Chapter 86

Gifts Aplenty

Artemis' POV:

As I watched Holly descend the staircase, my jaw dropped and it became abundantly clear that I am with someone who is truly one of the most beautiful women in the world.

I could not stop staring. The color was perfect and nicely accented as the light shimmered off of the jewels surrounding her dress, and drawing every eye to her.

My eyes pulled away for barely a moment as they shifted to my family. My mother, brothers, and father were just as riveted, just as enamored as I was.

At moments like this, it is easy to believe in fairy tales. It is easy to see that she is more than human, that she is supernatural, because no creature as beautiful as this can exist as something so simply mundane as human.

"Close your mouth before a bug flies in," her tinkling laughter echoed off of the walls, a spell all its own.

Holly's POV:

Juliet gently kissed my cheek. "Good luck," she whispered.

I sighed. This was it. I was going to make my big entrance. "Presenting Miss Holly Short!"

That was my cue. I took one last deep breath as I made my slow procession down the ornate, wooden stairwell with my hand trailing lightly on the banister just as Juliet had taught me.

I moved downwards with a grace I had not even known that I possessed. Above me sparkled the chandelier that threw sparkling prisms of light at anything fortunate enough to reflect its beauty, and thankfully I was one of those fortunate beings.

First, I saw Arty's family all staring at me. Angeline and the boys were smiling and waving. But it was Artemis Senior that I was paying attention to. His face held none of the wonder or amazement of the others. Whatever emotions that he had were hidden behind a mask of cool indifference. I couldn't stare into those cold blue orbs any longer.

My eyes locked on Artemis and stayed there. He looked spectacular. Artemis always wears suits, but they did not hold a candle to this tuxedo. Obviously, it was tailor-made for him. That's the only way that it could fit so perfectly. The azure vest and tie matched the color of his eyes, and the jacket clung to his shoulders. The pants lovingly embraced his tight butt and long legs like a child hanging to its mother. The shoes shone brightly from polish, tying the look together, and made him appear… irresistible.

It's funny because as he was looking at me, I was looking at him the same way. Like a predator. As if there was no one else in the entire world. And as far as I was concerned, there really wasn't.

Finally, I stepped off of the last stair. "Close your mouth before a bug flies in," I chuckled, enjoying this rare glimpse into his speechlessness.

A slight flush came to his cheeks, and I was quite proud to have put it there. "You look beautiful," he said. He took my hand and kissed it gently, his lips caressing my skin, and causing me to shudder.

"Thank you," I smiled. "You look exceedingly handsome yourself."

"Thank you."

That's when I became aware of four sets of eyes watching me. Oh right, his family was right here. Ugh, how did he distract me so easily? How did he cause me to forget everything that was surrounding me?

I inhaled deeply, and turned to face four very important people. "I'm sorry. I don't know where my manners have gone. It's nice to see you again Mrs. Fowl."

"Oh you too, Holly." she ran and threw her arms around me. She was so graceful, so majestic, and so pretty that it was almost hard to believe that she was even a part of this family that seemed so very austere.

Arty moved to wrap an arm around my waist. Frond bless him. He could tell that I needed some strength right now even though I wouldn't admit it out loud. "Beckett, Myles. Come say hello to Holly."

"Hello Holly," the two chorused. The little blond children looked warily at me, but both seemed ready and willing to accept me as a person. At least one that they would have to deal with.

As I looked down at the boys, I couldn't help but smile. These two were so different, yet both were so much like the parts of Artemis that I was getting to know. Myles, the scientific prodigy. Beckett, the normal child who was just…happy. But I wanted to know more than just these generalizations, I wanted to know the children.

Without hesitation, I squatted on the ground. "Hi guys. I'm Holly." I looked at the boy holding a paint brush. "Obviously you're Beckett." The other twin was more reserved, more guarded. "Myles."

"Correct," the brainy twin said still somewhat stiff.

"So, what have you two done all day?"

"I painted a picture," Beckett exclaimed proudly.

I've heard a lot about his pictures. Artemis always goes into detail about the abstractism and cubism, but I've never actually had the pleasure of seeing one. "Can I see it?"

He beamed proudly. "Yes." And he scurried off to go fetch it.

"What about you, Myles?"

"I did experiments," he told me. "I worked on discovering the reproductive and ecological limitations of my new protista."

"And I don't suppose you can show me that?" I chuckled.

A slight smile spread across his round, little face. "No."

"That's too bad. One day you're going to have to explain exactly what you're doing."

"I'd be delighted." And just like that I'd won Myles over by just showing an interest in learning about what he was interested in. And perhaps the best part was the fact that I actually cared. I wanted to know about this new protista and am happy that he's so excited about it.

Not to be out done, Beckett came flying down the stairs, holding a canvas that was almost bigger than he was. He stood proudly in front of me, and removed the protective covering.

It was beautiful. The painting showed a fairy girl. Her long blond hair and blue eyes reminded me of Lili. It's eyes followed me, and somehow, he had captured a depth of innocence and mischeviousness in them that drew me in. Her gossamer wings seemed as if they would flutter and cause her to take flight any minute. And the deep blue sky behind her reflected back so that I could almost see stars moving across it.

I was shocked, but it was not hard to believe that young Beckett was capable of this. As I had learned, anyone is capable of anything. "It's amazing.

"Thank you, Ms. Holly," he replied.

"Ah, ah, ah," I waved my finger. "Just Holly is more than enough."

"Can I paint you?" It was a somewhat odd request. I had never been asked to be painted before. The hope in his eyes begged me to agree, and even if I had wanted to, I couldn't turn him down.

"Of course you can."

He nodded, his eyes clouded as he came to an important decision. "You can have this one too."

"I can?"

"Yes. Just take care of my brother for me, okay?"

Aww, he really loved his brother. His request touched my heart. "I promise I will," I replied. "Now, let me tell you two a secret."

The boy's brows raised eerily like their brothers as they leaned in close. "I think you two are even more talented than your brother."

They broke away chuckling, much to Arty's curiosity. Good, I planned on leaving it that way. This was just going to be between us three.

"Boys let Holly up. We have a few more things to do before we can leave."

"Aww, do we have to?" they groaned.

It only took one sharp glance from their brother. "Bye Holly," they chorused. It surprised me when two sets of arms threw themselves around my neck. After all, they had just met me. Yes, I was shocked, but still I hugged them tightly.

"Bye guys. See you later."

Artemis helped me to my feet, and that's when I realized that I hadn't said a word to Mr. Fowl yet. Great. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Fowl. I'm Holly, Holly Short."

His bright eyes studied me and my outstretched hand for a second. I had no idea what was going on in his mind, but Angeline was smiling. Maybe this was a good sign.

Instead of shaking my hand, he swept me into a big, bear hug. "Please, Mr. Fowl is my father and my oldest son."

I giggled. He was funny and likeable, not at all like I had expected. The more that I got to know this family, the more I saw Artemis in them all and saw that no one is exactly how I had expected. "Fine…Artemis… Senior?"

"Oh no. That's confusing. Call him Timmy dear," Angeline suggested.

"Timmy?"

"My nickname," he smiled with his arm still around my shoulders.

"Ahem," Butler cleared his throat from where he was standing at the front door. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Antonio Cervantes has arrived." Antonio Cervantes, the world renowned fashion photographer. Ah, only the best of the best will do for the Fowls.

A shorter man pushed past the large body guard, and into the living room, not knowing or either ignoring the man who could easily end his life whenever he chose to. This man was thin to the extreme. His sallow face looked hungry to say the least and the black clothes and bleached blond hair did not help in the least. "This large brute did all but strip search me!" he exclaimed. All but? Well, Butler is on his best behavior tonight.

"Welcome Antonio." Artemis went and shook the small man's hand. "It's a pleasure to have you here. What do you need from us?"

"Oh dah-ling. I need these lights set up. Quickly now." And yes he actually clapped his hands. It seems as though even he is used to having his demands catered to at all times.

It was comical to see the larger Butler rushing around to the small man's whim. "Oh dah-ling hurry up!" I called as he passed. Had it been anyone else, they would have woken up four months later with scars and only a dim memory of the events that led up to that. As it was, his only display of his abrupt anger were his narrowed eyes and tight jaw. Though for Butler that was the equivalent of ten death threats.

After what seemed like an eternity, it was all set up and Artemis and I were posed just as Antonio wanted us.

"One second, please, " Artemis called just as Antonio was aiming the camera.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black, velvet box. I glanced down in shock as he opened it to reveal a beautiful, silver diamond necklace. It was a heart with matching halves one blue and the other white so very much like us. The stones shone, throwing small prisms of rainbows about the room.

A part of me couldn't look at it. This one necklace probably cost more than I make in a year, yet Artemis probably hadn't even given the price a thought when he bought it for me.

"Holly, you look beautiful tonight, and nothing could serve to make you look any better. However, it would greatly please me if you would wear this token of my love."

I felt a tear welling in my eyes, and suddenly I was aware of the fact that everyone in the room was staring at me, waiting to see what I would say, what I would do. The only problem was that I didn't know.

But as I thought, I realized that, yes, it was expensive and beautiful, and a symbol of how we felt for each other. How could I turn it away so callously? "I love it. Thank you."

He turned me around gently and clasped he necklace. I felt its weight settle and his fingers linger around that sensitive area near my neck before turning me once again to face him.

"Beautiful, " he murmured, and I wondered if he was talking about the necklace or me. Or perhaps both of us.

"Thank you, " I whispered, feeling the tears glimmer in my eyes. I was leaning in, ready to kiss him to convey the extent of my thanks.

"Oh how sweet! " Antonio clapped. I sprang back, shocked. I had forgotten that we weren't alone. I had been so wrapped up in Artemis that I had forgotten the world around me again. Note to self: learn how to focus better. "You look wonderful, dah-ling. Now for the snappy-snappy, " he said, motioning towards his camera. We posed once again with Artemis holding me to his heart.

The camera flashed again and again, blinding me in the process. "Sexy!" He called. "Now fierce!" He aligned us in pose after pose. Maybe it was just me, but some felt like horrible jokes that would come back to bite us later. But I suppose he is the professional.

After what seemed like forever, it was over. Butler quickly packed the man away and sent him home before he was forced to damage him.

"Son, " Mr. Fowl called. "May I talk with you for a moment? " It doesn't take a genius to know that he means to talk about me. I just want to know what he's going to say, and how bad it was going to be.

"Of course, father."

"Holly! " Angeline called. "Come help me with dinner. Ah, she already knew me so well that she understands my desire to eavesdrop. Or rather my desire to calmly and kindly listen to the conversation of others.

"Coming!" And so, I moved towards the dining room while the two Artemis' headed off in the opposite direction."

"What do you need me to do, dah-ling?" I asked. Apparently I had just picked up a new habit, one that involved impersonating the photographer.

She laughed, sounding like the peal of bells. "Come on in dah-ling, and I'll show you." And apparently, my new habit was infectious.

MEANWHILE:

Artemis's POV:

"Son, may I talk with you for a moment? " my father asked.

"Of course father."

"Holly! Come help me with dinner! " My mother called. Good that would keep a certain LepRecon officer from listening at the keyholes of our doors.

"Ah, your mother is an intelligent woman, " he grinned.

Father ushered me into my own study and shut the door. He turned around and evaluated me carefully.

For a moment, I felt like a child again. Like I had been caught hacking the school's files or robbing my first bank. It took every part of me to remember that I am not that same child, searching for his father's approval. That I am an accomplished man now.

"Brings back memories, doesn't it? " he chuckled.

"It does."

"Through the years, I haven't always been the best father but since my return to health, I have tried to be a better man. With your help, I have been able to do so. And though I will never be able to make it up to you, I will never stop trying."

I struggled to find him. I struggled to save his life while my mother barely hung onto a shred of sanity. I have never been angry or resentful towards him. As any other boy, I just wanted my father. Now, I had him back and he was even better than I could have imagined. "There is no need to try, father."

A sad smile touched his lips. "If you still feel the need to call me 'father" then I do need to try. And try much harder at that."

This word bothered me not because I did not care for my father but because I hated the colloquialism. Yet, I was willing to say it for his benefit.

"Dad, you do not need to try for me."

"Regardless of my less than great parenting abilities, you've done pretty well for yourself. You're a genius, you've managed a lucrative company, you're graduating high school, you've graduated college multiple times." He chuckled. "And you've found a great girl. What more can I ask for? "

"I love her." I felt the need to say the words, to tell someone else. "Very much."

"It's funny. Just a few months ago you denied loving anyone. If memory serves, we had a very interesting conversation about your preferences. "

Heat rushed to my face from just the thought of that conversation. "Yes, it has been a rather long ride for the both of us."

"If I remember correctly, you were adamant to the statement that love was not for you."

I thought back to that day. I had been afraid to admit to the feelings that I had. Afraid that perhaps she wouldn't feel the same. "I was wrong."

My father feigned shock, covering his mouth with his hand. Of course such supposedly hilarious reactions always came at times like these. "You? Artemis Fowl II was wrong? "

"Yes, " I sighed. "I was wrong and you were right." The bitter taste of the words were on my tongue. Just the thought of them made me feel a bit sick. This must be how Holly felt when I forced her to say them. Not very pleasant to say the least.

He beamed. As a father, he had waited a very long time for this moment. "Son, I'm proud of you."

"Thank you." I tried to fight the tears of emotion that were clawing at my throat. He'd said it before, of course, but this was the first real time that he had said those words with such fervor... such pride.

"I mean it, Arty, my boy. I'm very proud of you, and I'm happy that you've found love in such an amazing young woman."

Holly. She is amazing, more so than even I know. "Then you like her? " I am sure that father does and even if he did not, it would be of no consequence to me. I have chosen her and I have learner to never doubt my own choices, because they are rarely wrong.

"How could I not? " She isn't one of the simpering ladies that most of our acquaintances are. No, she's not afraid to get dirty or play with the children."

All of the daughters of mother and father's friends are the same. "Proper " young ladies that are raised to be "perfect " homemakers. They would never stoop down on their knees in a dress, and they would only be able to see the twins as small pound notes. And they would never be enough to entertain me, because they would be easy to win over; their only motivation would be monetary, and I would be a secondary perk.

"She was good with the twins, wasn't she? " I felt pride in my Holly. She was more than a beautiful face and body. She was substance. A refined, beautiful, perfect substance.

"Amazing."

Somehow even spectacular was not elaborate enough to describe her influence. "Myles agreed to show her his experiments, and Beckett gave her a painting."

"I know, " he grinned. "It's extraordinary. "

"Extremely so." My eyes flickered to the old grandfather clock. "Though, if you are finished we should be preparing to eat before we leave."

A deep chuckle erupted from his mouth. "I'm not done just yet. You're a man now. I think it's time we really shake hands. Man to man."

"Of course."

His hand was strong as it made contact. We shook twice before he pulled away. "Be safe son."

I stared down at what my father had slipped me. The shiny wrapper caused a blush to spread across my cheeks., "Father! I do not need this."

His answering smirk was full of the self-righteous pity very much like the one that so often adorned my own face. "Son, I know what happens on nights like this. You get wild and crazy with a certain feeling burning away at you until you do something about it. And then you do. You don't want anything unfortunate to happen."

"I don't plan to do anything. "

"No one plans for these things. Good sex just happens. Ask your mother if you don't believe me."

Needless to say, that is something that I never plan on doing. "No thank you. I'd rather take my chances."

"Your loss, " he shrugged. "But if you ever need positions, I know quite a few. In fact, I know one where ..." he began.

I have been severely scarred by life, but there is only so much that one can take. "Enough! I do not need nor want to hear more about your relationship with mother. "

"Alright, " he shrugged. "But for your sake, I hope you're flexible."

Flexible? Why would I ... never mind, I do not need to know. Rather, I do not want to know. "Thank you for your advice, " I replied stiffly, unsure of what else to say. "Now, I must get back to Holly." And block this conversation to the darkest recesses of my mind where I never plan on treading again.

He smiled. "Of course."

The two of us walked into the kitchen amicably. It's somewhat strange to see that we have a relationship. During my childhood, I never would have imagined the two of us speaking about anything other than the family business and stock portfolios. I've never been more overjoyed about being wrong.

When we entered the kitchen, the first thing that I saw was Holly. Her cheeks were bright red and my mother was laughing. If my conversation was anything to go on, it would be better not to ask.

A/n:

Yay! Another Chapter Down! It's almost over. Can you believe it? I'm happy and sad to know this that there are only four chapters left to go.

Rest assured that I will update as much and as quickly as I possibly can. I wanted to be finished by July 10th, but by now you've all realized that I'm terrible at making deadlines. This time I'm going to be realistic. I want to be finished eventually. Hopefully, before my summer ends, but no promises.

Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Oh and review. Flames are welcome. They're what keep me warm and toasty at night. ;)

Remember: Reviews = happy camper. Happy camper = quicker updates. Quicker updates = you reading more. It's a cycle. Keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply,

Einstinette