Disclaimer – I don't own Artemis Fowl.

Chapter 2

I didn't see Artemis again till lunch. I did meet many other boys though. Short boys, tall boys, round boys, extremely fit boys, boys with long hair and boys in dire need of pimple cream. Let's not forget the good looking boys. I never knew there were so many different types, all of them unique and intriguing in their own way. Yet none of them could measure up to Artemis. Though a fellow classmate seemed to have adopted me. His name was Joshua O'Grady. Tall, muscular, shaggy blond hair and bright green eyes.

"Hey Callum," Joshua called, "Hurry up! There are a limited number of tables you know."

"Sorry," I said. I jogged a bit to catch up to him. It was lunch time and we were on our way to the cafeteria. We walked through a large set of doors and my nose was assaulted by a mix of different aromas. Pizza, bacon and other such goodies. My stomach growled loudly.

Joshua laughed. "Sounds like someone's hungry," he commented. "Long day?"

I didn't answer. I was distracted. Artemis was sitting at a table at the far side of the room. He was alone and reading a book. Even from a distance the book looked large and heavy.

"Uh, hello?" Joshua said, waving his arm in front of my face. "Anyone home? I asked you a question."

I shook my head. "Sorry," I said again, "I'm just a bit out of it at the moment."

"It happens to the best of us," Joshua shrugged. "So anyway, we'll get some lunch and then you can sit with some of my mates."

"Actually, I've already got someone to sit with," I said. "Maybe tomorrow." I couldn't tear my gaze away from Artemis. Joshua turned to see who I was staring at.

"Artemis Fowl?!" he said, incredulous. "You're joking! He's a cold hearted son of a bitch! I'm not sure he even has a heart! You should stay right away from him."

"He looks lonely," I muttered. "I'm sitting with him. See you later."

I stopped to grab a burger and chips before making my over to Artemis. I stood at the table for a minute, waiting to see if he would notice me. He ignored me so I sat. The book he was reading was full of large words and complicated diagrams. He absently fiddled with his chicken salad, stabbing at bit of tomato and lettuce with his fork. He casually pushed some hair out of his eyes. I almost choked on my burger, he was just so beautiful.

"What are you reading?" I asked. "Is it interesting?" I was genuinely interested.

"A book on psychology," he answered. "Why are you here?" He gave me a suspicious glare.

"I wanted to sit with you," I said truthfully. "There's nothing wrong with that." I smiled at him.

His glare darkened. He stood and shoved his book into his bag. Just as he was about to pick it up I snatched it.

"Let me carry it," I said, "it looks very heavy."

Artemis bared his teeth at me and I almost ran for it. Instead I grinned at him and motioned for him to lead the way. He scowled and walked off. I followed. He was unusually fast; I was having trouble keeping up.

"Hey," I called, "Wait up! I have your bag, remember."

He slowed down so that we were walking side by side. He glared at me. "What do you want?" He demanded. "Tell me!"

I looked into his eyes. "I want you to go out with me." I think he was too shocked to answer me so we walked like that for awhile staring at each other. Then I tripped. I'd been so busy staring I hadn't noticed to metal rubbish bin and I'd fallen over it. I lay in an embarrassing heap on the floor. Artemis retrieved his bag from where I had dropped it. He smirked at me.

"Thank you for the offer," he said, "but I'd rather not date you." He then left me lying on the floor. I groaned.

"I told you," said a voice. I looked up to see Joshua standing over me. He helped me up then said "So you like Artemis."

I blushed. I didn't like it to be common knowledge that I was gay. I wasn't even sure why I had asked Artemis out so suddenly. I'd known him less than a day.

"He's never going to go out with you," Joshua told me, "You'd better quit."

"How do you know," I snapped, "Have you tried?"

"No," he said,"I'm straight. But my sister has. She goes to St Catherine's across the road. She asked him out. Next thing you know she's crying her heart out, saying her life is over." Joshua scowled. "The little prick," he spat.

I felt sorry for his sister but also glad that Artemis had said no. Maybe he preferred men. I wasn't giving up yet, I was even more determined than ever.

A/N- Thank you everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Hopefully this chapter doesn't disappoint you all.