"… And I can do all that other stuff. Plus, I have the social skills to go with them. So there you have it. I'm superior to you in every way." Minerva Paradizo smiled satisfactorily. Her and Artemis were sitting in one of the many sitting rooms at Fowl Manor, Artemis in an old – but still modern – armchair, and Minerva on the sofa.

Artemis simply shook his head. "You're wrong." He said, making Minerva raise eyebrow. Artemis started explaining. "You can't possibly be superior. Do you even know me? What I've done?"

Minerva smiled again. She straightened up before she answered him. "Yes! In fact, I bet I know more about you than you know about me." There was a spark in her eyes. She loved a good challenge, and she loved being better than Artemis.

"I highly doubt that, Minerva." Artemis shook his head.

"Oh, I agree, Artemis." Minerva said. Artemis seemed surprised, but didn't say anything. She would most likely explain. And she did. "Of course we both know all about the other's life and performances, but I was talking body language. I can see what you're thinking, Artemis, if you'll let me try."

Artemis wanted to laugh. This was stupid. There was no way she could read him better than he could read her. Maybe it could be fun. At least he got to prove her wrong. He gave her his best vampire smile. "Impossible." He said. "But, I'll let you try."

Minerva shifted to see him better. She kept eye contact the whole time while she was talking. "Well, first I have to say you're not exactly trying to hide your disbelief."

"Correct." Artemis said simply.

"You're waiting for something to happen. What? You don't seem to think it will ever happen, though. Let me see what else… You're thinking of something, or someone, who makes you happy. Yes, definitely a 'someone'! Get up!" She stood up, dragging Artemis out of his chair.

Artemis seemed slightly confused by this, raising an eyebrow.

"It's so I can see you better." Minerva explained. She sized him up and down. "Okay, so it's not Juliet. But it has to be someone it's a chance of you meeting in this house… or maybe not. I'm… Artemis!" She gasped, smiling, keeping eye contact. "You're in love! Who is it?"

"No one." Artemis looked baffled. "You're wrong. I certainly am not in love. Why should I be? I have yet to find a girl worthy my attention."

This made Minerva's smile even bigger. "Denial." She shrugged. "Who is it? You know I'll find out one way or another."

"There is no one. I'm not in love!" Artemis took a small step forward.

Minerva did the same. They where standing very close now. Artemis was quite a lot taller than her. She shook her head. "Liar! Tell me."

"There's nothing to tell."

"Yes there is!"

"No, you were wrong."

"I'm never wrong."

"Just admit it. You were wrong."

"No, I wasn't. Just tell me who – me?" Her eyes widened when she saw the realisation in his eyes.

"What was that?" Artemis asked.

"What? No I…" Her voice kind of faded out.

They stood like this for a while, not saying a word. Just as Minerva was to break the silence, her lips where captured in a kiss. Artemis had bent down and kissed her. She was like petrified for a second before she gave in to the kiss. Artemis seemed to realise what he was doing. He quickly backed away.

His normally pale skin was lightly blushed. He cleared his throat. "This proves nothing." He said fast. Minerva giggled, took a step closer and pulled him down for another kiss.