Is This the Start of the Rest of My Life?

Chapter Four

Disclaimer: I don't own Artemis Fowl.

A/N: I haven't updated this for so long, so here you go. Same story, different title.

Holly walked down the corridor to the Lep Canteen. She should have started her lunch break half an hour previously, but Foaly had insisted that she took down all her leaflets before she went for lunch.

She pushed through the double doors that led to the canteen. It didn't surprise her that it was practically empty. Empty apart from Chix Verbil and Trouble Kelp that is.

She couldn't really be bothered to eat, but got herself a sandwich all the same. She was going to sit at a table by herself, but Trouble called over to her, "Hey Holly, come and sit with us."

She weighed up the idea in her head, sitting alone, or sitting with Trouble and Chix. Hmmm, there wasn't really much contest.

She slid into a chair opposite Trouble and next to Chix.

"Hey gorgeous…" Chix grinned at her, his dark hair falling in his eyes.

Holly edged her chair away. "Whatever Chix." She picked at her sandwich.

Trouble raised an eyebrow, "Chix, it doesn't look like flattery is going to get you anywhere!"

Chix pouted; he didn't like to think that Holly would reject him, although she had, on many occasions. He stood up, "Well, I'll leave you to it then." He walked off with his nose in the air. However the overall effect was ruined because he slipped on a wet patch of floor.

Holly and Trouble struggled hard not to laugh.

"He's got it coming to him," Holly sniggered, after Chix was out of earshot.

Trouble grinned, "You really don't like him, do you?"

"Nope." Holly smiled, taking a bite of her sandwich. When she'd swallowed it, she continued, "You should hear the messages he leaves on my answering service. Actually, you probably wouldn't want to…"

Trouble looked at her, "Holly, if he's giving you hassle, I can tell him to back off if you want."

Holly shrugged, "I'm used to it." She put her sandwich down, all this talk of Chix had made her lose her appetite.

Trouble stood up, checking his moonometer, "I've got to go, or I'll have Root on my back."

Holly laughed, "Trust me, you don't want that!"

"Hey Holly, do you want to meet up after work, we could get a coffee or something?"

Holly nodded, "Sure, sounds great." She got up too, "Well in that case, I'd better go, or I'll be doing unpaid overtime for lateness."

Holly walked down Havens Boulevard of Kings on her way to the local coffee bar. Crowds jostled her, it was the rush hour, and every fairy and their parents had decided to go this way home. Holly decided to take a detour down a side street. It would take longer, but it would be more or less crowd free.

She was unlucky enough to bump into none other than Chix Verbil.

"Hey Holly." Chix looked very pleased to see her. He took hold of her arm, "Come with me…"

Holly tried to shake her arm free, but surprisingly, Chix had a pretty strong grip. "Chix, get lost."

Chix ignored her steering her round a corner. "Holly, you can't deny it anymore. We're made for each other. You just don't want to show it at the Plaza because you don't want to hurt Trouble's feelings."

Holly raised an eyebrow at the ridiculousness of Chix's theory. "Do you know how desperate you sound?"

Chix shook his head, "I don't care. I just wanted you to know the truth."

Holly snorted, "Whatever."

"You're just in denial."

"Yup, sure. That'll be it." She checked her moonometer. "Look, I have a better place to be right now. I'm on a schedule."

Chix nodded, "Sure, your little date with Trouble. I forgot." He let her arm drop.

Holly stepped backwards, "How'd you know about…" She trailed off, she was going to be late if she didn't hurry, and she'd much rather be drinking coffee with Trouble than be annoyed with Chix. She started to walk away.

Just as Holly was about to turn the corner, Chix spoke. "I doubt Trouble will be able to turn up tonight Holly. I think he has a previous engagement." Chix sniggered.

Holly froze, and then span around to face him. Just his tone of voice made fear grip her heart. She stared at him. "What have you done with Trouble?"

Chix smiled, although there wasn't a hint of truth behind it. "What have I done with Trouble? You're getting paranoid Captain."

Holly strode up to him, "If you value your face, you'll tell me what the hell you're on about." She spat the words out, clenching her fist.

Chix's smile faltered. He loved his face. "I haven't done anything with him. I swear."

Holly wasn't sure if she believed him. "If I find out you're lying Corporal, I will make sure you don't reach Captain." She scowled at him, and stalked off, in a foul mood.

Holly didn't reach the coffee bar; she stumbled across Trouble on the way.

"Holly, I was looking for you…" He trailed off, "Are you okay?"

Holly forced a smile; she was relieved to see him, "Yeah. But I've seen far too much of Chix Verbil today."

Trouble frowned, "Chix. What's he been saying?"

Holly shook her head, "Long story."

Trouble was concerned by Holly's tone. "You look rattled. Do want to come back to mine?"

Holly shrugged, "Sure."

A/N: What do you think? Is this worth carrying on with, or shall I just forget about it?