"What is the matter?" Artemis asked as he entered, glancing at the target board riddled with knives. Dead centre.

Juliet sighed. "I just broke up with Matt."

"Ah," Artemis nodded. "The 'hunk'"

Juliet gave him a look. "You don't have to be so damn sarcastic, Artemis. He was a nice guy."

Artemis gave her a look that plainly said if you say so.

"You seem…out of sorts. I suspect it has more to it than simply the breakup? Because as I recall, despite your protests to the contrary, Matt was not the most sensitive man in Ireland."

Juliet smiled ruefully. "Yeah and still he's the one who broke up with me."

Artemis nodded. "And so you are questioning your adequacy? Perhaps even your femininity?"

Juliet looked away resolutely and muttered. "Almost all my boyfriends broke up with me for more or less the same reason. I guess I'm not exactly the epitome of femininity myself huh?"

Artemis looked at her understandingly. "That is not true Juliet. I have known you personally for many years now and I must say, if there is any female I hold in high esteem along with Holly and Minerva, it's you."

Juliet looked up cautiously.

"And I do not say this simply to spare your feelings, I say it because it is true, Juliet. It is a gross misconception that femininity must include such deplorable traits as delicacy, submissiveness and helplessness. Anthropologically, there have been many renowned females in history who have broken out of their preconceived notions of femininity to take charge in dire situations."

As Artemis looked like he was about to lose his audience, he concluded hastily. "My, point, Juliet is that you are appropriately feminine. It is they who are lacking in, what you might say, 'manliness'?"

Juliet smiled. "Thank you, Artemis. That really does make me feel better."

Artemis inclined his head graciously.

"Although," Juliet continued. "It would be much more effective if I didn't know that you could have put together a convincing argument in the favor of virtually any female, including a pasty faced bimbo."

Artemis grinned. "True. But you know what I mean."

Juliet smiled. "Yeah I guess so."

Artemis placed his hand reassuringly on top of hers and looked deep into her eyes. "Juliet. You are worth more than those underdeveloped homo sapiens. Do not sell yourself short. You are worth more."

"Really?" Juliet demanded. "You're not just saying that?"

Artemis's gaze was piercing. "Would I lie to you?"

Juliet held his gaze for a long moment.

"Yes you would."

Artemis drew back, exasperated.

"But," continued Juliet smiling, "I know what you're trying to say. Thank you."

Artemis smiled wryly. "You're welcome. It is rather infuriating conversing with someone who knows you too well."

Juliet smirked. "Well, I don't think I have much competition."

Artemis smiled. "You know, if you wish to…even the score with any of your exs, you have only to say the word."

Juliet gave him a flat look. "If I wanted revenge, Artemis, I would not need…backup. I can break a concrete block with my forehead," she reminded him.

Artemis grinned. "Of course. But you know…just so you know…"

Juliet grinned back and winked. "Right back at ya, Master Fowl."