Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I don't not own any part of the Artemis Fowl series. If I did, Arty's elf kissing days would SO not be over.

Three weeks later Foaly knocked on the door of Holly's apartment. Artemis had been staying there since he wasn't used to Haven. The Council had grudgingly agreed that it was better to have Artemis living in Haven than in Ireland, as having a human who looked like an elf could be even worse that a human who was in contact with the People.

Holly was trying to get Trouble Kelp to give Artemis a job working with Foaly. Trouble wasn't too happy about this arrangement. He didn't like Artemis. However, Trouble did like Holly, so he was considering it. Of course, Artemis could still get money from when he was human. He spoke frequently with his mother, and he had money coming from various patents and things, which his mother sent to him. But Artemis wanted to get a job for himself.

Holly let Foaly in. "Good afternoon, Major Short," Foaly said. Holly had been promoted to Major last week.

Holly sighed. "Hello Foaly."

Foaly grinned at Artemis. "It looks like you won't be needing a job at the LEP after all. I figured out how to turn you back!"

Artemis's face fell. "Oh, yes. Great. I am sure Holly will be glad to get me out of her apartment."

Holly looked at Artemis. He looked dejected. She sighed. She had gotten used to having him around. He was more open, and he had seemed happier. She had gotten used to seeing him as an elf. She had to admit, he did make a handsome elf. And it was nice to not have to crane her neck to look at his face.

She looked at Foaly. "Good job buddy. Look, can we talk more later? I need to talk to Artemis."

Foaly looked at her strangely, but left.

Holly turned to Artemis. "I suppose you will be glad to see your family again."

Artemis sighed. "Yes."

"Surely you would rather be a human. On the surface, you are Artemis Fowl, multimillionaire genius extraordinaire. Here you're just another elf. A jobless, borderline homeless elf."

Artemis looked up at her, his eyes sad. "Is that what I am to you? Just another elf? Or just a rich genius?"

"No! Artemis, you're my best friend, no matter what you look like, no matter what your status is."

Artemis sighed again. "And therein lies the problem. Holly, you aren't just my best friend. I love you." Artemis stood. "I'll go tell Foaly to change me back now."

Holly pushed him back down on the couch. "Oh no you won't."

"Wha…" Artemis started to say but was stopped by Holly pressing her lips to his.

For a second Artemis just sat there, stunned. But then he kissed her back, his arms coming around her to pull her closer. Finally Holly needed to breathe and pulled back, but not much. Her mismatched eyes stared into Artemis's own.

Artemis grinned. "I thought you said my elf kissing days were over."

Holly smacked him playfully on the arm.

"You were human then, and I… I love you too Artemis."

Artemis smiled, and kissed her again.