Chapter 50
Moaning...
Sensitivities Pt. 2
RECAP:
"Hmm," I murmured glancing back at the 'sun'. It was so... warm. I could just lie down and sleep. My head unwillingly leaned down into the crook of Artemis's shoulder. I tried in vain to battle my heavy lids. "Artemis," I slurred, probably sounding like I was more drunk that tired.
"Shh Holly, I'll be here when you wake up," he promised. I tried to tell him that I wasn't tired, but it came out too garbled to be understood. I wanted to try again, but his shoulder was just too comfy.
Artemis POV:
"Artemis," Holly slurred through her heavily lidded eyes. It was easy to see what was happening. She was exhausted, but didn't want to succumb to slumber. Perhaps out of fear of failing as a hostess to me.
"Shh, Holly. I'll be her when you wake up," I assured her. After all, where was I going to go? I was in the center of Haven's downtown area, and knew little of the layout. Without Holly, I was lost.
She insisted on trying to tell me that she was not sleepy. Though anyone could tell that she wasn't even fooling herself. Not anymore. Her head slumped even farther down and she sighed softly before her eyes fully shut. A second later, her deep easy breathing assured me that she was indeed asleep. "Sleep well, Holly," I whispered.
Holly's mouth twitched in the semblance of a smile. Obviously, her subconscious had heard me speak, and responded as she would have. With a smirk.
I was quite comfortable in my position against the tree, but she did not seem to be at all relaxed. I sighed and slid her head down so that she was cradled more comfortably in my lap. Her legs were curled to her chest in fetal position. I considered stretching her out, but knew from personal experience that she enjoys being curled when asleep.
Her long auburn hair fell into her eyes, and her breath lifted the strand and gently blew it about. I chuckled to myself. Her head moved a bit to the side, pushing even more of the wavy strands into her eyes. Without thinking, my hand reached down and pushed her hair back. "Artemis," she moaned, with a slight smile. "Artemis, where are you?"
Interesting. Holly speaks in her sleep. And she calls my name. I wonder what her subconscious is telling her at the moment and what does it have to do with me. Does she know that she is lying in my lap? Does she know that I pushed her hair back? "I'm here, Holly," I responded.
"Artemis," she replied happily. It was somewhat flattering, yet strange at the same time. There's no dodging the fact that Holly is a very attractive woman. No male on or underneath the earth could say otherwise. However, beyond that, we are just friends, companions, confidantes, and nothing more. I refuse to continue on with this ridiculous line of thought. So, I turned my attention back to the view. The false sun glinted brightly and the weather was almost unbearably warm for one of Irish descent. The trees were tall and slender, bending gently in the slight breeze.
I must say that Foaly's climate-related inventions are rather impressive. The warmth was lulling my new fairy physique into a restive mood. Perhaps, closing my eyes for a moment wouldn't harm me. I was relaxed with my back pressed back against the rough bark of the tree, before closing my eyes, and enjoying the sunshine that was quieting my usually busy brain.
Just as I was about to slip away into my own, Holly threw her arms around me and squeezed tightly, hugging me around my waist. It was... uncomfortable. Not in the physical sense, but in the emotional sense it was somewhat disturbing. I tried to ease back into my relaxed state, but found it nearly impossible because whenever I tried, she would move positions or murmur my name, putting me on edge. Honestly, she seemed very awake.
Finally, I decided that I would not be able to rest ath the present moment. So, I focused my mind on difficult conundrums, though all the while, I was thinking of the small woman that I held in my arms.
Holly's POV:
I opened my eyes reluctantly. At first, I was a bit discombobulated and unsure of where I was. Though this was normal, I'm always confused when I first wake up. All I knew was that my head was against something soft, yet rough at the same time. I forced my heavy lids apart again to try to view my surroundings. Uh-oh. My head was lying in Arty's chest, and I was curled around him with my arms thrown around his back, with his arms around me. Esssentially, we were hugging. "Glad to se that you're finally awake," Artemis chuckled which did amazing things to his abdominals. They stretched and tightened in a mind-numbing way that I can't adequately describe.
"Mmm," I murmured in complete bliss.
"Perhaps I spoke too soon," he said, chuckling again. Honestly, I could lie here forever if he would just keep laughing like this. "Though, I suppose you are rather comfortable."
I turned over so that I was on my back, looking up at Arty. Surprisingly, he did not move his hand, so it was just draped lazily across my stomach. "Yes, I guess I am. Aren't you?" I asked, worried that I was going to have to get up. Ugh, that would be tragic. Moving at a time like this should be criminal.
"Yes, I am. Very much so, actually."
"This doesn't bother you?" I inquired. Honestly, I'm so conflicted around Arty. On one hand I wanted him to say no. But some small part of me was wanting, needing, him to say yes.
"Of course not. Though if it bothers you..?"
"It doesn't," I assured him.
"Mmm," he murmured. I glanced up at his face distract by his fangs. Even they seemed to shine in the light in a most interesting way. Then my eyes continued up to the delicate points of his ears. Once again, I was consumed with the need to touch them.
I suppose I was staring, because Arty noticed. Ugh, the boy notices any and everything tht I do. "May I help you?"
"No," I replied, tearing my gaze away from his ears.
"What are you so focused on?" he asked.
I let out a little breath of relief. He had no idea that I was staring at his ears. "Nothing. Just enjoying my day."
"Strange, because from where I am sitting, you seemed to be concentrating very hard on my ears."
I blushed deeply. Of course, Artemis knew. He's a genius and Frond knows that he always seems to see everything. "Ha, in your dreams. I was just watching the sky."
"You are not good at lying, "he chided.
"Oh sorry. We can't all be pathological liars, now can we?"
"You're trying to distract me, but it won't work. You should know that I have a relatively long attention span," he remarked confidently. "Now, you were staring at my pointed ears and your hand was twitching. I'm guessing that you want to touch them." He said it with such assurance. It made me blush even more. Ugh, why does he have to know everything? Or am I just that easy for him to read? Probably a combination of both.
"No, I didn't," I lied.
"And if I was to let you?" he inquired.
"Let me what?" I asked. No, I'm not an idiot. I knew what he meant, but didn't want to let my excitement show in my face. It wouldn't do to let Artemis see how interested I really was. Giving him that kind of leverage was never a very good idea.
"Touch my ears, of course." Artemis said it so casually, so easy. I'm actually wondering if he understands what 'touching the ears would mean and what it would do to him.
"Artemis, have you studied any elfin or even fairy anatomy in general?" Of course not. Not even Artemis...
"Yes, I have studied them both extensively," he replied. Honestly, I don't know why I'm even surprised anymore. Artemis has everything, and I should get used to that.
My eyebrows rose as I wondered just when my anatomy had come into his course of study. I'm curious about it , but know that said discussion will only lead off to another conversation,and another, and another and we'll never get back to the point. No, it's better to just continue on and save that little tid bit for a later time. "Okay, so what did you learn about the reflexology of ears?"
"The fairy ears are the most sensitive area of the body, second only to the erogenous zones and vestigial wing structures." He was correct. In fact, his summary was better than my high school health textbook. Though, that wasn't really saying much. My high school textbook... had been written by idiots.
"Okay, so you're right about that. As usual," I mumbled, not wanting to inflate his ego any more than it already was. Though, it's hard to believe that it could be inflated any more. "You know that, but do you know what it really means?"
"No," he replied. I could see the conflict in his eyes. He was a bit peeved because he didn't know the answer, but at the same time, he was thrilled with the allure of the possibility of new knowledge. "What is the significance in fairy culture?"
I laid, staring up a the boy that happened to be my closest friend. I almost considered lying, but dismissed it automatically. One should never lie to their friends if they can help it.. And I could definitely help it. "To touch the ear is such a... strong feeling that you only let someone you care about do it. Not only care about, but you have to trust the person with your entire being, because you essentially give them control of you."
Artemis nodded, taking it all in. I could see the gears in his mind turning as he tried to think of how best to resend his invitation. "Do you still want to grab at my ears?" Or not.
I sighed deeply. "Artemis. I swear, sometimes it's like you don't listen to a word that I say."
"Holly, I'm shocked. Of course I listen to every word that you say. I understand that you only let someone whom you trust with your life." He paused for what had to be the longest second in my life. "I trust you with my life."
I felt a shock run down my spine. Sure, he had proved it time and time again when we had entered into various schemes and plots. But to hear him say it out loud was ... strangely pleasurable. It was comfortable and made me smile slightly. At first, I had been reluctant and trying to hide my trembling, yearning hand. Now, what was the point? He knew what I wanted and he knew what to expect. It was his choice, and he didn't mind.
"Artemis?"
""Yes? What is it?"
"You're one hundred percent Sure?"
"Aren't I always?" he smirked. And I had to admit. He was. Artemis Fowl never said anything that he didn't mean.
"Okay," I shrugged, getting on my knees beside him. "But don't say that I didn't warn you."
"Perish the thought," he chuckled dryly.
"Oh, shut up," I ordered, bringing my tingling fingers up to his ears. I caressed the tips gently between my fingers. They were as soft and as smooth as satin. The points were graceful and perfect. Most fairy men would envy him for having them. Just touching the points sent a warm tingle through my own core.
Then, I let my hands take over for my mind and squeezed the tip gently. "Mmmm," he moaned loudly. "Holly," he said even louder, causing my mind to involuntarily go back to my dream when he had said 'I love it when you moan my name'. I'd always assumed that it was a power play, but that's only part of it. The other part... was undescribable, and past the point of my vocabulary. I gave one last squeeze, and then trailed my finger lightly down the rim to the lobe. Most people couldn't have felt it, but an elf could feel every tremor from the deftly moving fingers. I went back up to the shell, and ended by gently tweaking it. Artemis let go of one last "Holly!" before I was satisfied enough to let go.
I smiled slightly as I sat back against the tree. Artemis sat in silence for all of five seconds, but of course, he has something to say. He always does. "That was..." he began.
"Indescribably," I suggested, cutting of whatever word he was going to use.
"Yes and no. It is describable, everything is with the right words. Said words in this case would be, extraordinary, sensational, enjoyable, electrifying, and warm."
"Warm, really?" I teased, chuckling to myself. "Your large mental dictionary of words and you use 'warm' as an adjective? Really?"
"I was sure that you would be amused," he smirked. Yes, because he knows everything and makes it a point to prove it as often as possible.
"Hmph," I sighed. "If I knew that this was all it would take to get you to relax then I would have thought of it a long time ago."
"Yes, you should have," he chuckled. "Speaking of things we didn't know... I had no idea that your hands were so gifted."
"There's a lot that you don't know about me," I shrugged. We knew each other, but of course there were still some things that we hadn't had time to find out.
"So, I see. I look forward to finding out even more about you in the next week and a half."
I rolled my eyes. Formal even when relaxed. "Whatever. Though, I don't even pretend to know even half the things that make up the Great Artemis Fowl."
"Trust me, Holly. You know a lot more about me than you think that you do." Ha, who was he fooling? Not even Arty's parents truly knew him. Not even Butler truly knew him. How was I supposed to believe that I knew him so well all of a sudden?
"I have a feeling that that's exactly what you want me to think."
"Perhaps," he replied allowing a small grin to grace his face.
I rolled my eyes again and turned my head to stare back up at the sky. Yes, fairies are largely nocturnal, but we love the sunshine too. Said sun was sinking down beneath the trees. Obviously I had slept longer than I had intended, though that's a given since I hadn't intended to sleep at all. "Artemis, we can go home if you'd like. Or stay here and watch the sun set." He said nothing. He just sat and looked into my eyes. "Artemis, choose one or we'll stay here all night."
Arty chuckled to himself. "But wouldn't by not choosing, I would have all ready chosen because it would lead to the two of us staying here?"
"Well, yes," I agreed. "But it will mainly serve to infuriate me."
"And not much infuriates you, does it?" he wondered aloud. Though not even an idiot would believe that it was an accident. Artemis Fowl did not have accidents.
"Oh Arty, you can be so annoying."
"Well, on the fear of being, 'annoying' I suppose I must choose." He took a moment to pretend to think. "I believe my choice is to watch the sun set."
"Excellent choice," I complimented. Yes, excellent and just what I wanted him to do. I settled back down with my back against the tree but I felt too far from Arty. I scooted closer. It felt awkward, but so much better. He smiled, which gave me leave to scoot even closer. Now, I was right against his side, and it felt so much better, but so much worse when considering my nervousness.
I wrapped my arms tightly around myself. Artemis saw this, and automatically assumed that it was because of the cool breeze. At least that's how I'm going to explain why he threw his arm around my shoulders. It was concern for my well being. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
"You're cold, but I am not?" he wondered.
I sighed. Of course, his body would react in nearly the same way as mine since he was also a fairy for the moment. Ugh, think Holly. "I'm not cold."
"You're huddled in on yourself and have goose bumps on your arms," he said. "Either you're cold or you're thinking very hard about something in particular."
"Maybe a bit of both," I admitted as the wind blew again.
"Ah, and would you be willing to share what it is that you are thinking so hard about?"
"You don't want to know what I'm thinking." Though maybe he did. Arty loves nothing more than to know everything about everyone at all times. It was one of his... less endearing features.
"On the contrary, I really would like to know." He said it in such a way that made it clear that he would go on forever if I didn't give him what he wanted.
"Fine. I was just thinking that being here like this is... enjoyable. And that it's too bad that we couldn't spend more time like this instead of stopping criminal maniacs from destroying the order of the two worlds."
"I agree. Though, I do not see why that would cause you to hold yourself so defensively."
"I told you. Part of it's because I'm cold," I lied, knowing that he would see right through it.
Artemis smirked at me in the slowly dimming light. "Somehow, I don't completely believe that. However, I will not dig an deeper at the moment." Hmm, sometimes he could be so understanding. And this time I was thankful for that.
"Thanks," I grinned.
"Think nothing of it," he said, but did not remove his arm as I expected. Strangely enough, I didn't mind. While I was sitting there, I felt safe. Safer than I had ever felt before.
The two of us sat in silence as we watched the sun sink behind the trees. The sky darkened so that it was a deep, inky purple. Brilliant white stars danced with the crescent moon, fighting for dominance. "Beautiful," he murmured.
"Yes it is. It's what your sky would have looked like without pollution."
"If only," he sighed regretfully. I could understand exactly how he was feeling. The surface utterly ruined by men and their industrial endeavors. Seeing this, had to make him feel resentful. How could he not?
"Holly. You were right."
I was... surprised. Artemis loathed to tell anyone that they were right. He's always so cocky, and to be fair, he is usually right. Always right. "Right? About what?"
"You once said that humans destroy everything that they touch. You were right." His voice. It didn't sound sad or repentant, it was more like he was stating a fact or reading something from the evening paper.
"True, most do, but I've learned that there are exceptions to every rule," I murmured. And I had. When I first met Arty, I thought that he was an evil boy destined to become an evil man. But now I see that things are not how you expect them to be. He was not evil just beaten by circumstances beyond his control as we all are.
"Oh really?" he asked, back to his smirk. However, I knew that some part of him was still focused on humanity's shortcomings, but at least he wasn't brooding. Seeing him sad...it made me sad."And who would that be?"
"This really smart, really conceited mud boy by the name of Artemis Fowl."
"Conceited. Really Holly?" I believe you have me confused with someone else." Yes, the other mud boy who had discovered us and went on missions with me to save the worlds.
"Oh whatever," I chuckled, leaning my head on his shoulder. It hadn't been on purpose, but it was comfy. And he didn't seem to mind, so I just stayed where I was. For a good while, we just sat looking at the sky. We spoke a bit, but our conversation was light and easy. The two of us much preferred just watching our surroundings and holding onto each other.
In the silence, you could hear everything. There was the recycled sound of birds coming from the speaker system. There was the dry 'swish' that came whenever there was movement in the grass. And there was the loud groan of Arty's stomach growling. "Hungry?" I asked with a giggle.
"Of course not. I'm perfectly fine," he lied. Though, the only way that I knew he was lying was because of his rumbling stomach. Otherwise, I may have believed him. Ugh, he was too good at lying.
"I can hear it," I told him. "We'll leave in a few minutes." Arty nodded. Obviously, like most teenage boys, his stomach was the key to... well everything.
"Hey Arty?" I asked randomly as something occurred to me.
"Hmm?" he responded, turning back to face me.
"You never asked to touch my ears," I reminded him. It had just come to me suddenly. Most people's automatic response would have been to turn around and immediately ask to return the favor. But Artemis didn't. Of course, he never does what one would expect a 'normal' man to.
He raised a brow, his bright eyes showing some emotion that I couldn't understand. "May I touch your ears, Holly?"
"Of course. You know that I trust you, Arty," I told him in the most reassuring way that I could.
He turned around to fully face me, and I leant in towards him to be more accommodating. His fingers came up to my face without even the slightest hesitation. As soon as his cool fingers made contact with the tip, I felt it. His fingers tightened slightly and I felt a pleasurable shiver course up my spine. It was like my whole body was on fire, and I was pleasurably burning and melting into ashes. I tried to hold in the sounds that I felt that I needed to make. But, I couldn't keep it all in. The loud moan ripped from in between my parted lips. Artemis's usual grin stretched across his face. He was enjoying this. The sadistic jerk. Just as I was about to tell him where he could stuff his fingers, he moved to the back.
Another thing about fairy ears. The points are definitely the most sensitive. However, the backs are almost equal in sensitivity. "How does that feel, Holly?" he asked in a teasing tone. I tried to keep the sound down. "How does it feel?" he repeated, tweaking the ear.
The tweak was sharp, but sent me over the edge. I couldn't be silent any longer. "Mmm," I moaned. "Good. It feels good." Usually, I have a much stronger will, but for now that will had been eroded. To any human, this would seem unrealistic and exaggerated, but to a fairy it's like a control button. You could get him or her to do anything by just squeezing their ear. And that is the main reason why only the most trusted people are allowed to do this. With that much power, one could essentially take over said person.
He smiled and tugged gently once more. "Artyy," I moaned. His smirk grew as he dropped his hand. Ugh, that boy's confidence is infuriating. I need to get a bit of vengeance for that. And I think I have a plan. A very good plan.
"You're so mean to me, Arty," I pouted, scooting closer.
"Mean? I think not?" he chuckled. Obviously, he has no idea how he comes across to other people. Mean is one of the nicer terms that some people would choose to use.
"You are mean. In fact, my feelings are hurt."
"And if I apologize?" he inquired.
I pretended to think about it for a minute. "Maybe if you mean it..."
"How should I prove that I mean my words?"
I grinned. He fell for it. Hook, line, and, sinker. "Like this." And with that, I grabbed his ear roughly.
"Nghhh, Holly," he groaned in both surprise and enjoyment.
"What is it, Arty?" I smiled as if I had nothing in between my fingers. As if I wasn't doing anything to him.
"Holly," he grunted. "Let go..."
"Well, have you learned your lesson yet?"
"Yes. Now if you please.."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." I let go and hopped up before Arty could wrap his arms around me.
"Hahaha," I chuckled. "Well, that was fun."
Arty stared at me crossly. "You do know that I will get you back for this."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I rolled my eyes, reaching down and pulling him up to his feet. We slowly made our way out of the park. "We'll see."
"Oh indeed we will," he smirked.
"Hey Arty, can I tell you something?"
"Of course," he answered honestly.
"Well then stop for a minute so that I can tell it to you."
He stopped reluctantly, expecting another attack. "Really, is that necessary?"
"Yep," I replied, popping the 'p'. "Now bend down here." He sighed and did as I asked. Now my mouth was at his ear level, and his head was turned so that he didn't notice my grin. "I love it when you moan my name," I whispered, walking off and leaving a very confused mud boy behind me.
A/N:
Whoo-hoo! Another Chapter down. Be patient, I haven't abandoned anything, and don't plan on it. I'll be updating sporadically this week.
So, yeah, thanks to all of my reviewers and people who added me or this story to favorites. I love you guys. Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Oh and to review. Flames are welcome. They're what keep me warm and toasty at night. ;)
Remember: Reviews = happy camper. Happy camper = quicker updates. Quicker updates = you reading more. It's a cycle. Keep it going!
