This chapter contains explicit language, mentions of suicide, sexually suggestive themes, and depictions of drinking/party behavior. Please be advised.

Thank you eternally to Phoenixpyres and Thefowlestofthemall for being my betas for this long. I'm so blessed to have TWO stick with me through thick and thin. Thank you, Nath and Hunted! And thank you to urban-unease on tumblr for all her advice and support. Thank you, dear! (Also thank you to crying-protection and a-c-u-l-o-s for indulging and supporting me And thank you Pokegeek151 for the nickname idea [kilometer!])

DISCLAIMER (read after chapter to avoid spoilers):

So... I did something goofy, and I messed up. I have to admit I have not read The Fowl Twins, I have only spoiled myself relentlessly. All I know is what I find online. SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I LEARNED THAT THE REGRETTABLES ARE NOT AN ACTUAL BAND AND IT WAS A DANG COMMISSION by TheLocalLemon on tumblr, done by iesnoth. I see iesnoth's art and go "yes that's canon" without questioning it. So, disclaimer I did not invent The Regrettables. I can't even tell you what they're supposed to be. I thought it was a band. Oops. Sorry.

Emporium District

The Officers' Club

Music has a way of creeping into our bones, and settling into the soul. For most people, a live performance is an exhilarating experience. It rattles you, sometimes sends shivers down your spine, even urges you to move your body along to the rhythm. It wasn't just humans observed with this behaviour. Birds whistle; cats become affectionate through song; dogs howl at the moon; whales sing to each other.

The People were no different than the living beings on the surface, but from centuries of underground isolation, it was clear it was a part of them they'd forgotten, but were meant for.

Every fairy in the room was entranced by Artemis' song, each person stunned and floored and bewitched to a stand-still. They weren't just mythical beings, mystical and mischievous. They were living, and they deserved to enjoy the music of the living, too. And when they'd had enough of their silence, the crowd exploded in clapping and cheers, a few running over to clap Artemis over the shoulders.

But Artemis barely noticed the havoc, his gaze fully set on the elf before him - the elf he loved. She wasn't looking at him though, as she was crying too much for that. Artemis stood from the piano bench, taking a few strides to place a gentle hand to Holly's wet cheek. "What's wrong, Holls? Don't cry."

Holly smiled through shining tears, setting her own hand over his. She forced herself to look at him, a blush burning her cheeks. "Are you fucking kidding me?" she wept, her smile growing into an overjoyed grin. She gripped his arms to shake him while she hollered, "Are you fucking kidding me?!"

"What?" Artemis chuckled, rubbing his neck sheepishly.

"I- I don't have words. That-" Holly choked, covering her eyes in shared embarrassment. "Oh my gods."

"Yeaaah, you really fucked up there, Trubs," Lili snickered, wrapping her arm around Trouble's shoulders.

But Trouble was undeterred. He gave a casual shrug, his bomber jacket straining against his rippling biceps. "Alright. Yeah. Fowl can play." He glanced at Artemis with a wink. "No harm, no Fowl, right?"

"Dear gods."

Artemis broke away from the blustering fairies, determined to find solitude for himself. "I appreciate your kind words," he said, gazing down at Holly, sliding a finger across her cheek. "Especially yours."

"I barely have any!"

"That may be so, but it was enough." Artemis glanced back up, backing away slowly. "I hate to break the excitement, but, er, I need a restroom."

After being led to the toilets down a little corridor outside of the atrium, Artemis wedged into the tiny, closet-sized space for a moment to think. Playing the piano for the first time in years had stirred up some intense emotions within him, and his near panic attack was still teetering on an edge in his brain. Artemis ran the faucet, splashing cold water to his face. The mirror was too low to see his reflection. He sat on the toilet seat instead, his own face greeting him.

"Hah!" Artemis pointed a finger at his doppelgänger in the mirror. "You're drunk," he chuckled, glad no one was around to witness his shameful behaviour. But that was the funny thing about being an "in-control" drunk. Around the others, Artemis couldn't resist appearing composed and restrained. But alone, he was free to be as stupid as the rest of them. It wasn't a feeling he particularly enjoyed, losing control and all, but hellfire! The deed was done. Time to power through it now.

Artemis shifted his gaze to examine the tiny bathroom, curious about the Gnommish writing on the wall. The Irish blessing above the mirror had been slightly modified by the drunken fairies who'd wandered into this hilariously sacred space, reading:

May the roof above you never fall in, And those gathered beneath it never fall out of your arse

"Hah. They wrote arse."

Artemis looked through the vandalism on the wall, drunkenly chittering to himself. "Funny. If humans ever found these, they'd assume they're meaningful hieroglyphics." His hand smoothed over one writing. "Captain Kiernan sucks my ass. How endearing."

Beep beep. His phone vibrated in his lap, and he looked at the text.

Holly: ar u ok?

Artemis smiled, catching his stupid grin in the mirror. Love had made him a little simpler, hadn't it? He shook his locks, wispy bangs falling over his eyes, and concluded he was content with where he was emotionally. Time to dive back into the real world again.

Holly was on Artemis the second he exited the restroom, lightly tugging on his arm as she pulled him aside. "Are you okay?" she asked with a worried brow, looking him over. "Do you need a healing?"

"I'm fine, dear," Artemis said lightly. "Thank you."

"...Did you just call me dear?"

Artemis opened his mouth to speak, then promptly closed it with a tilt of his head. "...I did."

Before Holly could tease him about it, Lili wedged her way between the pair. "Hey!" She held up her phone's screen projector with a mischievous, pearly smile. "Are you ready to continue the musical journey?"

Artemis and Holly blinked at each other, and looked back at her. "Huh?" they blurted.

"I just got VIP passes to The Hill of Tara Music Festival happening right now. So, we'd have to leave, right now!"

Trouble overhead the conversation, drunkenly trudging over to the group. "Tara Fest? Oh shit." He took another swig of his nettlebeer. "I've never been."

"There's a musical festival at the Tara port?" Artemis asked, unsure if he understood their Gnommish correctly in his drunken stupor.

"Yes! We need to go. Like, now!" Lili bounced excitedly in place with Holly, winking at her in secret. The girls had a plan up their sleeves, and it was up to them to make sure Artemis didn't uncover it. "So? You boys down?"

Trouble leaned into Lili with lecherous eyes. "Do I get to dance with you?"

Lili blew him a kiss. "Of course, babe."

Holly turned her attention to Artemis, calming the bubbling glee in her gut before she decided to risk the same question. "And you, Arty? Will you dance with me?"

"Dance?" Artemis took her hand in his, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "I don't dance, but I'll come along regardless. I'd follow you to the edge of the world."

Holly blinked up at him in stunned silence as Lili pushed them together, Holly's chest bumping into his pelvis. "Ah! Wha-"

"You two are so cute!" Lili cooed, pinching the shorter girls' flushed cheek.

Holly and Artemis were hesitant to move, slowly craning their necks to glance at each other. "Um… hi…" Holly smiled weakly.

"Hi," he replied, equally as red as his companion.

Holly pushed herself off Artemis' pelvis graciously with a slight shudder, fidgeting with her hoodie's strings. "Um-"

"PIZZA, PIZZA!

FILL UP YOUR FACE

THE THICKER THE PASTRY

THE BETTER THE BASE!"

Holly, Lili, and Trouble snapped their heads to the ever-raging crowd, disgusted grimaces growing by the second.

"Oh no."

"PIZZA, PIZZA

FIRE UNDER A HOOD

THE DRIER THE CONDITIONS

THE BETTER THE WOOD!"

Artemis raised a brow at the elves' dismay. "What is it?"

"The Pizza Song," the three groaned in unison.

"It has 114 verses," Trouble added, all eyes now glued to the intoxicated patrons.

"PIZZA PIZZA,

THE FOOD FOR THE SOUL

EVEN IF IT SITS

IT TASTES GOOD COLD!"

"Oh."

Holly patted Artemis' arm firmly. "Yeah… Let's go."

"PIZZA, PIZZA!

PUT IT ON ICE

FOR BREAKFAST NEXT MORNING

STILL JUST AS NICE!"

Upper Levels, Haven City

Brookside Luxury Homes

The group had taken a hover-taxi to prepare for the festival at Lili's townhome, the four of them nestled into her huge bedroom. The girls made Artemis and Trouble wait on the edge of the king-sized bed as the girls raided Lili's walk-in closet.

Lili insisted Holly could not attend the festival 'looking like that', so the shorter girl allowed her friend to strip her hoodie off and shove another top on her.

As the girls geared up, Trouble stood off the bed, striding out of the room only to return a few moments later with a gilded decanter in his hand. He poured two shots of glittery black liquid, handing one to Artemis. "That song you played tonight was awesome," he said in English. "I'll admit defeat, alright?"

"I appreciate that," Artemis replied, nodding to the inky substance. "This is lich'gal, right? What is that again?"

"I don't know it in English." Trouble spouted off a few words in Gnommish to the girls for confirmation, before turning back to Artemis. "Licorice drink. It's not so bad." He clinked his shot glass against Artemis'. "Try it out."

Artemis glanced at the drink, swirling the glittery black liquor in gentle circles. He threw his head back as he took the whole shot, shaking his head with a cough and a smile as he set it down. "Oh."

"Yeah," Trouble agreed. "It may not be your fancy whiskey, but it's something, alright." He watched the anxious human for a few more moments, eventually heaving out a dramatic sigh. "Holly said I'm pressuring you. But, you don't feel that way, right?" Trouble casually shrugged. "That's just how hanging with the guys is."

Artemis laughed genuinely at Trouble's revelation. "She's a bit protective of me, isn't she?"

"Always. She's always looking out for you. Even when you don't need, or deserve it."

"Yes. She's a great friend."

"Hah. 'Friend.'" Trouble poured another two shots. "Don't lie to me, Fowl. I know you like each other. I can tell." He handed Artemis the second shot, chuckling at the human's lack of response. "Listen: I'm not hard on you because I'm jealous about Holly. I don't see her that way. She's one of my oldest friends, and I care very much for her well-being. I worry about her, and I worry if you're the right person for her."

Artemis was a little more than floored, though he did his best to contain his surprise. He'd never had a personal chat with the Commander. He supposed it was about time.

"But-" Trouble continued, holding up his shot to Artemis. "It's taken me some time, but I think she's convinced me to give you another shot. So, I'm putting faith in you, Fowl. Take care of Holly, or else."

Artemis clinked his glass on the Commander's with a light smile. "If she ever gives me the opportunity, I promise I will."

Their heart-to-heart was promptly interrupted by the shuffling and giggling of the girls in the closet entrance, Lili charging her way forward.

"Oookay!" Lili announced in the doorway, blocking the guys' view of Holly. Lili herself had changed into high-waisted shorts and an aqua crop tank. White crystals twinkled on her face and body as silver hoops adorned her pointed ears and hair. "Artemis: are you ready to see Holly? Ta-daaa!" She stepped aside, lifting her arms to showcase the redhead.

Holly stepped out with her arms behind her back, an embarrassed flush on her cheeks. She reluctantly met Artemis' stunned gaze. "Hi," she chuckled, pinning a strand of hair behind her gold-cuffed ear. Holly wore a matching crop tank to Lili's, hers a baby pink with a small heart cutout. Instead of jewels, Holly was embellished in white and yellow flowers like a garden fairy. Her bangs were twinned into thin braids that held back her long, auburn hair as daisies twirled down her curls, gold star stickers gleamed along the freckles on her cheeks, the tiniest hint of pink lipgloss and sparkly mascara to brighten her features.

Artemis was speechless. He'd never seen Holly dressed up, much less with makeup on. Dressed up might've not been the correct term, per se, but wearing pink and covered in flowers and glitter was definitely the most jazzed he'd seen of her.

"You're drooling, dude," Trouble teased, patting Artemis' shoulder.

Artemis closed his hanging mouth, closely examining the flower crown atop her head. "You- ah- ah-" He cleared his throat quickly. "You look lovely." Holly swayed a little, though Artemis couldn't tell if she was being coy or drunk.

"Thanks," Holly muttered, avoiding his direct gaze. Instead, she darted between the males with a devilish grin. "Buuut-" she tugged on Trouble and shoved him past her, straight into Lili. "We're not done! The boys are next."

"Next?" Trouble gulped, glancing at Lili with wide eyes.

Lili wiggled her brows at him. "Did you think we were gonna let you two stay boring?" She whipped out a small pan of multicoloured glitter, tapping her finger into it. "Stay still," she warned, smearing glitter across Trouble's frown. "AH! Cutie!" Lili giggled, pinching the unamused Commander's cheek.

Holly, on the other hand, lifted a slim device from Lili's makeup counter and flashed it in front of Artemis. "And you-" she started impishly. "Can I shave you?"

Artemis blinked. "Ask that in English please," he said, swaying ever so slightly.

"Can I shave you?"

Artemis blinked again. "Shave me where?"

Holly smacked his shoulder. "Your beard, you drunkard," she laughed, stroking the hairs along his jaw. "Can I shave your face?"

Artemis stroked his chin as he mulled it over. "I rather like my beard…" He raised a brow at her. "Why?"

"Your beard ruins the androgynous look I'm going for." Holly winced. "No offense."

Artemis frowned, but ultimately gave in with a sigh. "Fine."

"Yes!" Holly held the sleek device to his chin, instantly melting the hairs from their follicles. All of which was cool, of course, had Artemis any idea what'd just happened.

He fell back with a jolt, eyes wide at the device in her hand. "What was that?"

It was Holly's turn to arch a brow at him. "A razor? What do you mean?"

"You just melted my skin!"

Holly rolled her eyes. "Oh gods. You're so dramatic," she sighed, advancing forward and pinning his shoulder. "Stay still!"

Artemis frowned at the wall as he allowed her to singe the hairs off one half of his face, eventually trickling his peeved gaze back on her. "You've never shown me this device before…"

"So that's what you're mad about!" Holly laughed, pinching his cheek in the same way Lili had to Trouble. "Don't be grumpy. I'm gonna make you even more gorgeous. Do you trust me?" Holly speared her pinky finger through the air, awaiting their secret handshake.

"Eh…"

"Do you trust me?!" Holly jammed her forehead against his, digging her gaze into him.

Artemis couldn't resist her adorable smile, or her bubbly insistence. Dammit. He returned her smile, entangling his pinky in hers and intertwining their arms. "Yes. I trust you."

"Hmph!" Holly kissed her fist. "It's sealed. Set in stone." She released him, yanking him upright on the bed's edge. "Now let me finish." She tangled her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck and tugged softly, angling his face towards her.

"Oh, man!" Trouble hollered from his corner with Lili. "You're just gonna let her shave your beard like that?"

"Of course," Artemis smirked, eyes set on Holly's in smug confidence. "She's my girl, after all."

"Oooh! Your girl, huh?!" Lili nearly squealed. "Hear that, Holly?"

Holly's cheeks glowed as she accepted Lili's ribbing, her lips clamped in a tight smile as she held herself together, avoiding that damn sly smirk of his.

Artemis was silent as he allowed Holly to 'work her magick on him', not really caring what she did at this point. He pretended to be unfazed, something he did often. But in between strokes of whatever she smeared on his cheekbones, he stole glances at her, amused by her intense focus and knitted brows. Artemis didn't care - if it made Holly happy, it was probably worth it.

Holly batted her sparkly lashes twice when she finished, looking over her work of art for any errors. Unsatisfied, she tore his blazer off and threw it on the bed beside him, leaving Artemis with his maroon turtleneck, tucked into the belt of his grid-patterned trousers.

"Perfect." Holly reared her arm open to the others, a bright smile on her face. "I present to you, Artemis Fowl," she said fondly, showcasing the glittery, wide-eyed human avoiding their gazes.

"I present to you," Lili quipped, showcasing her own 'work of art', "Trouble Kelp!"

Both males glanced at their responsible companions before glancing at each other. And upon seeing each other, broke into a fit of hysterical laughter that rang around the room.

"Nooo!" Lili cried out, unable to resist a guilty smile. "Look: you guys look good. I mean it!

Holly pulled Artemis towards Lili's makeup vanity. "See for yourself."

Artemis ducked down to examine his reflection. Iridescent glitter shimmered from his temples to his cheekbones, lighting up his face at different angles like a diamond. His fluffy eyebrows were brushed, and his cheeks and nose were lightly blushed. She'd swept the slightest bit of clear gloss across his lips, leaving the rest of his skin freshly shaved and barren. Artemis tilted his head, watching the light shift from lilac, to peach, to gold. "This is sort of fun," he admitted quietly, still testing the light flash.

Holly smashed her cheek against his, looking at him in the mirror. "I'm glad you like it," she said proudly. "Told you to trust me."

Artemis pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, savoring the warmth of her skin against his lips. But when he tried to back away, she pulled him in by his collar, smashing a fit of kisses across his face.

"Ho-Holls!" Artemis laughed. Even drunk, he didn't prefer public displays of affection. But when he shot his attention to the others anxiously, they were equally as involved with each other, completely oblivious to Holly's kissing anyway. He briefly wondered if this was considered one of those 'double-dates' he often heard about, then nearly smacked himself over the head for even contemplating it. Clearly, moron.

"Alright," Holly settled down, turning to her friends at the other side of the room. "Everyone all set to go?"

"Let's go!"

Hill of Tara, Ireland

Tara Music Festival

Although the Haven City express shuttles ran throughout the night to accommodate the festival-goers, the three officers concluded they were too drunk to be in public, thus spawning the dilemma of how they'd get there.

"We're too drunk to be in public," Trouble had started back at the apartment, rigid on his insistence they follow the law.

"Aren't the party-goers on your shuttle system inebriated as well? You're not even on duty," Artemis argued, albeit rather poorly in his indifferently euphoric state.

Lili had stepped between the two, pinching her forehead with a sigh. "Jesus. It's like you two forgot I'm royalty or something."

"So?"

"So," Lili shot at Trouble, narrow-eyed. "We have our own private shuttle line. The Royal Shuttle? Uh, hello?"

"How am I supposed to know about that?"

"Trouble, you've driven the shuttle."

Trouble frowned, narrowing his own eyes at her. "I don't remember this."

"Jesus Christ."

And that was how they'd legally arrived at The Hill of Tara shuttle port. The flight was quicker than any civilian vessel, the royal pilot bringing them through a private chute and to the port in under half an hour. The festival itself was a short distance from the port, a mere five minute walk at most. After tickets and festival-goers were scanned, the crowd moved along lit-up, LED tunnels to the festival, the clear glass giving a taste of the neon events outside.

For Artemis and the others, their journey was a little different. The Royal Shuttle Service had its own exit, dropping them straight onto the Hill of Tara, and right into the festival.

Lili had everything organized perfectly, moving them along in smart order to their own VIP perimeter by a massive music tent. The speakers around the stage boomed electronic music more powerfully than any human club could manage, but the incredible volume was thankfully dispersed by the open, starry sky. Artemis moved alongside the group, his eyes darting around the hill in awe. The Hill of Tara was used to its full advantage - the emerald hill was a sea of neon in the cool Irish night. Select booths and boxes were embedded into the hillside while the main crowd swarmed An Forradh, known in English as the King's Seat, in the center of the hill. Several, smaller tents spread out across the different wells and mounds around Tara, some blasting lesser known artists' music, while others served liquor and finger-licking festival food. Lights were strung along the henge of oak trees, crystals and mushrooms. He glanced upwards towards the heavens and gasped. All of Tara was encased in a gargantuan, hexagonal dome, while crystals, glass butterflies and vines dangled from the ceiling, as if raining down from the sky.

Artemis was amazed. He gripped Lili's shoulder as he stared up at the dome. "Do they do this every year?"

"Just about," Lili said, shrugging, "Why?"

"This is-" His eyes roamed across the hill, resting on the giant stage and dancing fairies. "The dome is a shield? So humans can't find you?"

Lili sighed, leading them up the hillside towards the glass-fenced perimeter. "I should've known you'd nerd out over this. Unfortunately, you'll have to ask Foaly about it, since I doubt any of us know how it works."

"Sure."

The three followed the confident princess as she swayed past a security elf and through a glass gate, arriving at their private section. Lili had chosen the closest section to the crowd, allowing them the chance to run out and dance if they chose, or retreat and chill privately along the edge of the hillside.

The section itself was no bigger than Holly's living room, which was spacious enough in human terms. Artemis found himself lounging on the blanket and pillows that sprawled across the lush grass, giving the group a cozy area to relax. His eyes roamed past the warm, rattan lamps, examining the royal security elves perched up in the corners of the glass enclosure. They were burly elves, armored and armed and ready to tackle anything (or anyone) who went wrong. Thankfully though, tonight was - for once - not a night the friends were being hunted, or where their lives were at stake. Tonight, things would stay at ease.

Artemis leaned back, observing the dome with curiosity. He peered closely at the hexagonal panels, barely catching the glint of electric blue gel that generated between them. His eyes widened. Artelite. A small smile graced his lips as he closed his eyes in peaceful acceptance, a warm vigor filling his chest. Foaly, you sneaky bastard.

Artemis opened his eyes again, this time to watch his elfin companions dance the night away. He leaned back on his elbows as he watched Holly spin and twirl, the happiest smile he'd ever seen etched onto her lips. He should've expected that she was the dancing type. She was a fairy, after all. Artemis had always seen images in folklore of aos sí dancing and singing, but he never imagined that Holly would actually fall under that category as well. He gazed at the sway of her hips as she threw her hands in the air, bouncing from foot to foot to the beat. Artemis' smile grew a little larger. He was happy to see her have so much fun, to just let loose and let go.

It was a sentiment he could've chastised himself for. Instead of dancing along, he stuck to his comfort zone, alone and relaxed on a woven blanket. He thought back to Ibiza five years ago, when he'd gone to the nightclub with Minerva and had a panic attack. He'd nearly had one while playing the piano tonight, as well. He silently prayed that that wouldn't happen again.

For once, he begged in his mind. For once, grant me peace. Please.

"Shots! Shots!" Lili called over the music, pouring them each an ounce of glittery lich'gal from a golden decanter.

Holly scooped up two shots, strolling to Artemis to hand him one. She clinked her glass against his, said a quick Gnommish blessing, and slammed the liquid down her throat. "Ugh, gods," she groaned with a shake of her head. "It gets worse every time."

"That's the point, baby!" Trouble grinned as he poured them all another and handed one to Holly. "Drink up!"

And she did. Holly swallowed as fast as she could, gagging this time. "Gods. No." She laughed along for a bit but her curiosity remained on Artemis, watching as he took his shot and avoided their gaze. She couldn't believe how truly beautiful he was. It was an odd thing for her to call a male, much less a man, beautiful. But Artemis' skin glittered under the neon lights, his hair falling perfectly in front of his eyes. Holly must've been staring intensely because Artemis noticed, locking those piercing eyes with hers. Holly felt a warmth spread across her chest as she advanced closer, reaching out for his hands. "Hi."

"Hi," he chuckled, his fond smile igniting her heart as he took her hands in his.

"Dance with me," Holly insisted, pulling on him gently.

"I can't dance, Holls," Artemis refused, shaking his head adamantly.

"It doesn't matter! Do you think Trouble can dance?" She threw an open palm at the headbanging Commander across the grass. "He only has one move. Do you think we care?" Holly entangled her fingers in his elegant ones. Artemis's hands had always been nicer than her calloused palms and scarred fingers, but he didn't seem to care.

"I can't, Holly." Artemis removed his hands, patting hers instead. "Go dance."

"But you'll be lonely."

Artemis lifted his hand, gently grazing her golden cheekbone with a swipe of his thumb. "I'll be fine. Besides, I'm rather enjoying the view," he said with a flirty wink.

"Is that so?" Holly straightened up, taking a few steps back, red locks flowing with the sway of her hips. "Well, don't enjoy it too much, Astroboy." She returned his flirty wink, hopping off to the beat to join Lili in dance.

Holly couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so free. Loosening up was something she forgot to do as often as her Ritual, which meant all the time. She felt a small pang of guilt for her intoxication, knowing she was useless to the public until she sobered up. But Holly forced herself to come to terms with the realization that it was okay to have fun. It was okay to let loose, to be bad. At least, once in a while. She jumped along to the beat with Lili, laughing and singing along. It was fun.

But that pang of guilt rose again, burning stronger in her gut with every passing second. She slowed her dancing, looking over her shoulder to gaze at Artemis once more. He wasn't watching at the current moment, giving her insight into how he really felt. His jaw was as stiff as his shoulders, a sullen frown between his brows as his attention was elsewhere in the festival. He wasn't happy here. Just a little longer, Arty, Holly thought, chewing on her lip. I promise.

She skipped over to him again, dancing from foot to foot on the way. Her moves caught his eye, sparking a small smile on his lips. Holly bent over to kiss his forehead, pulling back with a smile of her own. "I feel so bad, seeing you bored like this."

"I'm not bored," Artemis protested with a huff. "This just isn't my music, or my 'scene'. I don't really know how to act."

"I know," Holly nodded, tapping his forehead with her finger. "I'm sorry."

His smile turned into a suspicious smirk, narrowing his gaze on her. "What are we doing here, anyway?" He cocked a wise eyebrow. "What have you planned?"

"Nothing, I swear!" Holly laughed, kissing his forehead again. "We just thought it'd be fun."

"Uh-huh." Artemis raised a factual finger. "I may be drunk, and I may not know what you've got planned. But, I am still smart enough to know you do have something planned. Am I right?" he grinned. "Because I know I'm right."

"Oh? Are you?"

"I'm always right."

"I know. I hate it." Holly leaned her face into his, pressing the tips of their noses together so she could glare playfully at him. "I promise I'm not torturing you for no reason."

"I'm not sure this constitutes torture…"

Holly moved her lips to his cheek now, holding them there briefly. She planned on pulling away but was surprised when Artemis turned his cheek against hers, planting a kiss to hers too. Holly didn't pull away. Instead, she nuzzled his face with hers, smearing their glitter, steamy skin sticking together. She kissed the tip of his pointed nose, her gaze trailing to his lips. By the Gods, how badly she wanted to kiss those lips. She could feel his heated gaze on her. He wanted her too. Was it cruel to not give him a kiss? Was she leading him on? Holly watched their lips hover ever closer, as neither could resist their magnetic pull. But Holly did, regardless. Am I cruel? She pulled away, showing him affection with a kiss to the head.

"I just need you to know," Holly whispered. When she closed her eyes, she swore she could feel his chest beat against hers. "That I want to kiss you so bad right now. But," she opened her eyes, meeting his calm gaze, "not here." She nuzzled her cheek into his slowly, the heat building between their skin. She slid closer to his lips, her eyes on their ample shape, their proximity to her own. "Not like this."

Artemis, on the other hand, could hardly believe his ears. He knew he shouldn't take her words to heart, for she was drunk, after all. But he couldn't help the butterflies fluttering in the pit of his stomach. Holly said she wanted to kiss him. Holly wanted to kiss him. Artemis watched her lips trail over his through slitted eyelids. Oh, but how cruel she was being, bringing her lips so close to his, threatening him with her honeyed taste. But Artemis wouldn't give in. She wanted to wait, so he would, and gladly so.

"I will always wait for you," he whispered back, his voice husky in her ear. He felt her skin shiver like electricity, his keen gaze lifting to meet hers. He kissed her forehead, knowing he was at least safe to express his fondness for her there. He felt so calm as her nose brushed past his, wondering if the liquid courage really had settled him, or if Holly's affections just felt so right. He could've sworn that he couldn't recall anything he'd ever wanted more than her. But, she wasn't something to be won. Even if it meant driving him crazy, he would wait. He'd wait as long as he was still alive. He didn't tell her this, but showed it through a tender kiss to her temple, and another down her shimmery cheek. It was his turn to tease her as he trailed a string of delicate kisses along her jaw, lifting his lips just barely past hers to finish his pursuit to the tip of her nose.

Holly shuddered under his touch, a molten hot heat growing inside her core. He was so close, yet it wasn't close enough. She knew what she'd said. She knew she shouldn't. But, by Frond, her willpower was waning like the moon, shredding her steel into fluff. She gasped for breath, suddenly realizing that breathing was something she'd forgotten to do. She was so consumed in the moment, in his embrace, in his touch, his cool breath on hers. Holly remembered back to when she'd kissed him so many years ago. If she kissed him now, would sparks fly between them? Would she be able to control herself?

Clammy foreheads pressed together, eyes only on one thing. They wanted each other. No one could deny that now. Holly wrapped her hands around his neck and lowered herself at a snail's pace, her nose brushing past his. She could taste the licorice on his breath, she was so close. All she had to do was lean in. Lean in, and kiss him under the neon sky. The world froze around her, nothing but music and Artemis occupying her mind. She advanced forward barely, making her choice.

She closed her eyes, the intimate wait to be one with him agonizingly slow. Artemis did the same, lifting to meet her. She could feel his chest rattle with breath, a surefire sign he was as occupied as she. Their lips were closer, only centimeters apart, nearly one-

"Ah!" Lili shrieked as she collapsed into Holly, tipping the smaller girl over. "Sorry! Ah! Hahaha!"

"Be careful, babe." Trouble appeared beside them on the blanket, helping the drunken blonde to her knees.

"The hill was steep," Lili laughed, picking herself up with utter embarrassment. She leaned over, intent on helping Holly up when she recognized the befuddled gasps on her and Artemis' face. "Oh," Lili cried, tugging on Holly's elbow. "Oh no! Did I interrupt something?"

Holly felt her breath finally restore her lungs, her gaze trickling over to Artemis curiously. He was as shocked as she, both falling from their euphoric high and back to Earth, clarity reclaiming their senses. Holly shook her head, patting her cheeks in red shame. "No, no. Sorry. Um-" she huffed for breath, panicked eyes scanning Tara's vast hillside. "I need to find a bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Are you okay?" Artemis questioned in concern. He propped up from his elbows to his knees, placing a curly strand of hair behind Holly's gold-cuffed ear. "I didn't do anything, did I?"

"No!" Holly blurted, catching her breath as she jumped to her feet. "No. I'm okay."

"Come," Lili nodded, taking Holly's arm in hers. "We'll be right back, 'kay, boys?" Lili blew a kiss to Trouble before whisking Holly off and away.

"Are you okay?" Lili muttered beside her. They roamed down the lush hillside, grass crunching beneath their boots as the booming music grew closer. "What happened?"

Holly didn't know if she was annoyed with Lili for interrupting them, or annoyed with herself for nearly kissing Artemis after she said she wouldn't. She sighed, using her state of intoxication to wash away her worries for the time being, and offered a small smirk to her friend. "I'm fine. I just needed a little break, thanks, Mom."

Lili smacked her shoulder playfully. "Whatever! At least I care about you."

"Yeah." Holly looked ahead, trying her best to make out the tents of food and alcohol scattered around the field. "Thanks, Captain."

"No problem, Commodore."

After a few minutes to calm herself in a self-cleaning bathroom box, Holly tried to dance-off her nerves in the back of the crowd with Lili.

"How much longer?" Holly shouted in her friend's ear.

"Erm," Lili glanced at her phone, flicking her gaze back up with a smile. "Less than ten minutes! Wanna head back?"

"Sure." Holly bounced away with Lili's hand in hers, dancing and jamming out as they made their way back up the hillside. Holly could see their glass enclosure now, a smile gracing her face when she saw Artemis chatting beside Trouble. "Look," she said, batting Lili's arm and pointing. "I think they're actually becoming friends."

"They should make-out."

"LILI!"

"What?" Lili arched a brow at her. "Think about it. They'd be so hot."

Holly nearly collapsed from laughter, using Lili's shoulder to hold herself up. Eventually, the blonde couldn't resist Holly's infectious laughter, both falling over onto the grass in drunken stupor.

"You know it's true, bitch!"

"What the fuck," Holly cackled, placing a hand over her abdomen. "That's not something I ever- I- Oh! My stomach! Oh!" Holly eventually settled down, laying back in the grass next to Lili, their heads beside each other as they took in a few moments to appreciate the sweet, fresh, surface air. Holly caught a breath, turning her head to look at Lili with a smile. "I'm glad we're friends."

Lili's eyes widened, a little taken aback before softening. "Aw!" She took Holly's hand in hers, patting it against the grass. "Me too. Told you we'd be good friends."

"Yeah, yeah." Holly crawled to her knees, extending her hand to help Lili up.

"Holly? Is that Holly Short?"

Holly blinked, eyes squinting at the familiar voice. She spun on her boots, coming face to face with Keni a few feet away. "Holy shit. Kens?!"

Keni wore a skimpy one-piece with printed, orange flames, using sheer, slim shades to obscure her curious eyes. She adjusted her iconic space buns, tossing a neon curl over her shoulder. "You look so pretty! What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?" Holly said cheerily, planting a friendly kiss to Keni's cheek. "Where have you been? I haven't heard from you in forever."

"Oh, you know." Keni waved a casual hand. "It's tough being a club owner. Phobos has been under a lot of changes, too."

"Did you see Artemis? He's here!" Holly motioned to their VIP enclosure, showing the two males chatting on the hillside. "Come with us!"

But like a paralyzed deer, Keni froze. The pretty pixie's eyes panicked at the sight of Artemis, her breath growing more rapid by the moment as her mouth dropped in stunned silence. Holly narrowed her eyes, drifting her suspicious gaze between Artemis and Keni. Holly put a hand to the pixie's bare shoulder. "Um… Kens? You okay?"

"Yeah! Fine!" Keni jumped from the sudden touch, snapping back to Holly. It was like nothing had happened, her microsecond of panic faded away in the blink of an eye. "I'm just fine. I'm gonna go, but thanks for the offer. Tell Artemis hi for me?" Keni hopped away from the girls, waving as she spun around. "Byeee!"

Holly watched Keni run off, her neon yellow curls bouncing behind her. What had that been about? Keni was friendly and sociable until she'd seen Artemis. Why would seeing Artemis bother her? Was it since he'd broken things off with her? Didn't she see him at work?

It was Keni, she suddenly realized. It was Keni who had set Artemis up for the kidnapping, hadn't it? That's why she was avoiding him. That's why she acted strangely. It had all been her.

Holly felt a seething rage spread from her chest to her head. How dare she go behind Artemis' back, but Holly's as well? Keni knew Artemis' importance to her, and yet, she was perfectly okay getting him kidnapped? Shot? Killed? Despite how it would affect Holly herself? They were supposed to be friends. Holly felt incredibly stupid at the moment. She was a commodore, yet she hadn't even pieced two and two together. She may have failed in the long-run, but she could still bring justice to Artemis.

"Holly?"

Holly followed the voice, a very concerned Lili peering at her. "What?"

"You're shaking. Are you sure you're okay?" Lili attempted to place a caring palm on Holly's forearm, but was shoved off.

"Yeah," Holly grumbled, her death glare pinned to the pixie until she disappeared into the raving fairies. Holly exhaled, smacking her forehead with her hand. There was no use in getting worked up here and now. They were having fun. Let it go. Burying her anger into the depths of her subconscious, she concluded she'd have to address it at a later time. "It's nothing. Come on."

Lili was perhaps more observant than Holly gave her credit for, because the entire journey back to their section had been spent sharing work gossip to cheer up the red-headed elf. Holly felt a little more calm by the time they reached their glass enclosure on the hillside, and when she saw Artemis' shimmery face, a serene wave washed over her, taming and burying the fiery emotions within.

Trouble noticed the girls first, waving them over from his position on the blanket. "Hey!" he barked at Holly, violet eyes on her. "Why didn't you tell me Fowl wants to join the LEP?"

"Didn't you tell me not to baby him?" Holly smirked. She leaned down to kiss Artemis' cheek, and plopped down beside them. "Actually, you've both said it. So, Arty can handle it himself."

"Uh-huh."

"So?" Lili asked, joining them on the woven material. She looked between the guys eagerly. "What's the answer?"

"I told him I'd think about it," Trouble replied with a sly smile, rapping Artemis' bicep. "Right, Fowl? You got to pass the fitness test first. Then we can talk. No guarantees, though."

Artemis was awkwardly silent, and Holly could tell he didn't know what to say. "Don't worry, Trubs," she said, offering a wink to her human companion. "I'll whip Arty into shape for you."

"Yeah, you'll whip him alrig- Ow!"

The massive crowd below them cheered as the strobe lights dimmed, leaving the stage and its holo-screens dark and bare.

"What's going on?" Artemis asked.

Holly felt a lump of anxious excitement in her throat. "The next act is coming on. Supposed to be a really cool band. I think you'll like them."

"No offense," Artemis sneered. "But if their music is anything like I've heard, I won't be impressed."

"Maybe," Lili shrugged, laying backward so she rested against Trouble's lap. "Guess we'll see."

The group chatted peacefully on the blanket as the massive crowd of fairies did just the opposite, roars and chanting coming from all sides of Tara. Eventually, red and yellow strobe lights lit above the stage, green laser beams fanning across the crowd. The stage was still dark, but a certain AI burst the holo-screens to life, showcasing the silhouette of three musicians on stage. But Artemis wasn't looking - for Holly was occupying his vision and thoughts for the time being. The first few strings of a guitar played, then the slight pull of a fiddle. The crowd went wild again, this time followed by a short guitar synth, the musician teasing their audience.

"Hey, everybody!" An excitable male voice called out, the trio's identities still hidden beneath their silhouettes. "We're so glad to be here tonight! When we started this band a year ago, we never expected you guys to show us so much love!"

Artemis broke away from Holly, his attention now captured by the presence on stage. He whipped his head around, peering at the dark silhouettes. "That voice…"

"Please join us for our first ever Tara Fest performance." Another male voice, this one calmer and stern over the roaring crowd.

"You guys ready?!" A third voice, female and light, rang through the air. "Let's make this night A REGRETTABLE ONE!"

"We are-" The entire stage exploded to life to finally expose the enthusiastic trio, "THE REGRETTABLES!"

Artemis fully turned, his eyes glued to the stage. No. No… it couldn't be. There was absolutely, positively no way. He craned slowly to Holly, her impish smile confirming his suspicions. "What?"

Holly couldn't even speak. She just laughed and shrugged, turning to watch the stage with him.

But Artemis was beyond flabbergasted, jaw to the floor, eyes wider than the moon. He didn't have words, thoughts. He didn't know how to feel. And then the boys on stage strummed their guitar and fiddle, expert fingers creating music, in only a way that the Irish could. The curly-haired blonde surged forward, holding a long microphone between freckled limbs as he sang in English:

My knees are shaking from the weight of the world on my back

It's not theway I wanted things

Butit's right where I'm at

I'm alwayswaiting on the change

But I never react

And now that strength inside of me is starting to crack

Artemis jumped to his knees faster than he'd ever moved, piercing eyes glued to the stage. The boys were different but similar enough, dressed in matching, Irish tartan kilts. The female, a blonde fairy with gorgeous blue skin and yellow arrowhead markings strode around the stage in a long, silver gown. She sang backup along with the dark-haired twin, who strummed his fiddle behind the wild-haired vocalist.

I need a vacation

Vacation!

I wanna get away

I think I need a vacation

Vacation!

Won't ever settle down here

Cause I don't wanna stay!

Artemis nearly collapsed. Or threw up. Or fainted. Or all three. "Those-" he panted, an ecstatic finger jabbing at the stage. "Those are my brothers!" He suddenly gripped Holly's hand, tearing her away from the group and racing out of the perimeter with her. "Come on!"

"Ahhh! Arty, wait!"

They rushed to the crowd, Artemis practically shoving fairies apart as he tore through the festival-goers. Unlike the tiny fairies, Artemis' human size stuck out like a sore thumb. Fairies dodged him left and right, desperate to avoid being trampled by the overzealous human. This worked to Artemis' advantage, thankfully, providing him easier access to the frontlines by the stage. He made sure to hold onto Holly as he dragged her along, not keen on losing his best friend in the crowd.

I don't know if I feel much better

I'm alive but I broke the tether

Mother Earth will take you if you let her

That's how diamonds are made under pressure

Artemis couldn't believe it. Up close, in the flesh, were Myles and Beckett Fowl, the human stars of tonight's performance. Artemis assumed the fairy was none other than Lazuli Heitz, Holly's apprentice, and dear friend to the Fowl family.

"Those are my brothers!" Artemis cheered over the roaring crowd, screeching excitedly at the top of his lungs. "My little brothers!"

Give me something to feel

To carve open the world

Let's make it smile for real

Forget I'm bleeding and wear me down to the bone

And then the music genre shifted. The guitar and fiddle fizzled out, a huge bass booming across Tara as Lazuli took over the DJ booth. Myles and Beckett played along, creating a new genre of their own: dark and gritty Irish house-rock. Artemis couldn't resist a small laugh. Of course his brothers would invent their own genre. They were Fowls, after all.

It may have been the alcohol, or the thrill of seeing his brothers excel and bring joy to a raving audience, but he no longer cared about appearing like an awkward dunce. He didn't care that the music wasn't exactly his type, or that he was swamped in a sea of a thousand fairies. He just danced. Artemis bobbed his head and swayed his waist, just moving with the rhythm, unable to remove his amazed gaze from the stage. His face felt wet, and he couldn't tell if they were sweat or tears, maybe both. But seeing his brothers, his family he missed so, so dearly bring Tara to life, it gave him life as well. He felt energized under the bass, his hips bumping Holly. It was only then did he realize she was trying to capture his attention.

"Let me climb you!"

Artemis ducked down to her height, unable to hear her. "What?!"

"Let me climb you!"

"What?!"

"Can't you read lips?!" Holly rolled her eyes, gripping his shoulders. She tapped him twice, trying to show him what she wanted to do.

"Oh!" Artemis bent his knees, helping her clamber up his back and sit atop his shoulders. When he straightened up, he balanced Holly by the tops of her knees, keeping her light frame steady on him.

Holly threw her hands into the air and hollered, "Yeeeaaah! I'm tall!" After her burst of excitement she leaned forward, smothering her face into Artemis' warm neck. "So? What do you think?"

"I'm speechless," he said, caressing her face with his. "Thank you."

"Always." Holly planted a kiss to his temple, leaving her lips long enough for a few sparks to escape and slip into his veins. "Feel better?"

He nodded. He had to admit that he did. He was slightly nauseous earlier, though he was unsure if it was the liquor or his adrenaline levels. Regardless, he felt fine now, though not any less drunk than before. "Healings don't remedy intoxication?"

"I don't know. Do they?"

"Nevermind," Artemis smiled, silently chastising himself for always jumping the educational route. He released himself from their small embrace and glanced back at the stage, sure that his hold on her quads was firm. He observed his brothers more closely, studying how each had changed in the time he'd been gone.

Despite their growth and the deeper octaves they sang, they were still babies, of course (as any younger siblings are to the eldest), but they were tall and full of vitality, glowing a radiant energy that lit up Tara itself. Myles was a lanky and awkward teen, as Artemis himself once was (though Artemis would argue that he himself was slightly more elegant). His jet-black hair was sideswept to conceal the pale face behind thick-rimmed glasses, though Artemis could make out the dark makeup and black Celtic markings. Artemis couldn't resist chortling. He hadn't had a punk phase himself, but he wouldn't judge Myles for his.

He moved on, eager to inspect the other twin. Beckett had proven himself the athletic Fowl, strong with toned arms, and broad biceps that strummed his Gloop the Goldfish guitar with ease. He wore a matching Gloop tie around his neck, of course, and headbanged a fluffy mop of blonde curls. It appeared as though Beckett hadn't changed, apart from growing older, something Artemis was secretly grateful for. He didn't know where Beckett obtained his quirkiness from, but he was glad that there was still an easygoing brother in the family.

And then there was Lazuli. Artemis had only heard of the pixel from Holly, but she couldn't have been older than 70. She was long and delicate for her small frame, flowing pale hair swayed behind her. Artemis had seen a select few of Amazonian elves in Haven, though he couldn't quite pin Lazuli's heritage on her pixie half. Her backup vocals covered the soprano harmony as she passionately sang beside the Fowl boys, riling up the crowd with a few pumps of her fist. And then she was still, wide gold eyes fixed on Artemis. She'd spotted them.

"Hey!" Lazuli suddenly called out, grabbing each of the brothers and pointing into the frontlines of the audience.

It didn't take long for them to spot the only human in the crowd, Holly sticking out like a sore thumb on his shoulders. And all at once, all three brothers formed the purest, widest smiles on their faces, overjoyed and overwhelmed together. Beckett nor Myles called out to them, but they pointed instead, clapping each other on the shoulders, jumping, bouncing, and dancing excitedly as they spat out verses, bringing the song to an epic close. Red sparks ignited behind them on the stage as the crowd chanted an encore. Artemis recognized the computer system managing their performance as NANNI, the AI he'd built to serve him in space, as well as watch over his brothers. The holo-screens pulsed before fizzling out, the stage dark and obscure once again.

Holly clapped above Artemis, screaming as loud as she could over the blaring noise. "YEAAAH! LAZULI!"

Artemis dug his fingertips into Holly's thighs, unsure if he should focus on her soft skin or the encore on stage. He blew out of a breath to catch himself and decided to await the next act, intrigued to see what his brothers would come up with next along with the raving crowd.

"REGRETTABLES! REGRETTABLES! REGRETTABLES! REGRETTABLES!"

The holo-screens shimmered in the dark, silver crystals raining down a deep navy backdrop. Soft, angelic light grew from the bottom of the screen, rising higher and higher until it lit up the singular pixel in the center stage, reflecting the silver garment that flowed around her. Lazuli didn't bother with a handheld microphone, using the latest nano-tech flesh microphone for full mobility. Fog and haze rolled in, tricking the audience into thinking she was on a cloud. She took a huge breath as NANNI increased the brightness, revealing a galaxy stage, the two humans managing the booth behind her. And then she sang, her heavenly voice carried across Tara:

Hands reaching out for new gods

You can't give me what I want

But what do I know? Oh

What do I know?

I wanna let go, I

I wanna, wanna, wanna let go

So take me higher and higher and higher

But the world is a sad place, baby

Only brand new gods can save me

Lazuli began to rise, the iridescent, glimmering wings on her back whirring to life. Her silver dress flowed around her like a lunar goddess, trailing a dozen feet off the ground. As she rose higher, she glided through sparkling beads of light, like a diamond curtain suspended in air. And then the bass dropped, changing the song from ethereal to intense and deep, throwing the festival-goers into a frenzy of dance and song.

Artemis took in the world around him, slowing this moment to capture and sear it forever into his mind. His brothers rocking out in the background; Lazuli hovering above them as silver confetti erupted from holo cannons, showering the crowd in flecks of metallic rain; Holly dancing on his shoulders beneath the chill night. He craned his neck, watching the bliss in her smile when a twinkle caught his eye. The night sky was so clear, every planet and star like a-

Stars.

Artemis' eyes widened, unable to break away from the translucent dome.

Stars.

But he didn't feel panicked. In fact, he hardly felt affected at all by the night sky, staring at it with the same appreciation he'd had before going to space. And as the music picked up and the beat dropped again, Artemis shot his fists into the air, as if reaching for the moon. Without another thought, he opened his fists, and promptly gave two middle fingers to the night sky. A big fuck you to the luminaries, to space, to all the trauma and all the creations he left behind. To the part of him still lost in the stars.

Let go.

Artemis dropped his arms along with his gaze, catching Holly's smile again. He flicked back to his brothers, catching their headbangs and passionate playing. A single tear welled in Artemis's eye, rolling onto his glittery cheek.

If he had died, if his attempts had been successful, he would've never been here. He would've never experienced this. He would've never danced with Holly. He would've never seen his brothers perform. He wouldn't get to experience life as he now knew it. He gazed up, catching the light shimmering off Holly's cheek. I would've missed this. I would've never known.

Let go.

He finally understood what it meant to let go. It didn't mean letting go in the stars. It didn't mean letting go in Haven. He didn't need to literally kill himself to let himself go. He needed to kill off the part of him he couldn't release - let go, but of the old Artemis. Of the Artemis he used to be, the Artemis he no longer was. A sudden idea brightened his mind like a bulb. He knew what he'd have to do.

The performance was over before they knew it, leaving the friends stunned amongst the swamp of wild fairies. The trio onstage gave their bows and exited, the stage dark as the next act prepared to come on. But Artemis wasn't interested in the next act. He wanted to find his family, hug them, tell them how much he appreciated them. How glad he was to see them again.

After squeezing their way back towards the enclosure, and letting Holly off his shoulders, the Fowl twins and Lazuli had beat them to their private section, chatting away with the Commander and Lili. Artemis felt his heart race in anxiety as he trudged up the hillside. What would his brothers say? What would they think? Would they be angry with him? Disappointed? Indifferent?

But before Artemis could even greet them, a nervous Holly Short marched forward, nodding to the pixel, Lazuli Heitz. "Well done up there, Ambassador," she said with a strange display of puffed up confidence. "I expected nothing less than spectacular from you."

The entire group stared at Holly in mass confusion, wondering why and where this tough persona had come from. But Lazuli was a good sport, taking a step forward to shake Holly's hand. "Thanks, Commodore…" she said slowly, raising her brows at Artemis as if for answers.

But Artemis shrugged, unsure of Holly's behavior himself.

"Keep up the fine work, young one," Holly continued, releasing Lazuli's hand with a solid nod of her head. "You'll be a master in no time."

"Uh," Lazuli chuckled. "Are you okay, Holly?"

"Yes. Just fine." Holly looked past them, towards a honey cake stand by the tents. "I'll just be over there." She gave a weak smile and zoomed off, albeit a little clumsily.

Lazuli blinked a few times, turning to look up at Artemis. "What was that about?"

"I think she's embarrassed to be drunk in front of you," Artemis guessed, shrugging. "Don't worry. She'll sort herself out and come back." He extended his hand downwards, taking Lazuli's hand in his. "And you must be the stupendous Lazuli Heitz I keep hearing so much about. I trust you've been keeping these two in line?"

"About as in line as one fairy can keep them," she smiled, offering him a solid handshake. "And you must be the infamous Artemis Fowl that I've heard so much about. I have to admit," she said, scanning him head to toe, "you're less scary than I imagined."

"I appreciate that," Artemis said with a small laugh. "Your vocals were lovely, by the way. Very pleasing to the ear."

"Hey! What about us?!" Beckett yelped, surging forward to clap Artemis roughly on shoulders. "Aren't you gonna greet us, bro?"

"Of course, Beck," Artemis smiled, giving his brother a brief hug only to give him another visual pass. "You've grown so much. You're both sixteen now," he said, looking between the twins. "And much taller than me."

"Yeah! Myles is the tallest." Beckett dragged Myles in closer with an arm around his skinny shoulders. "How tall again, Kilometer?"

"73 inches," Myles answered stiffly, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I've requested that you not call me that."

"Come now, Myles," Artemis said, resting a determined hand on his brother's shoulder. "You're having fun at a music festival! Let's let loose a little, yes?"

"Well, yes, dear brother. I can certainly see that you've let loose." Myles cleared his throat. "I, on the other hand, reserve that sort of delinquency for my musical performances."

Artemis couldn't help but smile wider, overjoyed to be surrounded by those he loved. He placed a gentle hand to Myles' cheek, shocking the younger boy with a jolt. "I've missed you," Artemis said in hushed tones, his other hand resting on Beckett's cheek now. "More than you both can possibly know."

"Oh dear. Don't tell me you've gone soft on us."

"Yay!" Beckett exclaimed, surging forward and wrapping Artemis in his burly embrace. "The Fowl boys are back together!" He pulled back just a hair to gleam down at Artemis. "Forever this time?"

Artemis choked up, deep thoughts boiling within him. If you had been successful, you would've never seen them again. This would've never happened. The realization broke him. "Forever," he huffed, and buried himself in Beckett's embrace, hiding his turmoil away from his brothers and their friends, and just absorbing the moment for what it was. "I'm so grateful you two are okay. You have no idea."

Beckett, with his intense depth for empathy, recognized his elder brother's distress, clinging onto him tightly in a bear hug. "Aw! Fowl forever!"

Myles, meanwhile, didn't have the same capacity for care that Beckett did, and decidedly comforted Artemis with an awkward couple of pats to the shoulder.

"What's that?!" Beckett yanked on Myles like he'd caught a fish, throwing the reluctant brother into their embrace. "Get in here and hug us!"

"I'd rather no- Oh. Okay," he grumbled, stuck between the chests of Beckett and Artemis. "This is not ideal."

"Hush hush, Kilometer," Beckett cooed, smoothing Myles' side swept hair. "It will be all over soon."

By the time Artemis finally released the twins, Holly had returned to the group, a white box in her hands.

"What's that?" Trouble asked, feeling a bit left out.

"I brought back honey cake as an apology for my bizarre behavior," Holly explained sheepishly, opening up the box to reveal the sweet and sticky cake inside. "Hope this suffices."

"Oh, Holly," Lazuli laughed, taking a step forward. "You really didn't have to! It's okay, you know. If you weren't drunk at a music festival, I'd probably assume you were pretty boring."

"Thanks, Laz," Holly grinned, placing the cake down on the woven blanket. "So? What'd I miss?"

"An unreasonably emotional reunion is all, Commodore," Myles replied, dusting off his black kilt carefully. "In other words, not much."

"There's something I'd like to do," Artemis blurted, capturing the attention of each person in their group. "If you'd all give me the pleasure of joining along, that is."

"Of course," Holly said, taking his hand in hers. "What is it?"

Artemis pressed his lips together, pondering his answer. Eventually, he cracked a small smile. "I don't want to say. Just trust me when I say we have to go. Well-" He turned to Lili and Trouble, a slight frown on his brow. "I'd hate to take you away from tonight's festivities-"

"No, no, no!" Lili shook her head, crossing her arms stubbornly in front of him. "We only came here for you. If you want to move the party, I mean, hell. Moving around is the fun part!"

"I'm not sure this location is fun." Artemis sighed, glancing down at Trouble now. "And you, Commander? How does this sit with you?"

Trouble raised his palms. "Look, normally, I wouldn't choose to spend my free time with Fowls. But-" He wrapped a flirty arm around Lili's shoulders. "Good alcohol, a hot babe to hold, and fresh air? I can't really complain."

Artemis nodded, turning back to address the group. "Very well, then. My car should be parked at McGraney Farm. We should all fit, though there may be a bit of a squeeze."

"Who's gonna drive?" Holly asked doubtfully. "We're all drunk. Lazuli is too small, and the boys are just kids."

"I do have a driver's license, excuse you," Myles retorted, digging into his pocket to reveal his wallet. "And we are not kids, at least I am not. I have three doctorates, twenty certifications, and an attorney's license. I have piloted both a helicopter, and a Cessna 172. A driver's license is child's play."

"Yeah, I would've gotten mine, but I always get the brake and accelerator mixed up!" Beckett interjected with an innocent shrug.

Holly ignored Beckett's stray comments, and arched a doubtful brow at Myles. "But… can you drive a car?"

"Of course," Myles scowled, breaking away from the group to lead them down the hillside. "I am not a buffoon. So, where is our destination, my less-fortunate brother?"

Country Outskirts of Dublin, Ireland

Fowl Manor Grounds

As it turned out, Myles Fowl was not a good driver.

He nearly crashed Artemis' Tesla into a grove of oak trees, almost drove them into the Atlantic, and caused several instances of whiplash from excessive braking.

"I thought Teslas were self-driving," Lazuli commented in a moment of fear.

"What are you insinuating?" Myles spat from behind the wheel.

"Maybe we should've used that feature instead."

It'd taken them less than an hour to reach their old stomping grounds. The ivy-ridden Fowl Manor was an ominous figure up on its hill, glaring down at any invaders below. Although, the invaders this time were not Vikings, or mafia thugs, or Berserkers, but rather, the original inhabitants of the home. Myles drove them down the forested pathway as cleanly as was possible for him, and down the hillside by a large meadow.

The group of friends exited the sedan, following Artemis curiously as he led them through the meadow and into the dark night. They illuminated their path with the help of their mobile flashlights, golden light bouncing between the spring flowers abundant between blades of grass. But what stood out most of all was a clearing of orange roses - orange roses swarming a singular, marble obelisk headstone.

Artemis had brought them to his grave.

There was total silence besides the crickets and wind that whispered in the night. No one spoke a word. Not even those without the context for Artemis' request. The energy was different here, heavy and dark and painful. A deep sense of dread clung to the air they breathed. It didn't need to be said. Everyone present could tell this wasn't a moment for levity.

Artemis didn't wait for the others, trotting ahead of the group, dewy grass blades crunching beneath his loafers, fog sticking to his white skin like a ghost in the night.

He stopped before the marble obelisk, taking a moment to stare before forcing a deep breath through his nose. Artemis dropped to his knees, a gentle hand smoothing away the thorns of the wild rose bush. The epitaph taunted him, reading:

Here lies Artemis Fowl II.

Beloved son, brother, friend.

May his soul be eternal, for he is immortalized in our memories and hearts.

Sleep well, Arty. We will meet again.

A single tear removed Artemis from his thoughts, bringing him back to Earth as it rolled down his cheek. He wiped it away in shame, determined to appear poised and resilient.

"Do you need a few moments, Arty?"

Holly's voice behind him comforted his bones. He gave a small nod, eyes still glued to the grave. "Yes. Just a moment."

Artemis closed his eyes, the white noise of the crickets' song soothing him. He dug his fingers into the soil, becoming one with the hallowed Earth. His heart felt like it'd burst in his chest, uncomfortable anxiety masking as nausea in his gut. But he took deep breaths. Connect. Release. Let go.

"I've been having trouble coming to terms with your death," Artemis said quietly, feeling the moist soil cool his fingertips. "I've carried an immense amount of guilt that I'm here, while you're still there. It's strange, odd, that you can be alive and dead at once. It's odd when they begin to mingle, and feel the same… I'm sorry. I'm sorry I failed you. I'm sorry that you were born, just to die. But, I need to let go of you. I need to let you die, because I am still alive. I am still here. And we are not the same. You are the old me, the old Artemis. And I need to accept that I am no longer the old Artemis." He took a shaky, deep breath. "I'm still Artemis Fowl, just not the Artemis you used to be. It took me some time, but I finally understand." He plucked an orange rose off the bush, resting it on the dirt before the obelisk. "I am letting you go."

Several minutes of silence passed before anyone risked a movement or word. Holly was the brave soul that sauntered forward, resting a palm on Artemis' shoulder. "We're all here for you, Artemis," she said quietly, kneeling beside him and resting her head on his shoulder as she gazed at his grave for herself. She'd been here enough times. There wasn't much more to say.

Although Artemis didn't reply, Beckett joined Holly, sitting beside Artemis on the other side. He wrapped his arm around Artemis' back, holding his older brother close. The others were finally inspired to move, closing in to embrace Artemis in a group hug - besides Commander Kelp, who offered his former rival a supportive pat on the back.

The group stayed there in the cool country night, just holding Artemis, letting him know that he mattered, letting him know that he was never truly alone.

Upper Levels, Haven City

Mulberry Row Condominiums

Apartment 224

"This may not be a great idea, but fuck it," Holly said cheerily as she poured them shots from Artemis' Jameson whiskey. "Good thing we kept this in the royal shuttle, huh?"

"Meh."

The best friends had settled back home after their drunken adventures, relaxing on the soft, synthetic fur rug like they usually did. Meowington loafed on the umber sofa behind them, providing them with an ambience of sweet purring. The lights were dim and warm around the apartment, the occasional stray laser from Haven's metropolis penetrating through the curtains.

"It was good seeing everyone tonight," Artemis said as he watched Holly clumsily pour their shots. "It seems Lili and Trouble are getting along just fine."

"Just fine," Holly cackled, rolling her eyes. "Oh yeah. They get along fine, alright." She handed him a shot, clinking hers to his. "You and Trubs seemed to get along fine, too."

Artemis took the shot with her, doing his best to not gag from the burn. "Yes. Hopefully he doesn't assume that my friendliness was only to make a good impression."

Holly poured another shot for them, raising a doubtful brow. "You're not fooling anyone, Arty." She slid him the glass, downing her own with a shake of her head. "Ugh! Gross. Love it." She wiggled her brows at him, nudging his shoulder with hers. In truth, she just wanted to be closer to him. "Hey."

"Hey." Artemis lifted the whiskey to his lips, his stomach churning from the stench of alcohol. He took the shot, placing it on the acrylic coffee table in disgust. "I'm good for now."

"Are you okay?"

His eyes shot up, catching hers in surprise. His skin flushed under her gaze, taken by her beauty… or perhaps it was the alcohol. Perhaps both. "Of course. Don't worry about me, Holls."

"I always worry about you."

"I know," Artemis chuckled, leaning his elbows on the coffee table. "Both Trouble and Lili told me so."

"Speaking of Lili…" Holly shuffled closer to him, pressing a fingertip to the tip of his nose. "What did you two talk about?"

Artemis tilted his head. "I'm not sure what you mean."

"A week ago. During the whole Minerva thing."

"Oh!" Artemis mulled over the remnants of their conversation. "We spoke about a variety of things…" He suddenly felt shy, nervous that Holly was going somewhere with this.

"Was it about me?" Holly inquired with an elfish grin. She laughed when Artemis blushed and avoided her gaze. "Was it about me? 'Cause you're blushing, so-"

"I am not blushing."

Holly leaned in, peering closer. "Um, you are blushing. I can see you blushing." She poked his cheekbones insistently, smearing the glitter. "Like, I'm looking at you. I can literally see, with my two eyes, that your face is blushing! So, unless I'm a liar-"

"I'm not blushing," Artemis refused, unable to resist a guilty smile. "I'm just drunk."

But Holly wasn't having it. She lunged for his throat, wrangling him playfully. "No, you're Irish. You don't get to use that excuse!"

"I'm Irish. That's exactly why I get to use that excuse."

"NO! Absolutely not." Her words were slurring now, and her eyelids fluttered as she swayed on her knees. "Was she talking about me? Just tell me." She leaned into him again, whispering dramatically, "Just tell me."

Artemis was hyper-aware of her presence now. Her lemon sage aroma pleased his senses as she thrust her face closer. He was sure if he looked in a mirror just then, he'd be unable to tell himself from a tomato. "Actually, I'm not even drunk. So…"

"Oh? You're not drunk?" Holly teased. "Even though you said, like, five times before that you were?"

Artemis scowled through a flustered smile. "Why do you think our conversation was about you?"

Holly threw her hands into the air. "What else would it be about? Besides, you called me 'your girl' earlier."

He'd dug himself a hole there. Unable to think of a comeback, Artemis uttered the only thing that came to mind: "Feck."

"Ah!" Holly squealed, pinching his cheeks. "You said feck again!" She glanced at the tuxedo kitty over her shoulder. "Isn't feck sooo cute, Meowington?"

Meowington flopped over on his cushion. "Mlaow."

"See?" Holly grinned, turning back to him. "He agrees. You're cute."

"You're cuter."

"Nah. You're just drunk."

Artemis chittered to himself, mulling over the previous topic. "Yes," he admitted suddenly. "Our conversation that day was about you." He didn't mean to, but he felt a little nervous around Holly at the moment, unsure of where they stood. He avoided her stare, scratching the anxiety-spawned itch on his neck. "I'm not saying anything else."

Holly rolled her eyes, placing her hands on his shoulders. "What are you so scared of?"

Artemis reluctantly met her gaze. "Honestly, Holly: you! You frighten me more than anyone I've ever met."

"Wait, really?" Holly sat back, mismatched eyes wide in disbelief. "Wait, I frighten you?! What do you mean?"

Artemis unleashed a hefty sigh and allowed himself to fall backwards so he lay flat on her rug. He considered his answer carefully as he stared at the paneled ceiling.

"I don't mean that I don't trust you with my life - quite the opposite. But I, ahuhm-" he coughed out a strange choking noise. "You frighten me in other ways."

Holly scooted closer, leaning over to peer at him suspiciously. "In other ways? Oh? Like what?"

Artemis smirked. "What do you two talk about?"

"Nuh! You can't deflect here-"

"Do you talk about me?"

It was Holly's turn to be taken aback. She hid her garnet blush with her hands, pressing the palms to heated cheeks. "W-what? I- that's preposterous-"

"Wow. Holly Short using a big word!"

"aRTEMIS fUcking fowL! I swear to Frond-"

Artemis clicked his tongue. "Not sure you should swear to her. That seems quite rude-"

"-ARTEMIS!"

"HOLLY!"

Holly charged forward, ramming her fingers into his ill-fated tickle spot: his left hip. Artemis broke into laughter, catching Holly's frame as she collapsed on his chest in hysterics. Holly thankfully settled down, allowing him to sit up and reach across the coffee table. He retrieved the Jameson, pouring them another shot of Irish whiskey. "Here." He handed her the shot, raising his. "A toast."

"To?"

Artemis thought on it for a second. "Ah... to new beginnings? And, um, friends."

"New beginnings? The fuck?"

"Just go with it."

"Oh. Sure. To NEW BEGINNINGS! And friends," she giggled, clinking his glass. They slammed the shots down their throats, paired by wincing and gagging.

Holly was quiet for a few moments, getting lost in Artemis' features. She remembered his spontaneous song on the piano from earlier, her heart jolted by the memory. She felt so full, so present, so alive. Every vein in her body sparked aflame, boiling her blood to a glowing heat that both excited and dizzied her. She had her suspicions about the song, but she couldn't be sure unless she asked him.

"Hey," Holly uttered suddenly, a serious slash across her pouty mouth.

Her tone caught his attention. "Hm?"

"That song you made tonight. It was…" Holly shook her head, looking for the right words. "It was riveting. I never knew the piano could sound so beautiful, and I never truly knew how talented you are. To create songs like that while drunk? It was an honour to hear you pour your heart out."

Artemis realized he was gaping and closed his mouth awkwardly. "Thank you."

"If I can ask…" Holly lifted a finger, trailing the skin of his hand with her nail. "What was your inspiration?"

Artemis broke eye contact, and dropped his gaze to the rug. He'd known that this conversation would arise, but that didn't mean he felt any less nervous about it. He swept his bangs from his eyes to reveal a bashful smile, avoiding Holly's gleaming stare. "Er… It took me a few moments. I just sort of thought about everything that's happened since I met the People, and where we are now. How I met you, what we've done for each other. Where we are now."

He lifted his eyes, forcing himself to look at her, take her all in. He didn't know if it was the liquid courage, but if he didn't do this properly, when would he ever? "Honestly, the inspiration for the song was you, Holly. It was for you." His smile was no longer coy, but smug and all-knowing. "But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Holly nodded, ignoring the lump in her throat. She did. She'd known it when his gaze lingered on her whilst his fingers soared over the keys. He had been playing for her. She smoothed her own hair back, exhaling an exaggerated sigh. "I did. But, why me? You could've chosen anything else."

Artemis nearly laughed. He rested his hands on hers, his thumb stroking her skin slowly. "Holls - don't."

"'Don't' what? Why me?" she asked defiantly, despite her voice rising barely beyond a hushed whisper.

"Holly." Artemis tightened his grip on her hands, holding hers in his. "You're my greatest inspiration. In a lot of ways, you always have been. You're always at my side, even when I don't deserve it. You are always genuine, and you have the most beautiful heart I've ever met. So, thank you."

Holly hated corny, cheesy, lovey-dovey speeches like this. But Artemis was an exception; her heart was fluttering like mad, threatening to take flight and lift off. Regardless, she reacted in the only way she knew how: cynical and sardonic. "Careful, Fowl. This is sounding like a love confession."

"Sorry... You asked!"

"Hmph!"

"What if it was?"

This put Holly out of sorts, and she snapped to him with wild eyes. "Huh?"

But Artemis was brave, and took his shot. "What if it was a confession, of sorts? What would you say then?"

"I…" Holly gaped at him, falling back a little. "Um... ORION, IS THAT YOU-

"Holly, NO!"

Holly watched Artemis' pure laugh and the iridescent glitter shimmer off his cheekbones. She remembered how warm his chest felt when she cuddled him at night, despite his skin being ice cold when she actually brushed against it. His embrace was safe to her. He was home. And she ached for a home, a home with him. Lili's words suddenly echoed in her mind:

"He's only human. Kiss him while you can."

She couldn't help it in her drunken state. She leaned over to close their distance, and before she knew it, Holly kissed Artemis, pressing her lips to his, the contact soft and gentle, releasing several stray sparks along their skin. She held her lips for a few seconds before pulling away, quickly wishing she hadn't.

They stared at each other. Neither spoke. Hearts thumped, blood soared. Their gaze dropped to each other's lips, and Holly moved back in for more. Artemis wasted no time pressing himself into her, nestling his hands behind her neck, taking her lips into his tenderly, testing her.

Holly deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer. Their passion grew, blossoming into something deeper, both fighting for the other's embrace. A gravitational pull piled between them as a dozen more blue sparks flew up Holly's torso, lighting up their kiss.

Artemis was amused by her magick, unable to hold back a vampiric smirk. "Oh? Did that excite you?"

Holly put a hand on his face and pushed him away. "Shut. Up," she warned, conflicted by a flirty smile.

Artemis succumbed. He scooted away until his back hit the couch, watching her, still uncertain of where they lay. Should he pursue her? Should he hold back, in case that was the extent of her affection?

Apparently, Holly had the same thoughts because they were glued to each other, flushed, panting, and bitten. She tilted towards him and he lifted to meet her, pressing himself urgently into her lips once more, intoxicated by her beauty, her touch, her aroma, her taste: Holly.

For Artemis, this was different from the others he'd been with. When he'd lost his virginity; with Keni; even with Minerva, it seemed casual now. Just physical, he realized. Because with Holly in his arms, like this, it was soul-binding. He wanted to hold her close, feel her heartbeat against his, be enveloped as one, always, and forever.

It was love. He was in love. It had to be true. This was it, that deeply fated chemical, oxytocin. Of course he knew it, had researched it, even written novelas on it, but to feel its actual grasp, its hold over you; the way it made him feel while she was in his arms.

He took in her beauty, her long lashes, her swollen plump lips, her flushed dark skin, and bright eyes; one of them a remnant of who he used to be. The real him-

Don't think like that. Not now.

Let go.

He looked at her fully, completely taken. Holly was his everything. He dropped his head once more, taking her lips into his with urgency.

Artemis loved her. Whether she felt the same or not was her decision, but he couldn't deny any longer that the tremendous affection he felt for her was the binding contract of love.

He pulled back, taking her face into his hands, and kissed her forehead. He confessed against her skin, "You are the most special person in the world to me. And I know I'm useless, but I will always try to protect you, even if you do a better job of it than me."

Holly couldn't deny she was totally taken aback by it all. What was happening? What was he trying to say? "One, you are not useless. And two, why are you saying all of this?"

Artemis broke away from her clumsily. Was he alone in his feelings? He was assuming, after all. "Um, I'm useless in combat, is what I meant."

Holly nodded, chuckling behind the back of her hand. "Oh, well, yeah. That part is true."

Artemis frowned, not fond of where the conversation was steering. "Anyway! What I'm trying to say… Is that you are my dearest friend, and I care for you more than anyone I've ever met-"

"Friend, Artemis?" Holly barely kissed him again, hovering her sweet lips over his. "Are we just friends? Do friends kiss each other like this?"

Artemis blanked, completely in awe of the elf in his arms. "Ah... Er... No, I suppose they don't. But whether there is intimacy or not doesn't erase our friendship."

Holly grinned, sliding her lips over his teasingly. "Hmmm… I don't know. You seem to be enjoying this too much to be a friend."

Artemis arched a slick brow at her. "May I remind you that you kissed me first. Both times now."

But Holly wasn't having it. She smacked his shoulder, gasping, "You kissed me a week ago!"

"Yes, and I apologized," Artemis groaned, rolling his eyes. "You wanted to kiss me at Tara. Remember that?"

But Holly misunderstood his lame flirting for annoyed banter. She backed away, worried eyes watching him. "Okay. Do you want me to stop?"

"No! I-" Artemis' mind iced over, slamming him into the reality he was given. Holly Short wants to kiss you. Kiss her, you imbecile!

His nerves shattered. Artemis released all of his inhibitions and values, granting himself the one thing he yearned for, for so long. He rushed forward, wrapping his arms around Holly and held her to him. He smashed his mouth into hers the way he always wanted to, desperate to be hers.

Holly pushed him back into the couch, straddling herself across his lap. She had no thoughts as she kissed him with aching intensity, savoring his taste and touch. Gods, she wanted this so badly, she couldn't believe it was all real. She mashed her chest deeper against his, wanting to be whole with him. Several more blue sparks flickered up Holly's nether regions and spilled into her chest, igniting a raw and carnal hunger within her. This is real? she thought. Am I really kissing Artemis Fowl right now?

Holly didn't know if it was because she was drunk, but her lips dug deep in his, his lips soft and ample, his desperate hold on her with her fingers through his silky hair, she felt high in his embrace, like she was being charged by his magick touch.

He was her Artemis. Her human. Being wrapped up in his arms, entangled in his hair and breath and lips felt so, so right. So deep and bubbling. It was an emotion she hadn't quite experienced before, like the sparks that danced and twisted in spirals up her chest.

She couldn't help herself and gave into the euphoria. She baited him with her sparkly lashes before clamping down on his bottom lip, holding onto him like a feline to her prey. Apparently Artemis liked this because he grunted in pleasure, watching her closely as she bit hard enough to draw blood, licking it with sparks to seal the wound. Holly giggled at his wide blue eyes, unsure of his reaction.

But Artemis was amused. So, she wanted it to be like that, then. All he could do was simply oblige. He grasped her arms and thrust her backwards, burying his fingers into the nape of her hair to yank her head back, only roughly enough to hurt a little. He held her in place as he competed for dominance, brushing his lips past her cheek and towards her ear.

If she wanted to play that sort of game, Artemis would show her what a human man was made of.

He refused to release her, treating her to that devilish, vampiric smile of his, and leaned into her neck. He placed a trail of light kisses up her throat and along her jaw, rising to tease his tongue up the base of her ear, nipping her point with a hard bite.

Holly whimpered as a jolt of electricity snapped through her, senses burning in its wake."Fuck."

I'm certainly learning a lot about you, Holly. Artemis moved back in to meet her impossibly soft lips, craving their feel against his.

Holly couldn't stop now. Artemis may have known, or he may have not, but an elf's ears were their ultimate erogenous spot. He had sparked a raging fire within Holly, leaving her heated and dangerously lusty. She pressed her hands on his chest as she pushed herself harder against him, unable to control her arousal as she grinded into him.

Artemis broke the kiss to gasp, stunned by her movement on his lap. But that changed when she sank her teeth into his neck, emitting a husky groan from his throat. Holly slowed briefly, pulling back to pant for much-needed air. Their eyes locked together, digging into the depths of the souls within them.

They were each other's everything.

Artemis darted forward, wrapping his arms around her waist as he pulled her close. Holly kissed him from above, still grinding herself into him, when her next choice absolutely astonished him. Holly, his Holly, tore off her little pink crop top, exposing her skin underneath.

Artemis was aware he was staring. He didn't care - he was absolutely enchanted.

Holly's fingers were on his shirt, eager to rip it off of him. The turtleneck was tighter and tucked deeper than she anticipated, making his stripping awkward and clunky. She laughed, grateful when he did too, and kissed him sloppily, both breathless. She pressed her hands against his bare chest, lowering her fingers on his smooth skin until they hit the belt of his pants. She fumbled over his trouser buttons now, her body fervently rubbing into his.

Artemis forced himself to freeze time, sitting himself down mentally so he had space to think. She was just so overwhelming, occupying every cavity and compartment in his brain. He considered what she wanted, what she was aiming for. Clearly, total intimacy was the goal. Artemis weighed his options. By the Gods, did he want to lay with her so, so badly. But he wished they were sober. He wanted it to be special. Not like this.

I need to find self-control before I can't stop her. Find it, Artemis. Now!

"W-wait," Artemis panted, breaking away from Holly with every ounce of strength he could muster.

Holly slowed her movements, concerned eyes glazing over him as she gathered her bearings. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Let's- let's slow it down," he struggled to say against her persistent kisses.

Holly stopped her grinding on him, rocking back a few inches to fully look at him. "You don't want to?"

Artemis needed to be careful how he worded this. "Of course I do. It would be the highest honour, truly, but we're still drunk, and I-" He noticed the tops of her cleavage, simultaneously afraid to look, while also unable to look away. Focus. He cupped her freckled cheeks into his hands and studied her face instead. His eyes bore into the hazel one he adored so much. "I want to make sure the sober you would also do this. I don't want to make such a pivotal decision like this. I mean, Holls, it would change everything." He pressed a sweet kiss to her nose. "And if you do give me the honour, I want to remember it. I want to properly please you. I want to be fully present for my first time with you, and you with me."

"Oh..." Holly blushed in shame, realizing she'd totally jumped the gun and carried things too far. But, she didn't feel rejected. Artemis' words filled her with overwhelming joy. Was it love? She felt so loved. "Okay," she chuckled, wiping a few tears that escaped her eyes. "I think that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard you say."

"I mean it," Artemis smiled. "I want to. Just, not like this."

Holly didn't need further explanation. "Okay," she smiled, stealing one more kiss from his intoxicating lips. She scooted backwards, reaching for the Jameson on the table. "Shall we drink more, then?"

"Pass it here," Artemis grinned, taking the bottle from her carefully. He leaned into her, kissing her again. He savored her, cursing himself for how addicted he'd become to her lips in such a short time. He needed to express to her how grateful he was. He mashed their clammy foreheads together, bearing his piercing gaze into hers.

"Thank you," he whispered. They stayed like that for some time, enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Artemis had to break the cozy silence and ask: "So… are my elf-kissing days restored?"

Holly perked up, jamming a finger into his chest. "I knew. I KNEW you were going to ask me that question."

"Oh, did you?"

"Of course you would ask that question-"

"And the answer to the question?" Artemis interrupted, nuzzling his face into hers. "What would that be?"

Holly took his lips in hers, retreating only to whisper, "What do you think?"