"Arty," the boy's head snapped out of its thick haze at the sound of his mother's voice. "Artemis, darling."

Artemis wiped his mouth with his cloth napkin before answering. "Yes?" He cleared his throat. "My apologies, Mother."

Angeline raised an eyebrow at her son and was about to inquire what was wrong when Juliet came bouncing into the kitchen, happy as a lark. "Hello, everyone. I'm sorry I'm late!" She took her place at the table between Butler and the twins and a servant came forward to serve her a plate.

To the left of Artemis, Butler straightened, and he gave his sister a very stern glance that made Artemis go white as a sheet. "Juliet," his voice thundered. "It is very rude of you-"

"It's alright, Butler," Artemis Senior raised a kind hand towards his son's body guard before turning his glance back to the girl. "It is lovely to have you home, Juliet dear. The house seems… more spirited."

Artemis Junior grinned to himself devilishly. Yes, it was quite fun to have Juliet back in the house. His eyes wandered over the yellow dress that, just an hour ago, had not been there and his mind was flooded with lewd images of their encounters. Had Artemis not been a master of controlling his emotions, he probably would have blushed scarlet.

"You are much more fun than Artemis," Beckett said shamelessly through a mouth full of food, for which Angeline was quick to reprimand him.

Juliet glanced at Artemis Junior, her lips pulled up at the corners in just the slightest way. "I can recall a few times when your brother and I had a lot of fun together." Artemis couldn't help but give her a side grin and raise an eyebrow. Next to him, he saw Butler tense. "But, of course," she added slyly. "We were probably your age at the time."

Angeline smiled warmly. "Oh, how long ago it seems that you and Arty were toddlers running around the mansion! We were so young back then!" She reached out and touched her son's arm affectionately. "You were such a cute baby!"

Artemis blushed a bit, smiling at his mother. As of late, his mother had been quite fond of living in the past, reminiscing on a time when things were lovely. Artemis didn't mind, in fact he preferred she talk about when Artemis was a toddler versus when he was a young teenager. Angeline continued talking about days of past with Artemis Senior and the teen was glad to not be involved in a conversation. He had far too much on his mind to actively participate in any sort of walk down memory lane. He tried to concentrate on his dinner, but he couldn't keep himself from sneaking a side glance at the blonde beauty sitting across from him. She was laughing and talking with his parents easily and every once in a while, would fall into telling a story to the twins of her exploits. Everyone was having some sort of conversation except for Artemis and Butler, and the former found himself actively avoiding any sort of contact with the latter.

Sooner than Artemis expected, dinner was over. The twins were excused from the table and they both trampled clumsily over one another in a race for the sitting room for nightly "family time," a very recent practice in the Fowl family where all members say in one room together doing some sort of hobby. Luckily, Artemis Junior usually got out of participating. "Artemis, Juliet, both of you are welcome to join us in the sitting room," Angeline said sweetly. "I would love for us to have some girl time before you have to leave again, Juliet. I don't get enough of it with all these boys in the house."

Juliet smiled sweetly at his mother, pushing her chair back. "Thanks, Mrs. Fowl, but I have to hit the gym. I can't slack off if I ever want to be as good as my brother." Artemis noticed Butler's fists clinch ever so slightly. This couldn't last much longer. Artemis would have to get a handle on this soon. "But I'm free tomorrow afternoon." She winked. "Maybe you and I could borrow the jet and head to some luxury spa with beefy masseuses and sea weed wraps."

"Ah," his mother said gently giggling. "You do know how to have a good time." She turned her attention to her son then. "Artemis, Love, how about you?"

"Actually, Mother," he instantly felt his father and Butler's gaze turn to him. "I will have to take a rain check. I-,"

Before Artemis had time to think of an excuse, Butler spoke up. "Artemis has a very important meeting this afternoon that he simply cannot back out of." He then turned to Artemis Senior. "It's my fault, Master Fowl. I know Artemis promised to spend this evening with the family. I am the one who arranged this meeting and the client is traveling from a great distance. We must leave soon to meet with them."

Artemis Junior kept a straight face, but he had no idea of what meeting Butler was referring. His father, however, didn't think twice about it, trusting Butler completely. "I see. Well, you two be safe, as if I need to worry about that."

Butler nodded and pushed himself away from the table, signaling for Artemis Junior to follow. The teenager complied, still complexed as to where they were going. Nevertheless, the boy followed his body guard through the mansion and into the garage, climbing into one of the vehicles. Once inside, Artemis questioned his old friend. "Why did you lie to my father? We have no such meeting."

"Yes we do," the man said flatly. "I did not lie to your father. I have scheduled meeting for this afternoon, and our guest is traveling from a long distance."

Artemis rose an eyebrow as Butler left the grounds of Fowl manor and took one of the small side roads into the wooded area nearby. "Butler, what is going on?"

The burly mountain of a man didn't speak, he simply drove several miles down the road before pulling over and cutting the engine. They were in a densely-wooded area and Artemis suddenly felt very nervous. Never once in his life did he not trust his body guard completely until this moment. "Butler, what are we-,"

"It's about time you two got here," a bodiless voice that Artemis immediately recognized spoke. "I've been waiting for an hour." Out of nowhere, the small figure of Holly Short appeared donned in her LEP suit. She pulled off her helmet and tucked it under her arm. "What's the emergency, mud boy?"

Artemis raised an eyebrow at his fairy friend then shot a look at Butler who glared back. "I didn't request this meeting, Holly. You will have to ask Butler why he has dragged you all the way here from Haven."

The fairy's multicolored eyes snapped over to the man and she raised an eyebrow. "Butler? What's going on?"

"I want you to mesmerize Artemis," he said simply.

"What?" Artemis and Holly both exclaimed at the same time.

"What is the meaning of this?" Artemis demanded.

Still speaking only to Holly, Butler explained. "I want you to mesmerize him so he forgets his sexual exploits with my sister."

Both of Holly's eyebrows shot up and her jaw dropped as she turned back to the teen. "You're sleeping with Juliet? Since when?" If there was one thing Holly liked, it was good gossip. And she knew a certain centaur who would also get a kick out of this story.

Artemis blushed wildly. He hadn't planned on discussing his personal affairs with anyone, much less Captain Holly Short. "The term 'sleeping with' would imply that it is an ongoing situation."

"Twice in less than twenty-four hours seems fairly ongoing to me." Butler mumbled.

Holly smirked. "Twice? Wow, Mud Boy, you're full of surprises."

"Holly, I called you here to mesmerize him, not pick on him," Butler complained.

The pixie sighed, frowning a bit. "I'm sorry, Butler, but I can't do that. It wouldn't be right for me to just run around mesmerizing people for trivial things. Artemis and Juliet are both mature enough to make their own decisions. Their sleeping together does not pose any danger to human or fairy civilizations." She shrugged. "I don't have a reason to kill any more of his brain cells."

Artemis crossed his arms. "You set up this meeting behind by back to try and alter my memory? How dare you!"

"How dare I?" Butler spit back. "How dare you sleep with my little sister right in front of my face!? Doing it is one thing, but flaunting the fact is another."

"What?!" Holly stepped closer, her attention fully grabbed. "You were there?"

"Don't be absurd, Holly!" Artemis said with annoyance. "Of course not. Both times Juliet and I were together we were in complete privacy behind closed doors." He looked back at Butler. "You knew what was happening, and you chose to not remove yourself from the situation. Had you not interfered, nothing would be wrong. You knew one day I would meet someone I care for and engage in a physical relationship."

"But I didn't know that someone would be my sister!" Butler bellowed, clenching his hands into fists.

Holly, noticing how heated this conversation was growing, decided to step in. "Stop this!" Both Butler and Artemis looked at her. "Do you care about Juliet?" She asked Artemis. "And tell me the truth. Don't make me mesmer it out of you, because I will make an exception for the truth."

Artemis sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes, of course I do." He looked at Butler. "You know me better than anyone. Do you really think I have so little respect for a girl I literally grew up with that I would use her for primal gratification and not have any sort of care for her? You of all people should be the least shocked that this ended up happening given our history together."

"Alright then," Holly said softly. "Butler, you care for Juliet as well. I understand that you are only trying to do what's best to protect her, but you have to give her the freedom to make her own decisions. She's a smart girl, and she can take care of herself." Holly smirked. "If Artemis does do something stupid to hurt her, I would fear more for his life than her feelings."

Butler took a long, deep breath, the tension in his shoulders visibly leaving his body. He was silent for a while and all three of them stood at a stalemate for several seconds. Artemis and Holly both glanced at each other, neither willing to speak first. "Fine," Butler finally said. "You're right, as always, Artemis. It was wrong of me to interfere with your private life and that of Juliet's." His shoulders hunched over and he almost looked defeated, the years of servitude evident on his face. "I'm sorry to have called you here for nothing, Holly."

The fairy bit at her bottom lip slightly, watching Butler. This matter wasn't settled, the aging man was simply giving up. Probably out of loyalty to his young charge. "It's no problem, Butler," she said as she placed a hand on his bulky shoulder. "I needed a break from Haven anyway. Settling rare spats between you two was the perfect distraction." She placed her helmet back on her head then. "But, unfortunately, duty calls, and I do have to head back now." And with that her small frame disappeared into the environment around her.

A long silence stretched between the boy and his butler. Artemis simply couldn't believe what had transpired. The one man in all the world that he had trusted completely had went behind his back and tried to wipe away memories from his mind that Butler did not want there. If he would do this once to take away the memories that Artemis had of Juliet, who's to say he wouldn't do the same thing over any other memory. A cold feeling of suspicion worked its way up Artemis' spine and he detested it. Not trusting someone who knows the absolute most about you is the sickest feeling in the world.

Artemis drew a breath through his nose, checking his Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor before pulling the sleeve of his Armani suit down over the expensive timepiece. "I would like it if you would take me home now, Butler. I still have business that needs my attention."

The man nodded, moving to open the passenger door for his young charge and getting into the driver's seat. Still more silence between the two of them, only to be broken by the soft classical music that was drifting from the car speakers. Usually, quiet was nothing unusual. Artemis often liked to sit and stew in his own thoughts, but Butler knew the thoughts he was having now were not pleasant and there was a large chance that they involved Butler himself.

Finally, the tension grew too much, and Butler had to speak. "I am not angry with you, Artemis, nor am I angry at Juliet. I just wish…" He sighed harshly. Butler never was comfortable talking about such things. "In my day, a girl didn't traipse about… seducing" -the word felt funny on his lips- "her employers. Especially when that girl is a Butler. The relationship between the Butler's and the Fowl's has always been a professional one. If your mother and father were to find out that you two have been sleeping together just for the fun of it, they will be angry. Especially your mother if she finds out Juliet has sullied her reputation."

Artemis listened to his body guard's speech, understanding each word. He knew what he and Juliet was doing was wrong. If it weren't, they wouldn't be going to such lengths to keep it secret. They weren't in any sort of relationship. Had that been the case, nothing would be out of place. But honestly, it wasn't as of the two of them had been at this for months. In fact, it hadn't even been 24 hours since their first encounter. "I understand. You are afraid I am making a dishonest woman out of your sister." He shifted a bit in his heated seat. "If I can hide my exploits with fairies from my parents for years, I'm sure I can hide this. However, if they do find out, I will do all I can to protect Juliet and the Butler/Fowl relationship."

As if on que, Artemis' cell phone buzzed in his breast pocket. He reached in and saw he had a message from Juliet herself. Have you gotten away from my brother and your silly meeting yet? If not, you should really hurry up. I'm all alone in the old servant's cabin at the back of the estate. Maybe you should join me. The teen read and re-read the message several times, a small smirk pulling his lips up slightly. Luckily, they were already driving around the house and into the garage. It was probably best to not mention this little rendezvous to Butler, just to not spark his temper any more than it already was. The car was parked and both of them got out, Butler heading for the house and Artemis staying next to the vehicle.

Butler noticed his charge hadn't moved. "Artemis? Are you coming?"

The boy shook his head. "I'm going to take a walk," he replied smoothly. "I need some fresh air to clear my thoughts." He noticed Butler move to follow him, and Artemis waved him off. "I would prefer to go alone." He waited a brief moment for Butler to hesitantly nod in acknowledgement before putting his hands on his pockets and walked down the drive nonchalantly.

Once he knew he was out of view, Artemis took a sharp turn through the garden and followed the fence around the estate until he reached the tiny little cabin near the wooded area. Long ago, Fowl manor had once been fully staffed with multitude of servants to run the entire household. In its prime, the manor had 12 servant's cabins all full of servants and their families. Later, a devastating depression hit the Fowl family and they lost almost everything. Many staff members had to be fired and the houses were even deconstructed, the things inside sold for profit and the wood used as fuel. All but this house. That was the only time that the Fowl family nearly fell out of existence, and this house was kept to remind the current generation to always be one step ahead. Artemis hadn't been on this side of the manor in years. When they were small children, he had Juliet used to play in this manor, often playing house or spies and thieves. It was the only time in his life Artemis could actually be a child and have fun. Juliet always was the one with whom he could have fun. Artemis approached the cabin and knocked on the door.

Seconds later, the door swung open and Juliet stood on the other side. Her blonde tresses were pulled into a tight ponytail and she was wearing a pair of black Nike shorts and a tank top that barely came down to her navel and hugged tight to her body. She looked absolutely radiant as always.

Artemis rose an eyebrow. "Costume change? I was only gone a half hour."

A stunning grin painted her face and she rolled her eyes. "A sundress isn't very practical for a jog."

The teen shook his head. "You are obsessed with fitness."

"Of course," she quipped as she grabbed him by his silk tie and pulled him into the cabin. "I am a Butler after all." She kicked the door closed with her foot before pressing her back against the nearest wall. She wrapped her arms around Artemis' neck and pulled him in for a deep, fiery kiss.

The genius teen adjusted much better this time to her surprise attack and he instantly wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and returned her kiss with just as much enthusiasm. The air between then became hot and humid, the only sounds to be heard were the desperate gasps of air and soft coos from Juliet in those brief seconds that their lips were apart. The two of them enjoyed the taste of each other for what seemed like ages until they each seemed to have their fill.

Juliet was the first to pull away, her manicured nails sliding slowly down Artemis' silk shirtfront. "Must you always dress so formally?" She looked up at his kiss swollen lips and half-lidded eyed and a shutter of desire sparked in her loins. "I have a feeling your current outfit is worth more than my entire wardrobe put together."

Artemis laughed, pulling her tighter to her chest and breathing in her scent. This was the first time the two of them had been together in absolute privacy and the boy was going to enjoy every moment slowly and intimately. "Are you sure? I am wearing one Armani suit. Last time I saw your credit card bill I remember seeing Gucci," –he placed a kiss on her neck- "Chanel," –another kiss just below her ear- "Dolce and Gabbana," –another on her forehead- "and Valentino." He placed a final kiss on her lips, grinning when she started to giggle.

She playfully swatted at his chest, pushing him back slightly. "Checking up on my purchases, Master Fowl?" She rose and eyebrow at him suggestively. "But you seemed to have forgotten one little purchase." She bit at her bottom lip as she pulled down the waistband of her shorts to reveal a pair of panties made of what looked like leopard print silk. "Agent Provocateur," she whispered to him. "But I did just order them the other day, so maybe you've been too busy to notice."

Artemis gulped, his breath shallowing and desire making itself very prominent against Juliet's hip. The minx undoubtedly felt it and she rolled her pelvis slowly against him, causing him to gasp and buck against her slightly. "You are clever," he said a bit shakily. Her fingers quickly loosened his tie and pulled it over his head, tossing it across the room. Next, she unfastened all of the pearlescent buttons before pulling the tail of his silk shirt out of his trousers. Her little hands smoothed over his smooth chest, sliding down slowly as she placed an opened mouthed kiss right on his collar bone, sucking at the skin ever so slightly. The teen took in another shaky breath as he placed his hand on the back of her head. His own head was beginning to spin as the girl's nails raised goose bumps on his flesh.

Juliet then pulled away from him and grabbed the hem of her tank top and pulling it over her head, exposing the lacey bra that matched her panties. Her eyes were glimmering with lust as she looked up at Artemis. "Do you like it? I tried to pick out a few things you'd like."

Artemis' eyes wandered over her nearly naked body and he felt an overwhelming sense of lust, but there was something else underneath. That something else was guilt. Butler's words rang in his ears and he instantly felt ashamed for what he was doing. He signed deeply, stepping away from the girl before pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. "Juliet, what are we doing?"

The girl's eyebrows knit together and she hugged her own waist, trying to cover herself. "I feel like that question has a deeper meaning."

Artemis rubbed his jaw before redoing several of the buttons of his shirt. "Why did you come into my room last night?"

She bit her bottom lip. "I told you. I knew you were awake, and I told Dom I would bring you some hot chocolate."

"You had intentions of sleeping with me, didn't you?" His voice was soft and calm as always but there was a definite bite there that Juliet couldn't help but notice.

"I don't know, Artemis." She suddenly felt very self-conscious about being topless and snatched her tank top off the floor and hurriedly put it on. "Do we have to do this now?"

"Have to? No, I do not suppose it is a requirement, but I do believe that I deserve some form of exploration."

"Explanation? Fine. I wanted too." She put both her hands on her hips. "I wanted to have some fun."

The teen shook his head. "Fun? So basically, you used me. You had no intentions of taking this-"

"I'm leaving tomorrow, Artemis," Juliet butt in suddenly and all went silent.