It took months. But Artemis was ready at last to get away. They still talked with their ex, writing and stuff, trying not to let them that far in again. But now they were ready to get away. Telling most of their friends and the people closest to them what they were doing.

When they held their passport in hand they felt a burden lift. It was almost time to escape. To run away.

They took a deep breath now as they packed their bags, listening to Shrike, humming to it.

They were taking one suitcase. All of their toiletries neatly packed. They would be okay. They warned their boss theyd be gone for an extended vacation which he understood. Their flight left at midnight.

They sighed heading downstairs and out the door to where their dad waited.

-_-_-_-

They groaned as they got off the plane rubbing their eyes. They had slept. But it was not a deep sleep. They wanted to get to their airbnb and rest.  Their lyft was waiting for them and they sighed walking over.

"Clover?" The driver asked, they merely nodded gritting their teeth at their legal name. "Let me help you then. You're headed to Wicklow? Are you sure you wouldn't want to stay in Dublin?"

"I want to see if I can get inspired." They shrugged, their midwest accent loud and clear.

The driver shrugged and got in after sliding their bag into the trunk and they got in laying their head back.

Somehow they managed to stay awake the whole way to their AirBnB. It was a quaint farm cottage. Not too close to town, just right for their purpose. It hadn't cost much, but it was nice. The lister even offered to have coffee grounds and tea in stock for them which they appreciated. They dragged their things inside and went up to their room before crashing hard on the bed, not even bothering to get undressed, just left their glasses on the nightstand.

-_-_-_-

The next day Artemis groaned their hair sticking up all over. Their hair was long enough now to go in a very short ponytail. Their waves of brownish-red flopping over. They headed downstairs to make coffee deciding that they should start exploring Ireland. It may not have been the most exciting location in Ireland but Andrew Hozier was from the area. Maybe it'd be good to get an idea of what inspired him.

They made their coffee and sat down looking out the window at the forest and the green hills humming softly. It was beautiful, breathtaking and something in Artemis's chest stirred, as if waking up for the first time in years. They didn't get too hopeful, but smiled to themself, loving the feeling of something other than heartbreak. This was by far the best choice they had made for themself in the past few years.

They glanced at their phone, messaging their parents that they arrived safely along with their best friend. They saw the message from their ex, simply saying have a good trip. They merely answered with a simple, I already am before shutting off the screen and watched the world outside.

They didn't know how long they sat there, watching the world, humming softly as a song played in their head as they enjoyed the view. Before long their cup was empty and they stood going to get ready to go outside to town. They needed more than just coffee. They needed solid food. 

They got up getting dressed and showered before calling a lyft to go into town to a cafe.

-_-_-_-

The cafe was a madhouse. Artie groaned softly as they finally got their food and drink heading toward one of the few tables not occupied. Almost halfway there a chair abruptly slid out and a man stood up.

Out of pure surprise Artie jerked back stubbing their foot grunting.

"Oh god, I'm sorry I didnt notice you there-" a somewhat familiar voice commented as Artemis righted themself.

"It's fine. I'm fine." They lied, wanting to massage their toes desperately. What they had yet to notice was that their drinkwas slightly spilled on them.

"Your drink isn't." he commented and knelt down a bit. "At least let me replace it."

Artemis sighed looking up at the man now, almost jumping back. His green eyes looked fairly determined and all Artie could manage was a brief nod, and watched him walk away to the counter. All 6 foot 5 inches of him.

He returned and offered the drink that they took carefully. "Why don't you sit and join me?" He offered, now having another coffee of his own.

"Uh... sure." They said shakily and sat down, trying not to stare.

They were silent for a moment, the two of them awkwardly sitting together before Artemis's stomach so rudely interrupted with a growl. "I'm gonna eat." They commented pulling out their muffin.

"You do that." He said just as quickly and awkwardly.

After a few bites of muffin, and probably not at all looking attractive while doing so they swallowed and sipped their tea. "... I'm Artemis." They commented at last.

"Oh ehm... I'm Andrew." He replied. Artemis immediately fought the urge to say 'I know'. Artie had no idea that their trip was at the same time Andy wasn't touring.

"It...it's nice to meet you." They managed without sounding too tongue tied.

"What brought you out here?" He asked before looking down sharply somewhat embarrassed.

"Someone important gets inspired out here. I've been having a rough few months, so I figured it would be best if I got out of the U.S. and see what inspired him." They hummed softly, finishing half of the large muffin, and wrapped it to take back for later.

"Well if you'd like I could show you around a bit." He said without missing a beat.

Artie had been mid sip and almost choked. "Oh god are you alright?"

"Its too early for this." Artie groaned wiping their mouth a bit and looked up at him. "I'd love that, but it just surprised me. I figured you'd have things you would need to do." They added noticing his surprised look.

He gaped a bit, "Ehm.. I do but... ehm... I..."

"You want to get out and procrastinate?" They offered, only getting a nod in response.