Upper Levels, Haven City

Mulberry Row Condominiums

Apartment 224

Morning light streamed in through sheer white curtains, dispersing golden beams across the living room. It couldn't compare to the real sunrise on the surface, of course, but it was as calm, warm, and serene as any good morning ought to be. Artificial bird songs looped outside the window, only masked by the occasional hustle and bustle of the awakening metropolis.

Holly stirred, aware of the tall presence beside her. Barely conscious, she smothered her face deeper into the soft fabric that tickled her nose, the woodsy aroma of cedar pleasing her senses. "Mmm." She snuggled herself into the couch further, feeling cozier than usual. She broke into a big yawn, fluttering her eyelids and forcing them to open. Her vision was dark with her face smothered into the couch. She pulled herself out, blinking as consciousness seeped back into her, only, she wasn't snuggling the couch - she was pressed up against Artemis, who was curled up with her in his arms.

Holly hesitated, bronze cheeks burning hotter by the minute. She was sleeping with Artemis? When did this happen?! She reached out slowly, careful not to wake him. A calloused finger ran along his cheekbone, eventually trailing the dark hair along his jaw. Her finger stopped at his mouth, hushed snores escaping parted lips. She brushed against his bottom lip as gently as she could, wanting to memorize his features now that he was so still and close, despite having done so many times before.

She pulled back, wrapping her arms around his torso instead, eager to be closer to him. He was a little cold against her, like an ice cube, but his chest radiated a deeper warmth that comforted Holly's bones. Her smile was bright when she felt him stir, watching his sleepy features in rapt enjoyment until his eyes rolled in their sockets. He groaned and flopped over, scrunching his face in a daze. He groaned again, eventually forcing himself to squint at her. She giggled at his delirium, resting her chin on his chest. "Rise and shine."

Artemis shook his head a little, unable to stop a yawn as he stretched his legs out from his resting position. He tilted his head to look at Holly, blinking for a few moments to remember how he'd ended up with her cuddling him.

She had a nightmare, and asked me to stay. That's right.

A drowsy smile crept on his lips as he peered at her. "Hi."

"Hi."

Artemis yawned again, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Time for you to get a watch!" He threw an unamused glance her way and she shrugged. "I dunno. Check your phone."

"I don't have my phone, remember?" he mumbled huskily.

"Oh well. It's 5 o'clock somewhere." Holly rested the side of her cheek against his chest as she gazed at his confused frown. "Did I ever tell you that you look cute when you're sleepy?"

"Do I, now?" Artemis questioned, closing his eyes and flipping over so he was against his back now, but Holly still clung to him, nuzzling into his chest as he shifted. "Did I ever tell you that you look cute always?" he countered nonchalantly, hiding a dopey grin underneath his arm.

"Did Artemis Fowl just use improper grammar to compliment me?"

"Yes. Yes he did."

"Wooow. I can't believe you'd do that for me!"

"I would do many things for you."

"Yeah, like almost burn my house down."

"That was an accident," he grimaced. "And in all fairness, you should've been supervising me-"

"Oh yes , because Artemis Fowl, a grown genius of a man, needs to be supervised when he uses the stove."

Artemis narrowed his eyes playfully, a smile still locked in place. "I am never complimenting you again."

Holly tapped his chest with her fingers. "You're mean."

"Am not."

"Mhm." She hugged him tighter, smushing her face deeper into his shirt. She wasn't sure how she got here and how they ended up like this, but she was thoroughly enjoying it. Was he, though? Artemis wasn't a particularly touchy-feely person, unlike Holly herself.

"You don't hate this, right?"

Artemis wasn't sure what she was referring to, but he wasn't entirely awake either, much to his brain's dismay. By this, did she mean their conversation? Their banter? Did she mean the compliments themselves? Or when she said this, had she been referring to them, huddled up and sleeping together? Of course he didn't hate this. Why would she ask that? But was that what she'd meant? He couldn't ask either. He'd look like an idiot. So, he risked it and went with the latter.

"No," he said truthfully. "I don't hate this."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"...Do you promise?"

He lost himself in her enchanting eyes then, studying their feline shape and long lashes. His chest rose and fell with each timid breath, shifting to meet her hazel gaze. "I promise."

"Good." Holly pressed her palms on his pecs, resting her chin on top of splayed hands as she smiled at him. "So, how did we end up like this?"

Artemis rubbed his eyes again, forcing himself to fully awaken. "Um…" He lifted a hand to her head, lazily running his fingers through her hair. "You had a nightmare and asked me to stay."

"That must've been annoying," she said glumly, her smile shrinking as she diverted her gaze. "Sorry."

"It's okay."

But something was off about his delivery, prompting Holly to peek back at him inquisitively. Was he… was he trying not to laugh? He had a strange, puffed look on his face, as if he was trying to hold something in. Holly waited for a pathetic punchline.

"You're quite clingy when you're in distress," he broke into a grin, unable to resist the playful guilt he felt for ribbing her. "It's something I've just come to accept now."

"Oh?! Clingy, huh?" Holly gaped, shooting her hands out to wrangle his throat in good humor. "Well, maybe if you didn't put me in distress, I wouldn't need to cling to you!"

"Please, Officer, nooo," Artemis drawled in the most dramatically bored voice he could muster, pretending to be mildly threatened by her playful choking. "I'm entirely at your mercy. Please- I think I'm-" And then he stilled, eyes closed, mouth slightly parted as he pretended to die, resisting as best he could the urge to burst out laughing.

"You- Artemis fucking Fowl!" Holly cackled. She released his throat, pressing her palms down on his shoulders instead. "Don't you dare do that."

"Apologies, fair lady," he said smugly. He laughed when Holly smeared her hand over his face, turning his cheek gently. "Sore subject?"

"Yes, máithar fucker!" Holly giggled, hiding her face in his cashmere shirt.

"What?!"

She didn't answer, letting the moment build instead. Seconds later, they broke into hysterical laughter. When they died down, Holly peered up, turning his cheek again. "Shut up."

She removed her hands, shuffling them underneath her like a cat. Artemis eyed her while rubbing his cheek, shaking his head in entertainment. "What are you on about?" She didn't reply to that either, burrowing her face even more. He couldn't help but chuckle at her endearing reaction, and resumed running his fingers through the mass of hair sprawled around him. He thought back to a few months ago, when he had reunited with Holly in the French countryside, surrounded by a bed of lavender as her long locks swayed in the breeze. It'd been a shock to him then, and in a way, was still surprising now. He'd never seen her without her iconic crew cut or variations of it, save a few ridiculous wigs. She really appeared like a fairy now, with her pointed ears poking through auburn waves.

I don't know why it strikes me so, he pondered to himself. I'd love her in any haircut she chooses. She could be bald. I wouldn't care. His eyes widened as he had a revelation.

I'd… love her? Lili was right.

Artemis kept his cool composure, his attention slowly trickling back to her, for she was smiling at him under her mess of hair now.

I love…

He didn't finish the thought. Instead he sighed, sweeping the hair out of her eyes. "Why would you think I hate this?"

"Huh?" Holly perked up, smoothing her hair back to fully see him. "What do you mean?"

"When you asked if I hated this. Why did you think I would?" he inquired, lifting a curious brow.

"Oh…" Holly drummed her fingers on his pecs in thought. "You're just not a physical person. I didn't know if this made you uncomfortable."

"Ah. I see." Artemis dropped his gaze to her rug. He stopped stroking her hair but continued to cradle her head, rubbing his thumb fondly in circles. "That's true. I prefer to avoid physical contact, if I can. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it." He lifted his gaze, meeting her hazel eye, just the hazel one. "I haven't been held much in my life, and it's true, I don't particularly enjoy it when it's done by others."

He took another breath, braving the subject. "But, intimacy and affection is something I've had so little of that I think, like anyone, I like to engage in it from time to time." He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer to prove his point. "Especially like this. I really enjoy this."

"You never cuddled with Keni?" Holly teased, though she was genuinely curious. She didn't ask him much about his relationship since their explosive argument, and she didn't want to bring it up and appear jealous. But, she sure did think about it enough.

"We only dated a week, Holls," Artemis rolled his eyes. He suddenly threw an impish smile her way. "Did you cuddle with Kelp?"

"Whaaa? Don't ask me that…" Holly blushed. "No… not really." Her eyes became sad and distant, drifting away from Artemis' gaze. "I kind of used him. So, it wasn't really like that."

"Well, it was the same with Keni," Artemis said. "It wasn't a 'cuddling' sort of relationship."

"But you'll cuddle with me?" Holly snickered.

"This was your request," he insisted, dropping his hand from her head to shrug dramatically. "I simply obliged."

"Ahhh. I see," Holly continued with an elfish gleam in her eyes. "I've unlocked a special achievement: your weakness!"

"My weakness?"

"Me. It's me. I'm your weakness."

"What?" he chortled, the sound deep in his throat. "Explain."

"You admitted I'm cute and you'll cuddle me at your disposal?" Holly poked his chest all over with a nimble finger. "I'm youuur weaknesssss," she joked in a sing-song tune.

"Are not."

"Are too."

"I have another weakness you may not know of," Artemis grinned in jest.

"Oh?!" Holly sat up slightly, propping her chin on him. "And what's that? Some sort of symphony in G shar- G min… G?"

"You mean G-sharp minor?" Artemis corrected, his grin growing larger. "I do love a good number in G-sharp minor, but no. That's not it."

"Hmmm. Is it weird like shark soup or something?"

"Shark fin is excellent for stimulating brain function. I used to enjoy it when I was younger, actually. But the methods of hunting sharks and fishing them are more than often unethical, with the shark's fins being removed and the shark left to drown. So, because it's uncommon to find reliable sourcing, I've chosen to no longer consume it."

"Aw. That's sad, actually." Holly moved her chin in her palm, irritation slashing her brow. "Reminds me why I hate most humans."

"I know. Sorry." He offered her a playful smile. "I'm surprised you're not asleep."

"Eh. Not all your lectures are boring." Holly drummed her fingers on her cheek as she mulled it over. "I give up."

Artemis sucked in a huge breath. Should he tell her? She would certainly use it against him. "I have a ticklish spot," he whispered. He closed his eyes, resting his head back on the pillow to mimic sleep, regretting bringing up the subject. "That's all I'm telling you."

"You have a ticklish spot?!" Holly squealed, the tips of her pointed ears twitching in excitement. She dove in, ravaging his armpits with frantic fingers. "Where is it?!"

"I'm not telling you!"

"WHAT?! Why not?"

"Because it's my weakness." Artemis opened one eye to peer at her. "If I tell you, you can use it against me."

"Then why mention it?" she laughed, the sound like a joyous melody to his ears.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Oh? So you admit you can have bad ideas?" Holly ribbed. She waited for him to throw an annoyed squint at her - knowing he hated any pokes at his intelligence - when she jolted forward to smash her forehead against his, his icy skin cool against hers. "I'm gonna find it."

"Don't. You. Dare," he warned as he closed his eyes, but he couldn't resist breaking the aloof demeanor with a bright smile. "I can sue you."

"Sue me." Holly slid herself down his torso so she could rest her knees between his legs. She patted her hands all over, exploring the platonic parts of his body for a sensitive spot.

"Wha- stop that!"

"I will find you!"

"Right then. Where's yours?"

"Ah! Art- Arty! Nooo!"

And as her nail accidentally grazed his left hip, he jerked once, frozen in place when he noticed her devilish smile. Artemis' eyes were bright with playful desperation, a panicked smile creeping up his cheeks. "Don't-"

But Holly pounced his hip, tickling the snippet of bare flesh peeking out from his shirt. Holly relished listening to his real laugh, as it wasn't something he shared outside of his time with her (unless he did that creepy chuckle one that he used to freak people out). The sound of his voice was adorable, husky even. Even the genuine smile on his face, this tiny, small moment of levity in time - it was a moment she wanted to freeze, like in a little snowglobe. One she could replay over and over again.

Gods, how she wanted this.

And then the globe cracked, Artemis charging through with his fingers stabbing her diaphragm, sending her into a fit of giggles. She forgot about freezing the moment, and decided to live in it instead, letting go of any thoughts or anxieties and just enjoying. She jolted back, trying to swerve Artemis' attack on her, but he was tall and lean and persistent. Her stomach hurt from laughter now, as she was sure his did. So, like any competitive fairy, Holly pressed her fingers into his hip, nearly scratching the surface flesh.

The two were nearly at each other's limit, limbs, hands, fingers flailing about when Artemis jumped a little too hard, knocking Holly off of him and the couch. But she didn't go down easy. No, her fingers were buried in Artemis' shirt, so as she rolled over and onto the floor, she dragged him along with her.

"Wha-? Holly, no!"

Thunk.

"Ow." Holly didn't let up though. Her fingers immediately flew to his hip again, causing him to buck and climb to his knees so he was above her.

Artemis felt like his diaphragm would burst if she kept going at this rate. He laughed between gulps of air, unable to catch his breath. "Ho- Holly-" It was a little painful now, and he decided he'd have to do what needed to be done. So, he gripped each of her wrists and pinned her below him, using his human size to weigh her down against the plush rug. "Hah. There," he panted, smiling at her in relief. "You can't get out of that."

"Sure about that?" Holly grinned, raising her brows at him. And before Artemis could react, Holly thrust her hips up, launching him up and nearly over her - that was, had he not leaned forward and pinned her fully. She squirmed underneath him, her eyes fiery with rebellion and… something else.

Artemis ogled on a little more, studying the foreign look in her hazel eye. She was… looking at him tenderly. Was that it? His cheeks grew hotter the longer he stared, and he resisted the urge to glance at her lips. He lost. They were glistening and round, stuck in a pouty smirk. He glanced back at her hazel eye, noting her flushed cheeks on the way, and the fond look that was still there. She had to have felt the same way he did right now. He couldn't take his eyes off of her as the morning light encased her with an angelic halo.

And he didn't know why, or what compelled him to do so, but Artemis leaned down and kissed Holly, his lips light and careful against hers. They were soft and ample, and her scent of lemon sage drifted his mind far, far away. He didn't dare try for more, lifting his lips slowly off hers, eager to see her reaction.

Holly's eyes went wide as saucers in shock, her mouth hung open speechlessly. And it was then, Artemis realized his affections were one-sided, or appeared to be. "Sorry! Sorry! I- I-" he stammered, reeling backwards on his knees. "I don't know why I did that. I don't know what came over me. I'm- er-" His hand flew to his neck, massaging it nervously as his heart spasmed in his chest. "I'm so sorry. I entirely misread the situation. I, er, don't usually make errors like that-"

But Holly wasn't angry. She wasn't punching or yelling curses at him. Her mouth wasn't curled in disgust, and her bold brows were raised in surprise, rather than rage. She snapped up into a sitting position, blinked twice, and interjected his panic with a "Hey!"

Artemis panted, mortification preventing him from moving. "Huh?" he breathed rapidly, analyzing her charming bewilderment.

Holly snickered, a flustered smile filling rubied cheeks. "It's okay," she reassured him sweetly. "Consider it payback."

"Payback?" Artemis asked with an arched brow.

She gave a firm nod. "For when I kissed you all those years ago. You didn't get a say. So, it's payback." Her eyes were caring and sympathetic, as if ensuring that she wasn't disturbed.

"Payback…" He trailed off, weary eyes drifting to gaze at the fluffy rug. "Yeah." He offered her a secure smile, despite the tearing of valves in his heart. "Right then. I can accept that."

An awkward air wafted between them, growing heavier by the second.

Holly could barely think. She desperately wanted to reach for him and pull him in, smash her lips against his, beg him to hold her and never let go. But, the thought also freaked her out. She tried to move a finger forward, letting the limb flop lazily about the rug, and she couldn't do it. She couldn't advance towards him, no matter how badly she wanted to. No matter how many times she screamed 'Have me!' on the inside , he wouldn't hear her. She was stuck.

"It's nearly 8:20," Artemis announced, nodding to the holo-clock on the kitchen wall behind her. "Minerva's Council meeting is at 9. We should leave soon."

"Yeah… yeah of course," Holly whispered, bobbing her head in agreement. It was all she could manage at the moment. "Um… I can make some espresso while you get dressed. You take longer than me, anyway."

"I do not." Artemis rolled his eyes as he straightened to his feet, brushing off his knees.

"Do too!" she snorted, her nerves falling a bit back towards Earth now. She felt more grounded with each breath. "You're the fashionista here."

"... Touché." Artemis moved away, nonchalantly advancing towards the bedroom. "I'll be getting ready then."

"Cool." Holly waited for him to disappear before heaving out a huge sigh, letting her mind wander as she bore an intense stare into the bare wall.

He… kissed me. Artemis kissed me.

The tiniest of guilty smiles spread across a beet-red face, her stare dropping to the floor. He really did like her, then. She couldn't be stupid about it now, not if he was acting on his feelings. But, Holly was certain she felt the same way. So, why did the idea of being with him scare her? It scared her just as much to be without him. There had to be a deeper reason.

"But for now," she muttered, smoothing her hair out of her face. "Coffee."

Artemis, meanwhile, pressed his back against the bedroom wall, exhaling a shaky breath as he glared at the ceiling in dismay.

"Imbecile."

Police Plaza, Top Floor

Observation Deck

The duo arrived at Police Plaza nearly thirty minutes later. Artemis was fashionable as per usual, fitted with a navy suit-and-tie affair, complete with gold cufflinks and watch, his spark of decency necklace front and center. Holly had protested his display of wealth, insisting he should take a humbler approach towards the Council. But Artemis was undeterred. Aurum est Potestas, he had quoted to her with a smug wink. It was all she needed to quit her efforts and just let him be.

Holly herself wasn't on duty, so she resorted to a comfier get-up, sporting a sleeveless black hoodie-cargo pants combo, her messy braids whipping behind her as they marched towards the giant malachite doors, teal-gold banners streaming over their heads.

A blonde woman with an identical toddler noticed them, Numi's dress swaying as she frantically waved them over. Minerva was more recognizable without her red wig, her blonde coils brushed high into a topknot bun. Her tattoos were hidden within a dark grey pantsuit as she tapped a thin stiletto on the glossy marble floor.

"Hi hi hi!" Numi cooed once the pair were in earshot, bouncing excitedly at her mother's side.

"Hi, indeed." Minerva ceased her foot tapping and arched an irritated brow at Artemis. "You certainly took your time getting here."

"We're ten minutes early," he countered, adjusting his silk cuffs. He raised an equally disapproving brow, scanning her outfit. "You look… modest."

"Oui. I'm trying to appear neutral and relatable. You know, as any innocent defendant in court should be. However, I'm not really sure what you're going for. The 2010 Balenciaga catalogue or RuPaul's Drag Race."

"Yes, well, to represent someone as forgettable as you, someone has to make an impression."

"Represent me?" Minerva cackled, playing with one of Numi's curls. "Oh, t'es vraiment qu'un pauvre idiot. You're not representing me."

"Come again?"

"I'm representing myself. You really think I need to rely on you to vouch for me in front of the Council? I can handle this myself."

"Then why are we here?" Holly asked bitterly, crossing her arms.

"I need someone to watch Numi while I'm inside. At least, until they ask to see her, if my suspicions are correct."

"You want me and Artemis to babysit your daughter?" she asked in disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"Who else am I supposed to trust her to?"

"Uh, Butler? Your dad? Your brother, even? We're not a babysitting service. Don't you-" Holly noticed Numi's distressed brows cinched together. She sighed, guilt claiming her. It wasn't the girl's fault, after all.

Holly kneeled down to her height. "Hey, kiddo. You're okay with us watching you?"

Numi didn't reply but chewed on her lip instead, swaying side to side as she mulled over how she felt about the whole thing.

Minerva's comforting hand smoothed over Numi's shoulder, letting her know she was safe. "Just for a little while. Okay, bébé?"

"Mmkay," Numi murmured, but it sounded forced. She clamped down harder on her lip, hammering her gaze into the floor.

"You were saying last night you liked Miss Fairy, remember?"

"-Miss Fairy?"

Minerva ignored Holly, cupping her daughter's cheeks. "Maman will be right back, chérie. Oui?"

"Oui."

Minerva offered her daughter a smile and stood straight, smoothing presumed crinkles from her trousers. "Alright, then. Stay close by in case they need to bring her in."

"We'll be here," Artemis groaned, annoyed he had put together a sophisticated outfit, only for his efforts to be expended on babysitting. "We'll take care of your daughter," he said gently. He could see the concern in her eyes, something he wasn't used to with Minerva. Minerva had always been more carefree, impulsive, and daring than him. To see her level of stress really hit him. "It's going to be okay, Min. You're going to be splendid."

"I know. I always am." She sighed and whirled around, smiling at them from over her shoulder as her heels clacked against the stone floor. "See you on the other side," she said with a wave, disappearing behind the massive crystalline doors.

Holly and Artemis sighed in unison, side-glancing each other. "At least this is more interesting than another trial," Holly said.

"I suppose," Artemis replied sourly, still miffed about his outfit.

"We didn't have breakfast either. We could all eat together!" Holly grew a bright, cheesy smile on her face to show the little girl. "What do you say? You hungry, Numi?" Her question trailed off when she realized she was speaking to dead air. She blinked, spinning in circles. But the little girl wasn't there.

Holly whipped to Artemis, grasping his arm urgently. "Arty… where's Numi?"

Artemis did the same, darting around to scan the observation deck for the absent child, but she was nowhere to be found. His eyes fell back down to Holly's, each pair equally wide with fear as the same thought plagued them: Oh no.

"No, no, no," Artemis muttered as he twirled in circles. "Numi?!"

"Numi?!" Holly joined in the hunt, calling out with cupped hands. "Numi?"

"Numi!"

"Numi?!"

Holly shook her head. "It's no use. Gods dammit! She was just here!"

"Perhaps this is foreshadowing that we should never bear children," Artemis said, smoothing his hair back anxiously.

Holly squinted up at him. "We should never bear children? We?"

Artemis gave her a deadpan look. "...I meant individually, not… Nevermind." He clapped his hands once, rubbing his palms together. "Okay. Here's the plan."

"Finally."

"We've had to search and rescue a lemur before. Surely, we can find the child of a genius. We were fine then. We're fine now. We will be just fine-"

"Arty-"

"Except if we don't find Numi, we may actually die-"

"-Oh, gods."

"Minerva may actually kill me-"

"Artemis!" Holly yelped, shaking his arms. "What is your plan?!"

Artemis snapped out of his paralyzing fear and stared ahead determinedly. "I have several suggestions, but we must remain covert. If Minerva finds out-"

"She'll kill us. Yeah, yeah. I know."

"Right. So, our best course of action is to split up. You take the right side of the plaza, I take the left."

"...That's your glorious plan?"

"It'd be beneficial to have Foaly check the cameras, as well. I'm sure he'll spot the little one somewhere."

"That's more like it. Okay," Holly sighed, fidgeting with a braid. "I'll tell him to keep an eye out. Where would a toddler run off to, anyway?"

"I've not the slightest idea. She's half human, so anything colourful might entice her. But she's also a fairy, so anything shiny may attract her eye," Artemis said, stroking his chin in thought when he noticed Holly glowering into him. "What?"

"Shiny, huh?" Holly grunted, crossing her arms. "Such a stereotype."

"You held me up in the mineral market for three hours last week. Remember that?"

"...They were having a really nice sale."

Artemis grinned. "My point. Hook, line, and sinker. Thank you."

"Okay! Enough." Holly threw her arms up to create distance between them. "Call me on your comm with an update."

"Roger that, Commodore." Artemis threw her a sly wink and he swore he saw her skin shiver, though he couldn't tell if she was cringing at him, or simply cold.

In reality, Holly had swooned slightly, but she kept that to herself, holding her head high. "Let's find this cute genius kid."

The second-largest library in Haven had been stunningly quiet as Holly stormed through aisles of glass bookshelves. She cupped her hands around her mouth, calling out, "Numi! Pssst. Numi!" as quietly as she could. Despite her efforts, the gnome librarian still shushed her.

The gun range was (thankfully) empty, save one burly elf blasting rounds into a wall of holo-decoys. And, by now, Holly had found herself racing about the cafeteria, peeking between rows of steaming vegetables for a tiny blonde. But no matter how many tables she looked under, coffee bean grinders she peeked behind, or coolers she peered inside of, Numi was nowhere to be found. However, Holly did run into the dwarven chef hiding in the bread pantry, catching him in the act of shoving a cheesy baked potato down his gigantic throat. After staring at each other for much longer than necessary, she dipped out, letting the hungry dwarf be.

Plagued with stress, Holly exhaled a moaning sigh. She pinged Foaly again but the centaur hadn't answered, only adding to her worry tenfold. She twirled in circles under the solarium's glass dome, having ended up on the right side by the time she had scoured through half the plaza. She bore a heavy gaze into the glass panes, watching the gilded panels gleam rainbows as they shimmered in the sim-sunlight. Her heart was in her stomach, an uneasiness for both Foaly and Numi bubbled her insides when it was all furthered by a buzzing in her palm. Finally! Holly's eyes brightened, scrambling to open the lock screen on her phone.

Minerva calling. Answer?

"Ah, fuck." Holly promptly declined, only for Minerva to dial again, the name on her screen taunting Holly. "Fuck. Fuck."

She clicked open her carnelian comm ring and let the ringer echo, eyes flicking about the lush plant life that swarmed the solarium like a jungle. Eventually the ringer stopped, and an Irish voice came through.

"Hey. Anything?"

"No, but now Minerva's calling," Holly moaned, picking at her nail beds to comfort herself. "And I can't get ahold of Foaly either. This is stressing me out." The line went quiet for a second but Holly swore she heard Artemis gasp. "What?! What is it?!"

"I really am a fool," he chuckled, his voice light and calm. "Of course she'd be there."

"Where? What aren't you telling me, Arty?"

"Holls, where is Foaly's booth?"

LEP Police Plaza

Operations Booth

By the time Artemis reached the science sector of the plaza, Holly was already waiting for him at the sliding glass doors to Foaly's quarters. He couldn't help but chuckle at her appearance, suddenly noticing their height difference. It was something he'd grown very accustomed to through the years, but sometimes, like now, he realized just how small she was compared to him. His heart fluttered with adoration, a pinkish hue coloring pallid cheeks.

"Took you long enough," Holly teased, tapping her foot to mimic Minerva.

"Ah, first Minerva, now you?" Artemis straightened his blazer, trying to hide his smile. "Will I have any female allies by the end of today?"

"Well, if Numi is with Foaly, you can ask her yourself," Holly winked. She scanned her badge and the doors slid open, leading Artemis through the tempered glass corridor. They stopped outside Foaly's laboratory, intense anxiety claiming the duo as they hesitated. "'Kay. Moment of truth," Holly said, scanning her badge once more.

The pair made their way inside, with Holly prepared to call out and hammer Foaly with a dozen questions - when they froze, stunned by the sight before them.

Foaly was over by his microscope, leaning over his table of samples and slides, but that was typical for the centaur. What wasn't typical for him was the miniature blonde sitting in the crook of his arm, pointing to different slides as Foaly's nasally lecture echoed in Gnommish around the lab.

"And as you can see here, we correct the total leukocyte count of a stink worm."

"A worm!" Her sweet giggles filled the air.

"Yes, a stink worm! I count how many nucleated red blood cells and white blood cells that include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. So, to find the corrected white blood cell count, I'll multiply the amount of white blood cells I see in this smear under the microscope-" he held up the tiny slide for her to see and slid it into its slot, "-and multiply by 100. Then we will divide that number by the total amount of nucleated red blood cells that I see from the microscope view and add 100."

"And that is your total corrected white blood cell count?" Numi asked, chubby fingers pointed at the microscope.

"Precisely! Oh, very good, little one!" Foaly finally noticed the pair and popped his head up. He readjusted the little girl on his elbow, turning fully to greet them. "Oh, hey! Do you know whose kid this is? She's awfully cute, and the smartest kid I've met besides my own!" He turned back to Numi and booped her nose, causing her to giggle. "An absolute little genius!"

"Oh, thank gods you're okay!" Holly started first.

"Oh, good. You know her!" Foaly remarked, peeling her off his chest and setting her on her feet.

"Oh, joyous day, we are saved," Artemis breathed, practically falling over the worktable.

Holly grimaced at Artemis playfully, turning back to Numi. "Nooms, we looked everywhere for you! Don't ever do that again!" Holly turned her fierce gaze on Foaly now. "And you! You had the gall to not answer your phone? I almost had a heart attack!"

"We almost did," Artemis corrected, narrowing his eyes at Foaly. "Much of this would've been resolved had you simply answered."

"All of this would've been resolved had you not lost her in the first place!" Foaly retorted, playfully kicking a hoof at Artemis.

"I'm sorry I ran off," Numi interrupted, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her curls. She was well-spoken but her childish lisp was strong, so her words were a little hard to understand. "I smelled strawbabies so I went into th- the alligator, and- and the alliga- alligator took me to the chicken, but the chicken was empty! So- So, I asked a peaceman where I could get strawbabies and he led me to the lab! And now Mr. Foaly is teaching me how- how- how to combine the DNA of a stink worm and strawbaby."

There were several seconds of silence as Artemis and Holly gazed at the child, their faces growing more and more confused by the second.

Artemis leaned down and nudged Holly's shoulder. "Did you get all of that?"

"Nope." Holly smiled regardless, facepalming lightly. "Thank you for apologizing, Noom Nooms. Don't do it again, okay? You really scared the adults for a second." She reached out, taking the little girl's hand in hers. Holly turned to Foaly next. "Thank you for watching her," she said, leaning on her toes to kiss Foaly's cheek. "I may have actually cried otherwise."

Artemis snorted. "You cry all the time- ow!"

"So, you adopted a kid?" Foaly asked, scratching his head. "I knew you two were fond of eachother but that seems like an extreme step, if you ask me-"

"No!" Artemis and Holly shouted in unison.

"She's not ours!"

"She's Minerva's!"

"Maman is meeting with the fa- fair- fairy Council, so- so- so, um," Numi declared a bit out of breath, and pointed at Artemis and Holly. "She asked Mister Blasternaught and Miss Fairy to watch me."

"My name is Holly, Noom Nooms."

"Noom Nooms?" Artemis elbowed Holly's shoulder, whispering into her ear. "Someone's attached rather easily."

Holly rolled her eyes. "I bet she likes the nickname. Do you like it, Nooms? You're okay with it?"

"Yeah!"

"See?" Holly's phone buzzed again. She unlocked the screen: Minerva was calling again. She blew a breath, "We are so lucky." She glanced at Numi. "Ready to see your mom again? She's waiting for you."

Numi jumped up and down excitedly, punching her fists into the air. "Maman! Maman!"

Police Plaza, Top Floor

Haven City Council Room

"So, Dr. Fowl: In your own words, what is the intent of having this human, erm, Dr. Minerva Paradizo, in Haven City?" Chairman Cahartez asked from his chair, fingers steepled on the crystalline table. "And how does having another human in Haven benefit us, rather than affect us?"

Artemis stood beside Minerva at the gold podium in the center of the court, having sat in on the remainder of her deposition. Minerva had made her case, and rather well, too. For her crimes, she'd pay a fine and serve two years of community service. And now, the Council was turning to Artemis and Holly for further validation of her permanent citizenship.

Numi bounced on Holly's lap in the stands, waving to her mother in innocent excitement. Her dark eyes were wide as they darted around the sparkly room, curious and eager as she studied each fairy her eyes landed on.

Minerva gave a delicate wave of her fingers to her baby girl, a loving smile washing away any sternness she'd felt before. She turned back to Artemis and nodded, allowing him to take the stand.

Artemis took a few steps forward in his sleek Fendi dress shoes and cleared his throat. "Chairman Cahartez, I have a proposition for Dr. Paradizo: Since she already handles all matters within The Black Alley exclusively, I find it beneficial and efficient to have her take over my position as overseer of the Alley."

"If I may?" Councilor Fleetstream interjected, pushing her thin, emerald glasses up her nose. "Why should we allow Dr. Paradizo further engagement with the Alley?"

"Dr. Paradizo is already being monitored by the LEP and all transactions run through you, as previously negotiated," Artemis explained simply, crossing his arms behind his back. "With her in charge, I will be able to expand my efforts into other ventures. I've been considering taking up residence as an assistant lab technician for the LEP's technical division. Under Foaly's supervision, of course."

Holly was stunned. He'd never mentioned this before, at least not to her. Artemis? As an assistant to Foaly? Were her ears filled with cotton, or had she heard that correctly?

"So, you intend to join the LEP?" Cahartez stroked his chin in consideration. "Interesting."

"Yes. Very interesting that an ex-criminal mastermind suddenly wants to join the People's police force," Dr. Beste droned from her corner of the table. "And what happens when one of you humans decide to have a battle of wits and wreak havoc in Haven again?"

"Then arrest us, and have us imprisoned," Minerva replied, stepping up beside Artemis, her chest and chin held high. "We are in your domain, therefore we follow your rules. I insist this is all we want. I insist I will do whatever it takes to keep my daughter safe, and in Haven." Her eyes were hard and steely behind her thick-rimmed glasses, the kind of gaze that would intimidate even a troll. "For my daughter," Minerva glanced Numi's way once more, her baby's youthful smile filling her heart with love. "Whatever it takes."

The group strolled out of the Council Room together, Artemis and Minerva chatting away the latter's success as Numi pirouetted behind. Holly followed behind them slowly, unable to resist an infectious grin from Numi's boundless, enthusiastic energy, her tiny giggles like chimes amongst the hustle and bustle of Police Plaza. Numi halted suddenly, dizzy from her twirling and rammed her head into Holly's hip.

"Woah, Nooms!" Holly chuckled, helping the little girl stabilize with a gentle hand to the shoulder.

"Careful, baby," Minerva said, bending down to scoop her child into her chest.

Holly couldn't help but feel charmed at the moment, getting her daily dose of cute from the fairy human genius toddler extraordinaire. She clamped down on her lip to resist another chuckle, curiously glancing upwards at Artemis. She didn't know if he met her gaze or was already staring at her, but his eyes were distant and calm as he looked at her. He was thinking. What about, she couldn't be sure.

"Hey."

Holly shook her head lightly to clear her thoughts, aware of Minerva and Numi beside her again. "Yeah?"

"Numi and I are pretty hungry, so we're going to grab some breakfast." Minerva tucked a curly strand on Numi's head, revealing her tiny pointed ears. "Will you two be joining us?"

"Yeah!" Numi chimed in with a bright smile. "We can have strawbabies!"

"Mmm, that sounds delicious, Noom Nooms," Holly said, tickling the girl's chubby arm. Holly's demeanor shifted serious suddenly, glancing back at Artemis. "But, I have to talk to Astroboy about something, so go on ahead, okay? We'll have plenty of time to hang out later." Holly leaned forward, so it was just the two of them. "I can teach you everything I know about magick. Sweet, huh?" she whispered with a wink.

"Trust me," Artemis played along, tall above the group. "She's really good at magick."

Holly couldn't help a smile as she rolled her eyes to the compliment, waving goodbye as the mother and daughter became smaller and smaller at the end of the crystalline corridor, until they disappeared through the elevator doors.

She heaved a sigh of relief, setting her sights on Artemis keenly. "Hey."

"So, what's up?"

"What's up?" Holly repeated incredulously.

"...Yes?"

"That's awfully casual of you," she grinned.

"I blame you," Artemis smirked, turning to fully face her. He adjusted his gold wrist watch, hoping Holly didn't notice the behavior as a nervous one. "What did you want to talk about?"

Holly couldn't help but reveal the most elfish, mischievous grin, her eyes gleaming with trouble. "I, uh… okay. Bear with me, okay?" she exasperated.

"Okay?" Artemis asked with a confused smile, putting his hands in his coat pockets.

"Well, it's still pretty early, and we have the whole day off. Well, at least I do…" she raised her brows at him, as if asking for his confirmation.

"Yes, I'm off," he chuckled, trying his best to hide how enamored he was with her at the moment.

"Cool," Holly straightened her posture, facing him head on. Now or nothing. "Well, I was thinking we should go on a date… not like, you know, the ones we do all the time but like… a real date."

Artemis blushed, raising his brows. "A real date?"

"Yeah," she nodded, her grin growing larger. "You know, like a real date."

"What's this 'real date' consist of?" Artemis asked, a little out of breath. Was she serious? She wasn't pulling his leg, or setting up a hidden camera somewhere? He almost couldn't believe his ears, but kept it all to himself. It wouldn't be impressive to lose his cool now. "It doesn't involve destroying me at laser tag, or something of the like, does it?"

"Not laser tag… but what's your definition of 'destroying'?" she grinned even more impishly, leaning into his torso.

Artemis squinted his eyes through a smile. "What're you planning?"

"I think it's about time you earn your official fairy card."

"My what?"

"We've gotta do it, Fowl. It's our social duty."

"Holls, what are you absolutely on about?"

"We're going to watch them."

"Them?" Artemis breathed, blinking rapidly.

"Them."

And then he realized. "Oh no."

"Oh yes. It's time we watch the Fowl Fairy movies."

Artemis couldn't help but release a sharp cackle. "How many?"

"All five."

"Are we watching them at home?"

"No no no." Holly stood defiantly before him, firm fists on her hips as she insisted on steering the conversation. "In the theatres. G-Max. The full experience."

"Oh gods. Do I need to buy out the theater?"

"No." Holly drummed her fingertips together. "I want a live audience to experience our anguish. That is, if anyone is even watching it at this time. So, are you up for the challenge?"

"Absolutely."

Upper Levels

The Flicks

Holly stood in the freezing cold rain, shivering on the rooftops of Dubai's Almas skyscraper. Wind violently whipped the long, luscious locks across her ridiculously stunning face. "Artemis! Please don't leave me!" she screamed as desperately as she could, reaching out for the burning helicopter spinning out of control in the twinkling sky above her.

"I must do this, Holly." Artemis, in his bloodied flannel and ripped jeans, poked his face out from the helicopter as it spun in blurring circles, silky black locks masking dark, mysterious eyes as he reached for the voluptuous redhead below. "To save Haven. To save the fairies. To save the world." He clenched his hand into a tight, determined fist, closing his eyes wearily. "To save us all."

Black streaks stained Holly's blushed cheeks as she reached for him, her lips pink and glossed, and perfectly curled hair flowed flawlessly. "Please don't leave me," she cried dramatically. "I- I love you!"

Somewhere in the audience, the real Holly Short grimaced in horror at the curved holo-screen. "Oh, for fuck's sake."

Holly struggled to calm her nerves as she opened the envelope before her, tearing it open for the letter inside. Once she had it unwrapped, she gasped.

Holly, my dearest. My darling. My moon and Mars-

The real Artemis furrowed his brows together. "Moon and Mars? What in Hell's name?" he whispered in disgust, sinking further into the centaur-sized red velvet movie seat. "As if I would ever refer to you as bodies of rock and dust."

-I will be back for you one day. I swear it. Your man, Artimis.

"Arti- what? They didn't have the decency to change this in post-production? Where was the script supervisor? My name? Really? My name?"

Onscreen Holly dropped the letter to the floor, tears staining and spreading the ink. "Nooo! Nooo, Artemis, my darling! Nooo!" Holly sobbed, collapsing to the floor as she wept, perfect curls splayed around her tight, latex jumpsuit.

Real Holly frowned. "Pfft. I don't even cry a lot. I cry, maybe like… once every three months!" She threw her arms into the air. "This is stupid."

Artemis elbowed her ribs. "Holls… let's be honest now."

"What?! Are you agreeing with this stupid movie?!"

"SHHHHHH!" Someone hushed her from above, prompting Holly to whirl in her seat to shoot daggers at the poor gnome.

"Of course I don't agree," Artemis said quietly. "But, you are a bit… Well, you're extremely compassionate and empathetic. You do tend to get more emotional than me, for example."

"...Don't forget this is a date, Fowl."

"Of course." A sweat bullet formed at his temple. "How could I forget?"

2 Movies Later

"Oh, please. Dark wash jeans with a cheaply bleached denim jacket? I would never. A brass watch? Who do they think they're fooling? Brass does not, and cannot pass for solid gold. These are fairies! What is their budget? In the millions? And they can't get a solid gold watch?"

"SHHH!!!"

Holly and Artemis spun around together, shoulder to shoulder as they glared into the crowd above. "Shhh yourself!"

Mulberry Row Condominiums

15th Floor, Pool Deck

"And you're telling me they didn't kick you out of the theater?"

"Once they realized who we were, we were given VIP passes and free popcorn. A bit comical, really."

Artemis tutted his tongue, gazing out at Haven's nighttime metropolis surrounding him. He was hosting a virtual meeting with Butler on the pool deck of Holly's building, detailing the events of hours prior to his trusty, and curious friend. Artemis leaned against the aqua glass railing, showing Butler the twinkling skyline and hover vehicles that whizzed by. Artelite's powder blue gel powered the hexagonal panels on the newer vehicles, the substance's distribution rates buzzing like busy bees.

Thankfully, Artemis' Faetek phone had been returned through their home delivery system, and so, a projected video of Butler sat displayed above the phone screen, giving him a 180 view of Butler's surroundings. Artemis held the projector out a little further, pointing to a glowing blue vehicle soaring past. "See that, Butler? Artelite has done well with the people, so far. Hopefully my father will realize that soon enough, and I can continue my surface endeavors with his approval. It's all coming together."

A bright twinkle of a nearby tower caught Artemis' eye. He glanced at it, and his smile washed away.

Artemis was in the stars. In the cold, vast, cruel stars. His mind scattered across time; his soul trapped in the soil.

Wet. His fingers. They were wet, and sticky - with blood. Garnet liquid swarmed his palms as he pushed into Butler's chest over, and over. One, two, three, four-

Four.

Stop.

"Artemis?"

The Eurasian bodyguard's gravelly tones awoke Artemis from his flashback, bringing him back to Earth in a snap. "Sorry. I- er, was occupied for a moment."

"I see."

Artemis slowly looked back at Butler's form, observing the warm, crackling fire behind a massive bicep. "Butler. There's a certain topic I've been avoiding with you. I'm sure you know which I'm referring to."

"I do. Of course," Butler nodded once, his hooded eyes stern, but kind. This was hard for both of them.

"I intend to right my wrongs. I've been trying to do so for some time now. Evidently, I'm not fantastic at it. But, I am doing well. I am better, old friend. Holly helps, much more than she knows. And I've even made new friends. There's hardly a moment I feel alone. I am grateful, and most unworthy, to have friends like you in my life."

It was Artemis' turn for his eyes to become concerned and weary, much like his friend a thousand miles away. "I am your charge. Your employer. A spoiled Fowl. But, I am also your friend, and you were my friend before I even understood what the concept was. You were my friend even when I didn't deserve it. Even when I repeatedly put your life in danger. I know it is your job to worry and care for me. But, how are you, friend? Since the whole ordeal? How are you recovering?"

There was a long-winded silence between them as Butler thought on the best way to answer the barrage of questions. But a small smile pulled on Butler's lips, wrinkles creasing around his mouth. "I had nightmares at first, but listening to the sea at night helped. Still does. I kept wondering what I had done wrong. How I must've failed you for you to feel that was your only choice. I had one job, and I almost failed. I almost lost you." Butler narrowed his eyes at Artemis, hunching over in his armchair. "Why did you do it?"

Artemis pressed his lips into a thin line before answering, "I don't know. There was no rational thought behind it. I just felt it, and it felt right. Why, I don't exactly know. It could've stemmed from any of my previous mental illnesses, Atlantis Complex and most symptoms included. But, I am doing my best. Sometimes, it doesn't feel like enough, but it's all I can do." Artemis faced Butler, offering a firm smile. "I don't wish to die anymore, if that's any consolation. Quite the opposite now. So, do not fret over me, friend. I want to hear about you."

"Alright, then," Butler nodded, resting a large palm on his knee. "Well, I met someone. And ever since we've started seeing each other, my worries and fears feel… gone. Like she's washed them away."

"Butler is in love?" Artemis teased, leaning into the railing. "I must know more. Who is this mystery woman?"

"She's from Florence. We met at the market. She recommended a fantastic wine and cheese pairing, and we went from there."

"Italian, and cultivated in wine and cheese? What next? She'll make you homemade risotto and you'll marry her right then?"

"I just might," Butler chuckled. He nodded suddenly in Artemis' direction. "You have a guest."

Artemis peered over his shoulder at the mostly empty pool deck - save the heavily tattooed woman several feet away. Artemis sighed, focusing back at Butler. "It appears so. I'll just be a moment-"

"It's fine. It's getting late here anyway. I'll call tomorrow, okay?" Butler gave the Irishman his iconic, fatherly smile. "And be nice. Nothing will come from a heated argument."

"I know."

"I'll talk to you later, Artemis. Take care." Butler's image fizzled out, leaving nothing but dust particles that swarmed the stale air.

Artemis pocketed his phone, barely acknowledging the ex-girlfriend that advanced towards him. "Coucou."

"Coucou." Minerva strolled up beside him, leaning her elbows on the railing. "Did I interrupt anything?"

"No. It was getting late, anyway." Artemis glanced at her curiously. "Where's Numi?"

"In bed." Minerva tapped a fat watch on her wrist. "I'm watching her on here."

"Handy," Artemis commented, looking back at the skyline when she began rummaging frantically through her pockets, tearing a pack of cigarettes out and sliding a thin smoke between her fingers.

"I thought you didn't smoke," Artemis raised a brow.

She ignited the tip, letting a puff of grey smoke fill the dank air. "I don't."

"Right." Artemis reached a finger out. "I'll have one."

Minerva grimaced at him the same way he had. "I thought you didn't smoke."

Artemis grinned. "I don't." He ignited his own between delicate fingers, inhaling and exhaling lightly. "You don't need to worry, Min. You're safe now."

"Hah," Minerva hunched over on the railing, shaking her head in amusement. "I am a mother now, Artemis. My stress is perpetual. It doesn't just stop here. I have to worry about finding us a permanent home. I have to find a crèche suitable for Numi. I worry about whether she'll fit in and make friends, or if she'll be bullied. If she'll be abused. I worry about her magick. Her intellect. Her happiness. I worry about when I have to tell her that her father isn't coming back. I worry, and then worry some more. Motherhood is perpetual stress."

"She's amazing, you know. Your daughter," Artemis said, largely ignoring the cigarette between his fingers. "She was raving to me earlier about the polyploid and homoploid hybridization of strawberries. Or, rather, strawbabies, as she calls them."

"Ah! Yes," Minerva snickered. "Words are still hard to pronounce, but she's getting there. Strawberries are sort of her 'thing'. She wants them for dinner, in her cereal, on her clothes and blankets and walls." Minerva smiled to herself. "It's cute."

"Yeah. You really have a mini-me." Artemis shook his head. "Just what the world needs." Some time passed between them, their cigarettes halfway now. "So, you say Haven is your only option, but did you contact Gaspard? Your father was doing well, last I heard." He noticed her distress deepen further, sorrow claiming her features.

"...Papa passed. Four years ago." She took a drag off the cigarette. "Cancer. I did all I could. But even with all the money and knowledge in the world, it wasn't enough."

Artemis was a little stunned, dropping his gaze. "My sincerest apologies. I know you were close."

"I thought so too. Turns out he was bankrupt. Two-hundred thousand. So, I had debts to pay. His debts. I turned to crime," she shrugged. "It was the fastest way to handle it."

"And that's how you met Terran?"

Minerva nodded, blowing out smoke.

"And your brother? Beau?"

"Hah! That little shit?" Minerva rolled her eyes. "He lives in Switzerland, running his own chocolate business, or whatever. He thinks he's too good for me. We don't talk."

"I see." Artemis leaned forward. So much had changed in half a decade. It bothered him how his journey to space almost felt useless, as if he'd wasted precious time he could've spent with loved ones. Maybe his mother had been onto something with all of her pleas for attention, after all. They didn't really have much time left, did they? As humans, none of them did. Artemis sighed, tapping ash off his cigarette over the balcony. He eyed Minerva slyly. Her eyes were watery, but she wasn't crying yet. Best to change the subject.

"So," he began. "I have to ask."

"Hm?"

Artemis peered at her abdomen. "Eleven months? Eleven?"

Minerva laughed softly, slapping her covered belly loudly. "I knew you'd ask. You can't help yourself."

"Can you blame me?"

"Yes, it was eleven months. It was easy at first. Numi's magick kept me glowing, fresh and energized. But around month 8 her magick reversed its flow, sucking energy from me instead."

"That sounds fatal. I'm assuming you survived with Terran's help?"

Minerva nodded, sad eyes avoiding his. "Yes. He had to siphon magick to me several times a day. My baby was worth every second, but I don't think I could bring myself to do it again." Minerva threw a devilish smirk his way. "Do you ask because of you and Holly?"

Artemis nearly dropped the cigarette, spilling ashes onto his dress shoes. "What?! Of course not!"

"Uh-huh."

"Holly and I aren't together. We never have been, Minerva. That is a fact."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Artemis. Whatever you say," she teased, choosing to move on from the subject. She sighed, sucking in smoke, exhaling a puff into the glittering city. "It's funny, isn't it? All we've been through, and yet we're here, like this. From rivals, to friends, to lovers, to enemies, to friends again. Who would've known."

A cross between a laugh and grunt escaped in Artemis' throat, amused brows high on his porcelain forehead. "We are not friends."

Minerva whirled on him with a puzzled expression, prompting Artemis to inhale a puff, blowing it out in a quick stream. "Let's just make one thing clear: I am not doing this for you. I'm doing this for your daughter. I owe you a favor, and that's fine. But we are not friends. You had me kidnapped. You had Holly shot."

"Artemis, come on. It couldn't kill her," Minerva argued. "It dissolved. It was specially designed to be non-fatal-"

"I don't care if it's non-fatal. I don't care if it was specially designed. You had her shot, Min. And whatever happened to us during that pursuit, whatever it is I can't seem to remember, it haunts Holly. She may be physically safe, but you've created so much trauma from this one event, that she's being tormented by it." He glowered at her, his heart and blood racing. "I can't forgive you for that. I care for you. I will always speak highly of you, and I always wish you the best. We can get along. We can be civil, cordial, like now. But, we are not friends."

It was all that needed to be said. Artemis dropped the cigarette butt, smashing it under his shoe as he coolly walked away from the balcony, leaving Minerva to her thoughts and worries alone.

Apartment 224

The shower is a place of solitude and refuge. The one place in one's life where they won't be judged for whatever in Frond's name went on in there. The shower was a place of peace, and if you lived in Haven, it was one advantage of living near the Earth's core - the water was always hot. Artemis typically liked to use bathing periods to contemplate and meditate, but today his head was rushing with thoughts, wild and passionate and fiery. He thought back to earlier that morning, when he'd pressed his lips against Holly's. He'd stupidly kissed her. Him! As someone with remarkable self-control. He brushed a finger across his lips, a tingle of where her lips used to be sending shivers down his spine, even in the steaming heat. Though she hadn't kissed back, she had asked him on a 'real date'.

"Whatever that means," he pondered aloud with a chuckle.

She can't have hated it if she'd asked him on a date. At least, that's how he tried to rationalize it. Despite knowing her inside and out, he couldn't deny that romantically, Holly was still a mysterious creature to him. A mysterious creature with the face and soul of an angel, at least.

He thought back to his thoughts from earlier. I'd…love…

I'd love her, because I do, indeed, love her. I love her.

Artemis smiled to himself, eyes shut as he lay his back flat against the wall. It felt good to admit it to himself, to finally accept his feelings. He breathed a sigh of relief. Everything felt so… good. Like he was on a high mountaintop and nothing could topple him over its edge. Like he could touch the sky, and hold the world. Everything was finally alright.

Except that it was so damn hot. The sweltering, steamy shower had once been inviting, like a comforting hug.

Artemis' eyes snapped open, curious to lower the settings on the knob, but the world around him was dark. It was dark, and soaked, and he couldn't breathe. He sucked in a breath, but the water was hot and sulfurous, burning and stinging his throat and lungs. His hands shot out, reaching for the surface, but it was all dark, it was all the same. He was boxed in. Caved in. Drowning. Burning. Choking.

He sucked in another breath, desperate for help. Desperate for air. But he was dead.

He was dead.

Artemis' hand landed on the shower knob, the temperature flipped over, icy cold water drenching his head instead.

And then he could breathe, and the world was back. He was in the bright white bathroom, surrounded by a glass shower. Artemis shut off the knob, panting heavily in place.

It couldn't be. Just when things were okay. Finally, for once. Why now? What was this now?

He couldn't formulate a single train of thought with a thousand torturing his mind, panicked and bewildered by the episode. Was he psychotic? This wasn't a memory he shared, unless-

Artemis' eyes widened like a deer in headlights, the realization slamming into him like a raging storm.

Artemis exited the bathroom in sweats and a shirt sometime later, his hand still massaging his throat. It felt sore, despite not having actually drowned. Whether it was placebo or not, rubbing it comforted him - when he noticed a fluffy black and white kitty on Holly's kitchen table.

"Meowingon," he uttered, taking the cat graciously into his chest. He buried his face into Meowington's soft fur, grateful for the cat's calming presence and vibrating purrs against him. "You're a good friend."

"Plrrrrp!"

"Told you he'd be back."

Artemis hadn't noticed Holly behind him, turning to look at her sprawled comfortably on the sofa. "Yeah."

He strolled over to her with Meowington still clung to his chest, taking a seat beside her. He was silent as he pondered, his brows creased in focus.

"What's wrong?" Holly asked, tilting her head to look at him.

"Did I drown?"

Holly was taken aback, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. His question was so sudden but calm she fumbled over what to respond. Eventually, she just nodded. "Yes."

"Hm. I see."

"You remember?"

Artemis shook his head, stroking Meowington's fur as the kitty kneaded his lap. "Not exactly. But, I had a visceral reaction to the hot water in the shower, paired with a flashback, or memory of sorts. As far as I know, I've never had aquaphobia or thermophobia. I'm not sure which it is, at the moment."

Holly gently pressed her palm to Artemis' cheek, turning his head to look at her. "I'm so sorry, Arty. Maybe if I heal you, it will help?" She leaned forward before he could answer, pressing their foreheads together. "Heal," she whispered, cyan sparks circling both of them like a whirlwind of blue dust.

Artemis' eyes glowed under her magick, his skin and hair rippling with blue currents. And then it all faded, tiny streams of sparks shooting off like tadpoles, leaving just the elf and human alone. Holly opened her eyes slowly, gazing at the flushed human against her. "I'm not sure it'll help, but we'll see."

Artemis didn't open his eyes, nuzzling her face with his instead. "Thank you," he whispered. He didn't even notice Meowington leave his lap. He just wanted to stay in this moment, his skin close to hers, grateful for her companionship. He could've sworn he felt her heart flutter against his, but he might've imagined it in his euphoria.

"Let's get some sleep," Holly said, retreating from him slowly. She stretched her arms over her head, her baggy sweater riding up her toned stomach just a little.

"Yeah," Artemis agreed, standing from the couch and retreating towards the bedroom. He stopped at the door and spun to face her, a light smirk on his face. "Come on," he said gently, motioning towards the room.

Holly blinked in place several times, eyes darting between him and the door. "The bedroom?" she questioned, the network of freckles darkening against her blushed, heart-shaped face. "You mean, together?"

Artemis shrugged, cool and collected on the outside. But inside his mind and heart, he was pacing and swimming and leaping and knees buckling. Oh well. It was worth risking. "We can't cuddle on the couch forever. It's a little uncomfortable for me. But," he threw his palms up, slight panic seeping into his cool. "If you don't want to, I don't mind staying out here. It's up to you."

Holly clamped down on her lip, ignoring her heart threatening to leap out of her chest. "Okay," she nodded, standing and striding past him into the room. "Awfully brave of you."

"Yeah, yeah."

Holly's mind went blank as she moved through the dark room, Haven's neon lights glittering across her bare walls. She crawled into her bed, cozying up in the sheets and pillows she missed dearly. Perhaps this wasn't the worst idea.

Artemis dropped in beside her, sure to keep a respectful distance between them. He smiled at her as his head hit his pillow, closing his eyes lazily. "Sweet dreams, Holls." Something soft pressed to his forehead and his eyes snapped open, eager to observe the mysterious touch. It was Holly. She was kissing his forehead, a devilish, guilty smile on her lips as she backed away, but she moved in again, her lips pressing to his temple, then the other, kissing each cheek, and then the pointed tip of his nose, her final destination the same as her first, his icy forehead.

Artemis was stunned. How could he respond to her display of affection? What did it mean? He cleared his throat, choking out. "What was that for?"

"For today. I had a lot of fun," she said, nuzzling into his chest, snuggling him like the night before. "Thank you."

"Of course," Artemis whispered, pulling her in close, his fingers embedded in her hair. "Those films were an absolute disaster. I can't believe they had me dressed in jeans and flannel. I was surfing at one point?"

"Yeah. You leapt off a chandelier, too," Holly sniggered into his chest, relishing how comfortable she felt in his arms. "My character was fucking ridiculous. Her boobs were bigger than her head."

Artemis laughed, resting his chin on Holly's head. "Is that a bad thing?" A gentle palm on his mouth shut him up, his smile bleeding through Holly's fingers. "Goodnight, Holls."

"Goodnight, Arty."