What the Voices Say
Chapter 20, Painful Shoes
Well, I'm back!! And I missed this so much. Sorry for the long wait, I was stuck on Hp fan fiction. Some of the HG/TR jr. stuff rocks. Anyhow, here you go.
DISCLAIMER: Arty isn't mine, sadly. But god knows what I would do with him if he was.
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"I love Gerard Butler." Tara announced. Butler, sitting in the front of the limo, glanced up hearing his name, then rolled his eyes. Women. Artemis, sensing his bodyguard's annoyance, politely it the button activating the divider. The bodyguard silently thanked him. Miss. Gavin wasn't the twit Minerva acted, but listening to celebrity worship wasn't part of his paycheck.
"Would you like to meet him?"
"Maybe some other time. Sarah is expecting me." Tara tilted her head, holding it with her left hand as she peered out the tinted windows. "Is Butler in any way related?"
"To who?" Artemis asked, distracted.
"Gerry."
"Not that I know of, though it's possible. Doubtful, but possible." He shrugged. There was a slim chance, however much the actor and Artemis's own manservant resembled one another, it was unlikely.
"That would be cool." Tara was a little disappointed, whether by Artemis's reaction or the answer he didn't know.
Artemis just shrugged. The premiere had been very crowded, swarming with celebrity worshipers and the idols themselves, not that he had been impressed. Tara had been awed, and he had gotten his fun out of teasing her about it. The movie itself hadn't been too terrible, the acting fairly reasonable, though the dialog a little dry, and the props very unconvincing to Artemis's eye. Still, his girlfriend had enjoyed it. Why he couldn't imagine, but he was happy if she was.
"Anything interesting happen in the Gavin household?" He asked hoping to turn the subject on to something he was curious about. She gave him so little information about her family life, not that he had made any attempt to disclose his own. The Fowl's relationship, though better after Artemis Sr.'s return, was still strained as they tried to become a closer family. Angeline's efforts, while sweet and concentrated, were in vain. It wasn't the Fowl way. Irregular. Still, his mother had closed a few holes. Not enough to stop the inevitable dam from collapsing, sadly.
"Not really. Sarah and I are discussing moving. Or rather, one of us moving out." Tara grimaced. "Sar wants her own place, and I need more studio. I knew it would happen one day, that she'd want a house of her own, but I feel it would be easier for both of us if she stayed. Getting use to a new neighborhood, a new community…that just wouldn't be good for her right now. So I'm thinking I'll get myself out. The only thing is-" She gave a deep shudder. "-the real estate market these days. Maybe I could rent, or find a roommate-"
"You could move in with me," Artemis said abruptly. His eyes widened, unable to believe his own offer. Where did that come from? They'd only been going out for four months. Gods, it was really bold move. He had waited years before offering the Minerva move into Fowl Manor, and even then they had both agreed to just get a Dublin penthouse, rather than deal with his parents. And he was rarely there anyhow.
"Artemis-" Tara shook her head, chucking. "That's nice of you, but your parents…and I'm sure there's no way…I mean, it's…" She faltered, looking out the window once more. "Could you?"
Still dazed at his own bravery, he nodded. "My parent's wouldn't mind… I mean, if we shared a room…"
"No." Tara said quickly. "No. I wasn't thinking that at all."
"Neither was I. You could have an entire suite to yourself. "
"Seriously?" the young woman asked weakly. "You…I don't want to impose, but I really…Arty, if it's any trouble…"
"It would be a pleasure. And I want to." Artemis said firmly. "You could have huge studio, a Jacuzzi, a water bed, and Michael Jackson shrine if you wanted to. I'd love to have you live with me. I mean, technically, not with me, just in the same-"
He was babbling, and Tara decided to save him from further embarrassment, silencing him with a quick peck on the check. Damn that woman.
"It would be temporary." She warned. "5 months, tops."
"I hope not." He would miss her. And the next step after this was that they sleep together, she marries him, or both.
"Why don't you discuss it with Sarah?" He suggested. "Call me tomorrow, I'll be at the office. We can have you moved in by Tuesday."
"Are you positive your parents won't mind?" It wouldn't help her if the Fowl's were upset in any of her moves. Having them on her side throughout the entire affair would just be ever the more helpful.
"Only if we share a room." He assured her. They hadn't even minded when Minerva had "Moved in" with him, since they assumed that relationship would have ended in better terms.
Tara hesitated, then agreed. "If Sarah says she's okay with it. I don't see how she can't agree, I mean, I'll still be close. Right?"
"We're only a few kilometers out. Within walking distance of a metro station."
"Great, I'm a bad driver. I wouldn't want to-"
Before she could finish the car came to a halt in front of the apartment building.
"Do you want me to escort you up?"
"No, thanks. I think I can manage in these." She gestured to the heels. They were bronze tie-up stilettos, to match her Greecian-style empire waist gown. It was interesting, cream colour darkening to a sky blue till it ended just above her knee. The shoes had been difficult to maneuver in, causing her to cling to Artemis's arm for part of the night, trying to keep her balance. Not that he minded. Besides, it was amusing. And she did look spectacular. He needed to take her to formal events more often. There was that Fowl Industries Gala in a few months…
"Are you sure?" He asked, concerned.
"I'll take the elevator." She sighed. "And I was so looking forward to sprinting up the stairway. Ah, well." With another kiss she exited the limo, waving as it slid from the curb. When it was out of sight she flipped open her cell and hit the speed dial.
"Can you be any more charming?" Sasha demanded, without any greeting. "Nearly gagged."
Sophia started off down the street in an even, steady stride. "I wasn't the one who picked the assignment. Nor was I the one who was forced into eavesdropping on my elder sister thru lip reading via TV because someone feared her eventual blundering. Give me a little credit, Sass."
Sasha only growled something unintelligible.
"The shoe thing worked. He was smitten. Where did you get them? I want a pair in silver." She glanced in a store window, admiring her refection, modeling the footwear in the dark glass.
"I forget." Sasha answered lazily. "Anyhow, did it work?"
"Yeah, I'm calling him tomorrow at the office."
"Do his parents care? When do you move in?"
"No, they won't, unless we share a room. And before you ask, no. I'm not going to. I like my virginity, thank you very much. "
"It never crossed my mind." Sasha said smoothly.
"Right." Sophia snorted.
"That was most unbecoming, Soph. I'd work on you graces before you drop in on your boy-toy again."
"Please, cut the crap, Sassy. He says Tuesday. We have four days."
"We'll need to go shopping."
"Tell me about it." Sophia grumbled as she hailed a cab.
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7 boxes, mostly with clothing and art-related things. One of the seven just filled with her favorite mugs. A lamp. A special armchair. Totes, 2 filled with paint. One old chest of draws that had actually been bought yesterday at an antique dealer's home sale. A large hand carved jewel chest made in Guatemala. Some posters. Several slim shoebox sized containers of CDs. An easel.
And a cat.
Jewel, now under the name of Gem, had been taken along against her will. Sasha had offered her last night, saying "Listen, I know you'll be lonely, and if you want to take her, go ahead.'
"Won't you need her?"
"No. I'll call often. Besides, you need something to bicker about. You know, his allergies." Sasha grinned. "No stable relationship exists without something driving the couple apart. Yours can be your attachment to 'Gem'"
Sophia had grinned, and hugged Sasha, promising to bring the cat back, no matter what. Insecurity about the end put aside, she'd bring the damn cat back even if it killed her.
Not all that much stuff really. Everything fit in the back of the car Artemis had sent. After she had unloaded everything he stood in the main hall, eyeing the small group boxes, asking when the truck came.
"What truck?" Tara asked, confused.
"The one containing the rest of you possessions, Tara."
"This is it." She gestured toward the pile.
"Seven boxes?" He asked incredulously. "I would think that would just be your most precious items, not your entire haul."
"Some of us are not millionaires. Besides, I don't need all that much." Tara rolled her eyes. Good God, this boy is such a prat.
"I'm taking you shopping." He announced.
Tara visibly paled. She'd had enough of that over the last four days. Her frown settled on her features, the subconscious knowing it would be awhile before there was cause of a removal of expression.
"For what?" She asked cautiously.
"Everything, apparently."
"I don't need anything."
"I disagree." He replied stiffly. "Either way, it's a free shopping trip. I wonder if we can call ahead…"
Crap… She knew their first real argument was coming soon, but today…today wasn't a good day for it. She closed her eyes, and counted down to ten, trying to mentally prepare herself. Know Artemis, he would be very hard, but she had to throw a real debate at him sometime. Might as well get it over with.
"…Anything you want that fits."
"Oh, so now it's my clothes? You hate my clothing?" Her green eyes flashed, the Irish hot-bloodedness and Argentine-French tempter living up to their reputation in one glare. Artemis stumbled back, surprised by her reaction. Tara had never been one to lash out, at least, not at him.
"No, I love your outfits." He insisted, for he really did." They're beautiful, enchanting, bella, mucho, Querida."
"Then why are you insisting buyingme more? I have plenty! Are they too slutty?"
"No, I was just trying to be nice and buy you some more." He said meekly.
" I don't want more! Artemis-" But by that time, Artemis had remember who he was and regained his usual stamina.
"Gods Tara! I'm trying to give you something! You don't let me do anything for you-"
"That's not true you're letting me live here, Italy, dinner-"
Artemis sighed, exasperated. "I was only able to give you those things as a surprise. But you won't let me buy you anything!"
"I don't need anything!"
His own temper flared. "Tara, just let me." He said flatly.
"You've already given me enough. I don't need or want anything. A place to stay is more than enough without the shopping trips!"
"You might not even have that if you don't let me." He threatened.
All during this argument they had progressively leaned in closer and closer toward each other till their foreheads almost touched. Now Tara stepped back, hand placed delicately on the hollow of her throat. Her glare was more than a rival to Artemis's own.
How juvenile! So "You're-not-my-friend-anymore-so-you're-uninvited-to-my-birthday-party"!! Into the extremes!
She wasn't about to completely give up, but it had come to a danger zone. Sophia needed to be in Fowl Manor for the mission. If he kicked her out, it could take years of rebuilt trust and his hopeful maturity. Possibly some major sacrifice on her part. And they simply did not have the time. Because he had offered his home to her earlier than originally expected, the plan was moved back in date of completion, but with this threat…and spending years to reach their goal…besides, the longer you stayed with the lab rat the more attached you became. This needed to be over fast. On both accounts.
So she played her cards. She had to be theatrical, but not so dramatic. She needed his guilt and her stand to still stand. Hurt had to be real. It was, in a way. She had to be in control of this too. Steer it in her direction.
"Because I'm not letting you shop for me as though I am some homeless wrench you've taken in as a pet you're offended? I'm saving you time and money, yet you are kicking me out?"
"No-"
"You implied it."
Artemis did not disagree, remaining silent. Tara just shook her head, closing her eyes wearily.
"If this is how things are going to be, maybe I should just leave." Her voice quivered in the right places. Perfect.
"No, that's not what I wan-" Artemis started desperately. She had to listen.
""It's not all about what you want, Artemis." Tara snapped, a dagger slashing through his pleas. A diamond one. Like her father's.
"Relationships are give-take. I know that's what you are trying to do, but you're not going about it in the right way. I don't want money, or clothes. I want something a little bit harder to get. Impossible to but. I want you to try. If you don't think you can do that, I don't think I can stay. I'm trying to give back, really I am. We're both smart people, we can work it out. But you've got to try." Her tone softened. "I care about you, nothing can ever change that, but you've got to hear me out."
Silence ensued as they both replayed what had been said. Artemis stared at Tara, in shock. He wasn't told off by anyone very often. Tara examined her nails, giving him time, and the silence stayed. Finally Artemis spoke.
"Tara."
Her head shot up. It was one word, but still…nobody could make him, the Great Artemis Fowl, apologize. Nobody could scare him. Nobody could make him admit his wrongs. By "nobody" three are unincluded; Butler Holly, and now Tara. It wasn't like him to say sorries, he might regret something, but he would never clue you in on his feelings. So she didn't get her hopes up. Rightly, as it turned out.
"I…I'll listen."
It was enough. She took three steps forward, head back down. When she stood before him she looked up, head cocked, a tiny smirk playing across her features.
"And I'll remind you just how wrong and arrogant you are one third of the time, you pompous ass." Then she hugged him. Partly in dismay, partly in amusement, Artemis hugged back, heart soaring. He wasn't wrong in his choice.
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Butler strode in on the Gavin girl hugging his charge. That wasn't surprising, but the fact that Artemis was indeed embracing the girl back was a little unusual. Back when the relationship was still alive, Artemis barely even touched Minerva. He was so not the touching type. Opposite of his mother, who gave physical endearments quite often.
The manservant cleared his throat, causing the pair to promptly jump apart.
"Artemis. Miss. Gavin." He still didn't trust her.
"Butler." The young woman said warmly.
"It's ready." He informed Artemis. The young genius nodded, still flushed. He turned to the girl.
"Do you want to see your room?" He asked Tara excitedly.
"Sure." She made a move to get a box or two of her things, but Artemis had already grabbed her arms saying "Butlerillgettit." And proceeded to drag her up the main stairs, babbling about the renovations, why he chose hat room, et cetera. When they finally got to the door he became a little nervous, running his hands through his usually smooth hair.
"I hope you like it."
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It wasn't a bedroom. It was an entrance room that led to a larger chamber that was a study, library, office and living room all in one. Designed with classic patterns and colours, with modern architecture and shapes. There were shelves and shelves of books, comfortable looking armchairs, a professional looking desk, and a state-of-the-art media center. Someone had placed some plants strategically about the room. Sophia never had a green thumb, so these lovely ferns would soon be dead, sadly. Still, they would nice while they lasted.
And the colours! Bright, happy, full, bouncy, lovely. Lavenders, yellows, greens, magentas, turquoise, blues, silver. He really knew her…or Tara. He knew Tara.
For a moment Sophia's heart dropped. He did not know Sophia Iver at all. He likes Tara, the bohemian artist, not the world famous thief, daughter of the greatest spy who ever lived. Maybe, in another life…she now so badly wanted to know her friend. Sure he was a huge brat, spoiled, arrogant, but he was her best friend. He could actually hold an intelligent conversation with her, few could do that. It still did not deny the fact that Artemis, her best friend, did not know her. But somehow, he had interpreted the blend of Tara and Sophia's tastes. The colours, the style, the simple beauty. She loved it everything about it, it was her room. The second sanctuary in her world. Just like her rooms in the brownstone. Well, not really. The feel was similar, though the colours in her brownstone rooms were warm.
Tara turned about the room, her mouth open slightly. Artemis watched, excited, anxious for her review. He planned every angle for her. Four days was short notice, but he had begun the calls shortly after she stepped out of the limo Thursday night.
When she turned, eyes wide, shaking her head in disbelief, his heart sank. She did not like it. Maybe it should have been more traditional, more like the hotel room Juliet had suggested.
"Oh my god." She blurted out. "Artemis, it's-I…beautiful. You designed this for me?"
Silently, he nodded.
She turned about again. "Perfect" was all she breathed. Tara wandered around, still amazed, touching things, soaking it in, pulling books off shelves, examining art. Artemis remained in the background, watching her, trying to guess her thoughts.
Next they want to the actual bedroom part of the apartments. This room too was perfect. Royal. Silk, gold, deep colours, metallics. The first thing she saw was a huge four-poster with net curtains that mother-of-pearl shell circles sewn on ribbons were topped with, more shells falling in the curves of the fabric. The sheets were creamy cotton, with a fluffy down comforter in a French blue. The shelves and furniture were in cherry stains, and were serious, slim pieces.
There was a CD library, empty shelves just for her things, plump armchairs, a deep purple chaise lounge and a secret closet hidden behind a wardrobe big enough to bold five years worth of clothes. And shoes. And jewelry. Maybe she could use a shopping trip…
The double windows sat beside French doors leading to a tiny balcony, which was a great feature, for Artemis knew her love of breakfast outdoors.
Artemis couldn't stop smiling now. She gushed on and on about the detail, the size, the colours, he got everything right, damn it! He was very pleased that she was delighted. At the very least he had hoped for a cool "It's nice." The reaction recived was more than enough. She loved it. She's staying!
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After a long tour of the rest of the Manor Butler arrived in the Gallery to fetch them, by orders of Mrs. Fowl.
"For dinner." He said. "Mrs. Fowl says your father is home, so meet in the drawing room so he can greet Miss. Gavin."
So it was another two hours of polite conversation and then coffee until she could return to her room. She didn't unpack, she'd save that for tomorrow. Her body and mind were just too worn. Hours of casual lying, quick answers, and monitoring Artemis through the tour, dinner, and dessert took energy. All she wanted to do now was crawl into bed, sleep for 18 hours straight. Rest, that was all. Unfortuantly, that was not on Angeline's mind, as only ten minutes after Tara had entered her room, as she was slipping into her PJ's the knock fell upon her door.
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Sorry for the long wait. It was hard to get back into the beat of things. Thank you for the reviews, they rox!! I had a great trip, though I lost my chapter plan somewhere. So now I'm lost, though I've managed to work out a sub, it doesn't have the same descriptions my old one did. Ah, well.
R&R faster updates& love from me!
-Dania