A/N: Thought it was worth mentioning. In my story nobody knows about fairies except Artemis. Everybody else was mindwiped. Why? When? Doesn't matter.

I also want to say that I am extremely sorry for the previous chapter that was full of mistakes. I was sure, I looked it through before posting it. I won't happen again. Anyone ready to be my BETA is welcome with open arms. This quick update is a form of apologizing.

Chapter Four: Personal Matters

The next day didn't bring anything new. From the very morning there was a great tension between Holly and Artemis. Practically not a word was said in the flat and during breakfast. Artemis was extremely detached and neutrally polite. The whole attitude made Holly really uncomfortable.

She understood it was all her fault, but she herself didn't exactly know why she reacted like that. What was wrong with a simple friendly hug? He did it because she wanted it in the first place. So when did she become such a touchy person? Or was it all because it was Artemis?

Understanding that it was going nowhere, Holly decided to break the ice. "I am sorry, Arty," she began, looking at her food. "I acted childishly and you didn't offend me in any way."

"Oh really…"

"And there are no cameras in my flat."

"Then I must apologize too. My move was sudden and unexpected. Your reaction was a self-defense mechanism. It will never happen again."

"I haven't said anything about 'never'. We are friends, Arty, despite me being a Commander and you being a Mud Genius. Let's put this behind us, okay? I still haven't returned your hug," she finished with a small smile.

"Mud Genius is much better than Mud Boy, especially if to take into consideration that I've been a man for eight years already."

"Artemis Fowl II, Mud Genius," Holly recited. "Yes, I'll put this into the protocol," she said with giggles.

The friendly atmosphere was restored and remained till they arrived at the day's research point.

"What is all this?" Holly asked, looking at numerous cranes around the place. There were also complicated metal constructions along the rocky 'ceiling'.

"There is going to be a simulation. I ordered to plant a small amount of explosives into one of the stalactites."

"Are you crazy?"

"The whole area is evacuated. The net and the metal must prevent any dangerous situations."

"But what for?!"

"I want to know how strong must be the power to create a rock fall."

"You are crazy."

"You can leave."

"Oh no. I will stay right here."

"Follow me then."

Everything was secured. The booth was moved into a safety of a cave. Nothing seemed to predict the upcoming tragedy. The equipment was ready and Artemis pressed the button. There was a hiss and then a 'poof' which made the stalactite with the bomb fell down, bringing with him everything in twenty feet radius. A satisfied smirk already started to appear on Artemis's face when there was another 'poof' and another and another. Even behind the tan it was clear that all blood drained from Artemis's face.

The second blow up was quite near the fenced area, but the third and the fourth ones were exactly above a block of houses full of fairies, who was warned not to leave houses not to be harmed by the accidentally flown out rocks. And now those rocks were falling right onto them.

"Organize help! Immediately!" Artemis shouted and was out in a blink of an eye.

Holly finally napped out of shock and rushed after him. "Wait, Artemis!" 'When did he become such a fast runner?' Finally she managed to grab his sleeve. "Where are you going?"

"I think it is perfectly clear," he answered without stopping moving.

"But you will be buried with them!"

"How can't you understand?! I must be there and help them."

"Do you know how the former circus is called now? The Grave. Do you know why? Because one third of LEP officers decided to play hero like you and save survivors from the first rock fall. They were half way through when the second rock fall covered them. Nobody remained alive."

"There won't be any second fall. Our experimental blow up triggered other bombs. I killed those fairies. And not more than a day ago I swore to make fairies no harm. Helping save them is the least I can do."

Fortunately the situation wasn't as catastrophic as feared. The houses' inhabitants managed to run onto the lower stores after hearing the blow up above them and then quickly left the buildings. Still not everyone was so fortunate and the rescue campaign was in full swing.

"I am telling you, you are acting foolishly, Artemis. The professionals will care for everything. Your place is in the booth, you yourself asked for another rock fall. Now it is the perfect opportunity to investigate."

"We still need to dig through all this to find the remains of the explosive before it disintegrates. When I find the one behind it, I'll…" The meaning of the unfinished sentence was too clear for Holly. Moreover, the murderous look in his eyes made her shudder.

"Commander, look out!" came a scream from behind them.

Holly looked up to see the upper part of the building sliding their way. On instinct pushing Artemis aside, she screwed her eyes, understanding that there was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. But she didn't know one thing. Artemis was too heavy now to be just pushed out of the way. When Holly closed her eyes he stepped in front of her and put his wrists together.

When no impact came, Holly opened her eyes to see a blue light all around her. After closer inspection came out that both Artemis and Holly were under a shield that stopped the falling part of the building.

"Slowly move backwards," Artemis instructed, eyes fixed on the threat.

Holly obeyed taking step after step backwards with Artemis in front of her. The piece of the building continued to sly down, but shield prevented its falling onto them. When the situation stopped being dangerous, the shield disappeared.

"What was that?" Holly asked totally flabbergasted.

"One of my recent inventions."

"It felt like magic. Literally."

"Uuum… it has quite a lot of fairy technology in it, that's why." He switched on his portable communication device. "Have you managed to get it?"

"Yes," came from the other end.

"I am sure you know what to do. Send all reports to my email. Unfortunately, I won't be able to work with you today. Instructions for tomorrow will be given after I go through the reports."

"Affirmative."

"Why can't you work with them today?" Holly asked not without surprise. They certainly got a major lead and he was going to miss everything?

"I need to go home."

"Why all of a sudden?"

"Let's say that I am overexcited after the recent events and can't think straight."

"But this is not the truth."

"The truthful answer is really embarrassing."

"Oh, okay."

When they arrived at Holly's flat. Artemis went to his room right away without saying a world.

'What is it with him?' she wondered, making Artemis's tea. 'As if he is hiding something. How many secrets are stored in that head of his?' Holly took the mug and headed towards his room. She knocked, but received no answer. Having her curiosity on its pick, she peeped into the room. The sight that greeted her was even more surprising: Artemis was lying on his bed fully clothed and was sleeping. 'Was he just tired? How can this be embarrassing? The tea shouldn't be wasted though.' She put the mug onto the nightstand and unconsciously glanced at that mysterious invention of his.

It consisted of two bracelets made of black leather with metal coverings. If she remembered right Artemis had never took them off during his stay here. Initially Holly thought it was some jewelry or something, even if Artemis has never worn any.

'Nobody can ever guess what is up his sleeves. Literally,' Holly thought with silent chuckle and left the room.

When the door closed Artemis opened his eyes and sat up. 'That was close. I better lock the door from now on.' He took a sip of the tea. 'I hate when emotions get in the way of actions. Of course, there were two of us and the building wasn't exactly just some bullet, but I should've kept my feelings in check. What is absolutely impossible around her. D'Arvit. This tea is even better than my best supplies. I must ask what label this is. And now to rest.'

………………..

Holly bought groceries (if she didn't cook, it didn't mean she couldn't buy some snacks), did some paperwork, read a few articles and Artemis was still sleeping. Every half an hour she looked at the clock and thought about waking him up. Finally, after three hours he emerged in the kitchen door frame.

"Thank you for tea."

"You are welcome. That was quite a nap you took."

"I don't actually know what to say to that. But what I want to say is that I must make a personal phone call to the surface. Can I do it here?"

"Actually yes. Having you as an aboveground contact gives privleges. You can do it in my room. Should I leave you alone?"

"What for?"

"You said the call was personal."

"You can stay, just don't do anything to be seen."

Holly's bedroom didn't look like any average woman's sanctuary. It was a simple bedroom with all necessary things like a bed, a wardrobe, a nightstand and several shelves. In addition it had a desk with a computer and various electronic devices. The most unusual things in the room, that had no connection with other furnishing, were a threesome that pictured Ireland spring in vibrant colors.

"You still keep them?" Artemis asked, gazing at the painfully familiar pictures. He saw them in one of the galleries on pure accident. The author was an unknown artist and he was very surprised that somebody wanted not only to buy them but to make another copy. That additional exemplar was hanging in Artemis's bedroom and the original was sent to Holly for her 300th birthday.

"Of course, I do. If the Doctor of Art says this is a masterpiece, and I think it looks pretty good, it is worth keeping. Here, I've got you on the line, just dial the number."

Artemis sat down onto Holly's chair and she moved to the bed. In a minute a large display appeared in front of Artemis. On the display was a face of a beautiful woman with blond curls.

"Where the heck are you, Artemis?!" the woman's first words were, she sounded far from happy.

"Good evening to you too, Minerva," Artemis replied with suppressed laughter.

"You know that we have the deal. I see you not more than eight times a year and today is the day that you promised to be at my side no matter what!"

"I am really sorry, Minerva. But there is some very urgent business I must take care of. It is a life or death situation."

"You are not in danger, are you?" she asked with deep concern.

"No, I am not."

"Where are you? I will send a plane and you can come here at least for the evening."

"Let's say that I am somewhere a plane can't reach."

"Plane can reach everywhere. You are not in some other universe, are you?"

"Not exactly. Don't bother yourself with that. It is your birthday, remember? Did you like my present?"

"Of course. It is brilliant as always. Was it handmade?"

"Special order as always."

"Girls were so-o-o-o jealous. Were ogling it like some 9th World's Wonder."

"How is Bernard? Your brother?"

"Bernard is okay. Finally has bought his own gallery."

"Marvelous. Can't wait to visit it."

"It is top secret but half of the first exhibition will consist of my portraits," Minerva whispered.

"Not a bad choice for a model, to my mind."

"Stuff it. You've never used me as your model."

"I have my reasons."

"Blah-blah-blah."

"Are you drunk already?"

"Not yet. But I am going to be because you are not here!"

"I am sure nobody will miss me there. And Bernard is quite capable of consoling you."

"But I will miss you. When are you returning? I need your consulting on estate managing."

"Again?"

"Well, you know how it is. I am so tired of all this stuff. Every time when I look through month reports I think about selling everything and have a normal life already. Bernard's birthday is in a month and I have a perfect present for him," she whispered playfully.

"You do? I am really happy for you then. Under these circumstances you should sell the company. Of course, you must make a complete inventory first so everything would be clean with the documents and such. I will personally deal with the selling."

"Thank you, Artemis, you are the best!"

"Certainly, I am. Say hello from me to your brother. Is he well?"

"Well, you know how teenage boys are- Oh, sorry, Artemis."

"No problem. You should probably return to your guests."

"Yeah. Promise to call me the moment you come back. Till then I will be planning my revenge for you ditching me on my birthday."

"Don't. The stress can worsen your health condition. You don't want that, right?"

"Brrrrrrr, I am so mad at you already. But don't forget to call me. Bye."

"Good bye."

The display turned black and Artemis started to leave already when Holly stopped him. "Don't you want to talk about it?"

"About what?"

"It was Minerva Paradizo, wasn't it?"

"So?"

"Don't you think you owe some explaining to do?"

"Explaining to who?"

"To me."

"Why should I? Or are you jealous?"

"Why should I be?" Holly instantly went into defense mode.

"Ask yourself. I surely don't know why I must explain my relationship with Minerva to you."

"So there is a relationship?" she blurted out without thinking.

"We are friends. Like you and I."

"Then there is no reason you can't talk to me about her."

"You twisted my words."

"So what of it. I am still right."

"Okay. I may agree with you on this point. So what do you want to know?"

"Who is Bernard?"

"Bernard is Minerva's husband. He is a very talented artist and it is not only my opinion. To my mind, Minerva is the muse of his inspiration."

"Husband? Why aren't you her husband?"

"Where did that come from?"

"Because she was all over you! That whole demons' disaster started because of her fascination with you, not to mention you had a crush on her. And two geniuses are a perfect couple."

"Firstly, it was only hormones. Secondly, Minerva is not a genius anymore. Half of her intellectual capability disappeared during puberty. She is still a smart woman nevertheless. When she had a choice between becoming a scientist or a woman, she chose the latter. I think the choice was right.

She had to deal with lots of bad and even disgusting things. Her father passed away nearly four years ago, leaving everything to her. Thus making her practically the richest girl in the world. She was instantly flooded with fiancées of all kinds. I am certain you understand how horrid it was.

I helped her at that time. Mostly with the estate, because I made it clear from the first moment that I left the choice of her future husband to her."

"Why didn't you – I don't know, help her out?"

"Because we didn't love each other and because, to put it simply, she is twice as high as me. Frankly speaking, Bernard was discovered by me. I swear it was on pure accident. We met in Paris in an art gallery of an artist who was rumored to be the discovery of the century. We both agreed it was a huge overstatement.

Minerva and I share one passion – art. So one day I decided to introduce them, because I considered him a very promising artist. I did it with no underthought what so ever."

"Arty, you do everything with an underthought."

"Well, I wasn't playing matchmaker at that time. I just wanted to raise Minerva's mood. I left after the main cause because I was clearly the third wheel. They married two years ago. And, as you heard, Minerva is expecting. This is the whole story."

"Huh, huh. So what did you get her for the present?"

"A pendant for six family pictures. I think a have a sketch with me. Do you want to see it?"

"Why not?" After Artemis left for his room Holly began to process the information she has just heard, it was far from easy. 'There was so much emotion in his eyes when they talked. Why isn't it the same way when we interact? Maybe because we haven't talked for years? Maybe we need time to gain our past friendship back?

He did so much for her. Practically got her the life of her dreams. I wish he could do something like this for me. What I am talking about? He saved my life today and I haven't even thanked him! And why am I comparing Minerva and I? I am not jealous. Right?'

"Here it is," Artemis said, returning to his place beside Holly on the bed and showing her a sketch in what looked like an album.

"Wow, it is so intricate," Holly uttered, looking at the picture of a golden pendant, decorated with tiny diamonds and sapphires between images of roses and lilies. "Why these flowers?"

"Their favorite. I don't know why it was so popular among Minerva friends. To me, it is nothing extraordinary."

"I don't know anything about extraordinary, but it is certainly beautiful."

"I guess I must thank you for the compliment."

"Why?"

"I designed the pendant."

"You mean, you draw this?"

"Yes, I did."

Slowly Minerva's words 'You've never used me as your model' started to click in Holly's head. "You draw?"

"A little. Just for my amusement. I am not showing you anything." Holly gave him a puppy look. "No." She added quivering pouted lips. "No."

"Pleaseeeee," she weaned.

"Women," Artemis muttered, shaking his head and giving her the sketch book. This one was a 'family sketchbook' as Artemis called it, so he won't be embarrassed by the drawings. The sketchbook that really was dangerous from all aspects was securely locked away in his safe in the manor. That particular album was full of drawings of one red-headed elf and nobody will ever be let to look into it, especially his current companion.

Holly looked through the album, firstly seeing the senior Fowls together and separate, then the twins, then Juliet alone and with a man, who Holly assumed was her husband, then there was Minerva alone and then with someone distantly familiar.

"Is this Bernard?" she asked, pointing at the tall brunette beside Minerva.

"Yes."

"How funny," she commented with giggles.

"What can be so funny about him?"

"Don't you see it?"

"No, I don't," Artemis responded with slight irritation.

"Black hair, blue eyes. Even the nose is similar to yours. So her tastes haven't changed after all," she finished with another fit of giggles.

"So? It only proves that she is stable in her preferences. Not like some other women," he added not without disgust.

"Don't you feel… replaced?" Holly asked, this time seriously.

"I have no reason to think so. We all remain good friends, even my parents stay in touch with them. And Minerva is happy with him, and I am certain, not only because of his appearance."

"Will you rush things now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you promised to arrange Minerva's company selling before the child is born. And that happens much quicker with humans than in our world."

"Don't think about it. I have at least half a year and she only needs money. I will just buy it myself and then deal with it properly. Now I should deal with reports that must've totally flooded my inbox. Good night, Holly."

Artemis was in the doorframe when Holly found the courage to ask him the question that bugged her all those years without him. "Are you happy, Arty? She is happy with him, but are you happy without her?"

"I am happy, as I can possibly be."

"Is there something that can make you happy?"

"There is one thing."

"What is it?"

"I hope that one day you will find out."