Authors Note: This one is a bit shorter than my other ones and not really all that eventful. The next chapter should be a bit better. Thank you to those of you who have reviewed. Please keep it up.It would be nice to get a few more than I'm getting though :)'
me, obviously: Sorry about the mistake. I get some of them mixed up. I'll have to go back and change that later. Yeah, I noticed that about Colfer. I think it's really neat but it makes it harder when writing a fic, since I know hardly any plant names.
refloc: Hehe, I know, Steven does deserve it, but he won't come into the story anymore. I was writing out the scene with them on the date, but it really wasn't all that good as I figured Holly would be incredibly bored and annoyed. So I decided to just skip that part. Hope it still turns out okay.
Oozaru Angel: Thanks, and I know that theres a lot of people that don't like them together, I used to be the same way, but then I got used to it and liked it. But I tried not to make it to big of a thing, so I guess we'll see how it turns out.
jeweljade:The fairy was someone working for who's behind the kidnapping. I won't say who it is yet. That will come later on.
And thanks to Sweetdeath04 and RaevanDawn.
Chapter 8: Confession
The next day, Holly walked into Police Plaza, trying to look happier than she felt. She went to check in with the Commander first before heading over to her desk. She had a few reports she needed to get done by the end of that day. Paperwork was one of the very few things she hated about her job.
Just as she finished her first report, she looked up to see Artemis. But he wasn't alone. He was walking with Lily Frond. Holly froze and watched them. Holly suspected the Corporal was flirting with the Mud Boy but was surprised to see it was vice versa.
Artemis would say something and Frond would burst into a fit of giggles. Holly frowned, wondering what he could possibly have said that was so funny. Holly tried to turn back to her desk, but still watched the two from the corner of her eyes. Frond began giggling again, causing Holly to glance over again.
Why did she care so much? The Mud Boy's business was none of her own. It shouldn't bother her to see him talking to the Corporal, even if she was a slut. But for some reason, she hated Frond even more now.
Holly sighed, irritated. She couldn't concentrate on her work anymore. She saw Artemis look in her direction. He said something to Frond and the two of them headed over towards Holly. She groaned and tried to look like she was busy.
"Good morning Holly." Artemis said. Holly looked up and put on a fake look of pleasant surprise.
"Oh hi. I didn't see you come up." She lied. "Shouldn't you be working on the case?" She asked, not looking over at Frond.
"Yes, in fact Corporal Frond-"
"Lily." Frond cut in, smiling sweetly and throwing her loose hair over her shoulder.
"Lily was just showing me to the supply room, I needed some paper." Artemis continued. Holly opened up one of her drawers to her desk.
"Would a notebook be okay?" She asked, pulling one out.
"It would." Artemis took it. "Thank you. Oh, how was your date last night?" He asked.
Frond looked over at her surprised. "You went out on a date? Maybe there's hope for you yet Captain." Holly glared at her and was surprised to see Artemis do the same. Frond continued, unaware of the looks. "Who was it?"
"I find that none of your business Corporal." Holly said coldly.
"It must have been someone you're to embarrassed to mention then." Frond said innocently. Holly took a deep breath to calm herself down. Artemis looked about ready to say something but seemed to think otherwise, preferring to see how Holly handled it. He wondered if she would continue to ignore the Corporal or give into her bait. She gave into the bait, for some reason disappointing him. He knew she was stronger than that, so why was she letting the Corporal get to her?
"For your information, it was Steven Fern." Holly told her. Frond's eyes widened in surprise.
"Not bad Short."
"Captain Short." Holly corrected, still watching her hatefully.
"Right. Captain. Well, I need to get back to work. You let me know if you need anything Artemis. I'm sure I could help." She said flirtatiously, looking up at the genius. Artemis tried to look flattered and smiled. Holly still glared at her as she walked away.
"Bimbo." She muttered none to quietly. Artemis grinned. "I suppose you're going to tell me that wasn't very nice." Holly said testily, turning back to her desk.
"Actually, no. I was going to say she deserved it." Artemis replied. She looked up at him in surprise.
"Oh."
Artemis smiled and turned and left. Holly watched him go, feeling confused. The Mud Boy had been flirting with Frond a minute ago and was now agreeing with Holly's choice of words. Going back to her work, her mind still went over Artemis and why she had gotten so mad to see him flirting. She knew that Lili Frond went after every guy she saw, although usually only the ones she considered cute. But normally it didn't bother her that much. Truthfully, she wasn't surprised that Frond would go after Artemis. There was no use denying that he was good looking now, as much as she may hate to admit it. But just because she thought he was handsome, that didn't mean she liked him. If that was the case then why did she get so mad a minute ago? Sighing, she put her pencil down and got up, realizing she wasn't going to get any more work done. She decided she would go and see Foaly. He could help take her mind off Artemis, but would probably badger her with questions about her date. The date hadn't been all that bad, in fact, had Holly not been so sure and determined that she would be miserable the whole time, she would have enjoyed it. But her mind had been elsewhere and she had been extremely bored. No doubt Foaly would never let her live this down as soon as he found out. Oh well. It would have to happen sooner or later and she preferred sooner to get it over with.
Artemis sat at the desk in his room, comparing two maps. One was the one where he had marked the places fairies had been kidnapped. The other was a map of Haven's underground (or under Haven anyway) sewage tunnels. There was an entrance to the sewer at every site where someone had gone missing. He had been studying the maps for a few hours now, occasionally jotting down ideas or notes on the notebook that Holly had given him. He was looking for places or exits where all the marked tunnels met in common. So far, he had narrowed it down to about ten various locations. What he had done was took the entrances where fairies had gone missing, and had used all of those tunnels to see if they had exits in common. There had been many exits, but he had eventually lessened them. It was a shot in the dark and he knew it.
Sighing, he stood up to stretch. There had to be some way of discovering where the missing fairies were going. It was already the afternoon and he hadn't eaten yet. He didn't feel like eating in his room again. So, he headed for the cafeteria. He was just about to the door when it opened and a grumpy looking Mulch came out. His face brightened a little when he saw Artemis.
"Oh good, you're here. That chef guy didn't believe me when I told him I was with you. He tried to give me a greasy bean burrito." Mulch's face screwed up in disgust. "So you think you can talk to him for me?" Mulch asked.
Artemis shrugged. "I suppose." They both went in and headed over to where Johnny was. When Johnny saw Artemis, he nodded greeting.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite customer. What can I get you this time?"
"I think I'll have the chicken. My friend here will have the same." Artemis said and the sprite disappeared into the kitchen, only to reappear a minute later with two trays. He handed one to each of them and Artemis thanked him. Artemis and Mulch picked a table and sat down. Mulch took a bite of the chicken and grinned.
"Thanks Arty."
"Your welcome." he took a bite of his own chicken. He turned his attention to others around him. There were two elves sitting near them, but Artemis couldn't understand what they were saying. They were speaking Gnomish, and though he could read and write it fluently, he couldn't speak it. He decided he needed to learn to speak it, but didn't want to ask anyone to help, at least not Mulch or Holly. To embarrassing. They would never let him live it down if he came crawling to them for help. Maybe Trouble could help. He could just ask for a translator, but then he wouldn't be learning the language. Although, right now he should be concentrating on finding the missing fairies. Mulch finished his chicken and the side dishes first and sat there rubbing his stomach, satisfied. Artemis was only half way through when he looked up and groaned. Mulch followed his gaze and his eyes widened. Corporal Frond had just walked in and was looking around.
"Don't come over here." Artemis muttered.
"Why not?" Mulch asked, still watching the Corporal. Artemis groaned again as she looked over and saw him. She waved and began making her way over to their table. "Fowl, I don't know how you do it." Mulch said grinning.
"What?"
"Get good food and all the girls. And you were supposed to be the bad guy."
Artemis smirked. "Well, you can have that girl."
Mulch grinned wider and shrugged. "Suit yourself."
"Hi Artemis." Lily said, coming and standing right next to him.
"Hello." He said politely. She took the seat right next to him and scooted very close to him, making him feel uncomfortable. Mulch watched amused, feeling just a little jealous. Girls never swarmed over him like they seemed to for Artemis. What was more was Artemis didn't even want that attention. Mulch saw Holly walk in, look their way and walk out again. A plan formed in Mulch's head.
"Artemis, I'll leave you two alone for a minute." Mulch had to hide his grin when he saw Artemis look up sharply.
"Oh, you don't have to do that." He said, keeping his voice leveled. But Mulch still saw the warning in his eyes, but pretended he hadn't.
"I know, but I'm going to go get something to drink."
"There's water right here." Artemis said.
"I feel like juice." Mulch said and headed toward the exit. He could feel Artemis glaring at him and chuckled to himself. He got into the hallway in time to see Holly just about to turn the corner. "Holly!" She stopped and turned around, looking at him quizzically. Mulch hurried to catch up. "How come you didn't come over?" He asked innocently, as if he didn't know the answer.
"Lost my appetite." She said simply. Mulch didn't believe her but ignored it for the moment.
"I think Arty needs your help."
She raised an eyebrow. "With what? He's got Frond there."
"Yeah, that's the problem." Mulch told her. Holly looked surprised.
"He doesn't want her around?"
"Are you kidding? He was basically pleading for me to stay there." He grinned and Holly smirked. They walked over to the door and peeked in. Frond was flirting with Artemis and playing with his shirt collar and Artemis was doing very little to stop her.
Holly snorted. "Mulch, you're full of it. He doesn't need any help. Look's like he's got everything under control." She said, disgust filling her voice.
"No, trust me. Artemis doesn't like being rude, at least lately. Recently, he's been acting strange. He isn't so snappy or careless of other's feelings. Just go in there and say Captain Kelp needs her…and I'll escort her there." Mulch said and Holly glared at him.
"Now I know why you're suddenly so concerned with him." She snapped. She was tempted to go in there anyway, but the thought of revenge was just as tempting. She owed the Mud Boy for sending her on that date. But Steven hadn't been that bad and leaving Artemis with Frond was just cruel. She was very tempted to leave and probably would have had Artemis not seen them at that moment. He waved them over, meanwhile straightening out his Polo shirt. Holly saw Frond make a face but ignored it. Sighing, Holly and Mulch headed over there. If Holly hadn't known Artemis all that well, she would have missed the look of relief on his face. Mulch sat down in his seat and Holly sat on the other side of Artemis. She looked over to Frond.
"Corporal, Captain Kelp was looking for you. He said something about you have traffic duty right now." She lied. She knew once Frond went to Trouble, he would knew she had lied but also knew that Trouble would cover for her and actually send her out on that traffic duty. The corporal looked disappointed but got up. She whispered a 'goodbye' into Artemis' ear and then straightened up. She was just about to walk away, when Mulch got up and offered to 'escort' her there. Frond smiled and accepted.
Once the two were gone, Artemis turned to face Holly. "Traffic duty?"
Holly chuckled. "Trouble will stick her there when he finds out I sent her."
Artemis nodded and began finishing the last of his food. He offered his bowl of corn to Holly and she accepted it. "You know, you never answered my question." Artemis informed her.
"What question is that?"
"How was your date last night?"
"Oh, it was great. I had a lot of fun with Steven." It would have been convincing had she not avoided his gaze so determinedly, so he knew she was lying.
"Good. I figured you could use a night off. Are you going out with him again?" He asked, watching her.
"I'm not sure." She said, still not looking up at him.
"You're not going to give me details? Or thank me for setting you up with him?" That did it. Her head snapped up and she glared at him. He chuckled.
"What about you?" She asked.
"What about me?" said Artemis, confused.
"What about you and Frond?"
"Oh, changing the subject a bit aren't we?" He was still watching her. She seemed determine to make him think she had had a good time on that date. Well, two can play that game, he thought. Holly didn't say anything, just waited for his answer. "Well, what is there to tell? She's pretty and very nice." Artemis did his best to sound convincing. The truth was he detested the Corporal. Anyone who went around flaunting off their body and flirting with guys she doesn't even know, was not okay with him. He had never had the time or interest for girls. But he assumed that he would eventually and it would be someone he respected. But if Holly was going to lie, then so would he. He studied Holly's face for a reaction, and was surprised at the one he got. Her eye's flashed with annoyance and a little bit of anger, but she said nothing, instead choosing to continue eating her food. Artemis frowned and put down his fork. "What's wrong?" He asked her.
"Nothing."
"Something is. You're frustrated at me today."
Holly was silent so Artemis waited. "How do you do it?" She finally asked.
"Pardon?" He was confused again.
"It's like you can read into everyone's minds. You seem to know more about people then they do, and yet you're so mysterious. You don't give away any of what you're thinking or feeling." She said.
"I happen to be good at psychology. In fact, almost all of the psychologists that I've ever gone to, quit their jobs after only one meeting with me." He said and Holly chuckled. She could imagine it. "But if you want to know, you can usually tell everything you need to know by their eyes." He continued. Holly looked up at him. "I've learned that a person's eyes always betray them, more so than their words or actions." He said, still looking at her.
Holly shuddered under his intense gaze. She looked into his eyes but couldn't read them. "Your eyes don't give anything away," She said, still staring into those deep blue eyes.
Artemis smiled. "Just like I've become good at reading people, I've also become good at concealing anything that might give myself away. Although, quite a few times lately, I've found it's harder." He admitted.
Because he's been experiencing all those emotions lately, Holly thought. She nodded. "Okay, since I can't see what you're thinking, why don't you tell me?" She asked, the corners of her mouth starting to turn up.
Artemis raided an eyebrow and thought about it. "Fine, then I'll be honest." He said and Holly could now see the amusement in his eyes, not even trying to hide it. He leaned in to whisper something, making it look like a big secret. "In truth, I detest Corporal Frond." He sat back up and Holly stared at him in shock before starting to laugh.
"So, which is it? Do you like her or no?" She asked.
"No, I don't like her. I can't stand women who are that…forward." He told her, taking a sip of his water.
"Oh? And what kind of women do you like?" Holly asked, watching him carefully. He thought about it.
"Well, I like women whom I can respect. She has to be at least of normal intelligence. Truthfully, I've never really given it much thought."
"Come on. You had to have pictured the 'perfect girl'" Holly said and Artemis didn't say anything. "Okay, what about the attitude?"
"Well, I suppose mature, but maybe not serious all the time."
"Okay, so far it's someone you respect, average intelligence, and mature but still has a good time." Holly was counting them off on her fingers. But before she could continue with her questions, in which she was enjoying finding out about Artemis' dream girl, he asked her a question.
"Okay Captain, what is your perfect guy?"
Caught off guard, Holly hesitated for a moment. "I don't really know. I'm not all that picky. I suppose I just want someone who will love me for who I am. I know it sounds cliché and everyone says it, but I don't want just any guy that would leave me for the next pretty girl he sees. One that would truly love me and go to any lengths to prove it." It felt extremely weird admitting all that, and to Artemis of all people, and was immediately embarrassed. But for some reason, it had all just come spilling out of her. She saw Artemis make a strange face and figured she knew what it was about. "Do you think it's possible to find true love?" She asked.
The question must have surprised Artemis and it was his turn to be caught of guard. After thinking about it, he said, "I believe that there is a certain affection people have for one another and love is the word they use to describe that affection. But when you say true love, then, no, I don't. It doesn't take a genius to know the nature of people. Most marriages end up in divorce."
Holly shook her head sadly. "Typical genius response. You think that everything that happens has to have scientific proof."
"Not necessarily-"
"It's because you're not used to experiencing emotions. You'll feel differently when you fall in love. Even you have a chance at love." She said, somewhat teasingly.
"Just what is that supposed to mean?" Artemis asked, irritably.
"Artemis Fowl: Only cares about himself and gold."
"If that's the case, then you were lying yesterday?" Artemis smiled, as Holly looked at him confused. She was just about to ask, but he interrupted. "What did you think of Foaly's new helmets?" Now Holly looked even more confused and Artemis fought to keep control of his facial features. "Foaly was explaining the features on them. Apparently there is a voice activated microphone on the outside of the helmet." Realization began to dawn on Holly's face. "The microphone is sensitive enough to pick up the littlest sound, and can easily record an entire conversation." Artemis was pleased to see Holly blush once she knew what he was talking about.
"The entire conversation?"
Artemis nodded. He could see she was embarrassed and afraid of his reaction. He knew she figured he would make fun of her but he had no intention of doing so. "Thank you." He said simply. Holly looked like she was about to fall from her chair. "I think you gave me more credit than I deserved, but…thanks."
When Holly recovered, she instinctively put her hand on his arm to comfort him, surprising herself and Artemis. He looked at her curiously. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. His pale face colored a little. Holly smiled and got up. She didn't say anything, but just left. Artemis stared after her, still speechless. He had felt something when she had touched him, like a jolt that ran through him. Artemis was extremely surprised to find that he was disappointed she left. He had also made a fool of himself and she had left before he could redeem himself. He had only been speechless very few times now and he didn't like that feeling. Usually his brain provided retorts and words immediately.
He got up and left without bothering to thank Johnny. As he headed toward his room, he found himself thinking of Holly. Frustrated at himself, he tried to focus on something else, but failed. He started muttering to himself, not quite aware that it was out loud. He didn't even realize when he had reached the hallway where the temporary guestrooms were, nor did he see Juliet standing there, watching him, somewhat concerned. Artemis had never talked to himself before. In fact, it was only when she asked him if he was all right that he jumped and saw her. Normally, Juliet would have been amused to see Artemis jump, but now she was too worried.
"Artemis, are you all right? You're talking to yourself."
"Yes I'm fine." He snapped, then said, "Well, no I'm…I just need to be alone to think right now." He turned to go into his room and Juliet reluctantly agreed and let him go. When he was in his room, Artemis turned on the lights and walked over to his desk where he still had everything scattered around. He sat down and forced himself to concentrate on finding the missing fairies, only letting his mind wander to Holly occasionally.