Disclaimer: I don't own Arty or Holly. You know the drill.

Aelish: Hi!

Me: Don't even THINK about it, or I'll use my almighty-authoress powers on you.

Aelish: But I have them too, because I'm your evil Cupid twin.

Me: But not as much as I do, because I'm actually the almighty authoress! So scat!

Aelish: Whatever. But I'll be back! I'll get you, and your little characters too! (zooms away on broomstick)

Me: Riiiight. Anywho…this is basically a oneshot that I wrote shortly after I read TLC. It just seemed to spring out at me, and I had to write it. Sooo…enjoy!

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Holly helped Artemis out of his chair.

"We never get to hang out," she said.

Artemis half chuckled. "I know. There's always a crisis."

"If it's not goblin gangs, it's time-traveling demons." Holly kissed him on the cheek. "That was probably dangerous. You being a pubescent volcano."

"I've got it under control, just about." He smiled. "Although if I were still a pubescent volcano, I might do this." Before she could protest, her pulled her close to him and kissed her.

"What under earth, Mud Boy!" she gasped as soon as he let her go.

"Mud Man."

"Not yet."

"True."

"But really, Artemis, what the heck possessed you to do that?" She grinned weakly. "I thought you said you weren't still a pubescent volcano."

"I'm not. But does that prevent me from kissing someone I love?"

She stared at him. "Someone you…someone…Honestly, I'm beginning to think that time tunnel opened your head and scrambled its insides all up."

He sighed. "Holly, will you please just accept the fact that I love you? Now, granted, I wasn't planning to say it like that," he added, rather ruefully, "but since it's out, can't you just believe me and move on?"

"I…" She faltered and tried again. "I think so…if you'll accept the fact that I love you."

It was Artemis' turn to stare. "You—you do?" he finally said.

"Yes," she said with a sigh. "I'd meant to tell you, but I got scared every time I tried. And I know I was acting like you'd lost your wits, but really, what was I supposed to do? When you kissed me, I kind of thought maybe—maybe it was too good to be true.

"Well, perhaps this will convince you," he said with a smile, and pressed his lips to hers again.

It was only when they broke apart that they realized everyone else had crept out of the room.

When he saw what was happening, Foaly had shooed all the others out. As soon as the last person had left, however, he himself had ducked behind a seat to watch the drama unfold. Now he was grinning and mouthing, "Finally!" at the two.

Artemis and Holly looked at each other. "Foaly," they said simultaneously.

"And I'll bet you anything he's still in here spying," added Holly.

Artemis shook his head. "I'd stay and help you kill him, but I really ought to go. Hit him for me if you do find him, okay?"

"Will do," she agreed cheerfully. Then, in a louder voice and mock regretfully, she said, "Don't worry, Foaly. I wouldn't really do that." Heaving a melodramatic sigh, she winked at Artemis.

He winked back, and tapped his ring-phone. "Call you later."

"I have a feeling we'll have a lot to talk about."

They hugged briefly, but tightly, then Artemis walked down the ramp. He took three steps and looked back, but there was nothing there but sea and sky.

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A/N: Review PLEASE! (grin) I'll give you virtual treats if you do!

BANZAI!

hollybridgetpeppermint