For You

by KaiAtlantis

28 year old Artemis comes back from Mars hungry for success over his discoveries, but his plans are thwarted when Fowl Senior strips him of the family fortune. Torn between choosing his work or friendships, Artemis must find the balance to life before he loses the one shot he's hoped for. A/H. A/M, H/T, A/OC (brief)

16. Ep 15 The LEP Party of the Year

!NOTICE!

Since this site doesn't allow links of any kind, I have to request my readers here search up the song that Artemis plays on piano by yourselves. The music is *essential*. I'm not one to insist on the music provided, but this song is sort of the origin of the entire fanfic in my mind, and is pretty essential to the scene. I implore and plead with you all to listen in. Thank you.

The song Artemis plays is B Song by Analogue Dear and San Holo.

Thank you to my betas Phoenixpyres and Thefowlestofthemall for all their hard work and support. They keep my motivation high and my spirits intact, I swear haha. And thank you to Neveroutoftime and Crying-Protection on tumblr for all your advice and help as well!

Thank YOU readers for your amazing support. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. This one was close to my heart, and meant a lot to me. So, thank you!

S/O to I-justwanttoread for your review last chapter! Your review almost made me cry, so thank you.

This chapter contains explicit language and party scenes, including alcohol consumption and intoxicated behavior. Please be advised. Thank you!

---

Upper Levels, Haven City

Mulberry Row Condominiums

Apartment 224

1 Week Later

In the days that had passed, as Artemis rested his head against a soft, ivory pillow, he'd slept with a particular elf snuggled up in his arms. And every morning since, he'd awoken with that same, fiery elf curled into his chest. Despite having done this for several days in a row, it always struck Artemis with as much awe as it had the first night. He was holding Holly, who was soundly asleep. Innocently. Wholesomely. And it was freeing to be able to express affection without the care of whether it progressed beyond this. With her, there was no need. Curling up with her like this was perfection on its own.

And so, for the seventh morning in a row, Artemis awoke in bed, a warm figure huddled up and holding him loosely. He smiled before his eyes even opened, sweet bliss spilling into his chest as he rocked forward, spooning Holly closer. He managed to open his eyes, lashes fluttering to take in the sleepy redhead beneath him. He blinked a few times, sighing as his vision cleared.

Holly snoozed peacefully against him, her breathing soft and hushed. Artemis smoothed his thumb along her high cheekbone, brushing the hair out of her eyes to reveal the network of freckles that dotted her nose and cheeks. He traced her skin cautiously so as to not wake her, counting in his head.

It wasn't more than five minutes later that Holly rolled into consciousness, scrunching her face as she groaned into his chest. "Mmmlfble."

"Hm?" Artemis chuckled, moving his fingers into her hair.

"Hi," she grunted, peeking open a piercing blue eye at him.

Artemis removed his gaze from her. "Four hundred and fifty-eight."

Holly scrunched her face again, half in sleepy delirium and the other half in confusion. "...What?"

"Freckles. That's how many freckles you have," Artemis explained. "I was curious, so I counted."

"Mfhm. That's cute," she said through a yawn, smushing her face back into him.

Artemis risked a peek at her, sighing with a breath of relief. He took his time to appreciate the sweet moment, studying the beauty in his arms, when he shook himself out of it. He was an adult that had things to attend to, as much as he wanted to laze in bed with his companion. He felt around for his phone, patting the mattress behind him and under his pillow.

"What're you doing?" Holly mumbled.

Artemis scooped the phone out from under the pillow, squinting at the light from the screen. The time read 7 HST. "I have to leave," Artemis explained, releasing Holly and propping himself up in bed. "I need to be at Phobos by 8."

But Holly clung onto his shirt, refusing to detach from him.

"I have to leave, Holls," he chuckled softly, running his fingers through her hair.

But she shook her head determinedly into his chest. "Nuhhh," she said, pulling him back into bed with her. "Artyyy."

Her insistence forced a laugh out of him. She knew exactly how to charm him into having her way. "I just need to make sure things are running smoothly," he said gently, trying to back away. "Plus, I told Minerva I'd be there. I'll be back later. I promise." He fumbled with his pinky to wrap around hers but she tore her hand away from his and tugged on his collar instead.

"Nuhhh. You've been there all week. She can do it. You don't hafta go," she pleaded, giving him her best puppy pout.

"Mlaow," Meowington chimed in from her hip.

"See?" Holly said, running her fingers through Meowington's fur. "He agrees."

He couldn't help but grin like an idiot. A happy idiot. Her power over him, and Meowington's cute additions were just too great. He sighed dramatically and curled back into bed with her. "I can't stay on top of things if I spend all day with you," he joked, nuzzling his face into her neck.

"You can stay on top of me instead."

Artemis' eyes snapped open in shock and peered at her. "Don't start that now," he warned teasingly, moving back in to slowly nuzzle her neck as she giggled into him.

"It was a joke!" Holly kicked her feet under the covers in protest. "Besides, the LEP party is tonight. You said we'd go shopping. Please? Pleaseee?"

Her pleas were so innocent (somewhat) that he had to take another moment to absorb it. His breath was warm on her dark skin as he felt her shiver. "Okay," he eventually concluded. He felt her dig further into him, and he couldn't help but grin. Like an idiot. A happy idiot. And deciding to release his obligations and responsibilities, he gave in once more to the clutches of sleep, cozy and warm in his friend's embrace.

It was two hours later, golden morning light streaming from the windows and balcony doors. There were no curtains in her room, as Holly had assured Artemis the exteriors were tinted. Regardless, they didn't hinder the intense rays cast by Haven's sky panels, sure to awaken anyone in their path.

And surely enough, the pair stirred gently between cotton sheets. Holly opened her eyes first, stretching a little beside Artemis to regain full consciousness. When he finally awoke, rested blue eyes locking on hers, she smiled the most genuine of smiles. "Hi."

"Hi," he whispered, unable to resist returning her infectious smile.

They were especially lazy this morning, with Artemis hypothesizing that Holly was conserving her energy for that evening's sinful festivities. The day landed on the fae calendar's Belltaine, commonly known as Beltane, or May Day. Falling on the first of May, Beltane in the northern hemisphere was linked to Samhain, or Halloween, below the equator. It was a magickal time of the year where the veil between the human and spirit worlds was at its thinnest. Drinking, dancing, and singing were sure to be on the menu for the night, according to the group text that Holly and Lili had started with Artemis during the week. Supposedly, the LEP party was the one event of the year he couldn't be sure to miss.

Artemis was indifferent to the planned frivolities, though it would certainly help to worm his way into the LEP's technical department. The only thing between him and Foaly working together were the LEP themselves. Artemis wasn't a fan favourite amongst the higher-ups, so, if it meant attending this party to win over Commander Kelp, he'd swallow his pride and give it his best… as best as his best could be at a party filled with drunken, macho fairies.

But for now, things were calm as Holly lay little spoon against him, scrolling through her phone with his chin rested on her shoulder. Meowington had wandered off a while ago, and Holly was going on about some fae-app, but Artemis wasn't paying attention. His view of her was obscured but he was watching her round lips, remembering the feel of them against his a week ago. How desperately he wanted to lean down and take them into his again, feel her warm touch, take in her lemon sage scent, her honeyed taste. Dammit. He really was in love.

"Uh, hello? Earth to Astroboy?"

Artemis snapped out of his daze, meeting her hazel eye, careful to avoid the blue like usual. "Sorry. What?"

"Which girl? You've yet to pick one."

Artemis blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

Holly jabbed a finger on the screen. "You have to swipe left or right."

That was right. She was showing him Rose, a ridiculous fairy dating app that she'd downloaded for "fun"." She'd mentioned something about proving to him how many fairy ladies he could score in a few hours, regardless of his interest. He couldn't remember if she was pulling his leg or seriously trying to find him a date, but he decided to play along. "Do I have to?" he whined jokingly.

"Yes!" Holly poked his cheek impatiently. "We have to see how many girls you can get roses from."

"Pfft. Why do they have to be female?" Artemis muttered mindlessly, nuzzling his face back into her neck. Her silence over the next few seconds helped him register what he'd just said. He shot up in a panic and forced a smile on his flushed face. "I'm joking, of course."

But Holly wasn't convinced. She rolled onto her back to raise a curious brow at him. "I don't think you are…"

Artemis had a million thoughts running through his head, unsure if he should insist it was his bad humor, or just be honest with himself, and her. He hadn't meant to blurt that, but the damage was done now.

"Arty?" Holly said gently, leaning up to caress his flustered cheek.

"Sorry." He shook his head, wringing his hands together nervously. "Would that be… is that a problem?"

Holly shook her head. "Of course not. Do you mean, you just like men?"

"No, no. I very much like women, as you know. So, it's not just men, or males, or… whatever." He ran a hand down his face, his shirt a little sticky against his skin. "I don't think I have a preference. As in, I don't really care. Gender doesn't make a difference to me, I don't think."

Holly continued caressing him, offering a supportive smile. "Hey, it's okay. Faeries may have our issues, but thankfully the gender you date isn't one of them. Now, interspecies relations are a bit taboo, but you're infamous, so." She gave him a flirty wink but it didn't seem to brighten his mood. She placed both palms to his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. "Have you ever told anyone?"

Artemis shook his head. "Deviating from the heterosexual norm wasn't an available option I had as an adolescent. Although, I don't think I even realized, or perhaps accepted my orientation until recently. Thankfully though, times are changing, and my generation has become rather progressive. But my family…" His eyes turned cold and distant, staring at the wall behind her instead. "Our family is old, and old is traditional. Conservative. I'm not sure how they'd react. They're already disappointed in me. I don't want to do anything that may ostracize me further from them." He forced himself to look back at Holly, focused on her now. Her gentle and accepting features made his heart slow, a warm calm soothing him. "I've never admitted this aloud. I'm a little embarrassed, truth be told."

"No." Holly took him into a deep embrace, burrowing her face into his collar bone. "Don't be embarrassed. It's okay. Really. There are tons of gay and bi and trans and whatever-you-wanna-be fairies. Both Lili and Trouble are bisexual. And no, I'm not outing them. They're pretty open about it." She pulled her face out, holding his cheeks fondly in her palms. "I don't know what you're going through personally, but I stand by you, no matter what, okay? Thank you for telling me." She leaned up and kissed his forehead. "I can tell this is a big deal for you."

A rush of relief washed over him, leaving him serene in Holly's arms. She didn't care? She wasn't disgusted, or throwing him out of her home? He felt so understood, so listened to. He felt almost emotional, as if a part of him that he'd always hidden away was released, unapologetically freed.

"It's not that big a deal," Artemis replied. But when she rolled her eyes in response, it was his turn to plant a tender kiss to her forehead. "But thank you. I appreciate it."

"Of course. Always."

Their foreheads were together once more, arms still entangled around each other, the comforter draped over them.

"I'm happy," Artemis said suddenly, his voice low.

Holly's ears perked up in surprise, opening her eyes to gaze at him. "Hm?"

"I'm happy," he repeated, stroking one of her wild curls. "This makes me happy. You make me happy."

And then Holly realized.

'Are you happy?'

'That's not relevant to this conversation.'

He hadn't replied then, but he was replying now, half a decade later. He was happy, but most of all, he was happy with her. Holly swooned, affection and adoration for him nearly overwhelming her. Why didn't she just kiss him? Why couldn't she bring herself to advance forward with him? What more did he need to do to prove to her she could trust him?

And then another memory slammed into her like a runaway train, completely derailing her little pocket of euphoria.

'If you can't heal him, then what am I paying you for? Fix. Him.'

That was it. She trusted him, she just didn't trust herself. If she did become exclusive with Artemis, it meant she'd have to come clean about Angeline's plan. About bringing him to Haven. About forcing him into being penniless, homeless even. About isolating him in a city and a culture that he didn't belong in. She'd even arrested him. Shot him. She really was a terrible person, wasn't she? She didn't want to hurt him. She couldn't.

"Holls?"

Holly snapped back to him, catching his lowered gaze. He's looking at my lips again. He definitely wants to kiss me. Her eyes drifted back up to his, locking as he did the same.

But we can't. I can't.

Holly couldn't lie to herself either, despite her newly-soured mood. She was happy, too. But did she deserve it?

I have to tell him. I have to.

"Alrighty!" Holly perked up onto her knees, shoving her feelings deep, deep down and stretching her arms high over her head. "Let's get going, yeah?"

"Of course." Artemis nodded, rolling out of bed. He stuck his pointer finger into the air with a bright smile. "But first, coffee."

---

Upper Levels

The Palms Shopping Center

The Palms was the premier mall of Haven's upper levels, the sleek glass walkways and LED walls extending for miles beneath the stalactites above. The upscale mall was equipped with all of the newest technology for Haven's wealthiest clients, making their shopping experience unique, quick, and easy… that was, if holding their complimentary champagne by themselves was easy enough for the rich to manage.

"It's not my usual spot," Holly explained as she led them inside a trendy clothing store with shimmering, holo-projected mannequins advertising whatever was in style. "But, Lili insisted I get dressed up. So, I guess here we are," she grumbled over the upbeat electronic music, throwing her hands into the air in annoyance.

But the experience was as unpleasant for Artemis as it was for Holly, although unpleasant may not have been the correct term, either. He was mostly bored, as nothing in the fairy store fit his human frame, or was remotely his style. But beyond that, Holly's distress worried him. He sauntered behind her as she tore through an aisle of shimmering holo-dresses, spinning in frustrated circles.

"This is stupid. I'll look so stupid."

"It's not. You'd look great in anything you wear."

"No, I won't." Holly punched her palm through a mannequin, the holographic garment shimmering as it showed off a pink strawberry dress. "I wish I could wear stuff like this, but I get so itchy and awkward. I can't stand it."

She suddenly strolled past him, motioning to an emerald hoodie with embroidered mushrooms. "See, like, this is so cute, and it's comfy. But Lili would kill me if I wore this. But if I wear a dress, I might get roasted alive. Gods dammit," she exclaimed, throwing her head into her hands.

"Holls," Artemis started, his hand firm on her shoulder, "you're stressing yourself out. I think the point of the party is to have fun."

"Yeah, well, it's not fun when I have to shop for it." Holly smoothed her hair back. "Fuck it. I'm trying another store. This is stupid," she mumbled as she stormed away for the exit. She was nearly outside when she realized Artemis wasn't behind her. She whipped around, raising her brows at him. "Uh, you coming?"

"Yes, in a moment. I think I spotted a rather nice coat in my size," Artemis lied, hoping she wouldn't question it as he waved to her over his shoulder.

"Uh… Okay? Call me." She shrugged, wiggling her dainty comm ring at him as she turned to leave. She didn't care, truly - it was probably better that she didn't rub her sour mood onto him anyway.

Artemis waited for Holly to disappear out of view, her fiery hair the last thing he saw as she disappeared into the maze of white LED walls. He weaved past a few aisles until he was at the holo-mannequin Holly had looked at earlier. He tapped the elfin mannequin with a single fingertip and a screen unfurled before him, presenting the price, item materials, and sizes.

If there was anything Artemis knew about Holly, it was that she didn't like to treat herself. She could make someone a grand breakfast paired with frothed espresso and a freshly baked pie, and yet leave none for herself. She was giving and generous in many ways, but she didn't splurge on herself as much as she deserved to. Artemis selected an elf medium, examining the 100% natural-hemp hoodie displayed on the screen. Besides, she'd picked it out herself, and he was endlessly amused by how stereotypically fairy-like she could be, with its Amanita Muscaria and gold stars embroidery. Most of all, her eyes sparkled when she found it. He'd like to see them sparkle again.

He purchased the elfin medium, weaving back through the aisles towards the store counter, successfully picking up the freshly dispensed item in a burlap wrap. "Success," Artemis cheered under his breath, leaving behind the loud, upbeat music and strolling outside into the brightly-lit mall. He glanced up at the glass-blown Kraken chandelier that hung overhead, its iridescence scattering blue light across the walkway.

"Hey, Fowl! Is that you?"

Artemis darted right, curious to see the person who'd called him. A tall, burly gnome strode toward him with a severe stare and hearty smile. "General Lope," Artemis greeted with a slight nod, turning to fully face the councilor. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Same to you. You fit in those?" Lope raised a brow at the burlap under Artemis' arm.

"It's for a friend," Artemis said, shifting his weight a little. "What can I do for you?"

"Sorry I couldn't be at that hearing last week. I had a, ah, previous engagement to attend to."

"It's no worry."

Lope took a step closer to peer up at him. "I heard you wanna join the LEP. Is that right?"

Artemis froze. He didn't really appreciate being put on the spot without preparation. "Er, yes," he admitted nervously, though he held his head high. "As a researcher, alongside Foaly."

"Wow. Nice. Nice," Lope droned sarcastically, stroking his stubby chin. "Can you run?"

"Pardon?"

"Did I stutter?" Lope sized up Artemis from head to toe. "Can you run, Fowl? You know, can you run out of this building if you needed to? If we were under attack?"

"Er… Yes, I think so. I had to do quite a lot on the spaceship. I think I could manage."

"Yeah? You look like you've never lifted a weight in your life."

"I've never been physically gifted," Artemis said. "But that's why I would be part of your technical department-"

"You think Foaly can't run if he needs to? Everyone takes a fitness test to get in. Foaly passed his. You're no different."

"Right…" Artemis nervously played with the collar of his shirt.

"See, Fowl: I know your type. You're the type that's always had someone to save you. You rely on others to take care of you. Like that giant manservant of yours, or Commodore Short? What if they're not around to save you? Can you save yourself? Maybe even another?"

"Believe it or not, I have saved others. In fact, I've saved both Commodore Short, and the manservant in question, more than once." Artemis crossed his arms at the gnome. "What are you suggesting I do, General?"

"Tone up. Put on some muscle. Go run a few miles. Then, we can talk," Lope replied tersely, resuming his stroll past Artemis. "Anyway, behave at that party tonight. I'd rather not have another hearing to attend."

"Wha-?" Artemis hadn't mentioned the party, but Lope was sharper than first anticipated. Artemis nodded, turning to watch the gnome general walk away. "Good day, General."

Lope waved over his shoulder as he strode away and Artemis dropped his gaze through the clear floor, staring as the upper-class of fairy society hustled and bustled underneath him. Living amongst the Fairy People certainly presented its challenges, but Artemis was a Fowl. If there weren't obstacles for him to barge through at every twist and turn, life would be dull and mundane.

"Hey!"

Artemis glanced back up, recognizing this voice. "Hey," he smirked, noticing Holly's inquisitive brow.

"Was that Lope?" she asked wide-eyed.

"It was."

"Oh shit," Holly breathed, stopping in front of him. "What'd he say?"

"Ah…" Artemis wasn't sure what to tell her. This was something he wanted to handle on his own, without Holly intervening in any way. But, when he really mulled it over… Who else would whip him into shape? Butler had tried countless times. Artemis sighed. "He wants me to 'shape up' before I consider joining the LEP."

"Oh." Holly gave him a quick look-over. "Yeah. I could see that." She lifted her gaze back to his face, her smile falling a little. "...What?"

"I'm stronger than I look," Artemis protested, shrugging in defense.

"Yeah, yeah," Holly grinned, nodding to the burlap in his hands. "What's that?"

Artemis realigned himself, remembering why they were here. "Oh, yeah." He raised a brow at her empty hands. "I'm assuming you didn't find anything?"

"Of course," Holly groaned, raising her palms guiltily. "Did you?"

"Do you trust me?" Artemis grinned, tapping his fingertips on the sack mischievously.

But Holly wasn't reassured. She squinted him through a suspicious smile and leaned in closer. "What did you do?"

"For you."

"Me?"

Artemis gave up, handing over the sack with haste, afraid she'd burn daggers into his soul otherwise. He ran a hand over his torso as if to show off his outfit."I am a true connoisseur of style. So, you must know-"

"Uh-huh," Holly grunted as she tore open the sack.

"-That it's my professional opinion that you should wear this," Artemis finished quickly, taking a step back to allow her to examine the garment.

A garnet blush spread across her cheeks, eyelashes fluttering at the pullover in her hands. "You didn't." Though her smile was confused, her eyes twinkled as she looked back at him. "I can't wear this-"

There's that sparkle. "Holly," Artemis held up a palm to stop her, insistent she listen, "you can wear whatever you want. Wear what makes you comfortable and happy. That's what makes you you."

"Ah, don't get sappy on me." Holly hid her smile under her hand. "I-I can't-"

"You can," he pressed, putting a supportive hand on her shoulder. "You can, and you'll look great doing it."

"I'll look silly with you all stylish and fancy, though."

"You won't," Artemis said. "If anything, Lili and I will be overdressed. This is an LEP party, is it not?"

"Yeah…"

"So, then?"

Holly buried her grin into the small hoodie. "Fine. I'll wear it." Her hand shot out and gripped his sweater, pulling towards her. "Get down here!"

"Wha-?"

Holly tugged him to bend his knees so she could jump to her tip-toes and plant a solid kiss to his cold cheek. She pulled her lips away, meeting his eyes. "Thank you, Arty," she said fondly.

"Of course, Holls," Artemis said, unable to help a charmed smile. "Now, when was this party set to start again?"

---

Emporium District

The Officers' Club

If you were anybody who happened to know somebody, and that somebody knew a guy, and that guy happened to be LEP, then you knew about the LEP party of the year. The festive event had happened every Beltane for the last five-hundred years, when Commander Oak and his buddies had gotten so drunk off spud-beers at Spud's Spud Emporium, they'd been kicked out into the empty lot next door, and Commander Oak had called up nearly every squad on the force to trespass and rave at said-empty location. The General had heard of the party but was so impressed by the bonding and brotherhood, he declared the event official, and had The Officers' Club built in that empty lot in Oak's honor.

The club was modeled after a traditional Irish pub with a fairy twist. Candles littered all three floors, keeping the dozens of tables and couches warm and cozy. City lights illuminated the emerald glass mural embedded into the bronze-tiled ceiling. At least fifty beers on tap lined the mahogany countertop, some made with nettle, some hyssop, some lemon verbena. The People didn't consume human spirits, as it was poisonous to their magick. So, they'd crafted their own spirits for centuries, and The Officers' Club had no shortage of stock. Behind the bartop were fae liquors nestled on mirrored shelves, hundreds of vibrant liquids stacked on top of each other. A sea of glass butterflies dangled above the bartop like chimes, their gentle clings silenced by the roaring voices of rowdy patrons.

Artemis ducked his head to avoid the beams above the red doorway, following his companion into the foyer of The Officers' Club with a nervous tug on his blazer. Artemis had decided against dressing up, or at least, what was considered dressing up for him. This might've been the first (and last) party he'd attend as an unpretentious Fowl. The idea of dressing down into a silken, burgundy turtleneck tucked into grid-patterned trousers and matching blazer were dismal enough, in terms of party attire. But, this was a jock party, and Artemis would be genuinely baffled if any of the intoxicated meatheads noticed his 2018 Gucci loafers. At least Holly had given him a fresh haircut, though it was the same curtain-bangs style she'd given him previously. But Artemis didn't mind. In fact, he rather liked the style, and he liked pleasing Holly, though he'd never admit that aloud.

Artemis watched Holly glide into the club with ease, his uneasy eyes clinging to her form for comfort. Holly wore the hoodie he'd purchased, of course, and tucked it into a pair of denim cut-off shorts with combat boots. Ever the casual dresser, she was. Fiery waves swayed freely behind her as she sped away from him with every step, waving to their friends at the bar. But what made Holly a great person was that she cared, and didn't leave her friends behind. She whirled around, catching Artemis off-guard. Her pearly smile tore through the warm candlelight and speared straight through his heart.

"Come on!" Holly called out over the strange, upbeat mix of electro fiddle bass that boomed around the club's walls. She took his hand in hers, intertwining her fingers through his, tugging him gently along. "Let's say hi to everyone!"

A deep blush crept through his cheeks as he nodded, his gaze drifting from her to the chatty group of fairies at the bar. These were people he knew - Foaly had a cider in his hand as he rambled away to his lovely wife, Caballine, and demon imp N1. Beside them were Commander Kelp and his buddies, a few Artemis recognized but were strangers with. Artemis pressed his lips into a thin line. He was anxious. Not quite the norm for him, but parties weren't particularly his "thing", either. But impressing Commander Kelp was vital if he wanted in on the police force. So, Artemis mustered his confidence, and settled into the role. Impressing was one of the many things a Fowl did well, after all.

Across the bar, Corporal Alder elbowed his commander's ribs. "Hey. Look at that," he smirked, nodding over to Holly and Artemis' entrance.

Trouble had noticed the pair, but didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he finished off his nettlebeer, leaning over the dark bartop to toss it into the trash. "Cool."

But Alder pressed on, braving a quick wink at their buddies. "You've been coming here with Short the past two years. Now she's here with Fowl," he snickered. "Doesn't that bother you?"

"Nah."

"No?"

"I don't own Holly, and we aren't together," Trouble explained indifferently, ordering another drink with a lift of his palm. "Too bad you don't have that mindset, Alder, or you coulda had a girlfriend by now, too."

"Yikes!" one guy shrieked, another bursting, "AHAHA!"

"That's gotta burn, bro," Chix chimed in, taking a swig of nettlebeer.

Grub waved a sassy hand at Trouble. "He gets so touchy about Holly."

Trouble grabbed the beer off the counter, inhaled the amber liquid and slammed the glass down on the bartop. "At least I don't get touchy about Mummy."

Grub couldn't even join in on the howling laughter. He just cried into his lemon drop shot with a little pink umbrella, sipping it a bit more, only to salt the shot with more dramatic tears.

Holly, meanwhile, was oblivious to the boyish ribbing, weaving through crowded tables to reach her favourite centaurs and warlock. "Hi!" she shrieked in grand excitement, wrapping her arms around Foaly's neck. "Hi, hi, hi!" She turned to Caballine, taking the brunette beauty into her embrace now. "Cab! I've missed you!"

"It's been too long!" Caballine nodded in agreement, carefully setting down her wine glass. "We need another sleepover, stat!"

"I agree." Holly nodded, enthusiastic eyes darting from each and every person. "N1!" she suddenly declared, throwing her arms around his tiny, ashen frame. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Hello, Holly!" N1 beamed, swirling his carbonated drink with an edible straw. "Have you tried this? I'm almost positive it's pure sugar! Glucose! Fructose! Turbinado!" he listed off, handing Holly his drink as he practically bounced with glee. "They call this a 'Shirley Temple'. I think it is supposed to come with only one -" he shot up a singular finger, "-cherry. But they're so delicious, I asked for ten!" N1 shoved the drink into Holly's hand again, showcasing the cherries swirling at the bottom of the drink.

Holly handed the drink back to him slowly, careful not to spill it. "I believe you. Don't worry." She offered him a smile as sweet as his drink and leaned into Foaly's ear. "Is there alcohol in that?" she whispered from the corner of her lips.

"Oh gods! Of course not!" Foaly exclaimed, waving his hands in protest. "Do you think I'm a fool, Holly?"

"No. No. Just checking."

Foaly rolled his eyes but smiled when he noticed Artemis' awkward figure behind Holly. "If it isn't my favourite mud boy!" Foaly cheered, grasping Artemis by the forearm and dragging him into their circle. "Come, come! You need a drink!"

"I second that notion," Holly said, raising her palm.

"Hello, everyone," Artemis said with a heavy breath. Being swarmed by people, no matter how small they were, was a little suffocating, but he'd been in situations similar to this before. Foaly was right - having a few drinks would relax him. "I'll take a drink, but I'm quite particular…"

"Have one of these!" N1 beamed, shoving his drink into Artemis' abdomen. "It tastes like cherry! Did you know that cherry is similar to amaretto, which is an almond flavoring?"

"I did," Artemis nodded, easing the drink away from his outfit carefully. "In fact, did you know that cherry and almond trees are species of the Prunus genus?"

"I did not!" N1 gasped. "But I do now! Here, have the rest of mine!"

Artemis smiled reassuringly, patting N1's shoulder firmly. "I'm not a fan of sugary drinks, but I appreciate the gesture."

"Ah, let me guess," Foaly droned, pushing his glasses up his nose in thought. "You're a proud Irishman. I'd assume you only drink Irish spirits, then. You don't seem like a beer guy after all, Arty."

Artemis shrugged nonchalantly. "It can't be helped," he grinned, worming his way to the bartop. He leaned into it with his hip, making it a comfortable spot to face Holly from. "I'm not that obvious, am I?"

"It's pretty expected of you, not gonna lie," Holly admitted, igniting a glare from Artemis. "What?! It's true."

"You're supposed to be on my side here," he grunted playfully, scanning the bottles behind the counter. They were all foreign names he didn't recognize: a lilac liquor called syruth, a clear one named aloshaide; an inky glittery substance in several bottles that went by lich'gal. And then Artemis came upon an olivine liquid titled absinthe. He viscerally shuddered. He wouldn't consume absinthe if it meant his entire fortune were at stake… Well, that was a lie, but regardless.

Holly suddenly surged forward, her arm bumping into Artemis' waist. "Hey, Biff!" Holly yelped, leaning against the bartop. She waved a frantic hand at the gnome bartender. "You still have that vintage Jameson, right?" She threw a flirty wink at Artemis, teasing him. "Irish boy here is picky and all."

"Jameson?" If Artemis had elfin ears, they would've perked up at the mention. "You have human alcohol?"

"Besides absinthe, which the mud people stole from us, by the way," Biff explained as he climbed his wooden ladder to reach the Jameson on the top shelf.

"Ah, of course." Artemis nodded, piecing together what he knew of absinthe. "La fée verte. The Green Fairy. I always wondered if the fairy was a sprite. Most fascinating, actually."

"I can give you a whole history lesson, if ya like!" Biff grunted as he stepped off the ladder, heading back to the group with a passionate smile. "Come back and visit, and I'll tell ya sometime."

Artemis nodded, excitement perking his interest. He wasn't planning on having stimulating conversation outside of communing with Foaly. He felt quite pleased. Invigorated by his good mood, Artemis leaned over the bartop to curiously examine the Jameson. "So, why do you have exactly one bottle of…" Artemis' eyes widened as he took the bottle from the gnome, his thumb brushing dust off the label. "This is Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve. 1954. This is…" Artemis shot back up to Biff. "How do you have this?"

"Like I said," Biff grinned, running his thumb across his nose proudly, "I'll give a history lesson some other time."

"Right, then." Artemis gingerly placed the bottle on the mahogany bartop. "How much for it?"

"I'm not opening this bad boy unless someone buys the whole bottle." Biff crossed his arms sternly. "You buyin' the whole thing?"

"I'd prefer to, actually," Artemis smirked. "Seeing as how you only sell fairy spirits, I'd prefer to have a human liquor to hold onto." His fingers brushed the label again. "Especially one as fine as this." His eyes flicked to Biff carefully. "So? How much?"

"Heh," Biff snorted, unmoved. "They weren't kiddin' when they said Fowl was a rich boy."

"Pfft. No kidding," Trouble mumbled before he took another swig. He eyed the group beside him slyly, revealing he was keenly listening in all along.

Biff ignored the commander's stray comment. As he stroked his long, grey beard, he studied Artemis intently, mulling it over. "Alright. Twenty thousand alums."

Artemis smirked harder. He'd expected this. "Sixteen."

Biff laughed. "Twenty or nothing."

"How about seventeen?" Artemis leaned into Biff from across the bar. "That's a fair price. You and I both know it."

Biff stroked his beard a little more. "Hmm… Eighteen and a half."

"Eighteen flat."

"Deal."

Artemis grinned, handing over his Faetek phone for Biff to scan. "Add two-thousand to the tip, please," Artemis included, amused at the bartender's wide eyes.

"Tip?" Biff blinked.

"I know it's not customary here," Artemis explained. "But I believe it's well-earned. So, please include two thousand for yourself."

"Twenty-thousand, after all," Biff chuckled, turning around to ring it up on the holo-system.

It was then that Artemis finally decided to acknowledge the Commander's grimace, turning his gaze on him casually. "Yes?"

"You just dropped 20k on a single bottle of whiskey."

"Irish whiskey," Artemis corrected. "1954."

"You get used to it," Holly chimed in, patting Trouble's shoulder as she squeezed between them.

Biff handed the phone back to Artemis and hovered over the drink glasses. "So, how do you want it?"

"On the rocks, please."

As Biff removed the cork on the bottle and prepared Artemis' drink, the clinking of ice in the glass made Trouble snort.

"Rocks, Fowl? Really?" Trouble swirled the amber liquid in his own glass. "Real men drink whiskey neat."

"Actually, Commander," Artemis started before Holly could snap, resting a gentle hand on her forearm, "you're supposed to drink whiskey, bourbon, and scotch with at least a drop of water. The sugars and chemicals, like phenol, attach themselves to water, not ethanol. Which means-" Artemis swirled his glass of iced whiskey for Trouble to see, "-you're actually enhancing the whiskey's flavor."

Trouble frowned. "Fowl, I was ribbing you, not asking for a lecture."

"Well, the more you know."

Trouble finished his drink and leaned over Holly, extending his glass at Artemis. "Alright, Fowl. Let me see if this 20k Irish whiskey is worth it."

Artemis raised a brow. "I thought human spirits were poison to fairies?"

"They are," Trouble shrugged, "but a little taste won't kill me. Come on. Share with the group." Trouble lifted a hand to showcase the fairies at the bar. "You're at our party, after all."

"If you get sick, don't punish me for it," Artemis chuckled, pouring Trouble an ounce of Jameson. He slid the glass back to the commander, watching him intently.

Trouble sniffed the amber liquid. "Hm." He took the whole shot, holding it for taste before swallowing. Amethyst eyes widened soon after, shooting back at Artemis. "Okay. Yeah."

"Yeah?" Artemis grinned.

"Yeah. That's fuckin' good." Trouble nodded satisfactorily. "I guess I'm judging you a little less now."

"I'm still judging," Foaly loudly muttered to Caballine.

Cab patted his arm. "You always are, love."

"Let me try!" Holly exclaimed, shoving Trouble aside to wrangle his glass from him. He let her have her way, as usual, and Holly poured herself another ounce of the Irish whiskey. She slammed the shot down her throat, shaking her head with wide eyes. "Woo! Holy Frond, that's intense."

"Give me that," Trouble grunted, snatching his glass back from her. He handed her a freshly opened nettlebeer. "Here. Have that instead."

"Thanks." Holly took some massive gulps, wiping her mouth as she whipped her head around, eyes scanning the pub. "Have you seen Lili, by the way?"

"Last I checked-" Trouble motioned towards a room nestled in the back. "She was in the atrium."

"Cool." Holly turned back to them, bright eyes darting between the males. "I'm gonna go find her. If I leave you two here for a second do you promise not to rip each other's heads off?"

Artemis and Trouble blinked at each other, then turned back to her.

"Sure."

"That can be managed," Artemis agreed.

Holly smiled and patted them both on the arm. "Those are my boys! Now, make up and be friends, okay?"

"Gross, Holly," Trouble groaned, putting his lips to his foaming nettlebeer.

"'Friends' is a little much, I must agree."

"'Kay, bye!" And Holly was off, racing through the ever-bustling pub, disappearing into the sea of fairies.

Trouble eyed Artemis, noting his lingering stare after her. "You look like a lost puppy, staring like that." The Irishman ignored him, quiet now that he was left to himself. Trouble nodded to the watery whiskey in his hand. "So, you gonna drink that, or…?"

"He probably can't hold his liquor," Chix sniggered beside the Commander, mischievous eyes watching the human now too.

Artemis was suddenly aware he was being observed by several officers, all of them with the same impish grin. And then it registered what the green-skinned sprite had said. "Oh," Artemis chuckled, "I can hold my liquor just fine, thank you." He tilted his head back and swallowed the watery whiskey in one easy go. "I'd wager much better than you, by the looks of things."

"What's that supposed to mean, mud man?" Chix questioned in genuine confusion.

Artemis smirked as he poured himself a shot's worth. "The night's still young and you're already green."

The 'joke' elicited numerous groans from the group, all turning their backs to him with their drinks pressed to their lips, except Trouble. Trouble actually chuckled, wiping his lip with his thumb gently. "I thought that was pretty clever, actually."

"Oh, wow!" Grub said as he stirred his lemon drop with the little umbrella, his voice dripping in sarcasm. "The day my brother finally agrees with Artemis Fowl. Oh, heavens. The apocalypse has befallen us all."

Artemis' chest swelled with vigor, glad that the one person who mattered appreciated such a finely-crafted joke. That was, until said person clinked his drink against the Irishman's.

"But Chix is right," Trouble sighed disingenuously. "You bought all that whiskey, but can you even drink it all?"

"Of course I can," Artemis scoffed, taking the shot's worth in his glass with ease. It took some effort to not scrunch his face from the alcoholic burn, raising a cocky brow at Trouble instead. "I'm Irish."

Trouble grinned, leaning into Artemis slowly. His hand gripped the Jameson and filled Artemis' glass to the brim with potent liquid. "Prove it."

Artemis leaned in closer, hovering over the burly male. "Is that a challenge, Commander?"

"Oh," Trouble cackled, elbowing his buddies behind him. "Abso-fuckin'-lutely."

"May the best man-" Artemis started, raising his glass. "-or elf win."

The two males chugged their drinks down their throats, racing to be the first man, or elf, to finish first, eliciting rallies and cheers from everyone at the bar.

---

Holly Short wasn't a picky drinker. She preferred her beer nettle, and her shots cold and strong. But Holly wasn't a wine gal, or even a fruity drink person. She liked the earthy taste of nettle and its medicinal effects, and she liked shots because she didn't have to waste her time on drinks to get drunk. So, as Holly strutted by several tables on the way to the atrium, she'd taken advantage of her social butterfly status and rotated from group to group, hastily taking a different shot from each one.

By the time Holly had reached her destination, she had two freshly poured nettle beers in her hands, one for her, one for Lili.

Speaking of Lili Frond, the bubbly elfin captain was laughing in a tight corridor with some members of her squad, her blonde waves perfectly curled and sprawling behind her.

"Lil!" Holly called out with a smile, despite awaiting the eventual disappointment from the elf captain.

Lili whirled around at the mention of her nickname, bright eyes clear and alert. An aqua-colored mini dress popped against her golden skin, tiny moon and star sequins twinkling under the candlelight. "Hey, bitch!" Lili scanned Holly with furrowed eyebrows, reaching out to stroke her embroidered hoodie. "This isn't what we agreed on!"

"I know, I know," Holly admitted, forcing one of the beers into Lili's hand instead. "Hopefully this makes up for it?"

Lili took the beer but didn't drink it. She glared at Holly instead. "Bitch, you better be joking."

"I'm sorry!" Holly laughed, clinking her beer against Lili's and taking a swig. She wiped her mouth, her gaze drifting to the hardwood floors. "Arty bought this hoodie for me. I just had to wear it, you know?"

Lili perked up, her mouth hovering over the edge of her mug. "Oh?!" She took a fat gulp alongside Holly, exhaling with a smile and wiggling eyebrows. "Sooo? What's new with Mr. Human?"

But Holly didn't reply, covering her blushing face with one hand. Lili elbowed her excitedly, leaning in closer. "What?! Did you finally kiss?"

Holly looked at Lili, an embarrassed smile-grimace stretching across her burning face.

"You're not saying no!" Lili exclaimed. "That means yes!"

"That doesn't mean yes, either…"

Lili elbowed her again. "Well?!"

Holly sighed, taking another huge swig before settling down. She glared at Lili a little more, bracing herself for the topic. "...He kissed me."

WHAT?! WHEN?!"

"A week ago."

Lili tossed a hand in the air. "BITCH! And I'm only hearing about this now?!"

"I needed time to think! I think…" Holly hid her face behind her nettlebeer, sipping it consistently.

"Okay? Aaand?"

"And I kind of turned him down?"

Lili's smile dropped, all excitement lost to the revelation. "...Holly, what the fuck?"

"I know."

"Holly what the fuck."

Holly tapped her mug against her forehead. "I know! I know. I've done some soul searching, and I realized the issue: I don't think I deserve him, Lil."

Lili nearly dropped her beer, or slapped Holly. Maybe she should've done both. "Are you fucking kidding me-"

"I'm serious! I'm not really a good friend to him, and I've sort of gone behind his-"

Lili clamped a hand over the shorter girl's mouth, promptly silencing her. "Shut up. Stop. When are you going to wake up and accept that Artemis clearly only wants you? Trust me. I tested him. He doesn't see it that way at all."

Holly furrowed her brows. "Tested him?" she asked, her question muffled behind Lili's hand.

"Don't worry about it," Lili continued. "Point is, Artemis has told me how he feels about you. I'm not going to out him, but you'd be making a massive mistake by not taking the leap with him."

Holly tore Lili's hand off her, a deep frown slashed across her mouth. "So, what do I do?"

Lili moved her hand to her friend's shoulder instead, her grip firm and supportive. "The longer you make him wait, the more you'll break his heart. He's only human. Kiss him while you still can." Lili observed the smaller elf's duress and patted her shoulder. "Where's Mr. Pretentious, anyway?"

Holly suddenly remembered where she'd left him and broke into a fit of chuckles. "Oh, Frond. I left him with Trubs and the guys."

Lili gave a single "HA!" and finished her beer, setting the mug on a random table. "Let's go see what they're up to."

The girls drifted back towards the main bar room, dodging and swerving around belligerent party-goers. It was clear that Holly and Lili were tipsy by now, the two holding hands and giggling every time the other was torn away by the blustering crowd. Eventually, Holly could make out a tall, well-dressed human amongst the swarm of beefy fairies.

They stopped by the group at the bar, eyebrows raised in awe as they watched Artemis and Trouble slam shot after shot.

Trouble barely won the drinking race this time, slamming his fifth one down before Artemis could finish. "Yes!" he cheered as his mates roared around him, all eyes on Artemis. "You lost, Fowl. Now-" Trouble slid a full mug of ice cold nettlebeer Artemis' way. "Drink up."

Artemis groaned at the fairy-sized mug in his hand. He wasn't a fan of beer, but a bet was a bet, and he had lost. So Artemis sucked it up and slammed the earthy liquid back, intent on finishing it all at once.

"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!" He slammed the mug back down on the mahogany countertop, and the officers around him exploded. They roared and cheered, some patting his back, others rapping the table.

"Jesus. Way to haze the poor guy, Trubs," Lili commented to Trouble as her and Holly advanced closer.

"Mud man here is a big boy. He'll be alright," Trouble said, patting the recovering Irishman's back. "Right, Fowl?! Irish genes and all?"

Artemis straightened his back and wiped his mouth. "Yeah, yeah." He caught Holly's amused gaze. If his cheeks weren't pink from the alcohol, they were certainly from shame. "Hi."

"Hi," Holly smiled, moving near him. She wasn't sure if it was because she was drinking, but she wanted to be close to Artemis. She took the advantage of him being shorter on the barstool to wrap her arms around his neck, holding him as if he were a pillow. "My Arty."

Artemis nearly nuzzled into her, until he remembered that they were in public. He patted her hand instead, trying to tame his lurching heart. "Your Arty?"

"Are you someone else's?" Holly teased, messing up his gelled hair a bit.

"Well, my mother calls me Arty-"

"Besides your mom."

Artemis smiled, giving in to her claims. "Then, yes. I suppose I would be your Arty."

"Hmph." Holly promptly released him, but not before ruffling his hair a little more. "Better be."

"Hey!" Lili jammed herself between the pair, raising her mug to Artemis. "If it isn't Mr. Pretentious!" She looked him over while clicking her tongue. "Nice, nice." She ran a hovering finger up and down in the air. "I like how the suit is the darkest possible navy, nearly black, but it's not. The pattern is sleek, and complements your maroon turtleneck. Is that silk? Stylish."

"Oookay," Holly groaned, patting Artemis' chest. "Imma go play a game of pogueball. You two can talk fashion." Holly shifted her gaze to Artemis seriously, placing a firm hand on his forearm. "Are you okay?" she whispered sweetly, her brows knitted in concern.

Artemis gulped, eyes drifting past her to observe the pogueball machine. Dozens of balls shot out at once, forcing fairies to dodge, catch, or damage the balls. Whoever got the least amount of hits was the winner - which, in a bar, yielded interesting results from its intoxicated patrons. Artemis nearly whimpered, eyes back to Holly. Hopefully, she didn't insist he join her - he might actually die… Die was dramatic. He would definitely embarrass himself, either way.

He shook his head to exemplify his response. "Yes! Yes. I'm fine, thank you." He patted her hand on him to reassure her. "Go on. I'm okay here."

"Sure?"

"I'm sure." Artemis couldn't help a small smile, endeared by her concern for him. "Go have fun. Lili and I can discuss cultural matters. For example-" He motioned to the booming speakers attached to the tiled ceiling. "Why is all of your music electronically-made?" Artemis raised a brow at Lili, leaning his upper-half against the bartop to look at both of the elves.

"…You know, that's an interesting question," Lili replied, tapping an aqua nail to her chin. "I never really thought of it like that."

"Oookay!" Holly yelped, backing away from the pair. But before running off, she swallowed the rest of her beer, sliding it down the bartop before rapping Chix and Trouble on the biceps. "Hey, fellas. You up for a game?"

Chix and Trouble blinked at each other, turning to Holly with impish smiles. "Hoho!" Chix cackled, handing them each a shot of glittery black lich'gal. "Game on, Holly!"

Artemis watched the trio of officers make their way to the arcade area, losing sight of Holly's flowing locks in the crowd. He sighed, turning back to Lili. "So, the People's music…"

Lili shrugged, sipping her beer. "What about it?"

"I've yet to see any live performances. All of the music I've heard is electronically produced. Even the rap. It's all artificial sound." Artemis turned to face her as he poured some Jameson in his glass. "Why is that?"

Lili shrugged again. "I don't know. I guess we don't have 'real' instruments around anymore. They're mostly seen as relics of the past that we keep in museums."

Artemis froze with his drink, his jaw dropped. "...You're not serious?"

"I am." Lili finished her beer delicately, placing it on the black mat at the edge of the countertop and flagging Biff down with a single finger.

But Artemis was flabbergasted. He took a quick sip as he processed. Thankfully, he wasn't intoxicated enough to hinder his brain function (yet). "So, you don't create music with a cello, for instance? Or, perhaps a saxophone?"

Lili grimaced at him. "A what?"

"…Oh dear," Artemis could've cried, slamming down his whole drink in one go. He felt the conversation warranted it. "Please tell me that you're at least familiar with the piano."

"Well, yeah," Lili said, rolling her eyes. "I don't live under a rock."

"Well…" Artemis clamped his lips, resisting the urge to smile.

But Lili caught on. She rolled her eyes again, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "Shut up."

"So," Artemis started up again, back to his initial intrigue. "When did this transition to electronic sound happen? And why?"

"Um…" Lili diverted her attention and nodded at Biff for pouring her some mead, taking the flute elegantly between her fingers before turning back to Artemis. "It was when we were forced underground, after Taillte. I've learned different versions of the history. Some felt betrayed by the mud people and refused to use their instruments any longer. The other version says it was easier for us to leave luxuries behind and focus on things we absolutely needed to survive. Eventually, we just started making our own sound, our own music. I guess it got picked up by humans at some point, because they've been copying it in recent years."

Artemis' brows were so high on his porcelain forehead, they could've flown away. "Ah. Fascinating."

"You're not amused," Lili chuckled.

"Just bewildered, is all." Artemis smiled, stroking the trimmed hair on his chin in thought. "In Irish folklore, aos sí are commonly seen dancing and singing with instruments, surrounded by nature. The reality that you do no such thing is…"

"Ludicrous?"

"I was going to say comical, but sure. That works."

Lili remembered something just then, perking up in her seat. "Oh! Actually, you'd be pleased to know there's a-"

"Hey, Lili!" The familiar voice tore through the loud murmuring of many others, causing the pair to snap to the person in question. It was Trouble, shimmying through the crowd to reach them, taking Lili's hand in his and tugging on her lightly. "Sorry to interrupt the chat, but I don't have a partner," Trouble explained, determined eyes set on Lili. "May I request backup, soldier?"

Lili gaped at him, eyes darting between Trouble and Artemis as she made a decision. "Ah…" She looked over at the pogueball arena, gulping at the intense sport. "Uh-" She glanced back, meeting Trouble's eyes. They were soothing, kind, sure of themselves. His hand was warm in hers, and suddenly being aware of his touch sent shivers down her core. "O-okay," Lili blushed, getting off the barstool to follow him. She glanced over her shoulder at Artemis before leaving. "Are you okay?"

Artemis smiled, waving her off. "Don't worry about me." He then winked and mouthed, "I think he wants you."

Lili's blush deepened and she glared at him to hush it before whipping back to Trouble. "Okay! But if I fall on my ass, you're buying us a round."

"Deal."

And they were gone, leaving Artemis by his lonesome at the bar. Except he wasn't alone: Foaly, Caballine and N1 were right- Artemis blinked, a grimace forming on his face. They had been just behind him. Where had they gone off to now?

Artemis sighed. He gave up on his drinking glass and put his lips to the Jameson instead. He took a shallow swig, sucking his cheeks as the potent whiskey burned his tongue. Well, he thought. Good time as ever to explore.

The journey to the staircase wasn't too difficult for Artemis. The fairies at hip height swerved out of his way, some in awe of the human while others gossiped behind him. But Artemis didn't mind; being gossiped about meant you were interesting enough to be discussed, and Artemis had no qualms with that. He was certain he was at least somewhat drunk by now. He made a mental note to request water when he found another bar, as he wasn't fond of becoming belligerent. But Artemis was what some would call an 'in-control' drunk. It took extra effort to stay aware and cling onto his inhibitions, but Artemis was not someone to make a fool of himself… not if he could help it, anyway.

He ignored the annoying music blasting his ears and slowly climbed the wooden stairs spiralling upwards from the center of the club, careful not to bump the candles that lit the staircase. He took a few lazy swigs as he did so, a lithe hand sliding over the cedar banister for support. Ha. Cedar, Artemis thought randomly. Holly says I smell like cedar. He suddenly recognized the thought as a drunken one, shaking himself from it. Idiot.

He reached the second floor moments later, leaving the balcony to trudge through the smaller, dimmer room. The second floor of The Officers Club was arranged like a lounge: carved cherry wood adorned the walls and floors, high-top tables serving as meeting places for isolated fairies. The fairies here were calmer than below, most engaged in intimate conversations with friends or dates. Artemis would've moved on, had it not been for the hollering, elderly elf in the corner of the room, furiously swaying in his rocking chair.

"Ah, you fnipper-snappers got it so easy nowadays!" he grumbled, leaning forward to entice the small crowd gathered around him. The elderly elf must've been at least 700 years old, the white hairs of his impressive beard dusting the wood floors. He angrily lifted his mug of beer in protest. "With all 'yer fancy lasers and reflective jumpsuits!" He rocked back and forth excitedly, despite the irritation plastered to his deep wrinkles. "Back in my day, we drank depression soup, wore buckled suits and shot copper bullets! 'Member those? Old-fashioned copper bullets?"

When the engaged fairy crowd before him shook their heads, the old elf threw up a shaky fist. "Pfft! Ya'll don't know nuthin'. I- I bet ya'll don't even remember the Pixie Crusades. Let me tell you! It was rough! The pixies were minglin' with mud folk and showin' up in places we couldn't catch 'em. Put Haven in a lock-down for a year. A year!" He grunted again, taking a quick swig. "But you fnipper-snappers don't know nuthin' 'bout that."

The elderly elf caught Artemis' gaze and stabbed a finger in the air. "You! Ya damn mud man! They shoulda nevah let ya in here. W-what's your name, youngin'?"

A burly elf in the crowd answered before Artemis could. "You haven't heard of him? That's Artemis Fowl!"

"Artemis Fowl the Second, technically," Artemis amended, stepping forward to shake the elderly elf's hand. "And, you are, good sir?"

"Appleton," the elf said, shaking Artemis' hand, though Artemis couldn't tell if it was a genuine handshake or the elf's elderly tremors. "Appleton Crumb."

"Appleton Crumb," Artemis breathed, eyes wide as he retrieved his hand. "That's a fantastic name, sir."

"Thank ya. It was my father's grandfather's name."

"Well, Mr. Crumb," Artemis said, taking a seat on the floor before the elderly man, taking a quick swig of Jameson. "I'd love to hear some more stories from you. That is, if you're alright to go on?"

Several fairies took Artemis' example, sitting cross-legged on the glossed floor to listen to Appleton.

"Alright then, fnipper-snappers," Appleton began, enthusiastically rocking his chair again. "Polish your shoes and hold onta' your belt buckles! It's gonna be a bumpy ride. It was the late winter of 1550…"

Artemis thoroughly enjoyed Appleton's historical war stories, having sat through twenty minutes' worth when his phone buzzed in his blazer. He sipped on some whiskey as he checked the text.

Holly: whejr r u ? I mis u

Artemis held back a laugh. Holly's text was barely coherent, which said volumes about her drunken state. Artemis stood mid-war story, straightening his back as he stretched a little. He turned to head back to the staircase when he stumbled, realizing he was probably not much better than Holly at this point. Two left feet. His chest was warm and flighty, and his center of balance was swaying like an ocean wave. He blinked a few times, watching the walls tilt and lean with blurred vision.

Artemis stumbled his way back to the staircase, taking his time down the swirling stairs. He took no chances, his grip tight on the banister. Soon he was freed, released from the stairs and thrown back into the sea of officers. The party had exploded while Artemis was gone, most people shouting incoherently and sloppily dancing to the electro music with their partners. Artemis was grateful for his height advantage, easily discovering Holly over by the bar, surrounded by her male comrades and Lili.

Holly's eyes were glazed but bright when she noticed Artemis, waving to him through the crowd. "AAARTYYY!" She waited for him to get closer before yanking his hand towards her, wrapping herself around his waist. "I missed you," she whined, her words a little slurred. "What were you doing?"

"There's a veteran here by the name Appleton Crumb," Artemis chuckled, allowing her to embrace him in her intoxication. He ran his fingers through her wavy hair, suddenly feeling protective of his drunk companion as he held her closer. "He was telling some wonderful stories. You should come with me. I think you-"

"Yeah, we all know Mr. Crumb," Holly mumbled, pulling her face out of Artemis' torso and releasing him. "He yells at us every time we come here, but he always has a new story. I swear, the Trubs will be like Mr. Crumb one day."

Trouble overheard the conversation, cinching his brows at Holly. "The Trubs, Holly? Not just Trubs? The Trubs?"

"I'm DRUNK," Holly glared with a middle-finger. "Shut up."

Artemis looked over her, curious eyes scanning the crowd. "Where's Foaly and Caballine?"

"They went home a while ago," Lili replied for Holly, emerging beside her with a flute of bubbly champagne. "One of their kids was sick, or something like that."

"And N1?"

"It was his bedtime," Holly explained, shrugging as she stole another beer off someone's tray. "Warlocks need lots of naps."

"Shame," Artemis sighed, adjusting the gold coin necklace against his turtleneck, "I'd have liked to say goodbye."

"It's okay," Holly winked, "Mr. Crumb's stories are worth it." She chugged her beer, slamming and sliding it down the bartop as Lili diverted her attention to a flushed Commander Kelp.

"Oh! Okay. Hic- So, the reason I asked you to come back-" Holly took Artemis' hand in hers, the contact soft, warm, a little clammy. But Artemis didn't mind: he relished all and any closeness with Holly.

"The reason I- I texted you- hic- is 'cause there's-"

"AYE! YOU!"

The hostile holler spun Artemis and Holly on their tails, confused eyes searching the crowd when a soaked water sprite slumped forward. He tugged at the fleshy kelp sprawled on his head, tossing it across the bar. He stared at Artemis with impossibly blank eyes, licking his salty lips as he asked: "You ever drunk Baileys out of a shoe?"

It was several moments before Artemis or Holly could find the words to reply. "... What?" they replied in unison, unable to believe their ears.

The fishy water sprite tore his arm from around his back, exposing a creamy, white liquor inside a shoe mug in his hand. "You. Ever. Drink. Baileys. Out. Of. A. Shoe?"

Artemis lowered his grimace, stepping slightly in front of Holly out of instinct. "I need to use a bathroom," he said suddenly, entangling his fingers in Holly's behind his back. "Let's go." Artemis tore Holly away from the stranger, dragging her further along the bar and away from their group. He sighed once they had a spot to themselves, a tiny smile brightening his otherwise crimson cheeks. "Much better."

"It's just us now." Holly grinned, smushing her forehead against the silk turtleneck that peeked through his blazer. She wrapped her arms around his waist and swayed as if they were slow-dancing, hiding her drunken euphoria from him. "I'm sorry I'm so terrible."

"Oh no," Artemis said, placing a gentle hand on her head. "You're not a sad drunk, are you?"

"Shut. Up," she warned, softly punching his stomach with each fist to intensify her words. Eventually her fists settled against him, turning her cheek to rest against his chest. She knew she shouldn't speak or act on her feelings at this moment, but she felt so comforted in his arms that she'd nearly forgotten where they were. She could barely make out the boom boom music ringing through her ears, or the spirited fairies bumping her left and right. All she noticed was Artemis, and gods dammit- they were drunk! She could always retract and blame it on the alcohol later. "You're so kind to me."

"Am I?" Artemis tapped her head once. "I can be pretty overbearing."

"Hic- You aren't. Not to me," Holly shook her head against him. She trailed a finger up his forearm, unable to reach his shoulder. "Are you drunk?"

"Quite."

Holly peered closer at him, poking his middle with a slender finger. "Are you?"

"Yes, Holls," Artemis said, rolling his eyes as his smile grew. "I am drunk."

"Good. I can't be the only one," she commented when her mismatched eyes grew in their sockets, excitement rippling throughout her. "That's right! Fucking gods, I almost forgot." Holly gripped his hands tightly and dragged him through the pub, swerving around tables and unstable patrons together until she turned a dark corridor. She adjusted her hand in Artemis', grasping him even tighter as they strode into the sparsely populated atrium, the inner chamber's secrets unfolding before them.

The club's inner atrium was tucked away deep within a network of corridors, connected to a gothic Irish cathedral that had been bought and remodeled as part of the club's first floor. Stone columns reached for the heavens, circling the stained-glass dome through which rainbow light blossomed from the ceiling. An Irish blessing was embellished in gold around the bottom of the dome, reading:

'May the roof above you never fall in, And those gathered beneath it never fall out.'

Artemis took a single step forward, entranced by the multicoloured flecks bouncing around the stained-glass dome. "It's-" his eyes followed the light downwards, landing upon the enormous grand piano in the center of the atrium, "-beautiful."

Holly released him and watched him stumble towards the piano, following behind at a slower pace. "Do you like it?"

Artemis was aghast. Enthralled. Astonished. Enamored. He couldn't believe it - the faeries were so disinterested in musical "relics of the past", they'd left a gorgeous piano in unused condition to be left on display. Sure, it may have been a simple piano to the untrained eye, but Artemis knew better. It was a piece of decor to the fairies. Artemis shuddered, moisturized palms gliding over the dusty, wooden surface. The gold lettering shimmered as dust settled in the air, causing Artemis to emit a single "Achoo!"

Holly cooed behind him. "Aw! Arty and his great nemesis: the dust allergy."

Artemis didn't mean to ignore her while his eyes widened at the gold writing. He was so shocked, he could have cursed. "This… this is a 1928 Mason Hamlin original… in pristine condition." He slowly turned on his heels to gaze at Holly. "This… this is-" He craned his head back to the piano, a few fingers brushing the keys. "I don't have words."

"I know you nerd out over stuff like this," Holly said, appearing at his side to examine the grand piano. "I figured you'd like it."

"Like it?!" Artemis stammered. "I love it." He smiled at Holly, elation filling him like an air balloon. "Thank you."

Holly lost herself in his eyes for a moment, finding herself leaning forward as she imagined throwing herself at him, taking his lips in hers, pushing their bodies together and becoming just one-

Pull yourself together! Holly froze, red burn climbing her cheeks to her ears. You're an adult. Don't get carried away.

"I'm going to tune it."

Artemis' declaration speared through Holly's thoughts. "What? Oh. Yeah, of course. Go ahead."

Artemis, unaware of Holly's internal dilemma, carefully peeled open the top board of the piano, revealing the inner workings of the massive instrument. Nimble fingers delicately twisted the tuning pins as he selected the appropriate keys, the notes ringing loud and clear through the atrium. Loud enough apparently to grab the attention of numerous fairies.

"Hey!" Trouble shouted from the arched entrance of the atrium. "You can't do that." Several officers followed behind him, including Lili. But as the others glared at Artemis with the same duress as Trouble, Lili advanced towards Holly.

"If anyone can touch this thing, it should be the genius," Lili commented, standing with Holly beside the piano.

"Just because he's a genius doesn't mean he knows how to play it-"

"I can play," Artemis announced, narrowing his gaze at Trouble. "I was a child prodigy, and have written and composed numerous musical pieces. This piano desperately needs tuning." He turned back to the pins, twisting one and playing a key to show his point. "I can give her the care and love she needs."

"No way, Fowl," Trouble growled, crossing his arms and stepping closer. It was clear the Commander wasn't going to back down from the challenge, his violet eyes glowering dangerously. "We earned these relics from the mud people fair and square. It completely ruins the purpose if we let a mud man put his greedy fingers on it-"

"You have a Roaring 20s grand piano withering away to dust in a jock bar thousands of feet below the surface," Artemis argued passionately, a little flustered from the alcohol. "It's foolish to prevent someone from giving it the care it deserves because you have some sort of anti-human bias."

"Anti-human bias?" Trouble repeated, charging up to the mud man in question. "You think being stalked, hunted, poisoned, kidnapped-" he threw an open palm at Holly to prove his point, "-and murdered have led to us developing some sort of 'anti-human' bias? Well, if that's what you want to call it, then fuck yes, we have an anti-human fucking bias."

Some fairies cheered behind him, Chix and Alder clapping him on the shoulders from behind. "Mud people are the whole reason we're stuck in this shit hole. So, if we want a reminder of the past that isn't tainted by human hands, then so fucking be it!"

Artemis pressed his lips together in irritation as he watched the fairies behind him drunkenly cheer Trouble on. He could see why Trouble made a good Commander for the People. He was a natural-born leader, and charismatic to an honest fault. But Artemis wasn't going to let up. If anything, he was as stubborn, if not more than the Commander. "I understand your perspective. You have been oppressed by humans for far too long. But," he threw an open palm at the piano, "this is a human-made instrument. Do you even know the creator?" No answer. "Mason Hamlin. The year?" Again, no answer. "1928. Do any of you know how to tune it, much less play a single song?"

"That's not the point, Fowl," Trouble said, taking a breath to calm himself down. "Look. You're more passionate about this than I expected. But, these sorts of things aren't meant to be shared with humans-"

"It's music, Commander," Artemis insisted, his stance firm. "Music is meant to be shared, especially amongst fairies. Your People are meant to experience live music, real instruments you need to feel and play. You're losing a beautiful thing by letting it rot here, and by not allowing me to play it."

"Let him play, Trouble," Holly said seriously, shooting daggers at the Commander. "Artemis takes the arts very seriously. If anything, it would be an honour to have him play for us."

"I'm sure most of us have never even heard this thing played live," Lili pitched in, tapping the top board gently. "And you've already dragged in an audience. Might as well let someone who knows what they're doing play it for us."

Holly and Lili's opposition caused murmuring in the crowd, the fairies finding themselves conflicted with the points presented. Artemis cast a glance at the girls, giving them a grateful nod for having his back.

Eventually, Trouble cleared his throat to speak for the group. "Fine. You can play it, on one condition."

Artemis cocked an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"You have to play us a song…"

Artemis raised both brows now. "Yes, I can play many songs. I can start with Tchaikovsky if you like. Or, perhaps some Brahms-"

"No, no. On the spot. Right here, right now. You can only play what you just came up with." Trouble gripped his forehead in annoyance, finishing his irritation with a swig of beer. "Look, I'm kinda drunk. I can't explain this properly."

But Artemis understood the request. "I understand. You want me to come up with an original song on the spot, right here, right now? Just like that?"

Chix clapped Trouble's shoulders to help encourage his intoxicated buddy. "I like that idea. Sounds like a challenge."

Trouble clicked his fingers. "Right. I don't wanna hear any old song, Fowl. You're famous for being this ultra-genius, right? If you're this musical prodigy you claim to be," he grinned, egging on the crowd around him before his elfish gaze linked with Artemis once more, "Prove it."

Artemis scratched his facial hair self-consciously, a light smile stretching his mouth. "Ahh… normally I'd be thrilled about such a challenge. But you see, I haven't touched a piano in years, and I am quite drunk. I've never attempted to play while under the influence, much less this drunk."

"Can you talk?"

"Er, yes?"

"Can you walk?"

Artemis took a few steps to check. "Yes?"

"Can you count to ten?"

"What's this about?" Artemis questioned in confusion.

"Then you can play a piano right now," Trouble gloated with a grin. He smacked the piano side loudly. "You're the one who was askin' to play! So?"

"Ah…" Artemis considered it. Could he do it? It'd be best to create something simple, as anything too complex could promise a drunken, clumsy mistake or two. His heart raced in his chest as he scanned the crowd nervously. Could he do it? He was a musical prodigy. A genius. A talent. What would Holly say?

Don't think. Just feel.

Artemis sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright. I'll do it. However," he gave a solid smirk. "How would you know what I've played is a new original, and not a song you're unfamiliar with?"

Trouble shrugged and patted Artemis' arm. "I trust someone as talented as you isn't a fraud. Frauds aren't welcome here. Right, boys?"

This elicited more hollering from his buddies, but Artemis was still anxious. He lifted a palm to calm them. "Right, well, she still needs tuning, and that can take twenty minutes or so."

Trouble peered into the piano workings curiously. "'Kay? Then you'll play?"

"Well," Artemis rubbed his neck sheepishly, drifting his gaze from Trouble to Holly. "I am drunk. Shall I be allotted a few minutes to think?"

"No can do, Fowl," Trouble refused, crossing his arms. "Instantly, or nothing."

"At least one minute, then. Just sixty seconds. That's all I need."

Trouble tapped his chin. "Fine," he groaned, returning to his beer and buddies. "Tune the thing, then we start. Oh, and uh-" he winked, "Try not to make a fool of yourself."

Artemis pursed his lips. That would be more difficult than the Commander anticipated, or perhaps Artemis wasn't giving his own self enough credit. The last half-decade had been a massive blow to Artemis' confidence, after all. What if it had affected his talent, too? The way it had with his art in space?

Don't think of that. Not now.

It took Artemis a little under fifteen minutes to finish tuning the grand piano. He'd had to rely on his perfect pitch to guide him, which was a cumbersome process but not impossible. He was just grateful he hadn't popped a single string.

Trouble, meanwhile, stood around the piano with Holly, Lili, and the others, murmuring and drinking amongst them as they waited.

"Why can't you be nice to him?" Holly eventually exasperated to Trouble.

"Who?"

"Artemis."

"Oh, not the Artemis?" Trouble laughed when Holly glared daggers at him. "I am nice to him. What do you mean?"

"You forced him to get drunk and now you're intent on embarrassing him in front of a crowd-"

"Holly," Trouble said seriously, turning his severe stare on her. "When are you going to stop babying him? He's an adult. He put himself in these situations. If he didn't want to be here, he could leave at any time."

"It's kinda hard to leave when you feel pressured to stay."

"Pressured?" Trouble laughed. "How can I pressure the guy? I got nothing on him to pressure him for."

"I thought you kne-"

"If you two would stop bickering," Artemis cleared his throat, glazed eyes on the pair as he took a seat at the piano bench. "I'd like a minute to hear myself think, thank you."

Holly promptly shut her mouth, shooting a glare at Trouble instead.

But the Commander wasn't eased. "So, you're done tuning?"

"Yes."

"And now you're gonna make a song?"

Artemis furrowed irked brows. "I'm trying to."

"Trubs, shhh," Lili hushed, taking the elf's hand and pulling him back to her, though that didn't deter him.

"Fowl, you're swaying."

Artemis didn't care, indifferently testing out a few keys. "...No, I'm not."

"You're drunk."

"No. I'm Irish."

"Fucking hell."

Artemis ignored him, keeping to himself now, hoping the fairies around him would do the same.

Finally, the crowd silenced, allowing Artemis peace of mind. He squinted at the keys a little closer, his flighty vision blurring them all to look one in the same. "Fantastic," he sighed, taking a breath to steady himself. One minute. Fifty-nine seconds to go. Artemis scanned the gothic chamber for inspiration, analyzing the stained glass mural above, moving on to the Irish blessing in gold. Fifty seconds. Sharp eyes drifted down and looked over each face in the audience, some unfamiliar, some he knew. Forty-five. And then his eyes locked on Holly's, shifting to gaze at her hazel eye, as always.

A melody lit up his brain like a soundboard. The melody told a story he would tell through song. It was Holly. Holly was the inspiration. All they had done. After all they had been through, she was still here. She was still his friend, and he loved her. All of her. He watched a smile form on her freckled face, her joy igniting the blood in his heart.

For you, Holly.

"I've got it," Artemis said, shifting his posture along with his gaze. He rested a slender finger on the C key. "I'm ready."

"Wha-?" Trouble stammered, looking between him and the piano. "That was only thirty seconds."

Artemis ignored the Commander, setting his focus on Holly. "Holls, I want you to lean into the piano. It may get loud, but I want you to feel the music, alright?"

Holly leaned against the side close enough to peer at the inner workings, watching him through the gap of the propped-up lid. "Like this?"

Artemis played a few keys. "Can you feel that?"

"Woah!" Holly yelped, an ecstatic grin on her face. "Yeah! I can!"

"I wanna try!" Lili said, pushing against the piano too.

Artemis gave a tight-lipped smile and took a deep breath. It was now or never. Remnants of a melody swarmed his mind, taking over every other function but the ability to hear and feel the rhythm with his soul.

"We're waiting, Fowl," Trouble pressed, inviting two elbows to the ribs by Holly and Lili.

Artemis closed his eyes. All he needed to do was exist in the music. Leave here and now, and exist in melody. In the harmony. In the flats and minors and pitches, in the heart of the sound. Don't think. Just feel.

Artemis hovered over the keys, sucking in one more steady breath, and on his exhale, his pointer finger hit the first key , fingers flying across the piano to bring the melody in his mind to life. The song was hopeful and uplifting at first, slow and steady as he crawled to an agonizing, eventual build. But as masterful fingers dusted the keys, Artemis' mind was far away, locked away in a memory like a diorama in a snowglobe.

He thought back to when he was young, a mere child who still believed in fairies. A child who was alone, cruel and cold in his self-hate, a behavior he'd learned from his father. A father everyone told him was dead. And, despite extreme measures and a near-war with the fairy People, Artemis had not only saved his father, but saved many others as well. Because of the fairies, because of Butler, because of Holly, Artemis had friends. He had people who actually cared about his life, no matter how annoying it was.

You almost killed Butler. That was your fault. You're not even real.

Never forget that.

Artemis' eyes snapped open and he hesitated, itchy fingers hovering over the keys. His heart felt tight as it swelled in his chest, every breath shallow and painful. Not here. Not now. He was drunk. These thoughts happen. He blew out a steady stream of breath, eyes lowering back to the keys brushing his fingertips. And he played. The melody shifted, slowing to a melancholic tune as Artemis let his feelings out through song, telling the story of how he let things go so wrong.

Being a genius didn't mean he was perfect, and striving for perfection and consistently meeting it is what led Artemis to believe he was untouchable in the first place. Invincible, even. But when Holly died on Hybras; when Vinyáyá and her crew actually died, at the hands of his call, and would never come back; when Artemis himself died,

Sinking through the coffin.

Sinking through the soil.

Sinking through space.

Sinking through time.

Sinking into the stars.

Artemis forced another breath into desperate lungs, slowing his pace as his fingers shook slightly from despair. Being a genius didn't mean he was perfect. His gaze trickled up, meeting Holly's. But he didn't need to be perfect, because there were people who accepted him as he was, flaws, inconveniences and all. It was Holly.

A swell of emotions rushed through Artemis like a power drill, the pace climbing little by little as he strummed away at the keys. Artemis closed his eyes, losing himself in the music and his memory.

Holly was his best friend even after their worst, and nastiest arguments. She'd saved his life so many times. She'd taken him in, cared for him, supported him, and believed in him when no one else would. She stood up to him, and didn't let him persuade her. She was tough, strong, frightening. He imagined her high cheekbones in deep flush after he'd braved her a compliment. He thought of how she pursed her round lips when she was in deep thought, and how she sometimes bit them when she was anxious. The way her hazel eye sparkled when she was excited, and the flaming locks that accentuated her gold-flecked, bronze skin. It was enough that she was the most selfless and accepting person he knew, but her beauty astounded him, just as it always had, and always would.

She'd brought him back from the dead. She'd saved him in space, though she didn't know it. She rescued him in Tokyo, and saved him in the Alley. It's for you, Holly, Artemis thought, tears brimming his eyelashes. It's all for you.

He ramped up the intensity, hammering away at the gleaming, ivory keys as he gave it his all, the pace fighting to match the swelling of his heart. And though the song was for Holly, he played for himself. It felt incredible to say so much through a set of musical keys, without having to speak at all. Not a single mistake or hiccup had occurred thus far - but Artemis didn't care. He was lost in the world of music, something he loved and missed so dearly. He didn't know if it was the drink, or the music, or Holly, or all three, but Artemis allowed himself to be emotional, carried away as flawless fingers flew over keys. He leaned with the rhythm, his torso swaying along with his fingers as he unlocked himself from a mental, metal cage. He was free. Free to tell the story he wanted to tell. He intentionally switched into another minor, vandalizing his song in a way that was pleasant to the ears, in that it conveyed an emotion so raw, so real it needed to be screeched, flawed and imperfect, just as he himself was.

And then the river of sound slowed, Artemis' touch on the keys floaty like a feather, barely pricking them as he allowed the piano's volume to flood the atrium, letting the instrument settle on its own. He didn't wait too long, picking back up as he panted for air, suddenly aware of the sweat plastered to his bangs. He struggled for air as adrenaline wore off, leaving him aware of his vulnerability amongst the fairies, in a way that nearly unsettled him.

His eyes searched Holly's face for comfort, the tightness in his chest withering away when he found her. Her eyes were as wide as the dome above, rainbow light glinting on the tears that coated her face. He hoped that she understood what the song had meant as he trickled into an outro. Smitten eyes locked on Holly, determined to show her what it all meant, what he felt. They fell into each other's gaze, unable to look away as they smiled. That was when Artemis knew that she'd understood. She knew.

Artemis' fingers slowed to a stop, allowing the piano to fizzle out, leaving the atrium in stunned silence.

---