Chapter 18, Expressing oneself

Disclaimer: Artemis Fowl isn't mine.

Yup, it's short. But I like it. R&R

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Butler sat at one of the computers in the reference room (Technically a second library, with it's own computer data base, and there was nothing but encyclopedia and whatnot-a dull room indeed, though useful in a time of Google/Wikipedia back up) taking a peek at the latest Chrissy Love romance novel. He had been about to switch to Barbara Starr's home page when Artemis entered. Butler had been tapping his finger impatiently in rhythm with the whirring of the machines, but Artemis quickly put a stop to that.

"Stop that." The young man snapped, scowling darkly. Butler looked up in mild surprise and minimized the screen. His employer wasn't always so temperamental, at least, not lately. Something troubling him? That girl maybe? He had spent a lot of time with her, maybe she was wearing on his nerves. Master Artemis hadn't discussed it, so Butler assumed that it was becoming a really stressful event, having to go out with that Tanya, or whatever her name was.

"Something bothering you, Artemis?"

"No." He snapped again as he stomped through the shelves of thick, dusty tomes. His footfalls slammed down onto the hardwood, obviously unconsciously. Butler heard the shifting of a heavy object, most likely a book, then a moment of silence. After a few moments there was a heavy thud after Artemis apparently tossed the volume on to the table, something not in his nature, he usually lovingly placed them back in their proper place.

Counting to 25, the manservant prepared for a verbal lashing as he asked. "I wouldn't press the matter, except I believe I may be able to help."

Butler's black eyes followed his charge's rampage of the reference room. Artemis finally found the atlas he was searching for, pausing to reach for it, then lowering his hand to press his warm forehead to the wood of the shelf above, placing his arm on the edge of the wooden beam to cession his head. A loud sigh emerged.

"Is it the girl?" Butler asked gently. Artemis let out another sigh. A very deep, confused sigh.

"Yes," He finally said, after what seem millennia. "It's Tara."

Ah, that was her name. Tara. Tara…Gavin? Was that right? A fitting name for an Irish girl. What was she doing, hurting Artemis? Butler knew a bit about relationships, having read so many books based on the subject. But that wasn't the plan. He wasn't supposed to like her. However, Artemis had been looking a little…befuddled lately. Maybe he…

"She's…it…"

Artemis was rarely at a loss for explanatory adjectives. What was wrong?

"I'm lost in how to… attract her? How to give any sign that I…" He stopped dragging his breath out in an impatient huff. Minerva had always been the one to make first moves, not he. "She's becoming more of a friend than a love interest, or so in her eyes. I would like a deeper relationship-"

Wait----did Artemis just say he wanted a…

"-It's hard for me to make any intentions apparent. She's brave. I really… admire her."

Butler was stunned. It wasn't like his employer to make a simple business transaction personal. This was planned to be simple acting, a pose for his parents, not to become emotionally involved literately. Now Artemis was worrying about how too express his feeling toward her. Didn't he remember? When did he decide he actually liked her? Did he expect Butler to know? They had been friends for Artemis's entire life, but it wasn't as though Butler could read his charge's mind!

"Butler?" Artemis called. Domivio stood, crossing to the 5th row, where he found the boy.

"Artemis. Just being friends for a while is okay. Give it time. Get to know her better. She'll come to you when she's ready."

Artemis turned. The deep blue and hazel eyes that met Butler's were wide. He looked al most unsure, something Artemis Fowl never was.

"Will that be soon?" He asked quietly.

"Has she let you see her apartment?"

"Ah, no." The boy gulped. "Is that bad?"

"Wait a while." The bodyguard instructed. "When she does, be ready. In the mean time, do something meaningful, give her some gift." Butler grinned. "Won't Mrs. Fowl be pleased."

Artemis grimaced. Tara was polite enough, and her manners were classic and out spoken, but the young woman was almost too young for Mrs. Fowl's liking. It was doubtful she would be as blind to Tara's faults as he pretended to be. He had gotten his paranoia of habits such as nail biting, finger tapping, et cetera from his mother. But Angeline had liked Tara. After he had gotten home from dropping Tara off at the metro, after that kiss, he raced up the stairs to find his mother.

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Angeline sat at the mirror, taking off her earrings. A knock on the door startled her, causing her to drop the amethyst earring. Sighing she bent down to find it.

"Come in." She called to the general direction of the door. Her mirror reflected her son's silhouette in the threshold.

"Arty, darling." She smiled. The one bright spot in her day. "Come in."

The hesitant young man approached the armchair beside the bed.

"No, no. Come here, sit by me." She patted the space on the bench before the table beside her. She had given little time or affection to Artemis when he was a child, partly because she was always rushing about, partly because it became apparent he didn't want any, and partly because he looked too much like Timmy. In the years of Timmy's disappearance, Angeline could barely stand to look at her son. And Artemis knew it. He stayed way, and when he was around he did his best to hide his eyes. Hats, glasses, closed eyes due to "headaches". Anything.

He sat down by her, and she put her arms around her grown-up son, placing her head on his shoulder. "Now, what did you come here to talk to me about?"

"Did you like her?"

Angeline thought for a moment. "Yes." She finally said. "I quiet enjoyed her. She's beauty, and so smart. You made a good choice Arty."

"She's no Minerva." He agreed softly. Angeline frowned.

"Yes. She's not. She's better. That French girl was too ambitious."

He laughed. "Is there such a thing?"

"There is. If you let your ambition surpass your family, your friends. Your life."

All the Fowls had done this. Timmy had done this. He was one of the few that were pulled back. Greed overtook them. Sometimes Angeline wonder what she was thinking, marrying a Fowl. Having a Fowl. Luckily, both her son and husband had come back to her

"I'm glade you like her, Mother."

Angeline waved her hand. "Psh. It doesn't matter if I like her. So long as you love her."

"Good." Artemis sighed. "I have some formulas I need to get working on."

Angeline smiled sadly. He was always working. Hopeful it wouldn't be like this when he married. When he had a family. She wondered if Arty knew his life couldn't be just work when, or if, he started a life with another person. "Alright, Arty. Thank you for visiting me. Good night dear." She gave his a kissed, a watched as he reluctantly left.

Closing her eyes, she recalled the friendly little toddler with big blue eyes, jet hair, and a contented smile he son had once been. Things had been simpler then.

Artemis decided he needed to visit his mother more often.

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"Thank you, Butler." He said aloud, straightening his jacket sleeve. "I shall leave you to your romance novel"

"Artemis." Butler called after him. Little punk.

"Yes, Butler?" Artemis turned back, an odd look on his pale face. He bit his bottom lip.

"You're lucky I was hired to protect you." Was all the manservant growled.

"Indeed." Artemis smirked, then fled. Something that sounded electronic hit the door behind him with a "BAM".

At the very least, he had something to occupy his time while he waited for her emotions to catch up to his own. It would be hell for his bodyguard.

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Well, that's a wrap. For this week. The call is for 5 reviews, but they have to be from different people this time. That means AssortedJellyBeans, Lisa, FeatherDeath, Belle07, and whomever else has reviewed (I'm writing this at 3 reviews total, I'll need another two before I'll posted this) can review, but they won't count. Sorry guys. I love you anyway, you rock!!! As does Mrs. Jazzy Hale, Avante, AliAlmighty, M y r k e d K o h l, fanXforever, katana777. I love all of your reviews, and you names.

Love,

-Dania