Disney Princess Invidia?
By Ami Meitsu
A/N: This story takes place between late June and early July of 2221
A bright sunlight filled the room one Sunday morning as Invidia lay naked in bed next to Arty after a very sweet wake up call. She pulled close to him and they kissed, then she said,
“Not a bad wake up call, Darling…”
“We could do this all day if you want,” Arty replied before kissing her again. “It’s not like we have anything to do today…”
“I’d like that,” Invidia said, just as her phone rang. She recognized Shamura’s ring ID and gave Arty a sympathetic look.
“Go on and answer it,” He said.
“Are you sure?”
Arty nodded and Invidia reached back and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. She turned away from him and flipped it open. “Hello?” She sighed.
“Sorry to call so early,” Shamura said. “But I need your help.”
“What is it? I’m busy.”
“It might take a while to explain…can you meet me for lunch later?”
“Where?”
“How about that small bistro downtown? The one we go to when we have lunch on workdays.”
Invidia thought for a minute, and then said, “I’ve got a better idea. Meet me at Sakura Park at noon.”
“Why?” Shamura asked.
“You’ll see,” At that, Invidia hung up and turned back towards Arty. “Change of plans, I can’t stay here all day because I have to meet Shamura for lunch.”
“Are you sure you can’t ditch her?” Arty teased.
“I wish,” Invidia said as she slowly got up and out of the bed. She then made her way into the bathroom for her morning shower while Arty got up, dressed, made the bed and headed into the kitchen to make breakfast.
‘I wonder what Shamura wants from me…’ Invidia thought as she let the water run over her. ‘It better not be something ridiculous, like the time she commissioned me to help with that bake sale. After that week I didn’t want to see another brownie, cookie, Danish or muffin again…’ She shuddered at the thought and turned off the water, then, she worked on brushing and blow-drying her hair before she headed back into the bedroom to pick out clothes. ‘I don’t want anything too sheer, but it has to be light enough for a summer picnic…’ She thought as she looked through several shirts and skirts and pondered. ‘I could try this, but if I wear white then I have to wear a slip or camisole and I really don’t feel like putting on extra clothes…’ Invidia pushed one choice aside, and then picked up a dark-violet top. ‘This could work…’ She smiled and finally decided on a casual outfit that consisted of a black skirt, a spaghetti-strap, dark-violet top and a light, black, short-sleeved coat. She checked herself in the mirror, and, satisfied with what she saw, she headed into the kitchen.
“It’s about time,” Arty teased. His outfit of choice for the day being a pair of khaki, cargo shorts and a navy-blue, polo shirt.
Invidia rolled her eyes.
“Your breakfast is ready,” Arty said as he set down two plates of pancakes, eggs and fruit on the table.
“Thank you,” Invidia said as she went over and sat down.
“Do you want some tea, or…?”
“Juice will be fine; I was woken up by something much better than tea.”
Arty smiled and set a glass of apple juice next to her plate.
“Where are the kids?” Invidia asked.
“They both went out with friends. Akira said she was going ice skating and Ryou went to a movie,” Arty explained.
Invidia nodded and slowly began to eat, while contemplating choices for the picnic lunch she was planning.
“Invidia?” Arty asked, breaking her thoughts.
“Hm?” Invidia asked.
“I think someone wants your attention,” He pointed to Monica the kitten, who was staring at Invidia from the floor.
“What do you want, cat?” Invidia asked.
Monica moved closer and stretched her front legs up to Invidia’s.
“Monica, I’m eating. I’ll give you attention later,” Invidia said as she pulled Monica’s paws off her legs.
Monica meowed at her.
“No!” Invidia snapped.
Monica meowed again and Invidia sighed.
“Fine! You win.” Invidia stood up and gently picked the cat up.
Monica settled on her shoulder and began to purr as Invidia petted her.
“You, my friend, are an attention whore,” Invidia said as she picked up a can of cat treats. She then set Monica back on the floor and gave her a few.
‘That should
hold you over for now,’ Invidia
thought, then, she washed her hands and sat back down to finish her breakfast.
“So, what are your plans for the day?” She asked Arty.
“Absolutely nothing. Why do you think I wanted you to spend the day in bed with me?”
“So that you could have me all to yourself.”
“Why would I need to do that? You’re my wife, so, technically, you belong to me.”
Invidia shook her head. “Not true, I am my father’s little princess, you know.”
“I think he gave up custody when you got married.”
“I don’t care! I’m not a piece of property!” Invidia snapped as she stood up and carried her plate to the sink.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” Arty said as he came up behind her.
“Well, you did. And as punishment, you can do the dishes.” She set her plate in the sink and began to rummage through the fridge.
“Princess, if you keep eating you’re going to get fat,” Arty teased.
Invidia rolled her eyes and smiled when she saw what she was looking for. ‘Italian dressing, green peppers, tomatoes…it’s all here, thank goodness I went shopping the other day,’ Invidia thought, then, she moved onto the cabinet and pulled out a box of garden, rotini pasta and olive oil.
Arty was about to ask what she was doing, but decided that it was best to keep his mouth shut and get out of her way. He quickly washed and dried the dishes and then left to work on some flight plans.
Invidia took no notice of his departure and got to work on making some Italian pasta salad, one of her favorite dishes to make and a well-liked food among her friends. She hummed to herself as she set the pasta on the stove and then moved on to chopping up green and yellow peppers and tomatoes before getting the necessary spices for the final product. She set them down and then leaned on the counter.
‘What else should I make? I need something that’ll go well with Italian pasta salad…’Invidia sighed and headed over to the fridge again. ‘There’s some turkey, but I don’t really feel like lunch meat…hmm…’ Invidia pondered and headed over to where their canned foods were kept. She searched for a bit before her eyes fell on something. ‘Tuna...perfect.’ She set two cans on the counter and then quickly grabbed the pasta off the stove and drained it. Then, while it was cooling she quickly mixed up the dressing for it and soon began to mix it into the pasta along with the vegetables. She tasted it and smiled.
“Prefect, as always,” She said to no one just as Arty re-emerged.
“Hey, pasta salad,” He said, reaching for the bowl.
Invidia slapped his hand away with her mixing spoon. “That is for Shamura and I, not you!” She said.
“Alright, I get the point,” Arty said. “What’s it for anyway?”
“I told you. I have to meet Shamura for lunch. She invited me when she called this morning and I thought it’d be better to go to the park and have a picnic rather than the same old place.”
Arty nodded and watched while Invidia mixed tuna. “Wouldn’t you like it better if you and I went on a picnic instead?” He teased.
“You know I would, but Shamura said she had something she wanted to talk about. Besides, we went out last Sunday, remember?” Invidia said as she approached him, then she wrapped her arms around his neck and stood facing him. “But if you want to spend some time with me, we could always go on a date. Does Friday night work for you?”
“Alright, what time?”
“Let’s shoot for eight, I want it to be dark out when we head off.”
“Are you planning something naughty?” Arty teased.
“Maybe, maybe not. You’ll just have to wait and see,” Invidia said, then they kissed and Invidia turned back to her food. She finished the sandwiches quickly and then moved on to making a small salad and preparing drinks.
‘Alright, let’s see…plates, cups, forks, spoons, dressing…I think this is it,’ Invidia thought two hours later as she looked over her selection. ‘Perfect!’ She thought as she began to pack everything into a basket with a picnic blanket. She hummed to herself as she worked and finished just as Ryou came through the door.
“What’s all that for?” He asked.
“None of your business,” Invidia replied.
“Your mother’s going on a picnic with Shamura,” Arty explained as he entered the room.
Ryou raised an eyebrow, but said nothing and headed into his room to finish up some homework.
Invidia looked at Arty. “I’m leaving now,” She said.
“Alright, I’ll see you later.”
Invidia picked up the basket and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before slipping on a pair of black sandals and heading out. She arrived at the park within twenty minutes and quickly got set up at her favorite picnic spot, noting that she had ten minutes to spare. She sat back against the tree behind her and stared at the scenery until she heard a voice.
“Invidia!” Shamura called.
“Hm?” Invidia sat up and watched as Shamura came toward her in a light, white sundress with a light-pink sash, a matching light-pink sandals, and white hat with pink roses that covered her dark, chestnut-brown hair, which was left down and blowing behind her as she ran.
“You look like a middle schooler,” Invidia said when she was close enough to hear.
“What?”
“The pink and white combo makes you look like a kid,” Invidia explained.
Shamura rolled her eyes. “Well, I like it. What’s all this?”
“I thought a picnic would be nicer than a restaurant, so I set this up.”
“Isn’t this kind of gay?”
“What?”
“Two women having a picnic under a tree looks a bit…lesbian-ish, don’t you think?”
“Why is it that when girls are little they can do this sort of thing, but when they get older they’re labeled as lesbians!?” Invidia snapped.
“Well…uh…” Shamura stammered.
“Besides, what people think of us is none of our business anyway! We know we’re best friends, and as long as we know it, it shouldn’t matter what others perceive us as.”
“You know, for someone who doesn’t care about what others think, you spend an awful lot of time making yourself look pretty and coordinating outfits.”
“I like to look good, okay? Now, are you going to sit down or what?”
Shamura sighed and sat. “What’d you make?” She asked.
“You’ll see,” Invidia said as she began to set up their plates.
“What kind of sandwich is this?” Shamura asked as she looked at it.
“Tuna, why?”
“Just wondering. You made pasta salad?”
Invidia nodded. “It wouldn’t be a picnic without my famous Italian pasta salad,” She bragged.
Shamura gave her a look.
“Sorry…” Invidia said as she began to eat.
“It’s fine, where are your shoes?” Shamura asked, noticing for the first time that Invidia was barefoot.
Because her mouth was full, Invidia pointed to the tree, where, under it, sat her sandals. “So, what’d you want to ask me about?” She asked after a brief silence.
“What?”
“You said you wanted to go out because you had some things to explain.”
“Oh, yeah. Can it wait until we’re done? I don’t want to pause every time I’m hungry.”
“Fine with me,” Invidia shrugged and they continued eating, and didn’t speak again until they
were done.
“Alright,” Shamura said as she sat her plate down. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Yes?” Invidia asked.
“You know Seiji’s younger sister, right?”
Invidia pondered for a minute. All she could remember was a girl with eyes as blue as her brother’s, with wavy, blonde hair that matched Seiji’s oldest brother, Kenji. “The blonde chick, right?”
Shamura laughed. “Her name is Yoko, and her daughter is having a birthday in two weeks.”
“What’s this have to do with me?”
“Well, Yoko asked if I could plan and hold the party because her job is time consuming and their lawn is being landscaped. I agreed and Natsuki-that’s her daughter- said that she wants a Disney princess party, and I thought it would be fun to get a couple of friends together to dress up and serve them as the seven original princesses.”
“And you want me to be a princess.”
“Exactly.”
“No.”
“But…”
“No! I don’t like fairytales, you know that!” Invidia snapped. “I’m a real princess and I find the fairytale depiction insulting.”
“Please!” Shamura begged. “I really need you! I’ll let you be Ariel,” She said, knowing that, even if Invidia claimed she hated fairytales, Ariel was her favorite Disney princess.
Invidia pondered.
“And I was wondering if you’d help me with some of the plans. You’re an excellent party planner and have a great eye for detail. You did plan both of your weddings and mine, and have done several parties in the past.”
“I’ll do the planning, but I still say “no” to being a princess!”
“Come on, I need you! Please! You know I’d help if you needed it! Besides, you’re my best friend, you should have my back!”
‘She did not just pull the “best friend” card on me! Dammit! Now I’m stuck!’ Invidia thought, then she said. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
“Really!?”
Invidia nodded. “But I refuse to have red hair! It doesn’t suit me.”
“Fine with me, but you will have to come over tomorrow to get measured,” Shamura said.
“Measured?” Invidia asked.
Shamura nodded. “I have to make your costumes by hand.”
“Costumes?” Invidia asked.
Shamura nodded again. “I had the idea that we’d tell some of the princess stories, and since Ariel changes from a mermaid to a human, I thought I’d make you a mermaid costume and one of her on-land outfits.”
“Which outfit?” Invidia asked nervously, hoping that it was anything but the pink dress.
“The blue dress. You know, the one she wears when she goes on the tour of the kingdom?”
Invidia nodded and was about to say something else when they heard the chime of the ice cream cart.
Shamura looked up and then turned to Invidia. “You want something?” She asked. “You brought lunch, so the least I could do is buy dessert.”
“Sure,” Invidia said.
Shamura smiled and got up, not bothering to ask Invidia what she wanted. She soon came back with two ice cream cones, one strawberry and one mint chocolate-chip, which, she handed to Invidia.
Invidia smiled, sat back and thought, ‘Best friends, they know how to dupe you into things, but they’re always there and never have to ask what flavor of ice cream you want…they just know.’
“What are you thinking about?” Shamura teased, looking at Invidia’s smile.
“Nothing,” Invidia said.
“You’re lying.”
“I am not.”
“Don’t make me tickle it out of you!”
“You do and this ice cream goes in your hair.”
“You wouldn’t!”
“Try me!”
Invidia and Shamura spent some time glaring at each other before they both laughed.
“Now, what time do you want me to come over to be measured?” Invidia asked. “I don’t have to go into work tomorrow, so I’m free all day.”
“Good, because I’m off. Come over around ten if you can, I need some time to do sketches as well.”
Invidia nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” She said and, the next morning, they set their plan into action.
Invidia arrived at Shamura’s at ten AM sharp, and let herself in with the key Shamura had given her.
“Shamura!” She called as she exchanged her black flats for house slippers.
“Good, you’re here,” Shamura said as she came down the stairs barefoot in a strapless, sky-blue sundress that matched with the white measuring tape hanging from her neck. “I still have some things to set up, so can you wait here a minute?”
“Sure…”
“Thanks! Help yourself to anything in the kitchen!” Shamura called as she headed back up the stairs.
Invidia sighed and headed for the kitchen. ‘I wonder if she has any more fruit salad…’ She thought as she opened the fridge. ‘Nope, nothing…but this gelatin looks pretty good…’ Invidia pondered for a minute and decided against it when she saw that there were only three cups, which, she assumed, were meant for Shamura, her husband, and her daughter, Nadeshiko. ‘I don’t think it’d be right to eat this, besides I’m not really hungry anyway…’ With that thought in mind, Invidia closed the fridge and decided to get herself a glass of water instead.
“Invidia? I’m ready for you!” Shamura called from the top of the stairs.
Invidia said nothing and headed upstairs with the water glass still in her hand. She made her way to Shamura’s sewing room, the last, and fourth room in the house. The other three were Shamura and Seiji’s master bedroom, Nadeshiko’s room, and Seiji’s at-home office.
In this room sat two tables, one for designing and one for sewing. And, around the room were various rolls of fabric, two scrap boxes, several sewing kits with multi-colored thread, and three, designing mannequins. It reminded Invidia of the sewing room she had at Nova’s place, except that hers was really a guest room and was cleaner, since it wasn’t her space, per say.
“This room never gets any cleaner,” Invidia teased as she set her water glass on a table amongst Shamura’s sketches.
“Oh, shut up,” Shamura teased back as she emerged from the small closet. “Would you like to see the fabric I’m using for your dress?”
“No, I think I’ll wait to see it. I want to be surprised.”
“Good, it makes things easier for me, now stand in the middle of this floor,” Shamura ordered as she pointed to an empty spot in the middle of the room.
Invidia did as she was told and Shamura circled around her with her hand on her chin, pondering.
‘I know your three sizes, but I think it would just be easier to double-check, I want this to be perfect…’ She thought, then she stepped back and said, “okay, strip.”
“What?!” Invidia asked.
“Don’t “what” me! You know how this works. You have to take off your clothes so I can get an accurate measurement.”
Invidia sighed, but, she did as she was told, and, hesitantly untied the straps that held on her simple, black, halter-top sundress. She watched as it fell to her feet and gave Shamura a nervous look.
“Don’t give me that either!” Shamura said as she wrapped the measuring tape around her waist.
“I used to give you baths! Heck, I even helped you pick out your first bra for Arishna’s sake! Speaking of which, this one is pretty cute,” She said as she reached up in an attempt to touch the white lace that outlined the black fabric.
“Don’t!” Invidia slapped her hand away. “If you’re so interested in working with lace then go buy some!”
“Touchy, much?” Shamura teased as she finished and recorded her waist measurement, then, she moved up to take Invidia’s bust measurement. She hummed as she moved about and took measurements. After she finished, she stopped and spent some time studying Invidia’s breasts.
“What?” Invidia asked.
“Just thinking. You’ve got pretty breasts; they’ll look perfect in the top I’m planning to make for you.”
“What?”
“If you’re going to be a mermaid, you have to wear a bikini top.”
“Not that! Your comment and your staring…you’re a pervert.”
“I am not; I’m looking at it from a designer’s perspective. Much like how Hana does, she’s helping me with this by the way.”
“Why her?” Invidia asked. Hana was one of Shamura’s friends, and a lingerie designer. She was small, with dark hair and glasses and the last time Invidia saw her was half a year ago.
“She’s going to help me put your top together since she’s better with bras then I am,” Shamura said as she moved down to take Invidia’s hip measurement. “You know, I’ve always been secretly jealous of you.”
“For what?”
“Your body, you can eat whatever you want and you stay thin. How do you do that anyway?”
“It’s not like I eat a bunch of junk. I have a fast metabolism that I get from my mother, and there’s no need for you to be jealous. You’re beautiful too.”
“Thank you, and I’m done here, you can put your clothes back on.”
“It’s about time.”
“It didn’t take long and you know it!”
“I don’t care! I hate taking my clothes off, you know that!”
“Unless it’s for Arty,” Shamura teased.
Invidia blushed as she tied her straps. “Well…I…uh…”
Shamura laughed. “You’re blushing!” She teased.
Invidia threw a slipper at her.
“Now, what was that for?”
“For being stupid!”
Shamura laughed again. “Why don’t we go down stairs and start on the party planning?”
“Fine with me,” Invidia shrugged and put her slipper back on. Shamura set her measuring tape and notepad on the table that held her sewing machine and headed out of the room.
Invidia grabbed her glass and followed Shamura downstairs and into the dining room, which held a table with six chairs, a china cabinet, and a chandelier that Invidia secretly envied. She had tried begging Arty for a chandelier once, but he ended that by saying it wouldn’t fit and that they’d probably have to go through the neighbors’ floor to get it at an adequate height.
“Sit and I’ll go get my planning book,” Shamura said.
Invidia nodded and took a seat at the head of the table while Shamura walked off. She returned with a purple binder labeled “Natsuki’s Party” in hand.
“I started laying out some basic plans and got some online resources, and…what are you doing?” Shamura asked as she watched Invidia rip up her online printouts.
“Online resources are stupid and un-original,” Invidia explained.
“That’s not fair! You used external resources when planning both of our weddings!”
“Not extensively. When I planned my first wedding I used them to get a feel for the layout of the ceremony and reception procedures, but Nova helped with most of it. And, I rarely used them for your wedding. The only time I did was to get a feel for what you wanted. Besides, a kid’s birthday party is different from a wedding, it doesn’t take immense planning, just some research. Go get your laptop.”
“Why? I thought we weren’t using online resources.”
“Just go get it,” Invidia ordered.
Shamura sighed and did as she was told, coming back with a blue, laptop computer in hand. She got it running and then handed it over to Invidia.
“First, we need to look at party supplies. Since this is a Disney princess party utensils shouldn’t be that hard to find,” Invidia said as she opened a search engine. “See?” She turned the computer to show Shamura an online, party supply store.
“Okay, but what about food?”
“We’ll have princess food.”
“Define ‘princess food’,” Shamura said.
“Small, dainty things like finger sandwiches, fruit salad, lemonade, etcetera.”
“And the cake?”
“I’d go for strawberry, or vanilla, something of the stereotypical princess type.”
“Why do you hate fairytales so much?”
“They project un-realistic images of princess on girls. Little girls are made to believe that being a princess is some glamorous job where you sit on your ass, get courted by princes, and get everything you want when you want it and it’s not. Being a princess is a lot of hard work and diplomatic stuff, but they’ll never know that!”
“Invidia, fairytales are supposed to be fantasy. They’re made-up tales, remember?”
“I don’t care, they’re insulting!” Invidia snapped. “Now, go get me a sketchpad so we can plan out the cake.”
“Yes Mistress,” Shamura said sarcastically.
Invidia glared at her as she got and brought back one of her design pads.
“You can use this.”
“Thank you,” Invidia said, then she picked up a pencil and began sketching out small, cake decorations.
Shamura watched for a few minutes, and then said, “Can you come back for dinner tonight?”
Invidia looked up. “Why?”
“Yoko’s bringing Natsuki over so we can go over the party preparations and get their input.”
Invidia shook her head. “I can’t. I promised Arty that I’d make dinner tonight.”
“Oh, come on! He can take care of himself, and I need you there. You are helping me.” Shamura said, then she stopped and pondered for a minute.“I’ll make my special primavera with homemade cheese bread,” She said.
Invidia stopped sketching. “Special primavera? With extra cauliflower and broccoli?”
Shamura nodded. “And brownies for desert.”
“I don’t need the brownies, but you know I can’t pass up primavera. I’ll talk to Arty when he comes home and be back at six.”
Shamura smiled. “Now, what do you have there?”
“I know a shop that’ll make custom birthday candles, and thought it would be cute to get one shaped like a crown rather than use numbers.”
“This is cute, but she’s turning seven, not six.”
“Oh,” Invidia muttered, then she turned the pencil over, erased the number and drew in a new one. “There, better?”
Shamura nodded. “Now, about the invitations.”
“We’ll figure that out when they arrive, but first, I want you to look at some of these supplies,” Invidia turned the computer towards Shamura and they spent most of the afternoon laying out plans until Invidia left just before three and came home to find Arty, in a simple, jeans and T-shirt ensemble, working at the computer in the living room.
“Hi, Princess,” Arty greeted her as he turned the chair away from the computer.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming home early.”
“They let us go early because of some general’s meeting.”
“Good, because I need to talk to you.”
Arty sighed. “What did you blow up?” He asked.
“Nothing…yet,” Invidia said. “I just need you to make dinner tonight.”
“Why?”
“Shamura invited me to have dinner at her place. Her sister-in-law is bringing the birthday girl over so that we can discuss some of our plans with them.”
“Can’t you go after dinner?”
Invidia shook her head.
Arty sighed. “What did she promise you?”
“Primavera with extra broccoli and cauliflower.”
“Figures,” Arty muttered.
“What?”
“Never mind,” Arty said, then he motioned her over.
Invidia stepped up and sat down in his lap.
“So, how was your day?” Arty asked.
“It was alright. Shamura and I got a lot done for the party.”
“That’s good.”
Invidia smiled and gentle set her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a few moments, then, Invidia changed position so that she was sitting in front of him. “I want to see your eyes,” She said.
“Hm?” Arty said.
Invidia said nothing more, reached up, and pushed Arty’s hair away from his left eye so that she could see both his eyes clearly. “You’ve got such nice eyes, sometimes you need to uncover them,” Invidia said, then, she leaned forward and kissed him.
Arty smiled and pulled her in for a deeper kiss.
Invidia smiled back and slowly got up. “I have to find something to wear for dinner,” She muttered.
“What’s wrong with what you have on?” Arty asked.
“Nothing, I just want to look nice for the presentation of the party plans.”
“Fine, but I am not helping you.”
“Why not?” Invidia whined.
“Clothing isn’t my forte.”
“I can tell,” Invidia said as she eyed Arty’s clothing.
“Hey! What’s wrong with my look? You know, you shouldn’t knock the denim look until you’ve tried it.”
Invidia made a face. “Denim looks like some kind of Cometine slave garment, and I refuse to wear anything that looks like slave garb!” She snapped, then, she headed into the bedroom.
Arty rolled his eyes just as Invidia stepped into the bedroom. She immediately headed to the closet and looked over her clothes.
‘I need something casual but elegant, something that will show them that I’m serious about the planning, but not stuck up…perfect!’ Invidia thought as she sieved through the clothes and then pulled out a sundress that she hadn’t worn yet. She smiled and set it on the bed, then she spent some time going through her accessories and set a few aside.
“You work too hard,” Arty said as he stepped into the room.
“What?” Invidia asked.
“You work too hard,” Arty repeated. “I don’t know why you go through all this trouble with your clothes. Don’t you ever just throw on some pants and a T-shirt?”
“I don’t wear pants.”
“A skirt then. Don’t you ever just throw something on?”
“No. I like coordinating clothes.”
“Fashionista,” Arty teased.
“I am not!” Invidia snapped back.
“Yes you are and you know it!”
“So? It’s not a bad thing.”
“It is when you take an hour to get ready for work in the morning.”
“I have to look nice for work; I’m not going in looking like trash!”
“Fine,” Arty said, backing off as he rooted through the desk drawer.
Invidia ignored him and climbed up on the bed with a book until she had to get ready for dinner. She arrived promptly at six, and was greeted by Shamura, who hadn’t bothered to change her clothes.
“Invidia, you look great,” She said.
“Thank you,” Invidia nodded. The outfit she had chosen for the evening was a simple-but-elegant, strapless, navy-blue sundress with a white sash. She paired with her comet necklace, a fake, white rose barrette and white sandals that she took off as soon as she entered.
“Invidia, I’d like you to meet my sister-in-law, Yoko,” Shamura motioned toward the couch where a woman a little younger than Shamura sat. She had long, blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, and wore a medium-length, black skirt with a dressy, burgundy top. To Invidia, she looked like she could be a secretary, or a magazine intern.
“Yoko, this is my friend, Invidia,” Shamura said.
Yoko stood and bowed to Invidia. “Nice to meet you, I’m Yoko Hinamori.”
Invidia bowed back. “Likewise, and I’m Invidia Savela.”
Both women stood back up and Invidia asked, “Where’s the birthday girl?”
“She’s upstairs with Nadeshiko,” Shamura said. “You can go see her if you want.”
“Thanks,” Invidia nodded and headed upstairs. She made her way to Nadeshiko’s room and knocked softly as she opened the door. “Nadeshiko?” She asked.
“Invidia!” Nadeshiko stood up and hugged her.
“Hi Nadeshiko,” Invidia said, then, she cast her glance to the floor, where a little girl holding a doll sat. She had eyes as blue as her mother’s, long, light brown hair that was tied up with lavender ribbons and wore a short-sleeved, white, sundress with a lavender sash that matched the color of the ribbons in her hair.
“You must be Natsuki,” Invidia said as she approached her and knelt down to her level. “I’m
Invidia and I’m helping your mother and aunt plan your birthday party.”
“Really?”
Invidia nodded.
“Mama says Auntie Shamura is planning a big party! And that there’ll be real princesses there.”
Invidia nodded. “Starting with me.”
Natsuki’s eyes lit up. “You’re a princess?”
Invidia stood up. “Princess Invidia Sabera-Monica Savela, princess of the Cometine Empire house of Gatlantis at your service,” She said with a bow.
“Wow…” Natsuki said. “Did you live in a palace? And where’s your prince?”
Invidia rolled her eyes, but answered. “Yes, I used to live in a palace, and my prince is my husband. When you get older let’s hope you find a man as nice as him.”
“No! Boys are yucky!”
“We’ll see how you feel about that later,” Invidia said.
“Invidia!” Shamura called. “Get the girls and come downstairs! Dinner’s ready.”
“Finally,” Nadeshiko said with a fake sigh.
Invidia rolled her eyes at her and left with Natsuki in tow.
“Mama!” Natsuki said as soon as she stepped on the floor. “Auntie’s friend is a real princess! She told me so!”
Yoko looked at Invidia with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s true. I used to work for her.” Shamura said as she set some plates down. As soon as they hit the table, Seiji, in a black suit, walked in the door.
“Sorry I’m late,” He said, running a hand through his dark, black hair. “I got caught up with some things.”
“No problem, you’re just in time for dinner,” Shamura said.
“Great. Let me get changed and I’ll be down in a few minutes.” At that, he headed up the stairs and everyone else sat and waited.
Soon, Seiji rejoined them in a simple, jeans and t-shirt ensemble. “Sorry about that,” He said, then, he gave Shamura a light kiss on the cheek and sat down.
“If you were sorry you wouldn’t have done it,” Yoko teased.
“Oh, stuff it. You’re the youngest and you’re not allowed to sound like Mom,” Seiji teased back.
“But, I am a mom.” Yoko set her hand on Natsuki’s head.
‘This is stupid…’ Invidia thought as she twirled her fork amongst the noodles on her plate. ‘I’m glad I don’t have siblings to tease me…Then again, who needs siblings with Shamura and Arty around?’
“Stop it you two,” Shamura said, interrupting Invidia’s thoughts. “We’re here to discuss Natsuki’s party, not bicker like children.”
“She started it,” Seiji said, pointing to Yoko with his fork.
“I don’t care who started it,” Shamura said. “Just stop.”
“Thank you,” Invidia said. “Now, about the party?”
“We’ve laid out the basic details, but we were hoping you could help us with some of the smaller stuff, like the cake and invitations,” Shamura explained to Yoko. “So far we have some suggested supplies, a story-telling line up and all of the princesses cast. I’m making Invidia’s costumes, but everyone else is getting theirs from other sources.”
“Why?” Yoko asked.
“They don’t sell any decent Ariel costumes, and the ones they do sell don’t fit my vision at all. And, on top of that, the blue dress is nearly impossible to find. Since the other princesses have one signature dress their outfits are easy to find. My friends Caren and Noel found a great tailor that’s willing to work with the both of them on getting their costumes made.”
“I see…”
“Besides, getting Invidia measured is hell. She gives me enough trouble; I can’t even imagine what she’d do to the tailor.”
“Hey!” Invidia snapped as she picked up a piece of bread.
“Oh, you know it’s true!”
“Is not,” Invidia pouted.
Shamura laughed. “Don’t feel bad, we still love you.”
Invidia sighed and the rest of the meal continued in silence, then, after dinner Shamura led Invidia, Yoko and Natsuki into the living room while Seiji did the dishes.
“This is what we have so far,” She said as she presented Yoko with the party planning binder.
“Oooh…” Natsuki said as she leaned forward. “I like these!” She pointed to the section with the supplies and price tags.
“We haven’t placed any orders because we weren’t sure how many kids were being invited.”
“I told Natsuki that she could only invite ten girls from her class. No more, no less.”
“Alright, have you decided on the invitations?”
“Not yet. We were hoping to do that now so that they could be printed by Friday. It’ll give an advanced notice and everyone will have a week to RSVP.”
“Okay,” Invidia opened up Shamura’s laptop. “I’ve laid out two designs. Pink with a shining, dark-purple border, and white with a shining, gold border.”
“What do you think, Natsuki?” Yoko asked.
“I like the pink ones,” Natsuki said.
“That’s fine, but the white ones will be cheaper to print, and they’re more elegant,” Invidia said.
“Elegant?” Natsuki looked at her.
Invidia nodded. “Elegant and mature, your friends will be impressed with your choice.”
“Oh…I want the white ones!”
Yoko mouthed “thank you” to Invidia.
Invidia smiled and asked, “Do you have a guest list ready?”
Yoko nodded and handed her a list of girls’ names.
“Alright, how about this for the inside: ‘Princess Natsuki request the company of Miss. Reiko on the fifth of July, twenty-two-twenty-one at twelve noon for a royal banquet.’ Then, we’ll put the address and RSVP information below.”
“I like it,” Yoko said. “But, about the cost…”
“I know a cheap printer who should be more than willing to do it. He owes me a favor anyway,” Shamura said.
“Why?” Invidia asked.
“Remember when I went to get Seiji’s reports printed? One of the new interns goofed and printed them in an un-readable, bright-green font. They didn’t have time to re-do them, so the owner said he’d do the next print job half-off.”
“I like the sound of that,” Yoko said. “But, what about the entertainers and…?”
“I told you, my friends and playing the princesses and are doing for free. For entertainment we’re going to tell three of the princess stories and do a series of small games.”
“Oh…right…”
“Your job is to get Natsuki a princess outfit that’ll outshine everyone else’s.”
“She already has one, it’s light blue and matches with her eyes,” Yoko said as she hugged her daughter. “And, what about the food?”
“Invidia and I will take care of it.”
Invidia nodded. “I was thinking of having small, dainty, princess foods.”
“Princess foods?” Yoko asked.
Invidia nodded again. “Things like finger sandwiches, pasta salad, lemonade and a vegetable tray.”
“I like that, and, the cake?”
Invidia handed Yoko a sketch pad. “This is what I have so far.”
“I really like this design with this candle. What do you think, Natsuki?”
Natsuki nodded. “I want chocolate cake!” She said.
“Isn’t chocolate a bit messy? How about something more delicate, like vanilla?” Shamura suggested.
“No! Chocolate!” Natsuki stomped her foot.
“I am not making chocolate!” Invidia snapped. “It’s a lot of work and it’ll just ruin your clothes! I can make vanilla with chocolate filling, but that’s it!”
“Chocolate!” Natsuki screamed back.
“Natsuki, calm down!” Yoko ordered. “You can’t always get what you want and Ms. Savela is right, it’ll just make you messy. We’re going with vanilla.”
Natsuki pouted, but she did stop screaming.
“Thank you, and by the way, it’s Mrs. Savela.”
“Okay, now, let’s go back to the food…” Yoko said. They then spent the next two hours laying out plans, picking supplies, and ensuring that they’d be shipped on time. Once the plans were
laid out, they went through several modifications during the week, before Shamura and Invidia decided to keep them as they were. In between work and personal issues, Invidia did as much planning as she could, until that Friday night, when she said that she wanted no phone calls due to her promised date with Arty.
That evening she had him put on a pair of black, dress pants, and a short-sleeved, white dress top, minus the tie, while she wore a simple, strapless, black dress and sandals, then she made him close his eyes until they arrived at their date site.
“This better not be some cheap bar,” Arty teased.
“It’s not, I promise,” Invidia said as she stepped out of the car. “Stay here for a minute,” She ordered. Then, she went around, pulled some items out of the trunk and walked off. She returned ten minutes later and led Arty around to the sight by the hand. “Now, open your eyes,” She said. Arty did so and gasped. Invidia had taken him to his parents’ place, and had set up his mother’s, beautiful, blooming garden with candles and tree lights, and, under his favorite tree sat a blanket and a picnic basket.
“Moonlight picnic?” He asked.
“Moonlight picnic,” Invidia repeated, then, she kissed him on the cheek and led him to the blanket. There, she took off her shoes and handed him an empty plate.
“What’d you make?” Arty asked.
“Vegetable lasagna, breadsticks, and salad with homemade, raspberry vinaigrette, dressing. Something simple, but delicious,” Invidia said as she set her own plate down and began to portion out the salad.
“And it doesn’t use a lot of dishes,” Arty commented.
“Oh, be quiet,” Invidia said as she took out two wine glasses and filled them with her favorite, red wine. She handed Arty a glass, and said, “To us.”
“To us,” Arty repeated, then, they clinked glasses and started to eat. Some of the meal was eaten in silence, but, they spent most of their time talking, laughing and giving each other romantic looks.
“What’s for dessert?” Arty asked as he watched Invidia set the dishes aside.
“That’s inside. You’re just going to have to wait.”
“And, what if I don’t feel like waiting?”
“Arty, what are you…?” Invidia was cut off when Arty pulled her towards him and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. Almost against her will, she responded and returned it while Arty gently laid her down on the blanket.
“Arty…no! I wanted to save this for later…I…” Invidia stuttered as Arty leaned down to kiss her again.
“No, now…” He said as he moved down to kiss her neck, then, he reached back and slowly unzipped her dress. He gently slid the garment down her body as he nuzzled and kissed her neck, then he moved down and began to kiss her breasts while gently fingering the lace that surrounded them.
“I like your bra,” He whispered, looking at the dark, wine-red piece etched in black lace that formed roses around Invidia’s breasts.
“I…I wore it for you,” Invidia gasped. “It’s part of a set, and…” He sentence ended on a gasp as Arty slipped his hand under one of the cups and caressed her. She reached up in an attempt to get him undressed, and together, they stripped him of his shirt and managed to remove the dress from her body. As soon as the dress came off, Arty leaned over her and quickly worked to remove her bra, then, he began kissing her breasts passionately as he played with them. Invidia then gasped as she realized she had nothing on but her panties, and yet, he was still half-dressed. She reached for him, but Arty grabbed her hands and held them down.
“No, not yet…” He said before he moved down past her breasts and began kissing her lower stomach shamelessly. He ran his tongue around in her navel, then, it ran down between her legs as he slid her panties off her body.
Invidia arched her back and moaned as he kissed her there over and over again. Her pleasure was increased by the fact that he was dressed and she was not. She wanted desperately for him to be naked with her, to take her, so she grabbed him and pulled him in for a kiss the first chance she got, and, together they stripped him. Invidia pulled him in for another kiss and then, whispered, “Take me, I am yours.”
“Your wish is my command, Princess,” He whispered back as he gently took her.
Invidia threw her head back and gasped as he made love to her in the middle of the evening, surrounded by the scent of flowers and her perfume. A long period of pleasure passed as they rolled together, nearly loosing the blanket as they got caught up in each other and let all other sights wash out of their minds. Soon, they both came to a hot, urgent climax that had Invidia screaming his name as tears of joy ran down her cheeks.
“I love you,” She gasped, as she lay next to him, spent and completely in love.
“I know,” Arty said back with a smile as he slid his hand down between her legs again. Unfortunately, he didn’t get very far before Invidia felt a raindrop on her forehead.
‘What the?’ She thought as the droplets came more frequently. “Great…just great…Arty, help me pick this up.”
“Yes Ma’am,” Arty joked.
Invidia slapped his shoulder. “You’re not funny!” She snapped as she quickly gathered up their clothes and candles and shoved what could fit in the basket as the downpour started. She held the
rest in her arms as Arty picked up the basket, and then her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Invidia asked.
Arty ignored her and headed inside. “I think we need a shower,” He said as he set Invidia and the basket down.
“Do you now?” Invidia said as she set down the items in her arms. Then, she let him sweep her up again and they headed into his parents’ master bathroom, where they took a long, hot shower.
Then, Arty carried her out and set her on the bed.
“See? Tonight’s not completely ruined.” He said just as lightning struck outside.
Invidia nearly jumped, but Arty held her down and kissed her again, driving the fear out of her mind and replacing it with a hot, longing pleasure. She looked up at him with nothing but pure love in her eyes, love that wasn’t present the following Tuesday when she had to leave work early for her third measuring session with Shamura.
‘I already spent Friday morning with her! What could she want now?’ Invidia thought as she let herself into the house.
“Shamura!” She called.
Shamura, still in her work clothes, came downstairs. “Come on up, it’ll only take a few minutes.”
Invidia sighed, put her slippers on and headed into the sewing room. The first thing she took notice of was the completed mermaid costume in one corner of the room, and the half-completed dress next to it. It was pinned together, and Shamura only had to sew the top and bottom parts together.
“I’m so sorry for this but I wanted to make sure that your measurements were perfect for the dress before I sewed it together,” Shamura said. “Let’s start with your bust. So, top off.”
Invidia groaned and slipped off her burgundy blazer. She threw it over a chair and then proceeded to take off her black tie and then she slowly unbuttoned her white, silk blouse.
“Camisole too,” Shamura ordered.
Invidia groaned again and took it off, per Shamura’s request. “You owe me for this,” She said.
“Oh hush,” Shamura said as she slipped the measuring tape under Invidia’s breasts. She made mental note of the measurement and stood there, staring. “Wait a minute…” She said, “Is this from Polaris’ new spring collection?” She asked, looking at Invidia’s bra. It was light, sky-blue with a white, lace design that made it look cute, but mature. “It’s so cute! What do the bottoms look like?” Shamura tried to lift her skirt, which was the same color as her blazer, but Invidia quickly put her hands on it.
“No,” She snapped. “Go buy your own!”
“Sorry, Princess, you have to take it off anyway so I can get your waist and hip measurements.”
“I hate you,” Invidia muttered as she slipped off the skirt.
“I know, just as I knew that the bottoms would be as cute as the top.”
“Can I put my clothes back on?”
“Not yet.”
Invidia sighed and waited until Shamura finished before slipping her clothes back on.
“Why do you wear that anyway?” Shamura said of Invidia’s lacy, white camisole.
“So that my bra can’t be seen through my blouse,” Invidia replied in a ‘duh’ tone.
“Why don’t you try a show-bra?” Shamura said as she unbuttoned her own, white blouse and slipped the left side down, revealing a black, bra strap with rhinestones on it.
“Show-Bra?”
“They’re bras that are meant to be shown on outfits with low backs,” Shamura explained.
“No thank you. I’d rather not have strange men staring at my underwear.”
“Suit yourself, I think they’re cute. Hana was the one who introduced them to me.”
‘She would…’ Invidia thought as she rolled her eyes. Then, she looked over at a man’s costume next to her blue dress. “What’s that?” She asked.
“Oh, that’s Prince Eric’s costume. Seiji’s older brother, Hatori, was supposed to play him during the party, but he just found out he has a business trip starting tomorrow. I’ve been searching for a replacement, but…”
“What size is he?”
“Um…hold on,” Shamura picked up her measurement log and handed it to Invidia.
“I’ve got an idea, can I borrow the costume?”
“Why?”
“I’m going to find you a replacement.”
Shamura smiled and transferred the outfit into a garment bag. “Good luck,” She said.
“Thanks, but I won’t need it,” Invidia said, then, she left.
She smiled as she drove and quickly made her way to Derek and Nova’s house. She knew they had both taken half-days to help Setsuna with some things and was glad to see both of them home. She then let herself in and called for Derek.
“Invidia? What do you want?” Derek asked as he descended the stairs in a pair of simple, denim shorts and a navy-blue and white striped polo shirt.
“I need a favor.”
“What kind of favor?” Nova asked as she came up behind Derek in a light-pink sundress.
“Derek, try this on,” Invidia said as she handed him the garment bag.
“Why?”
“I’ll tell you after you try it.”
“Can’t you at least tell me what it is?” Derek asked.
Invidia shook her head. “No.”
“I’m not putting it on then.”
“Please? It’s nothing bad, I just want to see how you look in it.”
Derek sighed and unzipped the bag. “Invidia? What century do you think we live in?” He asked.
Invidia crossed her arms. “Just put it on!” She ordered.
“Invidia, don’t boss him around, that’s my job,” Nova teased.
“Then you tell him to do it!”
“If I put it on will you be quiet?” Derek turned to Invidia.
“Yes.”
Derek then sighed and pondered for a minute. “Alright, I’ll put it on, but you have to tell me what’s going on as soon as I come back out.”
Invidia nodded and gave him a sweet smile.
“Stop that,” Derek said as he headed back upstairs.
Invidia watched him, and then turned to sit on one of the couches.
Nova raised an eyebrow and joined her. “What’s going on?” She asked.
“You’ll see,” Invidia said with a sneaky smile.
“Alright Invidia, explain this.” Derek asked as he came out in costume.
“I knew it would fit!” Invidia said as she stood up. “It might need some alterations, but…”
“What is going on here?” Nova asked.
“Derek’s just been volunteered to play Prince Eric at Natsuki’s party this Saturday.”
“What? Why?” Derek asked.
“Because, Seiji’s brother can’t do it and the costume is a near-perfect fit, so Shamura won’t have
to redo it.”
“What if I don’t want to do it? I have better things to do on my Saturday then entertain a bunch of six-year-olds.”
“Invidia,” Nova interrupted. “This is a very sweet idea, but Derek is my husband. And, what if I have things for him to do on Saturday?”
“Oh, yeah,” Derek said. “You and your honey-do list.”
“Honey-do list?” Invidia asked with a raised eyebrow.
Derek sighed, and then began to speak using his imitation of Nova, “"Honey, please straighten up the garage...Honey, please get the ladder and go up and clean the leaves out of the gutters; Honey, please help Setsuna figure out her finances, etcetera, etcetera.”
As soon as he finished speaking Nova took of one of her slippers and hit him in the back of the head with it. “First off, I do not sound like that. Second, stop making fun of me!”
“Honey-do list…” Invidia pondered. “Sometimes I make those for Arty, but they usually just involve grocery shopping and taking my car to get fixed.”
“Yes, but you live in an apartment, so you don’t have to do a lot of yard work. That being said, I need Derek on Saturdays. You give me a damn good reason why he should be playing dress up rather than standing on a ladder cleaning the leaves out of the gutters.”
“Because Shamura needs him and if you want you can help too.”
“No,” Nova said with a swift turn of her head.
“Please!” Invidia begged. “For me? And, I’m playing Ariel, so it’s not like he’s going to be with some stranger. Come on…” She went over and hugged Derek, then she looked up and gave him the saddest, neediest look that she could think of on short notice. “I can pay you in food.”
Nova pulled Invidia off of him. “Stop that,” she said. “Is this really that important?”
“For Shamura it is. Yoko’s her sister, technically, and she just wants to do something nice for her family. Besides, I help you out when you need it!”
“Only if it’s favorable to you!”
“So? At least I help. Who was the one who helped you wrap all of those presents at Christmastime? Remember? The ones for the hospital? I even stayed with you in the nurses’ lounge, and you know I hate hospitals! Or what about Setsuna’s birthday this year? I helped make the cake and made her dress! You owe me!”
Nova began to speak again, but stopped. ‘She’s right. She’s not always so nice, but when I need to throw parties or need an extra pair of hands, she’s usually there. Especially if it involves baking or fashion.’ She sighed, and then turned to Derek with a defeated look.
Derek sighed as well and then said, “Alright, I’ll do it for you and Shamura. Consider it pay back for your help with those things. And, no you don’t have to pay me in food.”
“Really?” Invidia asked with hopeful eyes.
“Really.” Derek said.
“Thank you!” Invidia kissed his cheek. “Now, go take that off so I can make the alterations.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Derek joked.
Invidia and Nova rolled their eyes and waited until he came back out again, then, Invidia took the costume up to their second guest bedroom (which doubled as her sewing room) and sat down to measure and hem out the sleeves.
Downstairs Nova sat on the couch with Derek and said. “Now that that’s settled, let’s talk about this prince thing.”
“What’s there to talk about? I’m just playing a part to help out and pay back my friends,” Derek shrugged.
“Derek! You and I both know how the story of The Little Mermaid goes and, you are not to kiss her during the storytelling.”
“What?”
“You know there’s a wedding scene, and I don’t want you kissing her. At all.”
“Nova, are you jealous?”Derek asked.
“What? No. I don’t get jealous,” Nova lied.
“Yes you do and I can see it. But, you don’t have to worry, I promise hat won’t kiss Invidia, even if the story says I have to.”
“Good,” Nova said, as she thought, ‘I hope you keep that promise, or you’re going to be in a lot of trouble, mister!’
Upstairs, Invidia hummed to herself as she made some alterations to the arms of the shirt. ‘Derek’s arms are bigger than Hatori’s, but that’s easily fixed…’ She thought as she threaded the sewing machine. ‘I need to call Shamura and tell her too, since the party is only a few days away. I’m even giving up a work day to help with the food on Friday.’ Invidia then took her cell phone out of her pocket and dialed Shamura.
“Hello?” Shamura said.
“I found your Eric replacement,” Invidia said.
“Really? Who?”
“Derek.”
“Derek? How did you pull that off?”
“Long story, but at least he’s doing it.”
“Good point. Thank you, all of this is more than I could have asked for.”
“Thank you, and I’m trying to get Nova to help out and be your generic, princess co-host.”
“It would be great if you got her to help out! Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, bye.” Invidia then hung up and immediately got back to work.
She then spent the rest of the week balancing party work with actual work and managed to convince Nova to help with the party as well. Though, unknown to Invidia, Nova only agreed to keep an eye on Derek.
“So, how many girls are coming to the party?” Invidia asked as she prepared pasta salad the night before the party. She and Shamura had started cooking after dinner, at six-thirty, and most of it was just pre-prep.
“All ten,” Shamura said as she sliced Turkey for sandwiches.
“Good,” Invidia said as she mixed dressing, she then glanced that the clock, which read seven-thirty PM. “I’ll start the cake tomorrow at seven so that I’ll have time to decorate.”
Shamura nodded and continued with her task as she watched Invidia move about, drain the pasta and then mix it with the dressing and vegetables.
“I have yet to meet anyone who dislikes my Italian pasta salad. Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“I’m sure it will, your pasta salad is amazing. What did the weather report say?”
“Clear skies all day, but you know how they are. So, have a plan to move inside just in case.”
Shamura nodded, and set the turkey slices on a plate, since the sandwiches were not going to be made until the next morning.
“You almost done with that?” Invidia asked.
Shamura nodded again. “And after you’ve put that in the fridge you can leave for the night. The sandwiches won’t be put together until tomorrow, and Nova’s brining the lemonade and you’ll make the cake in the morning, of course. Do you have the candle?”
Invidia nodded. “It’s at home with my baking supplies.”
“Good, remember to bring the cake with you when you come over tomorrow. Nine, right?”
“Nine,” Invidia said with a nod, then, she stuck the pasta salad in the fridge and began to wash her dishes. Once that was finished, she slipped on her shoes and headed out.
“I’ll be back tomorrow!” She called.
“Alright, see you later!” Shamura called back.
Invidia headed out, and got back within twenty minutes to find the rest of the family watching a movie.
“Do you live here?” Arty teased. “Or are you lost?”
“You’re not funny!” Invidia snapped.
“Something wrong Invidia-Mama?” Akira asked.
“No, why?” Invidia said just as Monica came over and stretched up on Invidia’s leg. Invidia picked her up and held her over the shoulder.
“Because you’re snapping at me for no reason,” Arty said.
“Because you’re not funny,” Invidia said back, then, she set Monica down and headed for the bathroom. She quickly started the bath and picked up a bottle of rose-scented bubble soap. She hummed to herself as she prepared the bath and swirled around the bubble soap with her hand. She then got up, stripped, and stepped into the bath with a content sigh.
‘I know I’m not going to like wearing the mermaid costume, but I guess it’ll be fun, besides, I get to sing,’ Invidia thought, then she started to sing, “I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but I know something’s starting right now. Watch and you’ll see…Someday I’ll be…Part of your world…”
“Invidia?” Arty’s voice said from outside the door.
Startled,
Invidia sat up. “Yes?” She asked.
“What up with the singing, you’re not turning into a real mermaid, are you?” Arty teased.
“Oh shut up! You like it when I sing!” Invidia said back.
“This is true…” Arty walked off and decided to leave her alone for the night.
Invidia rolled her eyes and settled down into the water with another content sigh. She ended up staying in for a little over an hour before she got up and changed into a short, sky-blue slip, with blue lace that curved around her breasts and the bottom of the skirt. She then checked the time and decided to go to bed early so she would have plenty of time to bake the cake, so she set her alarm to and woke up at seven AM.
She awoke to find Arty’s arm wrapped firmly around her, and, as soon as she moved, he pulled her close and whispered, “Morning, Beautiful.”
Invidia blushed. “You never say that anymore…” She said as she rolled over to face him.
“I have to be in a mood to say it,” Arty said, then, he gently kissed her.
Invidia giggled. “You would say that,” She teased, then she attempted to sit up, but ended up being pulled back onto the bed.
“Oh no. I’m not done with you yet,” Arty said, then, he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss.
“Arty…” Invidia gasped. “No, you…you can’t!” She said as she attempted to push him back.
Arty responded by kissing her again and then placing a hand between her legs.
“Arty, no. I can’t…I…” Invidia’s sentence ended on a gasp as he touched her there.
“Someone’s not wearing any panties,” He teased.
“Please…stop…” Invidia muttered. She desperately wanted to get away and get ready, but her body turned against her and almost against her will, she moaned.
Arty smiled and kissed her again, then he gently eased the slip off of her shoulders and began to kiss her breasts.
Invidia then realized that she couldn’t hold back anymore. She gave up and responded by throwing her arms around him and giving him the hottest, deepest, most intimate kiss she could produce. “Arty…” she whispered. “Make love to me.”
Arty responded by moving her over so that he was on top. “Your wish is my command,” He whispered back.
Immediately, the talking ceased and they spent the next hour and half together as Arty made hot, passionate, urgent love to her twice, at her request. He ended the whole thing with one, last kiss and whispered, “As I said before, morning, Beautiful.”
“I love you,” Invidia replied.
“I know,” Arty smiled and then asked, “What time were you supposed to be at Shamura’s with the cake?”
“Nine, but it’s only…” She glanced at the clock and her eyes widened. “Eight-Thirty! Arty! I was supposed to have the cake done by now! This is all your fault!”
“How is this my fault? You’re the one who asked for more.”
“Oh shut up!” Invidia said as she hurried to get up and get dressed, then, she headed into the kitchen to start on the cake. With the baking and decorating it took two hours to complete, then Invidia transferred it to a box and headed off to take a bath. And, by the time she arrived at Shamura’s, it was already eleven-thirty.
“You’re late!” Shamura snapped when she walked in.
“I know, I slept in so I didn’t have time to…why are you looking at me like that?”
Shamura stood, studying Invidia’s face, and said. “You’re lying; I can see it in your eyes. You had morning sex.”
Invidia blushed. “I…did not,” She lied.
“Then why are you blushing?”
“Because, I…”
“Invidia!” Nova interrupted, entering the living room in a generic, pink, princess dress. “You’re late.”
“I know that,” Invidia replied. “I got caught up with the cake.”
“She’s lying,” Shamura said. “She was with Arty all morning.”
“Not all morning! Just two hours,” Invidia blurted out, then she realized what she said and mentally slapped herself.
“I knew it!” Shamura said, then she took the cake. “But, I still love you.”
“Thanks…” Invidia muttered.
“Come on,” Nova said. “You’re the last Princess here and you need to get dressed.” She grabbed Invidia’s wrist and led her to the sewing room. “Now, you don’t have to wear a wig, but Shamura wants the pin out of your hair in the mermaid costume.”
“No!” Invidia snapped.
“But, Invidia, it doesn’t match. She got a flower for your hair instead, and I think you owe her for being so late.”
“No! it stays!” Invidia said, then she pushed Nova towards the door. “Now out! I have to change!” She closed the door behind her and turned to the costume. It consisted of a purple, bikini top with a seashell-like design and sheer, purple fabric hanging from it. The top was paired with a green, mermaid-style skirt that was meant to look like a tail, but would still allow Invidia to walk in the dark, purple sandals she was wearing. She took in a breath and then forced herself to put it on, then, she clipped the pink flower Nova had given her on the left side of her head and looked in the dressing mirror.
“Invidia?” Shamura asked as she knocked on the door. “Can I come in?”
Invidia unlocked the door and watched as Shamura smiled.
“You look nice!” She said, “And I was right, your breasts look amazing in this top!”
“That’s not the point,” Invidia said. “I don’t like this, it shows too much.”
“It’s mostly girls here, don’t worry. And, at least I put the hang-offs on it,” Shamura said as she approached her wearing a sparkling, white gown and silver tiara. She gently smoothed down the extra fabric and smiled.
“And besides, you look great in it. Now come on, Natsuki’s here and we have to set up for her entrance.” Shamura grabbed her wrist and led her downstairs, where seven other princesses and Natsuki waited. Natsuki was dressed in a light-blue, spaghetti-strap, princess dress with fake, clear rhinestones along the top. Her hair was left down, curled, and topped with a golden tiara. Upon closer inspection, Invidia saw that she also wore just a little bit of clear, glitter, eye shadow to set off her eyes.
“Girls, you remember Invidia,” Shamura said.
“Aren’t you supposed to have red hair?” Shamura’s friend and coworker, Hazuki teased. She had long, blonde hair and was wearing a pink, Aurora costume.
“Oh shut up,” Invidia rolled her eyes and joined them.
“What do you think, Natsuki?” Nova asked as she knelt down next to her.
Natsuki looked at her. “I think Ariel’s hair is the wrong color.”
At that, everyone laughed and Invidia felt herself blush.
“I’m not wearing that stupid wig!” Invidia snapped.
“Anyway…” Shamura said. “For your entrance I was thinking of having these girls line up along the door and have you be led out by a princess of your choice.”
“No! I want you to do it,” Natsuki said as she hugged Shamura. “You lead me!”
“Or that…” Shamura said, then, she glanced at the clock. “Caren, Noel, you two go with Nova and make sure the guests go around the back and can find their seats. Everyone else head into the backyard, now.”
The girls nodded and split up just as the guests began to arrive. Caren and her fraternal, twin sister Noel (dressed as Jasmine and Belle) led them around to the back, where they were greeted by the other princesses.
They talked with the girls and entertained them until everyone had arrived, then Nova motioned them over and they got into position by the door.
“Young ladies, please stand to welcome your hosts, Princess Natsuki, and her Aunt, Princess Shamura,” Nova said.
After some shuffling, the girls stood up and watched as Natsuki stepped out, holding Shamura’s hand. They carefully and slowly descended the stairs and made their way onto the grass.
“Thank you all for coming,” Shamura said, then, they both bowed.
The other girls clapped and Shamura led Natsuki around to the head of their table.
Natsuki sat, and once all of the girls were settled down, Shamura welcomed the guests again and gave them a brief overview of the events to come. Then, Nova stepped up and said, “Now, let us start with a royal banquet served by your favorite princesses.”
The girls clapped again, while inside, Shamura ordered her women around. “Here, take this!” She said as she shoved a pitched of lemonade into Invidia’s hands. “Start with that and take Tatiana with you!” She said, referencing another one of her co-workers, who had been given the role of Princess Tiana. Together, they walked about and carefully poured lemonade into pink, paper cups printed with the seven princesses and labeled with each guests’ name.
“Aren’t you supposed to have red hair?” One of the girls asked. She was dressed in a purple, princess dress and carried a wand.
“Aren’t you supposed to be quiet?”
“Invidia,” Tatiana whispered as she elbowed her.
“What?” Invidia hissed back.
Tatiana rolled her eyes and they moved on just as the other girls came out carrying trays of finger sandwiches, vegetables and fruit and set them in the middle of the table, followed by Shamura,
who served the pasta salad.
After it was served, Nova grabbed Invidia’s arm and whispered, “Help Caren and Hazuki get the first two games ready while we set up for your story. And call Derek, he’s late.”
Invidia nodded and headed off, her first stop being the kitchen, where, she picked up her cell phone and called Derek.
“Hello?” Derek asked.
“You’re late!” Invidia said.
“I know, but Nova made me stay and mow the lawn this morning, then I had to go get gas for the lawnmower, and, it was just…ridiculous.”
“You’ve got an hour and a half before you’re needed, so get your butt over here!”
“Will do,” Derek said, then he hung up.
Invidia sighed and went to help the other two girls set up their first game and sort out prizes.
“Geez…how much money did you spend on these?” Caren asked. “You have enough trinkets to satisfy an elementary school student body!”
“Not that much really,” Invidia said, then she glanced over at Caren’s Jasmine costume and thought, ‘Thank goodness I’m not the only one with a bare midriff, that would have been awkward…But I’d still prefer to be in the dress…’ She sighed just as Shamura walked in and asked,
“Invidia, where’s Derek? We need him soon.”
“I just called and he said he’ll be here. Don’t worry.”
“He better show up,” Shamura muttered, then, she turned to Hazuki. “And what about Tiffany’s boyfriend? Is he coming or not?”
Hazuki shrugged. “I don’t know, ask Tiffany. He’s her prince, not mine. We’re not telling my story, remember?”
“Right…” Shamura muttered, then, she headed off to find Tiffany, Hazuki’s best friend who was commissioned to play Cinderella.
“Why can’t men ever show up on time?” Invidia asked.
“Because they’re stupid,” Caren replied.
The women nodded in agreement before heading back out to assist with the food. After forty-five minutes, they declared lunch over and started the first two games, and, halfway through the first both Derek and Prince Charming showed up. They came around to the back and Nova immediately grabbed Derek while Shamura and Tiffany grabbed the other man and led them away.
“They don’t look happy,” Nadeshiko commented as she came up to Invidia.
“I know Derek doesn’t mind, but the other guy looked like he was in hell,” Invidia commented.
“Who? Nathan?” Lucia, one of Caren and Noel’s friends, said. She was their last Princess, Snow White. “He’s probably just in shock from all the pink, but he’s actually very nice. He’s got a sister the same age as Natsuki, so I know he doesn’t mind too much.”
Invidia nodded and said, “He’s probably just being a guy and is upset that he can’t watch sports.”
At that both women laughed, and then split up to assist two of the girls before they all moved on to the next game. After it was finished Shamura called the girls to attention and set them up in front of an open area that would act as their stage.
“We’re going to start with the tale of The Little Mermaid,” She said, then she turned it over to Seiji, who was acting as a narrator.
“Our story begins on a ship, commanded by the young Prince Eric,” He started. The girls then watched as Derek and a few of Seiji’s friends made the narration come to life, followed by Invidia, who’s first scenes were of her pretending to explore with a stuffed animal of Flounder by her side.
‘I knew I made the right choice! She knows her lines perfectly!’ Shamura thought as she watched from her area by the stereo, where the songs were played-all except one. After much begging, Invidia had convinced Shamura to let her sing “Part of Your World,” rather than having to lip-sync it and, though Shamura had doubts, Invidia did a great job with the singing there and later, during the “Poor Unfortunate Souls” sequence. She smiled as she watched the story unfold, then, halfway through, she pulled Invidia out and helped her change in the sewing room.
“Hurry!” She hissed. “They can’t be kept busy for long…”
Artwork: “Princess Invidia as Ariel” © 2011 by AMI MEITSU
“I know, I know,” Invidia said as she
quickly slipped the dress on over the mermaid costume, exchanged the sandals
for a pair of navy-blue pumps, and waited while Shamura tied her hair with a
single, large, blue ribbon. Then, she turned toward the dressing mirror and
smiled. “I like it, it’s cute and I can wear it as a casual outfit too.”
“Good for you, now let’s go!” Shamura quickly pushed her toward the door and led her around the side of the house and back to the stage.
“The next day, Eric took Grimsby’s suggestion and took Ariel on a tour of his kingdom,” Seiji narrated. “She got better at walking as they explored, and he even taught her how to dance.”
On cue, Derek led Invidia in a dance that matched the one in the film, and even lifted her up the same way that Eric had done to Ariel. She smiled as he spun her, and they continued on through the rest of the story, and Invidia ended having two more changes, however; the changes were made easy by her wearing both costumes and the fact that Shamura had a method of keeping the mermaid skirt up so that it wasn’t visible until necessary. But, in the end, she remained in the dress, and Seiji finished.
“And, after some thought Triton gave into Ariel’s wish and turned her into a human permanently. Then, she and Eric got married and lived happily ever after.”
At the end, Derek and Invidia shared a hug, and then, she leaned up and kissed him.
Startled, Derek could only react by instinct and set his hands on her waist. Soon, Invidia pulled back and watched as Derek gave her a nasty look.
“Don’t give me that, you liked it,” She teased as she walked by him and they both exited the area and she walked off to assist with another game.
Derek sighed and joined Nova, who glared at him.
“What did I tell you?” She asked.
“It wasn’t my fault! She kissed me!”
“So? You liked it and you know it! Why else would you react the way you did?!”
“Instinct.”
“That’s your excuse!?”
Derek nodded.
“You! You’re just…you’re bad!” Nova said. “You’re going to have to be punished later. And, I guess I’m going to have to show you who your real woman is…”
“And what is your choice for this punishment?”
“You’ll see,” Nova said with a wink.
Derek smiled and they shared a quick kiss before Nova walked off again.
The rest of the party went by quickly and smoothly, and after the other two stories and several games, Invidia presented the cake at four-thirty and led the girls in singing “Happy Birthday” to
Natsuki.
Natsuki smiled, blew out the candle, and admitted that vanilla with a chocolate mousse filling was better than plain, old chocolate. Then, they sat to open presents before the guests began to leave.
“Thank you for coming!” Natsuki said as she waved them off with the Princesses. The girls responded with shouts of “great party,” “you’re welcome,” and, “got any more cake?”
The women laughed at their reactions and, after it was all clear they helped Shamura clean up and didn’t get finished until six o’clock, when they were finally let go.
“Thank you!” Shamura said. “I appreciate all of your help! And yes, Invidia, you can keep your costumes.”
Invidia smiled and headed off. She was the last one to leave and was met with a look from Arty when she stepped in the door.
“What happened to your clothes?” He asked.
“What? You don’t like it?” Invidia asked as she joined him on the couch.
“No, it’s cute…it’s just…”Arty said as Invidia moved closer and gently leaned on him.
“You’d rather see it off me?” She teased.
“For a Disney princess you’re kind of naughty,” Arty teased back as he gently flicked her nose.
Invidia laughed and asked, “Where are the kids?”
“They’re both gone for the night.”
“In that case, why don’t we have an at-home date tonight? Just the two of us.”
“Invidia, you know that takes planning.”
“Then here’s the plan. You make dinner and I’ll go change.”
“I’ve got a better idea, why don’t we go out?”
“Where are we going to get a reservation on such short notice?”
“I’ve got my sources,” Arty said. “You go get dressed and I promise that by eight o’clock, we’ll have a date.”
Invidia nodded and ran off to take a quick shower and pick out a dress for the evening while Arty called around, and, as promised, got a reservation at an elegant, French restaurant where someone else had bailed on their reservation, and, it helped that he knew the manager.
“So, where are we going?” Invidia asked when they were both ready. For the evening she had chosen to wear her pageant dress, which was a dark-violet, strapless gown, outlined with gems around her breasts that went halfway down her body, wrapped around the back and finished it’s trail down the right side of her body. She paired it with silver sandals and a heart-shaped locket that had once belonged to her mother. Beside her, Arty stood in a dark, black suit with a white dress shirt and dark, purple tie that Invidia had made him wear to compliment her dress.
“You’ll see,” Arty said as he grabbed her wrist and led her out.
Upon arriving, Invidia was immediately impressed with the restaurant, and they had a nice dinner, after which, Arty took her for a moonlight walk in the park. He held her hand as they walked and soon, they stopped by the fountain and sat on the edge of it.
“You know, I don’t care if you’re dressed up or not,” Arty said.
“Hm?” Invidia looked at him.
“You’re always going to be my Princess.”
“Arty…” Invidia blushed as he leaned close and brought his lips to hers in a soft, gentle kiss. She blushed harder and said, “Arty, kiss me again.”
Arty smiled and pulled her in for a deeper kiss. And, luckily, there was no one around to ruin their quiet, romantic atmosphere.
“I love you…” Invidia whispered.
“I love you too,” Arty whispered back.
Then, they kissed again, and Invidia thought, ‘The dress may be cute, but I don’t need to be a Disney princess, I’m a real princess, with a very sexy prince by my side…’ Then, she said,
“Arty, take me home,”
“Why?”
“Because, what I want to do can’t be done in a public place.”
Arty smiled, grabbed her wrist and led her back to the car. They arrived home within thirty minutes where, Invidia went from Disney princess to Sexy Princess, and, needless to say, they didn’t sleep. At all.