Artemis was about to open his mouth and explain that he hadn't been certain what their relationship to one another was (and the thought was possibly the unkindest cut of all), when he felt cool fingers on his back.

For some reason, he felt both incredibly relieved, and incredibly guilty. As though he had been cheating on Haku with the memory of someone who was gone. The hand on his shoulder was comforting, but it also gave rise to a feeling of desperately wanting to move away from the source of his upset.

"Haku," Artemis said quietly, turning to catch Haku's eyes. He hoped that Haku would see the silent desire to leave in his expression--but only for a moment. No doubt Haku had come to take him away, no doubt at all.