars upon seeing an ashtray in the armrest and began to smoke comfortable in the warmth. Artemis however kept his eyes on the road but had noticed Holly's face once he was driving and decided to query it; although he was fairly certain he knew what it was about.
"Impressed by my driving prowess Holly?" wearing one of his signature smug smirks on his face. She simply replied with a nod beginning to feel a tad uncomfortable that she was not in control of the vehicle. "To no surprise to you I'm sure I have been able to drive since I was 10 when I could both reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel. Butler deemed it a useful skill in case of kidnapping. I rarely do it since it requires a lot of my focus in order to do so. Also as Butler follows my every step it only makes sense that he should do it." Holly again nodded; being mildly annoyed by the way he had mastered it so easily. 'Geniuses' she thought. For the next few minutes they indulged in small talk; the little that remained from their conversation yesterday; however it was not long until they pulled up onto the gravel drive of Fowl Manor. Once parked Butler went ahead to open the front door so they could all keep out of the cold as much as possible. Artemis meanwhile went to open Holly's door and surprised her still by offering her his hand.
Once all inside Juliet ran down the stairs and practically crushed Holly in an Amazonian bear hug. Thankfully it only last seconds allowing Holly to breathe again. As she regained her composure and breath she saw Artemis smile and produce a chuckle at the sight. She put her next thought up to lack of oxygen but she liked the way he smiled. Given that it was already after midnight and the faries were tired from the travel they only had a brief conversation with Juliet before Artemis said he would show them to their rooms.
"Butler, Juliet would you kindly show Trouble and Julius to their rooms please. You know which ones. I shall show the others to their rooms."
No one wanted to admit they were tired but as the elves followed their chaperones upstairs there was a noticeable slump in their shoulders as exhaustion hit. The other three followed Artemis around the house still on the ground floor. They travelled down a familiar corridor that all three had seen during the siege. Artemis opened a door that led down stairs. Both Holly and Foaly were both horrified that this may be there room. Their fears were soon put to rest.
"Mulch I believe you remember the cellar. I have had an old bed put down there and had some of the floor boards moved so that there is a vein of Merlot rich clay for your enjoyment." Mulch practically raced down the flight of stairs after thanking 'Arty-boy'.
Artemis closed the door then addressed Foaly without moving a step. "As I am not sure as to how you sleep you have several choices. Firstly you may sleep in the stables or you may have a room like the rest of us. You may also sleep in the gym as the floor is soft in some places." After a few more questions Foaly decided to sleep in the stables as it was most likely to be comfortable. He received directions and trotted off tiredly if happily towards his resting place leaving Artemis and Holly alone.
Artemis gestured for Holly to go back the way they came and as they headed upstairs they engaged in more simple conversation tiredness clearly taking their toll on the pair as they walked towards a room. Holly noticed that they passed Artemis' own room; the thumb print scanner clearly giving it away; and stopped outside the room next to it. Artemis somehow found the strength to remain polite. "This is your room Holly; I hope it lives up to your expectation. Let me, or Butler, know if you require anything."
She felt parts of her body falling asleep as she stood there so made her response simple. "Thank you Artemis. I will." For some reason she wasn't sure about she then stood up on her tiptoes and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek before departing into her room where she just managed to change into her night outfit before falling asleep in the huge, soft bed.
Artemis remained standing where he was for a second before leaving for his own room where upon entry he touched his cheek where it still tingled from Holly's kiss.
Whilst Artemis got ready for bed Butler was in Juliet's room talking.
"I have a job for you. One that will require you to actually be subtle for once; but you're really the only one who can do it."
"Sure Dom. What do you need me to do?" She said as she brushed her hair before getting ready for bed.
Butler was unsure how to phrase the next question. It sounded ridiculous even to him but he managed to get it out... eventually.
"I... need you to find out how Holly feels about Artemis. I fear he is going to give himself an ulcer figuring about how he feels about her. At least once I know I can guide him in the right direction."
As her brother posed the question she turned about to face him mouth open before she let out a high pitched squeal. "Are you serious! He fancies her! That is so adorable. I'll see what I can find out. I hope she feels the same they would make the cutest couple."
"Remember Juliet. Subtle." Butler finished seriously before bidding her goodnight to do a final sweep of the manor and then to get some much needed sleep.