WALKIN’ IN A WINTER WONERLAND...
My holiday story (okay I know it doesn’t usually snow in Australia, but let’s just put it in to make it sound better)
Chapter 1: A Special Someone
Sydney Airport, Australia. 5:00 p.m..
The young man had a duffel bag in his hand facing out to the planes in the departure lounge. There was snow coating everything in the airport as it was the Christmas holidays. There was still snow falling. The trees where glistening with the white snow and the lights from the planes made the place look like a Christmas parade.
Even with all the beautiful snow, Dean, the young man in question, wasn’t the picture of a happy brother. Dean was, as usual, wearing a black long sleeve T-shirt under a leather Jacket with his holed Jeans and Boots. In fact, Dean wasn’t looking forward to the next couple of weeks one bit. It wasn’t just the fact that he hated flying, but it was also because the boy who had kidnapped his thirteen year old sister, Livia, only a month earlier, had invited them to all come to Dublin for two weeks, for the Christmas holidays. Sam, however, was feeling pretty good. He was wearing his usual hoody with a jacket over it, jeans, and boots. He was really happy for Livia , knowing this guy would treat her kindly. Seeing as the boy was thirteen years old too. Artemis Fowl the II as it happened, was the boy who had kidnapped Livia, as to ask her some questions about how she knew him, and because ironically, he liked her. It had all turned into a huge disaster, with Sam and Dean coming to her rescue, fairies becoming more known to the human race, Holly nearly dying for being mistaken as a supernatural monster, Artemis and Livia having a small chat, and Artemis telling Livia how he felt. The final break through though, and happiness for all (apart from Dean) was Artemis asking Livia out. She had said yes and he had promised her that they would see each other again. Livia and Artemis had gone on two dates so far, resulting in a kiss (on their second date) thanks to Sam and Butler helping them out. Artemis and Livia were truly happy together. They were always there for one another, they made each other happy and they got along perfectly fine. They were the perfect couple and they called each other pretty much every night. Dean hadn’t known about Artemis and Livia’s dates until Artemis had rung Livia up one night and asked her to come over for Christmas. Livia was ecstatic. Dean had said that it was ridiculous that he had asked her out and hadn’t gone on a single date with her, and that now all of a sudden he wanted to see her. Sam and Livia looked pretty guilty and Dean went off his head. After telling Dean everything, (and Dean’s shock horror to Livia and Artemis’s kiss) Dean said he’d think about it. He then calmed down, said sorry to Livia but that they couldn’t go. Livia had gone out crying. Sam went into her room to comfort her and they made a plan. Sam talked to Dean and changed his mind, thanks once again, to his and Livia’s puppy dog eye stunt. Dean would rather be at a motel spending the holidays hunting or sight seeing or at least doing something that didn’t involve Artemis and flying.
“ You all right Dean?” Sam asked, walking up behind his brother putting his hand on his shoulder.
“ I’m about to get on a plane to see some jerk who kidnapped our sister! How do you think I’m feelin’!!” Dean replied testily.
“Yeah, ok. You gotta point there, and he does have a weird way of saying “I like you” but oh well. As long as Liv’s happy, that’s all that matters. He’s real nice when you get to know him Dean, give him a chance.” Sam said.
“yeah well I wish I hadn’t of freakin’ said yes. You two and you’re Goddamn puppy dog eyes.” Dean mumbled.
“ Oh My Gosh, are you guys ready to go?” Livia asked skipping up to the boys. Yes, that’s right. Skipping.
“ Are you skipping?” Dean asked bewildered
“Did you just say “oh my gosh” ?” Sam asked.
“Ummm, yeah. Is there something wrong?” Livia smiled. She was wearing an AC/DC T-shirt with a slightly different version of what Sam was wearing. A cut-off hoody and a jacket over it. She was wearing her favourite jeans that had one hole on the right knee, and joggers. She had her hair tied back with a clip and tiny lock of hair coming down both sides of her face.
Dean was about to give his little “ I’m Flying to see a jerk who kidnapped you and nearly got you killed” speech, but thankfully, Sam interrupted him.
“No, no were fine really. I’ll go get some drinks huh?” He suggested smiling for agreement.
“ Sure okay, Sprite for me please” Said Livia
“ Coke for me” Said Dean, looking at Sam appreciatively yet annoyed.
“ Okay, comin’ right up” Said Sam turning and walking away in a hurry. There was a brief silence for a while when Dean spoke.
“ Liv, are sure you want to be with this guy? I mean, he is kind of...well...creepy.” he said to her, looking down at his little sister for all the world like a father to a daughter.
“ Dean, I know you don’t like him, but he’s a real nice guy. He takes care of me, he makes me feel special, he treats me nice..’
“ Oh and we don’t?” Dean interrupted, raising an eyebrow
“uhh, you do but he’s just sweet and caring and.. oh..my point is, you can trust him Dean. He won’t kill me. He loves me” she told him
“ Yes well, so do I and Sam. And as you’re brothers, it’s Sam and I’s Duty to make sure you don’t get hurt.” Dean reformed.
“ Dean, I won’t get hurt, Artemis is sweet, he’s caring and sensitive. He wouldn’t hurt me”
Livia answered. Dean sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair. He put a hand on Livia’s shoulder and walked her to the seat bench closest to them. He sat Livia down then he bent down onto his knees in front of her.
“ Livia I want you to make me a promise. Promise me you’ll be careful. And if he does do something to you, you’ll come and tell me or Sam straight away okay?” He asked her. He was practically groveling. He was searching in Livia’s eyes. Livia looked at him. He was so sincere.
“ Dean I don’t think this is....”
“Promise?” “Please Liv. I don’t want to loose any more of my family. Especially after Dad” Dean said to her. John Winchester, Sam and Dean’s father, had died about a year ago thanks to the most evilest supernatural creature. The Yellow Eyed Demon. They had all been in a car crash because some other demon had possessed a truck driver and crashed into them. They had just found the only gun that could kill the Yellow Eyed Demon. The Colt. Samuel Colt had specially built it for hunters and it had charms, spells, and symbols covering it to keep evil away from it. Dean was in critical when they got to hospital, and John sold his soul to the Yellow Eyed Demon just to let Dean live. It was all horrible. After that Dean became especially protective over Livia and Sam. ( you may want to watch supernatural season 1 and 2 to know what I’m babbling on about)
Dean and Sam were the awesomest brothers you could get. She loved them to pieces and she would pretty much die for them. She looked at Dean’s sad begging face and nearly hugged him to death there and then. She smiled slowly and said “ I promise”
Dean smiled at her then stood up and hugged her tightly.
“ Okay, awesome. I’ll try not to waste Arty boy okay” he laughed
“uhhhhhh...can’t...breath” Livia gasped
“ sorry” Dean apologized loosening his grip.
“ It’s okay. Just don’t say something like that in front of Butler. He might take it personally” she said playfully punching him in the gut.
“ Yeah good point there” Dean replied. Butler was pretty much one of the only humans who actually scared Dean. He had a tussle with manservant once, he nearly didn’t live to see the day. Sam had just come back with three drinks in his hand.
“ Two cokes and one Sprite” he said cheerfully handing them their drinks. “ so did you two have a nice chat?” Sam asked.
“ well yeah, and I’m tryin’ not to think about the flight” Dean said smiling at Sam sincerely. He spoke to soon. Ding ding ding.
“ Flight 669BA to Dublin is now boarding at terminal D, gate 3. Thank-you for coming to Sydney Airport” Ding ding ding ( you know the little ring of bells that goes up each time, they have it at the airport) Said the announcement lady over the speakers.
Sam, Livia and Dean checked their tickets.
“ Well that’s us” commented Sam.
“ Great” Said Dean looking out the window.
“ You ready Liv?” Asked Sam, smiling at Livia.
“ Are you kidding?! I’m nearly out of my mind! Lets go!” She replied happily grabbing her bag and dragging the boys to line.
“ You and you’re freakin’ puppy dog eyes” Dean whispered to Sam.
Dublin, Ireland. Fowl Manor 5 p.m.
Artemis was beside himself. This was unusual for him but it’s not everyday your girlfriend flies in for the Christmas holidays. Artemis tried to calm himself. Livia wouldn’t be here until the hour. Artemis therefore tried doing some meditating but the excitement was to much. He kept drifting away from one thought to thinking of some activity to do with Livia. So, Artemis decided to work on his computer. He grabbed his power book and stepped out of his room. He looked over the railing, which was covered with tinsel and Christmas lights, and looked down to the hallway. He smiled and made his way down the small walkway to the main rooms with the Christmas trees out the front and descended down the oak stairs from his room floor, down to the lounge room.
The were wooden double doors going into the lounge . Artemis pushed through and looked in amazement, once again, at the wonderful job Butler had done with the Christmas decorations. The lounge room had two large black lounges along opposite walls with a fireplace down the front. The was a lovely blaze heating the room from the fireplace right now. There was a forty inch flat screen mounted above the fireplace, the sides of the screen were covered in lovely gold and green tinsel, and there was a stereo on the mantle on top of the fireplace. Right now the stereo was playing remix versions of Christmas carols. At the moment it was “Walking In A Winter Wonderland” By Barry White. Hmmm, I think Livia would enjoy a walk in a winter wonderland, Artemis thought. He then sighed at himself. Here I go again. He smiled. There was a five meter tall Christmas tree in the left hand bottom corner of the room with lights, tinsel and decorations galore. There were what seemed like a thousand presents under the tree. There were all types of little lights stretching their way across the top of the ceiling all the way around the room. They were twinkling like colourful little stars. Artemis then leaned out from the lounge and looked around the interior of the manor. The were lights all around the ceilings with miniature Christmas trees on some tables in the hallways, Christmas lights running down the walls and tinsel hanging all the way down every hallway in the manor. You could hear the same Christmas carol all around the manor because the speakers were connected to the stereo. Artemis had done this himself as his mother had asked him to try and get one Christmas carol being sung all around the manor. Artemis then walked over two the lounge on the right side of the room and pulled back the velvet drapes. Basically the whole manor had been covered with Christmas lights, even everybody’s bedroom had a Christmas makeover!!
There were all kinds of decorations out the front. There were white, glowing reindeers, there was a Santa slay with all the reindeers, mechanical of course, and a lovely lighted up nativity scene with a star above the manger, and any other Christmas emblems you could think of. There were candy canes lining the driveway up to the manor and gate, there were small white stars along the hedges behind the candy canes lining the driveway. There was, last but not least, a large colourful star above the door way. There were small Christmas trees on the porch next to the door, also decorated, and more Christmas lights and tinsel all over the porch. It looked like something out of a movie. Infact Butler and Mrs. Fowl’s assistant decorators had done an outstandingly fantastic job. He then noticed even the trees out the back along the manor grounds were also decorated with Christmas lights. He also saw the hedge line along the fence within the manor had three rows of Christmas lights flashing at random patterns. There was also a warm white glow close by a weeping willow tree, decorated, moving in slow motions. He could see shapes but nothing very distinguishing. He got out a walkie-talkie and called Butler, frowning trying to work out what these shapes were.
“ Butler, I was wondering if you could come down to the lounge room and explain a little puzzle I have?” Artemis asked into the device.
“ Of course Artemis, won’t be long” Butler replied. Artemis then slipped the walkie-talkie into his jacket pocket and continued trying to figure out these shapes.
Butler came striding in, knocking on the door has he walked past it. He stood next to Artemis as he looked up at the manservant.
“ Problems sir?” Butler asked him
“ Well Butler, I was just wondering seeing as you decorated practically the whole manor, which you’ve done a fabulous job of by the way, could you tell me what those things are?” he said pointing at the glowing shapes. Butler looked over out the window at were the young boy was pointing.
“ Ahh those, they’re a herd of electronic reindeers.” he informed the boy. Artemis stared hard then smiled and nodded.
“ Yes I can see them now. Very good job Butler” He complimented smiling at Butler.
“ It’s all right sir, thank-you. Now I better get back to finishing off upstairs.” He said turning away. Artemis sat down into the lounge and started working on his laptop.
Flight 669BA to Dublin
Livia had a window seat and she looked out at the snow covered fields by the runway. Livia was so excited her heart was going insane. She was sitting next to Sam who was on his laptop doing some work and Dean was in the isle seat. He had Livia’s i-pod and the music on full volume. He was humming softly.
“Dean, are you humming Metallica?” Livia asked, as she and Sam looked at him. Dean paused the song and stared at them.
“Yes I’m humming Metallica, it’s a calming thing” he said leaning back in his seat and pressing the ‘play’ button. He then continued humming the song. Sam and Livia looked at each other then cracked up laughing quietly.
“ Okay, so Dean has his music, what are we gonna do?” Livia asked, still trying not to laugh.
“ Why don’t we play a game or something” Sam said to her.
“ Excuse me sir, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to turn your laptop and i-pod off please, we’re about to take off” Said a lady attendant smiling sweetly.
“ Sure of course” Said Sam smiling back and turning his laptop off.
“ Damn it” Said Dean turning Livia’s i-pod off and giving it to Livia.
“ Is there a problem sir?” Asked the attendant looking at Dean.
“ Yeah don’t worry about him, he just doesn’t like flying that much.” Sam informed the attendant lady.
“ oh ok, well call us if you need anything okay sir” said the lady.
“ yeah whatever, thanks” Said Dean holding tightly onto the seat. Livia giggled.
“ Thanks miss, we’ll be sure to call” Livia said smiling.
“ All right then, have a pleasant flight” she replied smiling. She then walked away. Dean was scared stiff. The plane then started up and moved onto the runway.
“ Ladies and Gentlemen this is your captain. The flight will take about half an hour to get to Dublin, There is a slight chance of Snow and the temperature is about 18 degrees. Thank you for flying British Airways, have a pleasant flight.” Said the captains voice over the speakers. The engine then roared into life and they sped down the runway. Dean looked like he was going to scream and Sam and Livia were laughing their heads off.
“ yeah ha ha very funny guys” said Dean furiously.
“ Relax Dean, were just kidding around” said Livia.
“ cheer up man, you’ll have you’re Metallica soon” Sam scoffed. Sam and Livia started laughing again as the plane took off and stabilized in the air. Livia gave her i-pod to Dean still laughing slightly. Dean snatched it and turned it on. Sam got his laptop out and continued his work. Livia looked out the window, and watched the clouds shoot past below. She started thinking about Artemis and what they could do for the holidays. She then drifted off to sleep.
Fifteen minutes later Dean switched off the i-pod and looked up to Sam.
“ Well I feel better now.” Said Dean smiling at him.
“ You seem happy” said Sam, grinning at Dean. Dean looked over to Livia and saw her leaning against the window sleeping.
“ Looks like the excitement got the better of her” He said smiling at Sam then Livia. Sam gave a small laugh. He put his computer away, pushed the armrest up and pulled Livia to lean against him. He put his arm around her. Dean stood up into the over head bag bay and pulled out a pillow and blanket. He put the blanket over her and Sam put the pillow under her head.
“ Poor thing, she must be so excited” Sam said, stoking her hair. Sam and Dean then talked about Demons and they talked about the holidays. Sam suggested they take Artemis and Livia hunting, seeing that Artemis knew how to use a gun. Dean then said he’d like to spend some quality time with them or to do something. Then they talked about what Christmas presents to get, and they joked around what would be hilarious presents to get. One thing led to another. Livia woke up with twenty minutes until touch down. They played a few practical jokes on other passengers, like putting a whoopee cushion under the old man in front of them. The captains voice came over the speakers telling everyone to buckle up. Dean went back to being a scared stiff, and Sam and Livia laughed. Livia was looking out the window, nearly jumping out of her seat for joy.
“ wow, easy there, not much longer Liv” said Sam smiling
“ I’m so excited Sam I can’t stand it!!” she said grinning. She looked out the window again and watched the earth come up to meet them.
Not much longer Arty, not much longer.
Fowl manor. Dublin , Ireland. 5:40pm
Artemis had just finished his twentieth victorious game of solitaire when he closed the power book. Butler knocked on the door.
“ Artemis, sir, I’m heading out to the airport to pick up Livia and her brothers now.” He told Artemis.
“ All right then, thank-you Butler” He answered. Artemis’s heart sped up. Any minute now and he would have Livia in his arms again. There was another knock on the door.
“ Arty dear are you in here?” came a feminine voice. It was his mother, Angeline.
“ Yes mother, I’m here” he replied.
His mother walked in wearing a cream coloured silk dress and a caramel brown jacket over the top. His father walked in behind her wearing, just like Artemis, an Armani suit.
“ Artemis dear how are you” asked Angeline sitting down next to him.
“ I’m fine mother, why do ask” he said to her.
“ we just wanted to make sure you weren’t going insane Arty” his father joked. Artemis smiled up at them.
“No father, I am still sane, but I won’t manage much longer” he joked back. They all laughed.
Angeline stoked her sons hair and looked at him.
“ Artemis, you’re father and I will be going Christmas shopping soon all right? we’ll wait here until our guests come though okay? She informed him.
“ Yes Mother that’s fine” He answered. His parents smiled at him. Angeline gave him a kiss on the forehead and Artemis Senior gave his son a hug.
“ Not much longer eh?” he said.
“yes, I’m dying to see her again” Artemis said to his father.
“True Love is a wondrous thing. You meet the woman of your dreams and you could spend the rest of your life. You’ve made a good choice Arty. She’s smart, caring, kind. You two are so happy together.” He said giving his son a smile. Artemis smiled back. His father had a point. Livia and him never seemed to disagree on much.
“ Father, may I ask you, how did you know mother was the one? How did you know she was your dream woman?” Artemis asked his father, loosing his smile. Artemis senior still smiled.
“ Trust me Artemis, if you think she’s the one, you can feel it” He said smiling at him. he gave him a hug, a pat on the shoulder, then started walking to the door. He turned around.
“ You’ll just know” he smiled. Artemis was left thinking about his fathers advice. He grinned to himself. It seemed to confirm his thoughts. Livia was the one. He went back up stairs to his room, and got himself ready for her arrival.
Dublin Airport. 5:45 p m.
Livia, Sam and Dean walked to the luggage bay. They picked their bags out of the bag vendor and started walking towards the arrivals hall. Livia was singing along to the song over the speakers cracking herself up. Sam and Dean looked at each other and smiled. Livia was only this happy when she was hunting, or in this case, seeing a boyfriend in the school holidays, weeks before Christmas. They walked in to the arrivals area. Livia took her bag off and gave it to Sam. She ran to the door and looked outside. Snow was everywhere glistening in the trees and on the grass. There was gentle snow snowing down and the streets and city were sparkling in the sunset. She felt a huge hand on her shoulder. She spun around to see a huge Eurasian smiling at her.
“ Butler!!” She yelled happily. She gave him a big hug as she could give him. Butler laughed and hugged her back. “ Oh Butler it’s so good to see you again!!” She exclaimed happily.
“yes, yes, I know, long time, no see”
“Yeah. How’s everything going?”
“oh same old same old. How are Sam and Dean?”
“Well Dean’s terrified seeing as he hates flying.” Livia giggled. “How’s Artemis?”
“ He’s out of his mind. He can’t wait to see you” Butler answered smiling
“ Hey you!! Get away from her!!” Came a yell.
“ Dean!! That’s Butler!!!” Came Sam’s voice. Livia and Butler turned around to see Dean running at them with Sam following, not to mention the whole air port staring at them.
“ What?! oh right. Ummm... sorry Butler” Said Dean slowing down and smiling pathetically.
Sam came running up behind him. They all saw the airport occupants staring at them. Sam stuttered at first and tried to find an excuse but Butler stepped in. This was more his area.
“ Nothing to worry about ladies and gentlemen, just a slight misunderstanding.” He said raising his hands. It seemed to work. Every one went back to what they were doing before.
“Right, we better get going. Artemis will by dying to see you” He said grinning at the young girl. She smiled excitedly. That was all the answer they needed.
As Butler finished loading their bags into the car, he shut the boot and walked up the side of the car and got into the drivers seat. Sam had the passengers seat and Livia and Dean were in the back.
“ So how long does it take to get to Fowl manor?” Livia asked leaning on the front seat.
“ From here, about.....10 minutes.” he told her. Butler started the Bentley and off they went. As they drove on they all started talking.
“So how’s the rest of the family?”
“ well, Juliet is still on her wrestling tour, she’ll arrive next week, and the Sir and Mrs. are going shopping apparently. Artemis.... Well, he can’t wait to see you again” Butler answered.
“Now there’s a shock” said Dean, looking out the window. Livia turned and gave him a shut up look. They all continued talking for a while as they kept driving. Time seemed to pass when they saw a house covered in lights and decorations everywhere coming up.
“ There it is, Fowl Manor” said Butler like a tour guide.
“wow, It’s....it’s” Sam started.
“Beautiful” finished Livia, looking at all the decorations. Everyone was looking at them. Livia gasped as she saw the decorations and the candy canes lining the driveway. She took in the details of everything and smiled in admiration. They were all astonished at the beauty of it. As they stepped out of the car, Butler unloaded the bags. Sam, Dean and Livia walked up onto the porch.
“ Artemis! You’re guests are here!” yelled a lovely ladies voice.
“Mrs. Fowl” said Livia, as Mrs. Fowl opened the door. She smiled at Livia.
“Please, call me Angeline. How are you darling?” she asked giving Livia a hug and a kiss on each cheek.
“ Very well thank-you. And yourself?”
“ quite well. Ahhh this must be Sam and Dean then” Angeline smiled.
“ Nice to meet you” said Dean
“Pleasure to meet you too” said Angeline, shaking his hand.
“ Good to see you again Angeline” said Sam giving her a hug.
“ You too dear, we’ll have to catch up won’t we? Butler would you mind showing the boys to their room?” asked Angeline.
“ Of course ma’am” said Butler grabbing the bags.
“Livia?” asked a boys voice. Livia knew very well who it was. She looked past Angeline to see a boy standing on the stair case fixing up his tie.
“Artemis!” She exclaimed. Artemis came down the flight of stairs and Livia ran up into his arms. They hugged each other close.
“ I missed you so much Arty” whispered Livia.
“I missed you too” He whispered back. They looked up at each other and had a brief kiss. Everyone else was watching and when they kissed they all looked at one another and smiled. “erhem. Right, your rooms then.” Butler said knowing that the two wanted privacy. Sam and Dean turned and followed him as Artemis and Livia stood aside. Artemis had his arm around Livia as she hugged in right next to him. They all smiled at each other as Sam , Dean and Butler went up the stairs. Dean gave a wink to Livia. Artemis then looked at Livia.
“ Let’s go to the lounge” He suggested. They smiled at each other as they walked off down the hall together to the lounge room. Mr. Fowl came and stood next to his wife.
“ Young love. Isn’t it beautiful.” Mr. fowl said.
“mmm, remember when we where just like that Timmy”
“good times.”
“Do you think he’s made the right choice?”asked Mrs. Fowl looking up at her husband. Mr. Fowl looked down to the lounge room and saw Artemis and Livia talking. Artemis looked up at his father and smiled a warm, sincere and grateful smile. He looked back at Livia and they went inside. Mr. Fowl smiled at his wife.
“ Yes dear. I think he has”
Artemis and Livia walked into the lounge room. Livia then walked forward from Artemis.
“ Wow! This is so awesome!” She exclaimed, looking around at all the Christmas decorations. Artemis smiled and walked up to her.
“ It’s incredible isn’t it” he said.
“It’s... fantastic” Livia answered. She walked down to the Christmas tree and knelt down, looking under the Christmas tree.
“Geez, there’s got to be at least a thousand presents under here”
“That was my first guess”
“Are these for everyone?”
“I believe so, yes”
“Are there any for me?” She laughed.
“Yes there are” Artemis answered, also laughing. He walked down to the Christmas tree and knelt down next to Livia. Livia looked under the tree and pulled out a small, square, neatly wrapped gift.
“To Livia, from Artemis” Livia said, looking up and smiling at Artemis.
“Merry Christmas” he said smiling and gave her kiss.
“thank-you” She said smiling. She put the present back. Artemis stood up and helped Livia up.
“Hey can we go check out my room?”
“ well actually we have a spare bed in my room for you. Is that all right or would you prefer your own room?” Artemis asked, giving an apologetic look.
“Artemis it’s fine. Could we go look?” she asked putting her arms around him.
“It would be my pleasure” He said putting his arms around her. He then took her hand and they walked together out into the hall.
“ The whole manor looks fantastic”
“I know. It’s fabulous”
“Is everything decorated?”
“By what do you mean?”
“well the walls are decorated, the front and back gardens are decorated. Is every room decorated?”
“ you have no idea” They both laughed as they went up the stairs. They ran into Sam.
“Hey guys, how you goin’?”
“ Fine.” Livia looked around “where’s Dean?”
“uh you know Dean” Sam answered. Artemis raised an eyebrow.
“ He’s making charms and checking for any evil” Livia explained to him. Artemis gave a smug grin and nodded.
“ Where is he now? I mean if he’s using his EMF reader.” She said.
“ I think he’s in the basement, But I’m not sure. I’m goin’ to have a look for him. You two have fun” he said smiling at Livia and Artemis.
“’K, thanks Sam” She said hugging him tight. He smiled in response then went down the stairs.
“ You’re pretty lucky to have Sam for a brother”
“Tell me about it” She smiled. “ Come on, lets see your room ” she grinned grabbing Artemis’s hand.
“ All right then” He replied running along behind her.
Artemis opened the door to his room.
“ After you” he said, motioning his hand to his room. Livia walked past him and stepped into a beautifully furnished bedroom. It was about thirty meters square with what seemed to be a balcony at the other end of the room. There was a King sized bed near the door to the balcony on the left side with a large black dresser on its right. It looked like it had a few picture frames on it. There was another smaller bed next to it. Both had black quilts on them and metallic silver pillows. There was a space between the bed and a three seater black leather couch that was against the wall. Next to the couch as well as Livia there was a right angle desk with neatly filed folders, an apple Mac, and a few other technological bibs and bobs, tucked in the corner of the walls. Across on the other side of the room, right in the center of the wall, there was a small fireplace with another flat screen mounted on the wall. Closer towards Livia there was a few bookshelves with lots of books on them. Then down towards the door, opposite the end of Artemis’s bed, there was a large mirror sliding door. This, she supposed, was Artemis’s closet. Of course with Christmas decorations everywhere, Artemis’s room had not been spared. There were light’s and tinsel around the ceiling with a miniature Christmas tree, about two meters tall, standing next to the door fully decorated, just as the one in the lounge.
“ Well, is it to your standards?” Artemis asked sarcastically, as he walked up behind Livia and put his arms around her waist. She seemed to snap out of a daze.
“ Are you kidding? Your room looks fantastic!” she said, placing her hands over his and leaning her head against his shoulder.
“ Butler and two of Mother’s assistants did this in under twenty minutes”
“For real?”
“Yes”
“Wow, that’s impressive”
“ I wonder how long it took them to decorate the whole manor?”
“Don’t even go there. Do you want to go on the balcony?”
“ If you want to, yes”
“Okay then.” Livia replied. She looked up at him and smiled. Holding one of Artemis’s hands she walked over to the balcony. She let go momentarily to slide open the door. They stepped out on the balcony that looked over the Manor grounds. They were at least 10 meters high. There were smaller Christmas trees also out here, with two chairs and a coffee table near the wall. Livia walked over to the railing and looked over. The whole place was covered in snow, the trees were blanketed, and you could see all the decorations glowing, as a faint pink light was shimmering over the horizon. It was truly magnificent. She then looked down and she stepped back just as quick. She bumped into Artemis.
“ Something wrong?” He asked grinning slightly, as Livia cuddled close to him.
“ Oh not much, just that I hate hights” She said looking up at Artemis with terrified eyes. She hugged close to him and Artemis held her close attempting to calm her.
“ Don’t worry, we’re perfectly safe here”
“ Promise?”
“ I promise” he said. Livia faced him and smiled appreciatively. Livia loosened her grip as they looked over at the last glimpse of sun.
“ Beautiful isn’t it” Artemis spoke.
“Yeah. Remember our second date?”
“Of course, how can I forget. There’s the hill over there”
“ Stargazing. Only Artemis Fowl. Still it was a lovely night”
“Mmm”
“ A first kiss”
“ Well at least it wasn’t a cliché first date kiss”
“ Ha ha yeah. To tell you the truth, it was better on the second date” There was a brief silence.
“ You know I love you” Artemis said breaking the silence.
“ Of course I do, I love you too” Livia said. They turned and faced each other, then at the sunset. Artemis placed his hand on her cheek and Livia faced him again. Still smiling at each other. Artemis stroked her cheek and they kissed. After what seemed like an eternity, there was a faint knock on the door. They broke apart and Artemis spoke.
“ I’ll go get it” he said, smiling at Livia and giving her a kiss on the forehead. He then walked through the door. Livia looked over at the last bit of sun again, then peeked inside. Artemis was standing there talking, when all of a sudden he looked back. He smiled then turned and left the room. Livia stepped through the door and closed it behind her. She peered around the room, looking for something to do. She spied the dresser next to the bed. She walked over to it and picked up one of the picture frames on it. It was a picture of Artemis and herself hugging each, making happy faces as Artemis had been tickling her. It was taken outside. It was a month ago and it was a Sunday. Sam was getting a new gun for Dean for Christmas, so he dropped Livia off here and they spent the day together. She smiled. Good times. There was one of Livia dressed up in a dress. Something she almost never wore, only for special occasions. This was before their first date. She was wearing a gold halter dress, with green glitter vines and silver flower wrapping down her top, and shimmering in the bottom part of the dress. She had her hair straight, hanging out with a green head band. She was , thanks to Juliet, wearing some glitter green eye shadow, very faint though, and had a maroon coloured lip gloss on. She was sitting on the lounge in the lounge room, giving a kiss at the camera and making a peace sign with her right hand. Her left hand was holding her dress over her legs. There was another one next to that with Livia and Artemis in front of the boat they were going to go on for their first date, hugging each other and smiling sweetly. She placed the picture back smiling. She glimpsed at a picture near the corner, behind her dress photo. It was one with Livia sitting at a desk, resting her head on one arm, wearing a butterfly necklace and the cut-off sleeved hoody she was wearing now. She her hair up in a clip like now, and she was smiling sweetly at the camera.
“ I like that one the most” Said a voice right behind her. Livia turned around just to see Artemis looking over her shoulder at the picture.
“ What?”
“ I like that one the most. It shows you lovely face” he said smiling at her.
“ hmm, I like this one of us being silly” She grinned, pointing at the one of them sitting outside on that Sunday.
“ That’s my third favourite” Artemis informed. They both looked at the picture smiling. “ oh, by the way, your bags are here” Artemis said, turning and facing the bags infront of his closet. “You can put them in the dresser if you wish”
“ Oh cool. Thanks” Livia replied. She walked over to her bag and dug to the bottom, making sure Artemis wasn’t looking over her shoulder. She felt something wooden among all the cloth. She sighed in relief. Her double barrel had made it through Airport security.
“ Everything there?” Asked Artemis walking over towards her.
“ Yep, everything's here,” she said innocently, standing up smiling at him. There was another knock on the door, then Dean burst in.
“ You all right up here?”
“ Yes Dean, I’m fine.”
“Where are you sleeping?”
“ Dean that’s just...”
“ I’m just makin’ sure. In case somethin’ comes up” Dean said giving Livia a stern look.
Livia sighed then stood up.
“ In the single bed next to Artemis’ “ She reported, glancing at it.
“Ok. Oh and Artemis, could I talk to you for a minute?” Dean asked him.
“Dean come on you don’t have to go all dad on....”
“Liv, it’s just for a minute. Chill” He said. Dean stepped out of the room. Artemis walked over.
“ Don’t worry, I won’t be long” he joked. Then he left the room. Livia decided to unpack her gear. She took her bag and walked over to the dresser. She took her time but eventually finished unpacking. She had to find a hiding spot for her gun, so she decided to go with womanly instinct. Her bra drawer. She checked her watch. Artemis and Dean were out there for at least ten minutes. It was now seven o’clock, give or take a few minutes. Livia thought to have a shower so she got her pyjamas out of the drawer. She had black pants and a cookie monster T-shirt. Artemis came into the room. Livia turned around and walked over to Artemis, dumping her pyjamas on the bed.
“ So much for a minute, what did he want?” Livia asked him.
“ Actually he asked wether I knew how to use a gun or not.”
“Right.”
“ And then he asked me if I could help him check the history of the house”
“Was that it?”
“ Yes, he said he just wanted to be sure”
“ Ok then” She grinned at him. “ By the way, where’s the bathroom?”
“ It’s just down the hall, past Sam and Dean’s room.” he instructed. “ I’ll go get you a towel”
Livia grabbed her pyjamas and followed Artemis out the door. They went down the corridor just as Artemis had told Livia and he stopped in front of a double door. He opened it. Livia looked over his shoulder. There were neatly folded towels, sheets, blankets, pillow cases and other laundry things. Artemis pulled out a black towel.
“ Here you are.” He smiled handing her the towel. “ It’s this room here” he said pointing at the door next to him.
“ Ok. Thanks Arty” She responded, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She turned around and walked into the bathroom. The floor was marble, and the shower had frosted glass. There was a spa bath in the corner. To be honest, it was more of a Jacuzzi. There was a lovely white polished bathroom sink, with gold towel racks and the walls were white and gold marble. There were, of course, Christmas decorations in the bathroom. Although they weren’t as extreme as everywhere else. Just a bit of tinsel on the mirror in front of the sink and around the ceiling. Livia got undressed and stepped in the warm water in the shower.
Artemis went back to his room. He got changed into his black silk pyjamas with his name in gold engraving. He walked over to his computer and continued playing solitaire. After two games he got bored, so he decided to edit some files, check his bank account, and then do some photo shop work. He checked his Christmas list. He checked off what he already had and printed off what he needed to get. He then closed down the computer. He walked over to the bookshelf and found himself a book to read. He grabbed a C.D. off his desk and placed it into the D.V.D player. It was a seventies disco C.D. Artemis would have thought they were useless, but Livia was the one who got him stated. She got him stuck on the classics like ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’ , ‘Disco Inferno’, ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love’ , which was Livia’s favourite, ‘You Sexy Thing’ and Artemis’ favourite, ‘ Play That Funky Music’. Though he did like ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love’. He pressed the ‘play’ button and went and sat on his bed with ‘Footloose’ playing around the room. He opened his book and started reading.
Livia got out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her. She dried herself of then put on her pyjamas. She glanced at the towel and saw it had Artemis’s initials engraved on it. She picked it up and headed back to Artemis’s room. She could hear disco songs being played. At first she thought it was coming from Sam and Dean’s room but it was empty. She walked into Artemis’s room and was surprised to hear it was his music.
“ Have a nice shower?” he asked smiling at her. Livia walked past him to the dresser putting her clothes away and placing the towel on her bag.
“ Is this the disco C.D. I sent you?” she asked grinning at him.
“Yes it is actually” he answered, placing a bookmark in the page he was reading and closing it.
Livia smiled excitedly and walked over to the T.V. She picked up the remote and flicked through the songs. She found the one she wanted. ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love’ by Barry White. She sang along doing a little dance. Artemis sat up on his bed and laughed.
“ This is awesome. I thought I’d have to torture you to let me listen to disco” she laughed.
“ It’s pretty good” He responded. Livia walked over and sat down on Artemis’s bed next to him. He smiled at her.
“ whose that on your shirt?” he asked pointing at the top.
“ You don’t know who that is?” she asked sarcastically.
“ No I do believe I don’t”
“ This is the cookie monster”
“Cookie monster?”
“ yeah, it is kind of childish, but he’s lovable!”
“ hmm, I understand” he laughed. A warm melting laugh that made you feel like there was only two of you in the world. She smiled back at him. They were laying down just talking softly together. Livia was laying on her back looking up at Artemis who was next to her with his book in one hand. He put the book on the floor as they talked.
“ So, how’s Holly?”
“She’s well. She’ll be coming up for Christmas”
“ But what about your parents?”
“ They won’t be here Christmas day. Well, not in the morning anyway”
“ Where will they be?”
“ They’re going on a business meeting late Christmas eve and won’t be back until Lunch time on Christmas day”
“ Oh, I’m sorry Artemis”
“It’s all right”
“what about us? What’s the plan for tomorrow?”
“ Well, I was thinking we could go to the mall. I still have some Christmas shopping to do for the family”
“ That’s a good idea. I have some shopping to do too”
“ Ha ha, there’s the catch”
“ Hey that’s not fair” They laughed at each other. They talked some more when there was another knock on the door. Artemis shot up and pressed the ‘pause’ button on the remote.
“ Artemis, Livia, Mrs. Fowl says dinner is ready” he informed them.
“ Thank-you Butler” Artemis replied. Livia got up and walked towards the door.
“ Shall we?” she giggled.
“ I think we shall” he grinned.
“ Good, ‘cos I’m starving” she said. Artemis just laughed.
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. Please post the next bit soon, pretty please with suger on top 