Crosswords Part 2

I scrambled back off my stool, knocking it over and breaking my contact with him. "What in Frond's name do you think you're doing?" I cried, pen trembling in my grip.

He rose, as suave and composed as ever – how I hated him at that very moment! "Better, though not entirely to my linguistic tastes." He arched an eyebrow as I dropped the pen and started backing away towards the door, thoroughly confused and ready to bolt.

"Boo."

I ran.

I hid under the willow at the edge of a stream, feeling the tears down my face. I didn't care anymore about the failed mission; all I could see were his eyes, staring out at me from the darkness. What had I done to receive such attention from him? Sure, I liked him, but not – not like that! I wanted to admire him from afar and cry over his smile at night, but... this – this was too much like pity, the emotion I hate the most. Artemis Fowl the Second and pity – he couldn't possibly have been in his right mind!

I heard an owl hoot softly somewhere. You're right – I should never have gone to him for help.

A tweet from the branches above. No, I don't love him. He can go to hell for all I care.

A contradictory chirrup by my feet. Shut up! I don't love him and he won't ever love me! There's no way we could ever –

A rustle in the bushes. Definitely not a bird –

"Holly." I felt the lightest touch at my shoulder. "Turn around."

"Why?" I muttered, heart hammering away despite my precautions. "Why should I bother?"

"You deserve a reason. It doesn't take a genius to realize that my actions tonight must have caused you confusion." He let go of my shoulder and took a seat beside me. "Sit down. I understand more than you think."

I sniffed, wiping my face with a clenched fist, and did as I was told. "You better have a good reason for this, or I'll punch your lights out."

He smiled, a genuine smile this time. "I thought you'd say that." He glanced at my uniform, noticing for the umpteenth time that was no longer able to be defined as 'warm'. "You've been wearing that all night and you were complaining about the heat in the room?"

I blushed under my tears, pushing him down the grassy bank. "Funny – for a moment there you actually sounded worried."

Okay, okay, the microfilaments on her suit have been shorted out by a charged burst from a Neutrino earlier on in the evening, all right? No adult themes, you horny teenagers!

And yes, I did say (to myself) that I'd only update if I got at least five reviews, which really means six or more, but since I typed it up last night, I might as well update now. Yes, yes, you're welcome. I wasn't going to update at all, but I felt it deserved a little more explanation.

The remodeled version of the Parasite Scenario's coming next. Look out for a wacko alien story.

Cheers,
Psycho