Chapter Two

Holly couldn't help but chuckle as she thought about the e-mail Artemis had sent her a while ago. Her computer in a way was special but then again she had requested Foaly make it. Foaly designed the computer (under top secret of course) to read emotions when someone would describe how the person felt as they typed the keys. Normally Artemis's e-mails showed that he was calm and happy. Although today it seemed that Artemis was not his calm, happy self. Her computer told her that Artemis was worried, sidetracked (because some of his sentences didn't make sense), and hopeful. Hopeful? The last time Holly had ever saw Artemis as hopeful was when they were rescuing his father in the Artic.

She was concerned, the mud boy she had taken a liking to felt this way. She was wondering if she should call, but didn't want to feel as if she was prying into Artemis's business. Still, she couldn't help but worry.

Butler knocked on the door to Artemis's room, simply wanting to tell the teen dinner was ready. When there was no answer, he opened the door slightly and peeked in.

There, on his bed too big for him, was Artemis. He was asleep; Butler could tell from the steady breathing. He walked to the side of the bed that Artemis was closest to and looked down at him. One of his fingers ran through the soft bangs that hid Artemis's closed eyes. He couldn't help but smile at the innocence that Artemis let free when he was asleep. Butler found that to be simply adorable. He leaned down, planting a kiss on Artemis's cheek. Butler blushed at his own action but shook it off as he turned to walk out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Little did he know that Artemis had been awake when Butler walked in, awake when Butler kissed him. Butler had never done that before, but it didn't seem to bother Artemis at all. Instead, a small blush appeared on his face and stayed.

Butler almost let out what seemed to be a yelp after he had closed Artemis's door to find a smiling Juliet infront of him. "You are getting soft big brother, how are you suppose to protect your young master when your kid sister is watching everything you just did?" asked Juliet in a cheerful voice. Butler couldn't answer his baby sister's question. Instead, he looked down, trying to hide the blush on his face.

Juliet leaned in closer to Butler, looking up at him with playful eyes. "So you can't tell me what went on in there? Well I can! You walked in to check on your master to see him sleeping. You looked down at him like a husband looks at his wife. Then you kiss him and walk off, like a hit and run."

"And why were you even at the door spying, Sis?" asked Butler, his voice stern but still showing a little fear at being discovered.

"I wanted to know if our Arty is coming to dinner. But I could always bring yours and his up here, maybe you two can have a candle light dinner alone," replied Juliet with a giggle.

"I will be attending dinner in the dining room where civilized people are supposed to eat," said Artemis which startled Butler and Juliet. Artemis's blush was still on his face but he didn't care. He was too busy glaring at Juliet.

Juliet smiled, "Very well, I will tell your parents. They will be very pleased." Juliet turned to walk downstairs to the dining room. Butler watched as Artemis started to follow. "Artemis?"

Artemis stopped, glancing over his shoulder at Butler. Butler looked at his young master in the eyes. "Um...thanks."

"Your welcome," answered Artemis as he continued to walk towards the dining room. Butler watched for a while until Artemis was out of sight and then followed.

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