Artie was silent- in shock- before answering. "Andrew... I would adore that."

Behind them S shuffled pursing their lips eavesdropping. They could just tell, "Just let me know when so I can get the day off- and think of some things to do. I doubt you just want to hang out at the barn and in my house all day." They knew he would do anything with them. He proved that in Ireland. But it was their chance to show him around and they didn't want to miss the chance.

"Love, we could lay in bed naked all day and I would be happy. We could be sweaty dirty and exhausted in the barn and I'd still be happy." He laughed, his voice lifting their heart.

"But I want to show you around! Take you to my favorite spots! I want to spend time with you outside of the bedroom."

"Then you wouldnt mind maybe making it official? That you're the one I want? The one I write about late at night when you're the only thought that haunts my mind?" He teased his voice deep and playful. "Because i wouldn't mind."

Artemis was blindsided by his way with words. Even in the spur of the moment. "...I wouldn't mind a bit... but wait til you see me all gross after working in the barn all day until you make your choice."

Andrew's laugh filled their ear and they couldnt help the blush and smile that covered their face. "If that's what you want, love, I will wait."

They had been about to add more when a car pulled up- their student. "I love you. Can I call later? My lesson just came up."

"You can call me whenever you want." He vowed and smiled, "I'll see you soon, love."

"Love you, Andy." Artie whispered before ending the call fondly.

"So thats another reason you dont wanna move in?" S asked. "Who is he?"

Artie blinked a few times before slipping their phone into their pocket. "I don't think that's any of your business. Now if you want to talk more you'll have to wait. I have a riding lesson to teach." They hummed walking away.

-_-_-_-

By the time Artie had finished their lesson and cleaned off the horses, putting them away, S was still waiting and lurking around the barn petting the minis.

"Watch out he bites." They warned as they walked over dusting off uselessly.

S pulled their hand back sharply at that news. "So... you got a new partner?" They pressed.

"Yeah." They answered vaguely, tucking their hands into their pockets with a smile. "He's a sweet guy."

"You're not gonna put everything on him are you?" S asked.

"Nope. That was him calling to say he's visiting soon. Everything I've done is on my own, S. Ive built myself back up and honestly I wasn't expecting him to keep in touch with me after I left Ireland but he did." Artie hummed. They didn't deny they had put alot on S. But they weren't completely without blame either.

Artie had tried to find boundaries but nothing was set up. So stepping over boundaries had happened not that Artemis had known even when they asked.

But still as it was, they were not partners.

And honestly... Artemis was grateful.

Grateful they were not with S and stuck being sad.

Grateful they had the opportunity to do what they needed.

Grateful they had gotten the chance to go to Ireland.

...And grateful that they had also met Andrew.

If they had still been with S... they wouldnt have grown and left. Changed.

And they were grateful for the heartbreak.

"You met him in Ireland?" There was a judgemental tone in their voice their jungle green eyes focusing on Artie.

They looked back and realized, they didnt think they were the prettiest eyes in the world anymore. They weren't as beautiful as Andrew's when he laughed or when he was focused as he wrote. They couldn't keep the smile from their lips.

"I did!"

"...why didn't  you tell us?" S asked scowling.

Artemis smiled wider, "Because my life is my own and I dont have to share things if I dont want to."

The answer seemed to knock S back for a moment, but they softened. "Yeah... that's fair. I hope he makes you happy."

"I don't need him to be happy... but he makes it easier."