Chapter 26: Accident

Author's note: *shakes head in disbelief* I can't actually thank you enough ... I just can't. :D YOU ARE AWESOME!

Shadow Huntress, no seriously, your reviews are SO AMAZING, AND SO DETAILED!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Artemis Fowl.

Holly stared at him.

She stared at his pale, gaunt face, his soft midnight hair messed about, the strands of it sticking out in random directions. She felt so lost without Artemis's witty comebacks, his smart comments that drove everyone mad. She smiled sadly. The teenager suddenly moaned softly, shifting onto his side, facing Holly. His eyes suddenly snapped open, the magnificent deep blue of them stunning Holly speechless.

Artemis.

They stared at each other, searching each other's eyes, acknowledging each other. Holly felt her eyes glass over, big tears slipping freely down her cheeks. Artemis's expression faltered.

"Arty," she whispered. He grimaced, trying his hardest to keep expression neutral. Holly reached out, cupping his cheek, a small smile gracing her lips. "… How's the mud boy?" she said, trying to make him smile.

"Holly," he said quietly, his voice hoarse, his eyes serious. Holly's smile fell, her expression becoming worried.

"Are you okay?" she asked, stroking his cheek softly. He reached up with his pale, weak hand to grasp hers. He held it tightly, his eyes full of angst. Artemis slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position, keeping their hands tightly laced together. Holly had never seen him so vulnerable before, so openly upset about something. Artemis stared at their hands, his lips quivering.

"Come here," he whispered, never looking up from their hands. Holly blinked, her thoughts muddled. She slowly complied, standing up from her seat and stepping right up to the bed. Artemis hesitantly lifted his head, meeting her mismatched eyes. Holly's eyes nearly fell out of her head when she felt his gentle hand touch her cheek. It was shaking. His eyes were so full of emotions. Holly found herself getting lost in them, those blue waves of fire that shone with such intensity that Holly swore he could see right through her. Artemis's hand froze on her cheek.

It was like some invisible force was pulling their faces slowly closer and closer together, neither of them being able to resist it. Holly saw his deep blue eyes drifting closed, his other hand slowly reaching up to cup her other cheek, holding her loosely in place. She closed her eyes, feeling his fast, warm breaths against her lips. It was like electricity was flowing in between them, making them both shudder as their hearts jump around their chests erratically. Holly just wanted to grab his face and close the distance between their faces. Her hands went straight for his hair, tangling her fingers into the soft strands. She heard Artemis make a quiet sound in the back of his throat. Holly's breath hitched as she felt the gentlest pressure touch her lips.

"Holly," Artemis whispered huskily against her lips.

There was a quiet knock on the door.

Artemis's lips paused, his eyes cracking open. What am I doing? He suddenly pushed Holly away as the door opened, looking away from her. Holly tried to control her expression, spinning around to the door. Artemis's family stood there, Angeline in the front, Artemis senior behind her, and the twins at their feet. But Holly didn't have to worry about her expression because they weren't looking at her. Their eyes were glued to Artemis, who was looking back at them, his expression neutral, even though all he wanted to do was burst into tears. He didn't dare to look at Holly.

"Artemis simple-toon!" Beckett and Myles shrieked in excitement, racing over to him. Angeline and Artemis senior smiled, following the twins to the bed, lifting them up onto it. They threw their arms around the stunned teenager. Artemis couldn't truly appreciate seeing them, his thoughts only on Holly. He hugged the twins back, glancing around the room only to discover Holly was gone. He had no idea how she had slipped out of the room so quietly.

"Artemis, are you okay, son?" Artemis senior asked worriedly, getting his attention.

Artemis feigned a smile. "Of course … dad," he replied, looking to his father, feeling happy to see him. Artemis senior smiled, pleased by the use of his word "dad". Angeline leaned in, kissing him on the cheek.

"Artemis!" Myles called, tugging at his collar. Artemis blinked, looking down to see the two twins beaming at him. "Can you teach us another lesson? It's been ages!"

He hesitated, his calm expression faltering. Beckett and Myles frowned in confusion. Artemis just hugged them tighter, burying his face into them.

"Arty's tired, Myles. Let him rest," Angeline demanded firmly. Artemis just couldn't. His mind was muddled and confused, and he was full to the brim with overpowering emotions. Artemis senior sat next to his son, knowing something was off about him. He suddenly realised he had seen Holly when they had walked in. He looked around the room, finding no sign of the elf.

"Wasn't … Holly here before?" Artemis senior questioned. Artemis kept his head buried in the twins, but it was obvious he was uncomfortable, his body suddenly becoming still.

"… No," he replied quietly.

Angeline shared a concerned look with her husband.

"When are you … coming home?" Beckett asked quietly in Artemis's ear. It took everything Artemis had not to burst into tears.

"… Beckett—" Angeline began.

"No, mo-mum, there's no point lying to them," Artemis cut in, his voice harsher than he expected. He looked up, his expression apologetic. Angeline looked down. Artemis senior just gazed at Artemis, his eyes full of confusion.

Artemis took a deep breath, looking back down to his younger brothers, who were watching him, their expressions worried.

"What do you mean?" Myles whispered, a deep frown on his face. It didn't look right, didn't belong on a youth's face.

"… It won't be long, but not straight away," Artemis replied stiffly, not sure if he believed it himself.

"… You promise?" Beckett asked, his eyes pleading.

Artemis, though he had no idea how, somehow kept his face neutral. "I promise."

Butler held Holly—who was sobbing uncontrollably into him—tightly, a confused expression on his face. He had been on his way to Artemis's room when he had found Holly wondering down the hall, tears streaming down her face.

"Holly, come on, tell me," he said softly. Holly just cried harder, the sound odd coming out of her mouth. She cried for a good minute until she could speak.

"I … A-Arty … h-we … I can't!" she stuttered.

"You can't what?" Butler asked quietly, patting her back comfortingly.

"I c-can't see h-him," she whispered.

"Yes you can, Holly," Butler said. "… Are his family there?"

Holly nodded mutely. Butler sighed. They stayed quiet for a while.

"Why don't I take you to get a coffee, and then we'll get Artemis some breakfast … Do you want to do that, Holly?" Butler asked.

Holly hesitantly nodded again, slowly moving out of Butler's strong arms. She wiped her face, sniffing.

She giggled at Butler's expression. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "I've never been so emotional …" She looked down sheepishly.

"I don't think I have either," Butler replied, walking back down the hall, Holly following.

As soon as the door of Artemis's door closed, he broke into quiet sobs, drawing his knees to his chest. His family had stayed for a good hour, and the whole time, he had been desperately trying to control his raging emotions. He needed to get away. He couldn't face Holly. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stop crying. He leaned back, closing his eyes, wiping his tear-streaked face.

"Someone take over. I don't care who," he murmured, knowing the alters could hear him.

He waited until he felt the gentle pressure of Alistair's presence, happily letting Alistair push him back into their mind-office.

Butler approached Artemis's door, Holly behind him, Artemis's breakfast in her hands. Holly felt much better than before, thanks to Butler, who had cheered her up with friendly chatter. Butler slowly opened the door, peeking around it to see the boy on the bed smirking at him, his hands behind his head.

"We meet again, Butler," he said smoothly. Butler frowned in confusion, Holly peeking through the door behind the bodyguard. She was half relieved, half annoyed.

Oh, it's jackass … how did this happen.

As soon as Alistair saw her, he lost the smug grin, sitting up properly, soothing his hair back. He smiled, trying to make it look like Oisin's. Holly rolled her eyes.

"Oh, please, jackass, it's not working," she said, walking into the room, Butler slowly going to sit on the couch, trying not to look too amused.

This is going to be interesting, he thought as he watched Alistair and Holly.

Alistair looked offended. "I have a name, you know," he muttered under his breath, his deep blue eyes narrowed.

Holly leaned closer to him. "Oh … you do? That's interesting," Holly said sarcastically. Alistair gulped, staring into her eyes. Holly raised her eyebrows and shoved the food into his hands.

"Just eat something," she said, her expression annoyed, as she settled into her seat.

Alistair smirked. She must be mean to me because she loves me, he thought as he bit into the sandwich. Holly watched him, her eyes a faraway look in them. Alistair paused, looking towards her. "Am I just so handsome that you can't look away?" he asked smugly. Holly blinked, pulled out of her reverie, suddenly glaring at Alistair.

"I wasn't thinking about you, you idiot," she snapped. Butler just watched, his mouth twitching. An idea suddenly occurred to him. He took out his phone, secretly videoing them.

Alistair was too busy admiring her face, his eyes dreamy. He stared at her lips, her nose, her eyes—

"Earth to jackass!" Holly yelled. Alistair jumped in surprise, shaking his head in amusement, and going back to eating his sandwich.

I like feisty girls.

When he finished, he handed Holly the tray, the elf grudgingly taking it and placing it on the bench, handing him a cup of water, which Alistair just had advantage of, making their hands brush together purposely.

"Jackass, do you not understand?" Holly asked, leaning back into her chair. "You're worse than Orion," she muttered.

Alistair gaped in shock. "I am not!" he argued. "How is that possible?"

"Orion isn't hormonal, that's how!" Holly shouted, leaning back into her seat.

A rosy colour touched Alistair's cheeks. He looked down. "I'm not hormonal," he said quietly.

Holly froze, raising her eyebrows at him. She suddenly burst out laughing, doubling over in her chair.

"O-oh, n-nice one!" she managed to splutter through her mirth.

Alistair's blush deepened. Butler zoomed in on his face, the boy completely unaware. It took everything Butler had to keep his face neutral.

"I don't like it when you laugh at me," Alistair muttered.

Holly looked up, rolling her eyes. "I don't like it when you stare at me," she retorted smartly.

Alistair huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, I don't care," he said, holding his head high.

Holly smirked. "Yes, you do, and you know it," she replied, crossing her hands over her chest, mimicking him.

Alistair looked suspiciously at her hands. "What are you doing?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. Butler had to cover his mouth with one of his hands to restrain from laughing.

Holly shrugged innocently, her eyes mocking. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, sneering.

Alistair laid his hands on his lap. Holly slowly mimicked the movement, her eyes averted. Alistair moaned.

"Stop it, Holly!" he whined, pouting at her.

"Stop it, jackass," Holly whined back, an exaggerated pout on her face. Butler ended the video, silently slipping the phone back into his pocket. He smirked.

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