Continuing right along...

So, seeing as Colfer has never really described the twins, I'm giving them brown eyes (Against my wonderful beta's judgment, I'm afraid to say. BTW, have you heard of my beta? Have I mentioned yet in these author's notes how awesome ilex-ferox is?) because Colfer did that whole bit about Artemis Sr. and Jr. having the same colour eyes, etc., so I'd rather not infringe on their uniquenes.

Chapter Seven: Brotherly Love

'No,' says Butler, pulling her back onto both feet. 'You need more wind up before hand. Again.'

Holly bites back a snarky remark and centers her weight, letting her arms hang loose at her sides. But her knuckles are white around the handles of the knives she holds.

'Stop trying to strangle the knives, Holly. And keep your elbow in line with your wrist when you turn.' Juliet watches critically from across the room.

Holly looks straight ahead. Without warning, her right arm slices upwards, the blade of her knife whistling through the air. Had there been someone in front of her, she would have sliced them open from groin to chin. Before the knife reaches the apex of the swing she's moving again, crouching low, whirling around an imaginary principle, a deadly planet orbiting its fragile sun.

'Better,' Butler nods when she finishes. 'But you're going to need to practice to get your speed up.'

Gulping air, Holly nods without speaking. She hasn't got the energy to form words yet.

'And you need more force behind your thrusts, Holly.' Juliet clicks her tongue.

'One last time,' Butler says, circling the gasping woman speculatively.

Holly's head falls backwards for a split second before she centers her weight again. She stares at the wall ahead of her. She imagines Abbot charging towards them. She imagines Ark Sool telling her she cannot attend Julius Root's recycling. She imagines Artemis' cold eyes as he tells her she's been spilling sacred secrets for days. She imagines Opal Koboi with a gun pressed to his reedy neck. She moves through the pattern so fast even Butler has trouble following her movements. But the snicks and whistles of air being sliced are audible enough.

She falls to her knees at the end, utterly spent.

Butler rests a hand on her trembling shoulder. 'Good. But don't imagine things that make you angry. It'll make you sloppy, even if it makes you strong.'

Holly nods.

'I think that's enough for now. I'd like to go over human firearms with you tonight, however,' Butler offers her a hand up.

'Okay,' she manages, but stays where she is. 'I'm not shooting bullets, though.'

Butler sighs through his nose. 'I know. But you should still know how to use them. And remember what I told you about imagining things.'

'Okay,' she repeats.

'And stretch before your muscles get cold and seize up on you,' Juliet hops off the table she's sitting on.

'Okay.'

'I've got to go take the twins to the dentist, are you okay on your own?' Butler offers her his hand once more.

'Of course,' rallying, Holly pushes herself to her feet, stretching her arms up over her head. 'I'm not a Butler, but I'm not utterly useless.'

Butler nods. 'Come on, Juliet. Let's give her some peace and quiet.'

'You sure you don't want some company?' Juliet asks, eyebrows raised.

'Nah, I've got to think things over. Like whether or not I actually want to become anybody's bodyguard,' she gives them a pointed look.

Juliet laughs. 'See you at dinner.'

Holly nods as she presses her palms to the floor, slowly bringing her torso in to meet her knees.

'And, Holly,' Butler calls from the doorway, 'you did well.'

She shoots him an appreciative smile. A smile that drops away as soon as the door closes. Frond, she cringes, I have so far to go. And I haven't even agreed to anything yet.

Artemis stares at the strings of numbers and letters streaming across his computer screen. Holly's entire genetic makeup is there before his eyes but, for the first time in his life, science fails to satisfy. Her blood seems almost actively refuse to be broken down into letters and numbers. There is simply too much to her for that.

Or perhaps, he thinks, rubbing his face, I simply need more sleep.

A car comes up the drive, crunching gravel. His heart lurches and he goes to the window. Are they back already?

No. It's only his father and the twins.

Artemis glares at nothing in particular, returning to his chair and playing with the mouse of his laptop. The house hunting alone is bad enough; he shudders to think what it is going to be like when she actually moves out. He doesn't even want to consider it. So of course he does.

Space, his lips curl around the word, she needs space. Well, she's had it, hasn't she? I've barely seen her since Juliet arrived, always off looking at flats, or running about in the gym with Butler, or...

He catches sight of his petulant face in the screen and shakes his head. Get a hold of yourself, he tells his reflection.

'You there, Mud Boy?' Foaly's voice breaks into his inner monologue.

'Obviously.'

'Are you ever in a good mood?'

'Nearly as often as you're certain that no one's hacking your system.'

'That often, eh?' Foaly's face comes up on the next monitor along. 'I take it Holly's out?'

Artemis can feel a pout forming and hurriedly changes it to a frown. Foaly smirks. 'She just needs space. Have some patience, Arty.'

'Why does everyone keep saying that?' Artemis throws up his hands, 'I am utterly sick of hearing about how she "needs space".'

'Ahh, young love,' Foaly goads him. 'Have to say I'm impressed though, Fowl. I didn't realise you could muster such deep feelings about anything found outside your wallet.'

'Just tell me what you've found,' Artemis snaps.

'Actually, I was hoping to keep you distracted with some witty repartee to be honest,' Foaly gnaws on his lip. 'Things aren't looking so hot at the moment. If it was just straight science this would be easier, but Opal's mixed healing magic in there as well and, like we saw with your big man, healings can't be undone.'

Artemis's lips thin.

'Nothing to say? No zinging 'I'm Artemis Fowl II, I can do anything' comeback?'

Artemis shakes his head.

Foaly eyes the boy for a moment. 'You don't want us to find a cure, do you?' he asks finally.

Artemis swallows.

'I won't tell,' promises Foaly.

Artemis shakes his head. 'No,' his voice is level, apparently at ease, 'I don't. And, before you start, I know how terrible that is. I know exactly how despicable I am.' He shrugs, 'But I'm here aren't, I? I'm going to try. If there's a cure I need to find it. I owe her too much. But, to be perfectly honest, there's nothing I want less in the world.'

Foaly watches the boy's face, unaccustomed to seeing it so expressive. As much as it hurt him to lose Holly, the centaur realises just how much more it would hurt Artemis. 'If I were you,' he admits, 'I don't know that I'd even pretend to try.'

'Of course you would,' Artemis smiles ruefully, 'if you loved her. It does the most horrendous things to your common sense.'

Foaly nods slowly. Then he smiles, 'Well, if that's the case, let's crunch some numbers. Just give me one minute.' Foaly moves off screen to get a carrot, and to let Artemis recover his poise in private.

'Holly, would you care to join me?'

Holly looks up to see Myles holding out a Scrabble box. She blinks. 'Oh, uh, okay. Sure,' she flashes him a smile.

Myles beams.

Needless to say, twenty minutes later, Holly is regretting her decision.

'You realise he's four and a half, right?' Butler crouches down beside Holly as she lies on her stomach, glaring at the board.

'Yes, thank you, I'm aware of that.'

'What language are you playing in?' Butler asks, realising he doesn't recognise half the words.

'Latin,' replies Myles, calmly laying down three letters and coming away with fifty points. Holly groans.

'Of course, how silly of me,' Butler rolls his eyes. 'What else would you play in?'

She chuckles.

'So, how's the house hunt going? Juliet only glares at me when I bring it up.'

Holly glares at him.

'That well, huh?'

'You bet.'

'You know, you could always-'

Holly put her hands over her ears, 'Not you too!'

'I was going to say, live in a university residence,' Butler finishes with a smirk.

'I'd almost rather live here,' Holly makes a face.

'Are you leaving?' Myles looks up, concerned.

'Uh huh, just as soon as Juliet and I can find a place.'

'Why?' his big brown eyes get bigger.

'It's a long story, kiddo.'

'Is it because of Artemis? You shouldn't let him scare you off, we're quite a nice family, really.'

Holly and Butler share a grin.

'You could stay in my room if you don't find a house,' Myles offers gallantly.

'Ah, thanks Myles, but I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. But that's very thoughtful of you,' Holly bites down on her smile.

Butler turns his laugh into a cough. 'Maybe it's genetic,' he whispers to her in Gnommish, 'some kind of deficiency in their system that makes you necessary.'

She throws a Q square at him. 'Yeah, there's a deficiency alright, it's called morals.'

He ruffles her hair, and she swats at his hand. 'Have some respect for your elders!'

Laughing, Butler leaves her in peace, and goes in search of Artemis.

Artemis, however, finds Holly first.

'You told Juliet? Are you serious?'

Holly and Myles look up from their game. 'Told her what?' Holly asks.

Artemis crosses his arms, 'You know perfectly well what I mean.'

'I trust her,' Holly shrugs. 'Besides, if we're going to live together, it'd be pretty awkward if she didn't know. And I didn't tell her, she saw Mulch and things went from there.'

'May I speak to you alone for a minute?' Artemis reaches down to take her arm.

'I'm in the middle of getting my ass totally kicked actually, if you don't mind.'

'I do mind, get up.'

'What's the big deal anyway, Arty? She knew before.'

'I simply can't believe that you would pass out that sort of information so freely. Especially after the ordeal with my father.'

Myles's eyes flick between his brother and Holly, trying to figure out just what they were talking about. Holly sighs, deciding that yet another Fowl boy in on the secret is the last thing she needs. ''Scuse me a second would you, Myles? Your brother's just so demanding.'

Myles frowns at his older brother, but replies gracefully enough, 'Of course, Holly.'

Artemis looks at Myles speculatively for a moment. Sometimes that boy reminds him too much of himself for comfort.

Myles watches as his brother and Holly head for the door without a backwards glance. The boy frowns, but his cherubic face can't do justice to his jealousy.

Like Artemis, Myles has inherited a large portion of the Fowl brains, not to mention guile. Unlike Artemis, he is currently enjoying one of the world's happiest childhoods – one in which aurum potestas est is nothing but an old carving along the mantelpiece. He considers himself intelligent, possibly even a genius, but, though occasionally underhanded, certainly not criminal - simply because becoming a criminal has never occurred to him. Nor does it occur to him that Artemis, so similar to himself, should have such a very different outlet for his talents. No, Myles sees Artemis and himself as two peas in a pod, nigh on identical.

The only problem with this is that Artemis came first.

Beckett is an average child. He is cute and sweet and almost always covered in something sticky. Adults dote on him because it is easy to do so (and, in their mother's case, because she feels sorry for him, not having the natural talents of his brothers). Myles, on the other hand, impresses them. But, in their surprise they never say: Would you look at that, isn't Myles brilliant? No, in their surprise they say: Would you look at that? Just like Artemis at that age.

Myles has had the misfortune to be born a genius in a family where genius is run of the mill.

So not only has Artemis already done everything Myles will do, he is also their mother's undisputed favourite. After all, for Angeline Artemis was once all that she had left of her husband, thereby becoming the dearest thing in the world to her. Never mind the fact that these days, wracked by guilt, she is still trying to make up for her descent into madness all those years ago.

But Myles knows neither of these things. Not quite five yet he sees only his brilliant big brother, apple of their mother's eye, stealing his thunder before he even considers gathering the storm clouds.

And then Holly arrived.

Holly, the first person he has ever seen argue with his brother; Holly, the first person he has ever seen deny his brother anything; Holly, who is fierce and funny and different from anyone he has ever met in his sheltered Manor life. And, just like his brother before him, he finds her fascinating. He wants her to turn her strange eyes on him and smile, sharp teeth flashing white against her dark skin.

For the first time in his life, Myles is considering thievery. After all, he thinks, Artemis can't have everything in life.

They go down the hall and into a small study with a view of the lake.

'You're father's a totally different story, Artemis, and you know it,' Holly starts before the door is even fully closed.

'My father is not the point,' Artemis replies, 'the point is that you willingly allowed Juliet to regain her memories after you went to so much trouble to remove them.'

'I didn't go to any trouble at all. If you remember, I wasn't exactly best pleased about that particular scheme.'

'But you didn't go against your orders. Why now?'

Holly pauses. 'Because,' she begins, remembering the rush of freedom she'd felt, 'because I don't take orders from anyone anymore, do I? In some ways... in some ways I'm utterly free now.'

'And you've decided to celebrate your new-found freedom by divulging the People's secrets?'

Holly frowns, 'Not at all. It's like I said: Juliet knew before, anyway. Besides, I trust her, she won't betray us. And, honestly, I like her, she's a friend, just like Butler. Or you. Speaking of whom, why are you so worked up about this anyway? You're hardly in a position to talk, Artemis Fowl.'

Artemis pinches the bridge of his nose. 'It's dangerous.'

Holly rolls her eyes, 'No, really? I had no idea. Don't worry, Arty, I am perfectly aware of the consequences here. I just... I hate having to lie. I want the people I care about to understand who and what I am. Maybe that's selfish, but I just feel like I'm playing a part otherwise. And I told you already,' she adds defensively, 'she saw Mulch.'

'And you did your utmost to prevent her from regaining her memories, I'm sure.'

'And, like I already asked, why are you so bothered by this? That's my job.'

Artemis frowns in concentration. He can feel jealousy climbing up from his stomach like a worm, wriggling along his trachea, sliding over his tongue and out towards his teeth. He bites down on his cheek to keep from blurting out the truth. 'I just want to be sure you're sure, that's all. In case this was some act of rebellion against the Council in return for abandoning you. Something you would regret later.'

Holly narrows her eyes at him, disbelieving. 'You know I wouldn't do something like that.'

'Well, to be honest, I wasn't so sure. Lately you've not always been the embodiment of charity and compassion,' Artemis shoots back, alluding to her first few nights.

Holly takes a step back. 'Artemis...' she trails off, her face clearly showing her hurt and confusion. 'Are you really that angry with me?'

'I'm not angry.'

'Right.' Her voice is heavy with disbelief. 'Well, if you're not angry, what's wrong?'

'I'm simply not the embodiment of charity and compassion either,' he says, and stalks out of the room, leaving Holly alone and cut to the quick.

'Ow,' she says to the room at large.

Artemis sits on one of the bar stools around the island counter in the Fowl's enormous kitchen, playing with empty pea pods.

'So, what do you want to talk to me about?' asks Butler, calmly shelling peas for a salad; Pierre is away for the weekend.

'What on earth makes you think that I want to talk?' Artemis replies, knowing perfectly well how childish he sounds.

Butler just looks at him.

'Holly told Juliet.'

'I know. Juliet told me - she's over the moon. I don't know that they'll have the calmest of domestic lives, but they'll certainly have fun,' Butler reaches for the balsamic vinegar. 'It'll be good for Holly to have a friend, I think.'

'She has us,' Artemis points out, still petulant.

'I mean someone, if not near her own age, than at least with similar interests, a similar – ah – enthusiasm, that sort of a friend. Holly's a sociable creature, she needs a couple of girlfriends kicking around. And who better than Juliet, who knew before?'

'Huh,' grunts Artemis.

Butler fights down a smile. 'I don't suppose you're... oh, what's that word? Jealous?'

Artemis glares at his giant bodyguard. 'Jealous? Don't be absurd. What do I have to be jealous of?' he fiddles with an errant pea.

'I'm sure I've no idea,' Butler pours the vinegar.

'She doesn't need space from Juliet,' Artemis mutters at last.

'I don't think she cares for Juliet quite as much as she cares for you. Besides, Juliet never-'

'Lied to her, yes, I know.' Artemis throws his head back with a groan, 'Butler, this is a disaster. She's utterly unstable.'

'You two've been fighting again, haven't you?' Butler feels like a primary school teacher.

'I may have been a little high-handed.'

Butler sighs, putting the vinegar down and picking up the olive oil. 'Artemis, I know it seems longer than it has been, and that she's been adjusting very well, but she's still hurting. Her whole life just got turned upside down, remember. Juliet is simple. She watches wrestling movies, paints her nails and laughs a lot. Right now, Juliet is probably about all Holly can handle. So stop acting like an actual sixteen year old and be gentle with her. I know that you can.'

Artemis flicks an empty pod back and forth. 'Sometimes, being a genius has decided disadvantages. I'm expected to be so much more mature, expected to understand. Well, I don't,' he looks up at Butler, defiant. 'I don't understand and these days, appalling as it is, I hurt too.'

Butler reaches out to the boy. 'Maybe now you'll think twice before you flaunt your numerous psychology degrees,' he smirks, patting Artemis' pale cheek.

'Oh yes, rub it in, rub it in,' Artemis responds bitterly.

'Seriously, Artemis, it's like I told Holly - things are tough right now but you are strong, the both of you, and you'll work it out. I'm not going to sympathise with your whining and stand around patting your hand and pitying you because I know you don't need or want it. You're better than that, just like she is.'

Artemis slumps on the stool before slowly nodding. 'As usual, old friend, you're right...' he makes a face, 'I suppose I had better go apologise.'

'Best idea you've had all day,' Butler smiles at him. 'And Artemis,' he speaks as the boy slides to the floor, 'it's going to be okay.'

Artemis tsks as he walks away. 'Well, obviously. This is me we're talking about.'

Butler chuckles, shaking his head.

'Hey, Myles? I'm really sorry, but I'm going to have to take a rain check on that game. I've got some things I need to do. But maybe tomorrow, okay? Sorry, buddy!' Holly pats the boy's hair and leaves before she can see his look of dejection.

'Don't call me buddy,' he mutters after her retreating figure, pouting ferociously. She doesn't hear him.

Returning to her room, Holly straps on the wings, making a face as they remind her of Artemis in all his contradictory glory. Stepping out onto the balcony, she sighs. This is really going a bit overboard, she thinks, literally taking flight, just to avoid Artemis for a couple of hours? She moves to take off the wings, then pauses. I have the right to fly when I want! I just need some d'Arvitting privacy for a bit. And who would want to talk to Artemis when he acts like such a brat anyway?

She shakes her head, listening to how petty she sounds. Man, he really brings out the worst in me sometimes.

And, at others, the best, points out her pesky other half.

Oh, shut up. Let me enjoy my sulk in peace for once.

She flies out as twilight falls, going south without any sort of destination in mind. Her mind back in the Manor, it isn't until her feet touch ground that she realises she's landed. When she recognises where she is, she groans. An ancient oak, a bend in a river.

Automatically she looks up, searching the night sky for the moon. It's nearly full. She swings up onto a low branch, and runs her fingers along the dips and ridges of the tough bark. Quietly, she starts to cry. Leaning against the trunk she curls her legs to her body, wraps her arms around herself, and sobs unashamedly.

How long she stays there she has no idea, but the moon is high in the sky by the time she wipes her face with the backs of her hands.

'Frond, I must look a mess,' she says aloud, trying to cheer herself up. Her lower lip droops. She wants to be held. She wants someone to make her laugh. And, though he doesn't usually do either of those, she wants - 'Artemis. Oh, d'Arvit.'

And then - a true appreciator of irony - she does laugh.

The next morning Holly rises late and, with a start, realises she and Juliet had made plans to look at yet more flats today. In ten minutes.

'Oh Frond,' Holly throws herself out of bed, into the nearest clothes and into the hall.

'Holly! Where are you going in such a rush?' Juliet and Holly narrowly avoid colliding as they both turn a corner at full tilt.

'I was looking for you.'

'Oh good, ditto! You still up for going out? Where were you at dinner last night? We were worried. And speaking of worried, I just saw Artemis, he's looking for you.' Juliet waggles her eyebrows, 'Boy, you should have seen him last night; he nearly snapped a maid's head off. It's a good thing you came back, for the safety of the staff.'

'Ha, ha,' Holly glares. 'I went out. Flying. Needed some space. And yes, I'm up for it, let's go.'

'Don't you want to talk to Artemis?'

'Does it look like I want to talk to Artemis?' Holly asks, already heading for the stairs.

'Holly, I really think you might want to talk to him. I think he might think you've left,' Juliet catches her friend's arm, 'for good, I mean.'

Holly's frown weakens at the thought of how much that would hurt him. She bites her lip, remembering how much she had missed him, cold and alone in the branches of the tree. Then she remembers how ridiculous he had been the afternoon before.

'Let him, it'll do him good,' turning, she stalks down the stairs. 'I'll show him the embodiment of charity and compassion!' she mutters.

'What was that?' Juliet asks.

'Nothing. Never mind.'

Holly has to admit that house hunting is really not one of her favourite pass times. In fact, to be perfectly honest, she's starting to think it might even rank just below facing down crazed Extinctionists. Needless to say, it has been a long two weeks.

But, after her latest run in with Artemis, the time has come. Either she will cave in and stay with him, which she simply can't allow, or she will grow bitter from constantly thwarting herself. If I can just have some time alone, she insists to herself, I'll be able to think clearly. I'll sort all this out.

What needs sorting out? He's been only too clear -

We've been over this already.

I still think –

I don't care what you think.

You're impossible.

I'm cautious.

You're a coward.

Juliet lets out a quiet groan behind her, interrupting her inner dispute. 'Gross,' she mutters in Holly's ear, 'let's get out of here.'

Holly nods, having already seen more of this particular flat than she has ever wanted to. Stepping out of the bathroom, she wrinkles her nose. Scratch that; she would take Extinctionists over this any day.

'Sorry, Mr. Million, I'm afraid this isn't quite what we're looking for,' Juliet turns to the landlord, 'but thanks for showing us around!' Flashing a heart-stopping smile, Juliet grabs Holly's arm and propels them both out into the hall. They're back in the car before Mr. Million has even opened his mouth to say goodbye.

'God, talk about nasty!' Juliet drums sparkly nails on the steering wheel. 'Did you see that mould? Eww.'

'Sometimes 20/20 vision is a curse,' Holly wrinkles her nose.

'Sad but true.' Juliet speeds through a red light, 'Wanna get lunch?'

'Please! Nothing like squalor to make a girl ravenous.'

Juliet snorts.

Working their way through a plate of yam fries and sandwiches, they watch the rain drip down the diner's enormous windows and rehash the day's events.

'God, do you remember the first one, the one on the ground floor?'

'The one that reeked of cat pee?'

'Exactly! Could you believe that guy though? A crowbar couldn't have pried his eyes off you.'

'Don't remind me,' Holly shudders.

Juliet slurps her drink, grinning maliciously. 'And then there were those college boys looking for roommates...'

'Stop! Please stop!' Holly puts her hands over her ears, laughing. 'Their eyes nearly fell out of their heads when you flipped their buddy over the table.'

Juliet sniffs. 'How is grabbing a potential roommate's ass supposed to further your cause? I mean honestly.'

Holly shakes her head, still chuckling. 'How many do we have left?'

'Three,' Juliet consults her list. 'I'd really like to find something soon though. I've gotten out of the habit of living like the Fowls. After Mexico, it makes me a little uncomfortable, to be honest. And this whole running around looking at grossness while trying to be polite is starting to grate.'

'Tell me about it,' Holly smiles ruefully. 'Ha, Foaly once asked me if I missed having a normal life. You know, going to work, paying your rent, coming home in the evenings to PPTV and a cup of tea. This was right after Artemis and I got back from eight years in the past - I was flying him home to the Manor. He was unconscious, just crashed a plane into a Kraken trying to save us from Opal,' Holly isn't seeing the diner anymore, remembering the wind and the sky and the tingling of her lips.

'What did you tell Foaly?'

'Hmm?' Holly refocuses on Juliet, 'Oh. I told him no. Not at all.' She laughs, 'And this is exactly why! Landlords are clearly so much more obnoxious than crazed pixies.'

Juliet chuckles, but her mouth pulls down at the corners. She reaches for Holly's hand. 'You okay?'

Holly takes a sip of her tea. 'I think so,' she says at last. 'I want to be. Well, no. Sometimes, I want to be miserable and throw things and scream and break down walls. But that's not really me. I know that deep underneath, I want to be happy again, even if, sometimes, that feels like treachery.'

Juliet squeezes the tiny dark hand in her own. 'Being happy is never wrong. It isn't treachery. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost.'

'Why do you think I'm looking for this flat?' Holly smiles.

'Good girl,' Juliet nods. 'Besides, if you ever really need to break down some walls, I will always be here for you.'

'Thanks, Juliet.'

Juliet winks at her and pops the last of the fries into her mouth.

'Hey!' comes Holly's scandalised realisation, a moment too late.

They eye the building from the pavement, as though trying to x-ray through its concrete and steel.

'It doesn't seem so bad,' Holly remarks, clearly surprised.

'And it's close to the university.'

'This could be it.'

'Shhh, knock on wood. Don't jinx it already.'

'Sorry,' Holly raps her knuckles on a nearby tree. 'You ready?'

'Let's do this thing.'

They take the lift up, simply because the thought of an actual working lift thrills them.

'It's so clean,' Holly whispers, eying the well-kept lobby.

'Shhh,' repeats Juliet.

Their flat is at the very top. Juliet points out that it was also right next to the roof exit. Handy should anyone want to receive visits from airborne guests. Standing on the balcony beside Juliet and Mrs. Freeman, the landlady, Holly thinks that the view alone is reason enough. It reminds her of flying. She grins, thinking of flying from this balcony.

The flat itself is relatively small - kitchen and living room combined, with a cabinets to separate them. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, a balcony. Holly is thrilled.

She and Juliet stand in the bathroom oggling the pristine bathtub.

'The price is right,' says Juliet.

'We've gone to so many.'

'It's been a lo-ong few weeks,' agrees Juliet.

'The view is fabulous.'

'You want to?'

'Yes,' Holly turns to Juliet and grins.

'Artemis'll freak out when he sees how small it is,' Juliet cautions.

'I'll make sure to have a camera handy,' comes the gleeful response.

Artemis is waiting for them on the front steps when they return.

Holly winces from behind the wheel. Having had the day to think, she's starting to feel more than a little guilty about running away from him.

'You want me to stick around?' asks Juliet.

'No,' Holly sighs, 'I owe him an apology.'

Juliet nods. 'Though I'm willing to bet he owes you one too.'

Holly smiles, 'Isn't that always the way with us?'

'He really does care about you, you know. Well, as much as it is possible for him to care.'

'Or at least, he thinks he does,' Holly responds, parking the car.

'Holly, he misses you. You've been spending so much time with me lately he must be half crazy with jealousy. Never mind that we're moving out together. He's never been a very good loser – never had much chance to practice.'

'You've been talking to your brother, haven't you?'

Juliet chuckles. 'Guilty as charged.'

Holly shakes her head. 'You're both impossible. I swear Butler gossips more than my grandmother did.'

'How long are you going to make him wait?'

'I don't know.' She looks Juliet in the eye, 'Do you think I'm a coward?'

'I think you're hurt and have a lot to think about. But I also think that, despite whatever else he is and whatever he wants, right now he would like to help, and that you should let him - at least a little bit. Besides, it's not like you don't care about him too. I saw your face, that day in the hall.'

Holly thinks back to her conversation with Artemis Senior and frowns. She had told him to have a little more faith in his son. Maybe it's time she takes her own advice.

'Okay. Alright. I can do this.'

'That's the spirit.' Juliet pauses, half in the car and half out, 'And remember, if you need any help, just holler, I'll be there in a flash.'

Holly grins her thanks.

'Holly,' Artemis stands as she approaches, brushing off the seat of his trousers.

'Hey,' she gives him a small wave, feeling shy.

He takes a breath, fighting down the urge to be cutting. It won't get you what you want. 'I thought... yesterday, I thought you'd left.'

'I went flying, I was gone until pretty late. And then Juliet and I left early this morning.'

Artemis doesn't mention the fact that he had asked Juliet to bring Holly to him before they left. Holly scuffs her toe in the gravel.

'Those wings are something else,' she says at last. 'Thanks again.'

'Not at all.'

Silence. Artemis plays with the buttons of his cuffs.

'I'm sorry,' they both speak at once, then blush.

'You go -'

'No, please, go ahead -'

'We're both pretty crap at this, aren't we?' Holly plops herself down on the steps, arms dangling off her knees.

'Yes,' Artemis sinks down next to her. 'But we always have been.'

'And yet we do it so often. You'd think practice would make perfect.'

'If only we were so lucky.'

'Why were you so angry, anyway?' Holly turns to him.

Artemis purses his lips, a faint blush rising at the thought of his emotions being so... base.

'I may have been a little jealous,' he admits at length, under the cover of inspecting his nails.

Holly blinks. Then explodes into laughter.

Artemis watches her, nonplussed.

'Oh- oh Artemis-' her words are lost in giggles. Taking a deep breath she tries again, wiping her eyes. 'Butler was right, after all. Artemis – Arty - don't be ridiculous. I told you this is going to take me time. I'm not going to run away, I just need to think. And before you starting whining or conning me or both, let me just say that our flat is only an hour away and you can come visit anytime you like.'

'May I?' Then he frowns, 'You found a flat?'

She grins at his disappointed expression. 'We did. We're going to move in a couple of days. Once we find some furniture.'

He watches her speak, detailing their plans to hunt up a sofa, where to find futons, Juliet's inexplicable desire to have a piano. She seems so content, smiling over these ordinary difficulties. His stomach fills with warmth and, taking a gamble, he raises her chin and kisses her.

It doesn't last long. He does it to prove that he can and knows he's gone too far almost immediately, though she doesn't resist. In fact, it may be her unthinking acquiescence that makes him pause, knowing he could go on and knowing that he shouldn't. For a moment, it has to be admitted, he pushes his luck. But then he thinks better of it and, dropping his hand, moves back, swallowing.

She stares at him, wide eyed, momentarily unsure which surprises her more: that he hadn't pressed his advantage or that he had been brave enough to kiss her at all.

She licks her lips; she is like a soldier who has lost a leg but can still feel it ache, even years later. She fights down both the urge to giggle like an idiot and to slap him. Instead, she raises an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.

'I'm sorry,' he says, rising abruptly, turning his head away from her so that she can't see his smile.

Without thinking, she catches hold of his trouser leg as he turns to go. 'Don't be,' she looks away from him as well, speaking to the driveway.

'Holly, I shouldn't have, please don't –' he lets his voice go soft and pleading.

'Last night,' she interrupts him, 'when I went flying, I ended up by that oak tree. You know - the very first one. Anyway, I was pretty upset, who knows who long I spent just sitting in its branches. And while I was sitting there I was trying so hard to be furious with you but, instead, I just missed you.'

She turns then, looking him straight in the eye, her voice level and certain. 'We're friends. We're...you... honestly, you might be the best friend I've ever had, ironically enough. I've been scared and I've been stupid - you've been stupid - and we're still all of that but, until I get sorted out, we can be friends, can't we? We're good for each other.'

'That's what I've been trying to tell you for weeks now,' but he smirks at her and sits down again. Yes, we can be friends. I can be an excellent friend.

'Sorry, I tend to tune you out when you start lecturing me,' she grins back, punching him lightly on the shoulder.

He sighs, shaking his head in mock consternation as, laughing, she takes his hand in hers.

They stay there until Juliet loses an arm wrestling match with Butler and is forced to fetch them for dinner.