Artie could imagine Juliet's reaction. It would be loud and spastic, little Juliet would just be over the moon. The little girl's room was jungle themed. Monkeys were favored, painted on her walls along with other animals, her bedding designed much the same. Between the love for the animal and her climbing habits, it was really no wonder she and Apollo called her Monkey rather than by her name more often than not. "You'll be her most favorite person in the world." She answered, smiling at the thought. "She already adores you."

"Mhmm, I'm so sure." Artie said, eyebrows raised slightly in amusement. Just let him wait, she would get her picture. The pre-adventure in Diagon Alley, baking lesson photo album wouldn't be complete without Brett in a chef's hat. Her expression softened at his next action, taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss. Yep, there was definitely a visible shift. They were slowly but surely venturing into new territory that was not a planned part of the days adventures.

"Sounding cliche isn't always a bad thing," Like right now. Some cliche things were actually very sweet. But that was why they were cliche, no? Because they were sweet, and repeated so many times all over the world by all different people throughout the years. "And it's not fair to judge someone you don't know. Then you won't get to know them, and that's regrettable." Artie nodded slowly, eyes never leaving Brett's. It bothered her that people did judge him by what they saw at first glance. "I'm glad you do feel that way, I don't want you to put on an act with me.. I am interested in knowing about your past more, but I don't care what you've done that's gotten you judged so harshly. You're a good person, Brett. A really great person, and nothing is going to change my mind."

Brett chuckled quietly. "Really? Her most favorite? Well, I would be very privileged to be called that, but I don't think I could take your place on her most favorite list. Maybe I can be...her most favorite bookstore owner." He suggested with a smile.

He nodded slowly and looked thoughtful as he contemplated her words. Maybe being cliche wasn't such a bad thing; it just seemed to fit the situation.

He was certainly glad that she saw it in that way, but there were way too many judgmental people in the world and he had had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting a handful of them. Of course, he tried not to let the judgments get to him but it was difficult when it happened time after time after time when he attempted to show that he was no longer his past self.

She didn't care? His brow furrowed at that and he couldn't help but wonder if she would really feel that way if she found out what he had done. He shook his head slightly and focused on the present. He wasn't going to be concerned about this now.

"Thank you, Artie." He said again. "I certainly hope nothing can do that...you know, I'm not used to being around someone with an open mind such as yours."

He glanced towards the counter where the chocolate sat. "We should probably get the chocolate into the oven."

New Scene:

It had been exactily a year since their last visit to Greece; The previous time being Brett's first time to the area, and first time meeting a good amount of her family: Mother, stepfather, aunt, uncle, Greek brother, cousins - excluding little Juliet. Not to mention, a fair few of her siblings from her dad's side. Not that Brett hadn't already met a couple of them before hand.. Legend had taken care of that one. Even so, Artie had worried it was a bit overwhelming.

But for some reason, and Artie wasn't sure whether Brett was a little bit crazy himself or if it was simply because he cared about her, or because he really had enjoyed their last trip, he had agreed to go with her again the second year. But whatever the reason, she was both happy and far too excited for words, and for the most part this trip would be all to them; Except in the evening, her mother did expect atleast a couple of family dinners.

And so, after arriving in Greece and dropping their things off back home, they were out and exploring. Dark blue eyes looking up at the sky for any sign of a near snow fall, Artemis breathed in a deep breath of the cold winter air, welcoming it as she welcomed the familiar surroundings of her childhood and resisted the urge to twirl. "What are you thinking about?" Artemis asked quietly, her curious gaze coming to rest on Brett as she slipped her hand into his, slowly leading the way further from her parent's house.

New Scene

He had been afraid that this time would come; and it was with great trepidation that he burst through the doors of St. Mungos. The two officers had showed up at the shop and he had immediately followed, only pausing long enough to flip the sign on the door to Closed, and to lock the doors. The news that they had bought him was not good. Artemis had finally been found, but she was not in good condition.

There was only one person standing at the desk, and as Brett ran up, they stepped to the side. "Please." He panted. "Artemis Chosen. Where is she?" His face was set in a look of fear and panic. Never had he felt like this. He had agonized over what had happened to her, but had never found anything to give the slightest inkling as to where she had disappeared to. And now, there had been word that she had been found. Alive, thankfully, but for how long...that remained a mystery.

The witch receptionist at the front desk gave him a cool once-over and lowered her eyes to the directory in front of her. Brett's fists clenched. Didn't she realize how important this was? Why was she moving so slow? He wanted to yell 'hurry up!' but didn't dare.

The receptionist looked up, lips moving with the location of the woman. With a hurried 'thank you', Brett set off at a brisk pace.

Missing for a year. A whole year, Artemis Juliet Chosen had practically vanished from the universe, and for all anyone knew she could have fallen off the face of the earth without a trace. Given, the people who needed to know knew better. They had known and believed the worst (for the most part), knowing the young woman wouldn't have left in such a manner, without saying so much as a goodbye or giving anyone an explanation. No, those who knew.. they were the reason she was still alive, safe within the familiar walls of St. Mungo's Hospital.

Soft blankets of white were carefully tucked in around her, covering almost all bare skin on her arms and only revealing a little bit from above her elbow to where the hospital gown sleeve met her upper arm; Her dark hair laid in curly waves on the pillow, and dark blue eyes remained closed as her chest gently rose and fell with each breath she took. Several of the the nurses and healers of St. Mungo's - her former colleges and friends at that, had set out to do everything they could and had done their best to get her cleaned up when she had been brought in, both on the outside and inside. Healing the cuts, scrapes and attempting the bruises, they were clearly more concerned with what was going on from the inside, running tests and scans and every thing imaginable - even if they didn't think it was necessary or related to any visible symptoms, seemingly irrelevant or not, nothing went unchecked.

Merry Lawson, St. Mungo's nurse, former college and friend of Artemis had just finished checking up on her and had slipped back out of her door, her look a mixture sorrow and restrained anger, quickly turned to one of surprise upon noticing a man walking swiftly toward Artemis' room with a look she recognized with ease. Merry didn't bother questioning him, though by job title she was suppose to. Instead, the young witch simply opened the door a crack, pushing it gently as she stepped away. "She's in and out of it. You can go in, but please be calm. Artemis is stable for now.. but we don't know everything yet, and set backs at this point would be devastating." Nurse Lawson practically whispered, with a slight nod to Brett, she strolled away.

The scenery passed by in a blur, his pace quickening as he rushed down the hall. He didn't care if he was practically running in the hospital, nor did he care that he bumped into several people on his way towards the indicated location. The only thing he cared about was reaching Artie; to be able to lay his eyes on her, to be able to hold her hand again, to be able to look into her eyes and reassure her.

Brett turned another corner and continued forward, only slowing down when a young woman stepped out of a room. His eyes flickered towards the number outside of the door before he came to a complete stop. Wait...what was she saying?

The young man tried to focus on the words. Be calm...stable...setbacks...devastating...He nodded numbly before stepping past the woman and into the room.

For a moment, he simply stood there, staring at the blanket wrapped cocoon that was Artemis. The door slowly shut behind him and he leaned against it for a moment, hearing the dull click that indicated its closure.

She looked so fragile; so pale. A streak of anger flared at the sight. What had she been through? An entire year...missing...no clues whatsoever to help find her. He had feared the worst.

Brett stepped slowly forward, his entire being feeling heavy. He made his way around the bed, his eyes drinking in the young woman whom he had...quite frankly..fallen in love with. A chair had been set up on the side of the bed, and he sank into it, one hand automatically rising to rest lightly on her forehead.

Though the sound of the door clicking shut, and then open not more than a few moments later only to be shut again had met her ears, it hadn't quite registered in the young woman's mind that she had a visitor. Not until something warm and slightly rough, but still smooth, had touched her forehead.

Stirring ever so slightly in her slumber, the half-Greek's heartbeat quickened a pace for a mere second in surprise, navy blue orbs slowly fluttering into view as she woke. For a moment she laid still, eyes coming to focus on Brett and stay there, swelling with unexpected moisture as her mind caught up with her body and noticed he really was sitting next to her in the chair beside her bed.

And that she was really in St. Mungo's, it wasn't just a dream. Which meant it wasn't just a long nightmare that she had been gone so long. A whole year was gone by..

Without warning, hot tears spilled from her eyes, traveling silently down her reddened cheeks. Though Artie wanted to push herself up into a sitting position, wanted to actually get out of bed and practically throw herself on Brett and never let go, she did no such thing. Instead, she merely laid there, feeling too weak and tired to fight to get out of bed. Artie blinked a few times, frowning as she slowly moved her hand from under the blankets.

She didn't appear to be awake; at least initially. It was only when he passed a hand over her forehead did he notice the slight movement from the young woman. His heartbeat quickened momentarily at the very moment and he leaned closer. "Artie.." He spoke in a low voice

Brett stayed still, simply watching as Artie's eyes opened and she looked at him for a moment. When her eyes first met his, he felt the nearly overwhelming need to pull her into his arms and hold her tight. Of course, he couldn't do so, but it was difficult to suppress the feeling.

Oh...oh no. "Oh, Artie..." He spoke again, his voice slightly hoarse from the suppressed emotion of finally seeing her. His hand lowered and he carefully wiped away a few of the tears rolling down her cheek. "I'm here..." He honestly didn't know what to say. Everything seemed too cliche. Nothing could be said to really express how he was feeling at this moment.

"Relax, sweetie...." He murmured again, watching as she struggled to bring her hand on top of the blankets. Reaching over, he laid his other hand on top of hers, his face a mask of anguish and relief. Who had done this to her?

It had been so long since she had last seen anyone; Her family in particular, including Brett. She had no idea what had been going on, how any one was doing, if Legend had survived school and gotten out safely.. her neice was a whole year older, would she even remember Artie?

All these thoughts and more managed to run amuck in her head, though breaking up and disappearing one by one as a voice interupted them. Brett's voice. Though he sounded pained, and she could see from the look he was and wasn't showing (she had known him long enough, to be able to say she knew him well - and would go as far as to say she saw right through him at times) that he was, Artie felt a weird, heavy sense of relief for just him being there.

So relax, she tried. Once her hand was free and on top of the blanket, Artie stopped struggling and managed a weak, but happy smile as his hand met hers, her fingers lightly tracing over his fingers before wrapping lightly around his. For a moment, her gaze remained on their hands, but soon enough lifted to look into his eyes. Her lips fell a bit, frowning again as mumbled, barely audible words very slowly escaped her mouth. "I want to go home."

Brett drew in a deep breath as he watched Artie's face rise into a small smile, her fingertips moving over his hand. Letting out the breath in a rush, he returned the gentle squeeze of his hand, his own lips twitching into a small smile. This was good. She could at least move a bit, and knew that he was here, and....and she could apparently speak. Albeit, very quietly.

He leaned closer to Artie as she finally spoke. Home....yes, that did sound wonderful. "I know...I know you do, Artie." The words tumbled out, with him stumbling slightly over her name. It had been a while since he had used it. "But we have to get you better....have to let you heal before..." His voice trailed off as he squeezed her hand again. This was too much. Part of him wanted to stay in his very spot and not move, and another part wanted to find the person or people responsible for Artie's condition and tear them apart limb by limb.

"I've missed you..." He whispered, his brow contracted in worry. "Everyone has..."

She had to get better? Artie made a bit of a funny face at that, but didn't try to say anything. She was fine now, better than she'd been in a while. What she needed to do was get out of this hospital bed and be in her own place with Brett, and Jinx curled up at her feet and not having to worry about being checked up on, poked, prodded or force fed any icky potions again. She was fine.. honest. But Artie didn't argue the point, whether because she couldn't or because she knew better than to try, that was irrelevant.

"I'm.. okay," Artie tried to assure when Brett trailed off, wishing she wasn't as drained of energy as she was so that she could squeeze his hand back tightly, to show him in some way that she was just fine and he didn't need to worry. Unfortunately, she couldn't do much at this point, her body being a traitor. She simply held his gaze, hoping that was enough. "I missed you.. so much.." Artemis had missed everyone. But right now, she wasn't thinking about everyone. Tears continued to swell in her dark blue eyes, threatening to fall at the drop of a wand.

Artemis wanted to go home.

Brett immediately caught the change in Artie's expression, but she said nothing following it. Was it something he had said? Something about staying at the hospital until she healed?

He gave a short, small laugh as Artie insisted that she was okay. Stubborn, she certainly was. Maybe she was okay...technically speaking, but it was going to take a while for her to heal...not only physically, but emotionally as well. He hadn't the slightest clue of the ordeal that she had been through, but he certainly was going to find out.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear that." Brett spoke quietly as he moved a thumb across her cheek. He could see that she was upset, could see that she really did want to go home, could see the many conflicting emotions behind her blue eyes.

He had no doubt that she had missed him; no doubt at all. He could only hope that she found some kind of comfort while keeping him in her thoughts. "I love you." He murmured, leaning down to press a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Never will I let you out of my sight again." No one could have any idea the hell he had been through from the time Artie had been discovered missing until the time the officers had shown up at the bookstore. Or even what he was feeling at this very moment.

Actually, Artie did have an idea of how happy that made him to hear that she had missed him; She imagined it to feel something like how it felt to have him sitting next to her after so long, holding her hand and stroking her face, telling her the same thing. It felt long overdue and overwhelming, but overwhelming.. in a good way, if that were possible? Artie was too tired to think about that, or worry herself with such silly thoughts at the moment.

All she knew for sure, was that she definitely, absolutely, positively had missed him far too much. In a way, she was still missing him. Missing the lost time they could have had. One year, in context, didn't sound like too much. But living it out, that was an entirely different story.

Leaning into his touch, Artie relaxed a little bit more. Blinking her eyes, letting them shut for a few seconds, the young woman let out a soft sigh at his words. She had known he did, that he still would - but it still made her feel good, warm inside when he said so. "I love you." Artie's voice came out faint, a slight smile reached her lips when he said he'd never let her out of his sight again. "Okay." There was no way he could babysit her, he had work to do just as she did, but for now she didn't mind that idea one bit. After a small pause, the smile faded once more as she admitted something, her voice still coming out as weak and fragile as she looked. "I was scared I wouldn't see you again."

Brett's smile widened just a little as Artie seemingly relaxed further from his touch and his words. "Glad that's a mutual feeling." He murmured as Artie repeated the sentiment. He didn't have any doubts, but he had to admit that a year passing would have some effect on their relationship. Brett still felt as though he hadn't done enough in this entire situation; could have done something more. All of the times that he had to tell Artie's mother that he had no news; that no clues had surfaced. It had tore at him each time to hear his anguish reflected in the sound of her voice.

He knew what she was thinking, but really, he would have Wes look over the shop while he stayed with Artie. The young man could handle it, especially after a few years of summer term.

A soft sigh escaped from him as Artie spoke again.

He met her eyes for a few moments, his jaw clenching subtly at the admission. When he found out who...

Brett drew in another deep breath, trying to remain calm. He would handle everything later, out of sight.

"I know....I...felt the same. I thought about you every day...every minute of the day." He paused, still staring into the blue orbs that he had missed so much. "But it's okay now...we're together now...you won't have to be scared again."

Artie smiled warmly at his silly choice of words, though weak, it was very sincere. He had never needed to question it or worry, as far as she was concerned. Continuing to let her eyes rest for the moment, Artie let out a content little sigh and squeezed the hand she was holding very lightly.

She was most certainly, undoubtably in love with Brett Carlen and had been for quite some time. Time apart, however involuntary it had been, didn't change that even slightly. If anything it had done the opposite. She had missed him more than words could describe, and he would be silly to ever think her feelings could have changed. He'd had her heart from the start, almost. She just hadn't known it right away.

And now, she couldn't picture a life without him. In reality, Artemis had been forced to for some time.. and she had a lot of time to think. It wasn't something she ever wanted to experience again.

Opening her eyes, her own blue orbs finding his once more, Artie's teeth found her lower lip subconsciously. In some way, she felt as though it were her own fault, what had happened. And the more she looked into Brett's face, the more she started to think about what he must have gone through during that time period.

He was right. They were together now. "I'm sorry.." She murmured, slowly lifting her arm to stroke her hand gently over his cheek. "I wish you hadn't gone through that because of me.." He looked like he had suffered just as much as she had.

Brett remained quiet for a few moments, as it appeared that Artie was in deep thought. If he had any choice, he wouldn't leave her side, not to go to work, or even go home, to be honest. He knew he would, though, but would not hesitate to make sure that Artie was protected to the fullest extent that he could gather. He would guarantee that.

His gaze, which had not wavered from her face, took in her now open eyes and then the sight of her gently biting her lip.

Immediately, his hand followed suit to hers on his cheek and he held it there, sighing contentedly. It had been a while since he had felt this. "You..." He shook his head slighty. "No, Artie...you have absolutely nothing to be sorry about. I went through nothing that I shouldn't have gone through. I keep telling myself I should have done something more...though I don't know what more I physically could do. But you...I would go through anything for you. Absolutely anything."

Artie tilted her head to the side, still resting against her pillows as there was no way around that at the moment. It wasn't as though she were strong enough to sit up for long periods, nor would the nurses allow such a thing. She would be in pain, if she tried.

She watched as Brett shook his head, wanting to mimic the motion but not daring to try. He didn't understand. Didn't know why she had disappeared for so long. If she had been a little bit smarter, wiser. If she had reacted quicker, maybe things wouldn't have happened the way they had. Maybe the previous year would have been different.. happier. "Yes, I do," Artemis insisted quietly, "It's my fault."

An apologetic look crossed her features, "There was nothing that you could do, dear. It wasn't that simple, you had no way of knowing.." Artie trailed off, choosing not to continue with where her thoughts were going. She still wasn't sure of everything that had happened herself, atleast as far as details on how she had been found went. But that was also something Artemis was choosing to avoid for the time being. She was safe, and she had Brett and her family again. That's all that mattered to her. "I know you would, as I would do the same for you." Artie murmured, her gaze never moving from Brett's.

Brett frowned again as Artie insisted that it was her fault. "Artemis..." He began. "How? How is it your fault that you were kidnapped? It's the fault of no one when that happens. Not like it could have been prevented..." He remembered the day vivdly. The woman had left his side at the party to grab a drink, and then had disappeared. The following days had been full of frantic phone calls and questioning from the authorities. A nightmare to experience, but now...that was over and done with. It would not happen again. He would make sure of that.

His brow furrowed in askance. It seemed as though Artie had wanted to say something more, but declined to do so. Did she know the reason behind this entire thing? He wanted to ask, but no...this wasn't the time to do so. "Never doubted that." He admitted with a small chuckle. He slowly brought the hand that was at his cheek back down to the bed, still keeping a hold on it.

Artie frowned too. Yes, he was right. It was never the victim's fault when one was kidnapped, however, she still felt it was her fault. She could have prevented it, maybe. "I.. they-" Artemis tried to start and stopped, pausing for a moment as she tried to gather and correct her untangle her thoughts. "Anita and I were standing at the buffet table.. and they started insulting her homemade chocolate.." Closing her eyes, Artie's voice came out softly, slowly as she had to retell the story. "I defended her, and they.. did something to her; She wasn't conscious. One of the men grabbed me.. I could have faught, I should have- but I thought if I did, they'd take her alone, and no one would find her.. but if they took me too.." Maybe she could have gotten them both out alive.

Her eyes blinking into view, tears swelled in her dark blue orbs once more as she trailed off, only finishing that sentence in her mind. "Anita worked at Sugarplum's." And she was gone. Taking a deep breath, Artie raised a delicate hand to wipe the tears trailing down her face. Her other hand being set down on the bed, still entwined with Brett's. She focused her gaze on their hands, silent for a moment.

Anita? Brett's brow furrowed in askance. As the young woman in front of him continued the story, his hand that held hers tightened with just the slightest bit of pressure. How unselfish of her, to be thinking about another person in such a situation. A part of him wanted to scold her for doing so, for how did she know that both of them would have a chance? If she would have been able to free herself, she could have given a description to the authorities and let them handle it, and then he....he wouldn't have gone through the amount of uncertainty that he had been forced to endure for such a long time.

Worked at Sugarplum's...but the unsaid was obvious. She didn't work there any longer, but was she alive? He didn't want to ask the question. He preferred to simply wait in silence, pondering over their current situation.

"So now what?" He questioned in a quiet voice. No doubt there would be questions from the authorities about the situation, but that could wait. It would wait. He would make certain of that. "I doubt they will let you go right now; not from what the nurse just said."

He really did enjoy the winter. It was his favorite time of the year....not only did it involve toasty fires and hot chocolate, but it also meant plenty of time with Artemis, including long walks in the snow, which they were currently experiencing. It was not actively snowing, but snow littered the ground and their footprints were easily seen as they walked.

Brett squeezed the hand of his girlfriend and smiled down at her. "Beautiful, isn't it?" His gaze moved momentarily to the path they were traveling, and then back to Artie.