A/N: I have walked away from my fanfiction account. But boredom combined with a sense of duty has required that I make another go at finishing my stories. So here it goes. It's been two years since I've started this story, so any help with this is welcome. It's been two years since I've read the books, so please help me with keeping everyone in character. This is a shorty, but I need some help with plot ideas. Any suggestions?

Disclaimer: ditto

Adia didn't reappear until around eight that night, the girl needing a chance to unwind. She had taken a long shower, listened to jazz music, and read a book until she'd managed to chill. It was surprising what a hot shower, good music, and not to mention a good book could do for you.

The girl came down the stairs, once more in her jeans and platypus outfit. She sighed and flopped down on a couch on one of the lounges. One of the lounges, she couldn't seem to get over that fact. 'One of'…how odd to be able to say that. Too bad she wasn't saying 'one of my lounges.'

Artemis looked up from The big overstuffed chair. This wasn't 'a' big overstuffed chair. It was The Big Overstuffed Chair. It deserved a title. He put aside his book, some old Greek play. "I trust that you are feeling better?"

Adia looked over at him, expecting a sardonic smile or smirk. And…didn't receive one. True his eyebrow was arched rather elegantly, but other then that he seemed genuinely curious. She wouldn't go so far as to say concerned… But maybe the boy wasn't that bad.

She smiled warmly, even if her exhaustion did show in the edges of her lips, "Much, it's surprising what a hot bath and good book can do." She laughed lightly, "Doctors should prescribe it, I'm fairly sure a good book can fix anything." Artemis studied her for a moment, Adia squirming under his gaze. Finally Adia broke down, "Is there a reason for the bone chilling stare? Or are you just empty headed enough to enjoy disturbing me?" Her normally friendly gaze had shifted to a sharper edge; a chill equal to his own (if not as refined) in her voice. Adia was well known for being a sweetheart, but if you spoke to any of her friends they were terrified of getting on her bad side. Which rather surprised her as all she'd do was yell at them—if that.

Artemis broke his stare, looking at her with something between perplexity and disarmed delight. –Who'd have thought the little lap dog would bark back?--

He coughed, seeming to clear his throat, "I didn't mean to upset you."

Adia raised her eyebrows, crossing her arms, "oh really?"

Artemis' good humor began to run out. Who did she think she was? "Are you suggesting that I'd lie?"

His voice chilled Adia's very core; managing to put a damper on her temper. But at his condescending glare she felt it rekindle, but as something a little more controllable. Adia stood, laying a hand to her 'wounded' heart, "Do you really think I'd presume to be worrthy of the truth, and uttered from your lips no less?"

Artemis just stared at her, not expecting such a response. Adia turned on her heel and left the room, there was no reason to spend more time with someone who drove her up a wall!

Butler walked into the room, and came face to face with a steaming Artemis. The boy caught sight of his body guard, "Imagine the impertinence! That, that little gutter snipe," he snarled out the last two words; as if he meant to attack. "Assuming that she was anywhere near my intellectual equal." He paced a step or two, glaring at nothing in particular.

Butler stopped and watched his young charge, stunned to see such a vehement response from the usually cool and collected Artemis. "Are you alright sir?" he asked hesitantly; looking down at the boy with concern clear on the older man's face.

Artemis looked up at his well trusted friend and forced himself to calm down. Really, there was no need to get so worked up over the adolescent. It was foolishness really. And it was probably just brought on because he hadn't really gotten over the attempt on his life. A reassuring smile seemed to glimmer, "Yes my old friend, I'm quite alright. I'm just a little tired."

Butler looked down at the boy, still concerned, "Are you sure?"

Artemis nodded, granting him a real smile this time, "I'm sure Butler. Though I think I should retire early tonight." The boy headed upstairs, his bodyguard watching the lad go.