Meet Monica

Another Invidia Story by AMI MEITSU

A/N:Takes place in the spring of 2221, after the Yamato 5 storyline, Invidia has found work as a writer for a fashion magazine and is attempting write a romance novel. And I'd like to give credit to Nora Roberts whose epic writing inspired a scene in this story.

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'She looked into his eyes and they exchanged the same thought…namely that…'

"Invidia!"

Startled, Invidia looked up from her computer to find a woman behind her with some official looking papers.

"Yes?" Invidia said, fearing she was in trouble for writing non-related material, even though she was on break.

"Here's your next assignment," the woman gave her a piece of paper.

"And who may I ask are you?" Invidia asked.

"Ariana. I'm an editor and last time I checked you weren't assigned a romance article."

"It's not an article, it's my novel and I'm on break so it doesn't matter. Besides, it my computer." Invidia tended to bring her laptop when she had to do office work; she was more comfortable with it then any other computer.

"Whatever, as long as you get done," Ariana left and Invidia read the paper.

'Wait a minute. What exactly is 'Fine Line'?' Invidia then closed her writing program and searched. "Hmm…" She said as she clicked on a link. 'A cosmetics company? But I write about fashion…then again makeup is a part of fashion…' Invidia pondered.'Besides it'll be a good time to check this out. I don't use make up much, but it always helps to stay on top of things…'

She continued searching, and then called the company to schedule a tour of the main facility, just outside of the city before packing up and leaving early. No one minded, the only time she was needed was for meetings anyway, she did the majority of her work at home and emailed the articles to her editor, sometimes handing them in person, but only when requested.

'It's a nice day, maybe I can go down to the EDF and talk Arty into playing hooky for the rest of the day…' She thought as she walked out to the car, but, as she drove she decided against it and just went on home, only to find that she didn't need to even think of bailing Arty out. When she came in he was in the kitchen.

"You're home early," he said.

"You too," Invidia said as she walked into the kitchen. "What're you making?"

"Well I was going to make myself lunch but since you're here I guess I have to make you some too."

"Good 'cause I'm hungry, but I'm going to change first…" She turned to leave, but was hit with inspiration and turned back to him. "Do you wanna help me…?" She asked as she placed both hands on his shoulders and leaned in close to him.

"Tempting, but, no. I have other things to do," he patted her hand and then walked off.

Invidia pouted. 'Humph. He's been saying that for the past two and a half weeks now! Even though he knows how much I want him! He's such a tease!'She thought as she quickly changed out of her work clothes and into a casual black dress with a navy blue sash.

"You look nice," Arty complimented when she came back out. "And lunch is ready."

"Thanks," Invidia sat down and Arty brought their plates over.

"I couldn't find much in the fridge, so I just made sandwiches."

"That's fine. I still have to go shopping; I'll do it on Friday."

"Why not tomorrow?"

"I'm busy. I got another assignment today."

"Really? Well, what are you working on now?"

"I have to take a tour of this cosmetics company, interview the head, that sort of thing. I'm supposed to write an article about makeup and colors and such…"

"Sounds interesting, when's your tour?"

"Tomorrow. They do group tours daily, so I opted for one of those to start with. To get a basic idea of the company," Invidia said.

"Right," Arty nodded.

"And two weeks from now, I'm going on a private tour before I interview the CEO. I talked with her publicist today, and she says I could become a tester if I wanted to as well, what do you think?"

"I wouldn't go for it. You don't need any more make up or any at all for that matter, you're prettier without it," Arty placed his hand over hers.

"I knew there was a reason I loved you," Invidia teased.

Arty laughed and they continued talking. Arty told her about the repairs he was doing and that his mother wanted to have them over. She told him about her recent meeting and her novel, of course, though he didn't show much interest.

"Arty are you paying attention?" Invidia asked.

"Oh, yeah, something about a prince…"

"No! She's a Princess! Like me! Why don't you listen!?"

"I'm sorry Princess, I'm just not interested in romance novels."

"Not even mine?" Invidia pouted.

"Well…uh…" Arty stammered. 'What am I supposed to say? If I say 'no' she'll get upset, but I can't say 'yes' I'd be lying…'

"Well what?" Invidia demanded.

"Um…maybe I should read it first before making judgments?" Arty said. "It might uh…change my mind…"

"I could give you the first chapter."

"Alright," Arty agreed as he picked up the dishes. He then took them over to the sink and stated to wash them, but Invidia grabbed his arm.

"Worry about that later, it's too nice a day to be doing dishes. Why don't we go sit on the balcony? I can lay a blanket down if you want."

"Sure, I hate doing this anyway."

Invidia smiled and left to get a blanket from the bedroom, she took it out and laid it down near the end of the balcony. Arty joined her a few minutes later.

"I love spring," she said as he held her.

"Why?" Arty asked.

"Well for one thing, the weather is perfect it's not too hot or too cold. And the flowers are beautiful, then there's our anniversary and of course, the clothes. Spring is perfect for going out because I don't need a coat at night, so I can show off my dress and there's a lot of outdoor events and…"

"I get it," Arty said. "You love fashion, and flowers and you're just girly!"

Invidia turned her head with a 'hump'.

"But I love you," Arty said as he turned her head toward him. They kissed and then, Invidia looked up.

'Why does the sun make me so tired?' She thought as she leaned back and soon drifted to sleep in Arty's arms…

She was woken up a few hours later by Akira, who had been looking for her. And when she got up she noticed that Arty was still with her, asleep with his arm around her waist.

'We fell asleep…' She thought. 'What time is it?!' "Arty," she shook him. "Honey, wake up."

"What? What happened?" Arty murmured.

"We fell asleep, that's all."

"For how long?"

"I don't know, the kids are home, so maybe two hours or so."

"No, I had a report I was supposed to email to Derek at four! This ruins everything!"

"Not really, it's only four-fifteen," Akira said from her place in the doorway; she had a camera in hand.

"Where'd you come from?!" Invidia asked. "And give me that camera!"

"No way, this shot is way too cute!" Akira ran off and Invidia went after her.

Arty laughed as he watched them, after all the work she'd been doing it was nice to see Invidia's playful side, he thought. 'Sometimes I wish I could get her to stay like this…she needs to loosen up for a while, getting a job turned her more serious…but at least she likes it…'

And she liked it even more when she was given a small bag of samples on her tour the next day; however unlike the others, who were mainly teenage girls, she was there for business not pleasure and acted like it was nothing as she put the bag in her purse as the guide began to give the introduction. Invidia looked around as she spoke, the lobby they were in had a nice, sophisticated look to it, as did the rest of the building and she approved.

'I love it when I get to visit places like this…' Invidia thought. 'The classy look is always a good choice…besides; I don't stick out as much here as in those modeling agencies…' She thought as she looked down at her black skirted suit, white blouse and red tie, which went well with all the receptionists and officials, most of the places she went too were more laid back, and had a casual business style, not that she minded, she just preferred fancier places.

"Any questions?" The guide asked, interrupting Invidia's thoughts.

Invidia turned back in her spot, and when no one said a thing they continued on. The tour was okay, but not entirely fascinating, Invidia realized, things were too quick and too simplified because they were in a big group, but she did manage to get the attention of one of the lab assistants and ask a few questions, but, by the time she was finished, the group was gone.

'Oh well…' She thought. 'I was bored anyway…It'll be better during my private tour, and I need to do some writing anyway, I'll just leave…' She turned down a hallway to the left, but soon realized…

"Wait a minute…which way did I come from?" She looked around and then turned another hallway and another, but they all looked the same… 'Great! Now I'm lost!' She stood with her arms crossed at a corner, thinking, when a door suddenly opened.

She peaked around the corner and saw two women coming out with clipboards, and heard one say something about a test…

'Test…is this what the publicist was talking about? She mentioned they needed reviewers and I know I don't need it but it might be worth checking out…' Invidia thought, and with that in mind she went back to where they had come from and quietly snuck in, but what she found shocked her. There wasn't a person in site, just rows and lots of them, she forced herself to move and swore she was in hell. All around her were animals in cages; dogs, birds, cats, rabbits, and even monkeys surrounded her as she walked.

'What is this place?' she thought. She didn't necessarily care for animals, especially in the apartment, but she still found it wrong to lock them up like they were, none of them looked comfortable, in fact, they looked downright miserable. She continued to observe, but was stopped by voices. Quickly, Invidia hid at the front of one of the rows and listened as two men came through the back door.

"New arrivals?" one asked.

"Yup, should make up for the shortage…" the other said.

'Shortage? Shortage of what?!' Invidia thought.

"Good, production is up and we need to test out our new perfume line, and this one should be perfect for that…tiny, but useable. Anyway just put the rest of them over there," The first man said.

Invidia heard what sounded like squeaking wheels and then a loud 'thump' before the two men left. She then looked around, and when she was absolutely sure they were gone, she darted over to where they'd been talking. There, she found a series of smaller cages all housing young kittens, some of which still had their blue eyes, it was then that she finally understood.

"They're using you aren't they?" she said to the kittens, then she noticed a cage in the corner, inside was a black and white kitten smaller than any of the others, curled up in a frightened little ball. "Look at you," Invidia said to it. "Small and frightened…you don't deserve this…" Invidia then fiddled with her pin and pulled out one of the bobby pins that kept her hair together and quickly worked to unlock the cage.

It came undone quickly and as soon as it did Invidia opened it and the kitten backed up.

"No, it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you…I promise…"She said as she carefully reached into the cage, pulled the kitten out and held it over her shoulder as she closed the door. "See? You're okay now Kitty…hmm…kitty…" Invidia pondered. "You need a name, but are you a boy or a girl?" She pulled the kitten off and did a quick check before repositioning it in her arms. "Girl. Hmm…"

'What's a good name for a girl?' She pondered for a minute, then said, "I know! Monica."

The kitten mewed at her.

"Do you like that?" She asked, then, hearing more voices, she acted quickly and put Monica in her purse and left, only to run into a security guard halfway down the hall. "What're you doing back here?" He demanded.

"I was with the tour and I got lost that's all," Invidia explained. "Do you mind taking me back to the lobby?"

"You know, normally I'd say no and have you arrested for trespassing, but you look legit, so come on."

"Thank you," Invidia followed him down a series of hallways and was back within five minutes.

He left her there and she quickly headed out to her car and after sitting it in her lap, opened her purse.

Monica looked at her, her beautiful green eyes filled with both curiosity and sadness.

'I can't take her home like this, it's dangerous, I'll have to go by the pet shop I guess…' Invidia thought, then, she carefully set her purse in the passenger's seat and drove off. Lucky for her, there was a small, locally owned pet shop about five minutes from where she was. She went in and quickly headed to the front counter.

"Hi, I'm looking for a pet carrier," she said.

"What kind of pet carrier?" The man behind the counter asked.

"A small one, for a small kitten…preferably in blue or red."

"How small?"

"This small," Invidia pulled Monica out of her purse and showed him.

"Why is it in your purse?! Don't you know it's dangerous for you to carry them around like this?!" The man snapped.

"Why do you think I came in here in the first place!? I just found her a few minutes ago I'll have you know! And last time I checked most people don't keep pet carriers with them!" Invidia snapped back. "And if you're going to be rude I might as well just leave, come on, Monica," She placed Monica back in her purse and turned to leave.

"No! Wait, I think I can help," The man sighed and then left for a few moments, coming back with an average sized, dark blue, cat carrier. "This should work, it's bigger than need be so she can grow into it," he explained.

Invidia looked it over, then looked at Monica, "What do you think?" she asked.

Monica just tilted her head.

"Well, I like it, so I'll take it."

"Anything else?" The man asked.

"No, its fine, how much?"

The man rung it up and Invidia paid, then she put Monica into the carrier and left.

"Isn't this better than that small purse?" she asked.

Monica gave a soft 'mew.'

"I thought so," Invidia said as she placed the carrier in the car and then left.

By the time she got back, Arty, who had mentioned leaving early, was already home and working on reports in the bedroom.

"Invidia?" he asked when he heard her come in.

"It's me," She called from the living room as she carefully took Monica out of the carrier. Then, she carried her down the hall, and stopped at the bedroom doorway.

"Arty," Invidia said.

"What?" he asked.

"Well I…uh…Arty, meet Monica," she held Monica out to him.

"Aww, a kitty, where'd she come from?"

"I rescued her, from the cosmetics company."

"What?!"

"Oh Arty, it was horrible, there were all these animals locked up in cages, they looked so miserable, and then I heard them talking about 'new arrivals,' and how they were going to use her for perfume!"

"But she's so tiny," Arty took Monica out of Invidia's arms and placed her on his lap. "And besides that, it's illegal."

"What?"

"Animal testing."

"Animal testing?" Invidia asked.

"Yes, it's when a company thinks a product is too toxic for humans so they test it out on animals first," Arty explained.

"That's horrible, why would anyone deliberately do that? And to something so small?"

"People are cruel, and big companies don't care as long as they're making money. Every other company uses better technology, so I don't know why these people are using such cruel methods."

"Isn't there anything we can do?"

"We can try, but you already did something rescuing her," Arty gave Monica a pat.

"I know, but we can't keep her."

"Why not? She's adorable."

"Because pets are dirty and leave hair and with cats you have to worry about litter and scratching and…"

"Then what are you planning to do with her?"

"I was kind of hoping Nova could take her, she likes cats and her house is probably better suited for it."

"Alright, you can try, but honestly I think you'd feel better if you kept her, and it might be fun to finally have a pet," Arty said.

"No! I'm going to Nova's! Can you watch her for a few minutes while I change?"

"Fine," Arty said as he continued to pet Monica, though, he remained in the same spot.

"Out of this room?" Invidia said.

"Alright, come on kitty, I'll see if I can find something for you to play with."

He left and Invidia started to change into her regular gown, but, remembering how warm it was she put it back and decided on a casual outfit instead which consisted of a black skirt, red spaghetti strap shirt and short-sleeved black 'coat' and a pair of black sandals. After a quick look in the mirror she joined Arty in the living room.

"Arty, what are you doing?" She asked as he drug a string across the floor.

"Playing with Monica," Arty replied.

"If that's so then where is she?"

At that Monica ran out from under the computer desk and pounced on the string.

"Alright, knock it off," Invidia picked her up and put her back in the carrier.

"Where'd you get that?" Arty asked.

"What? The carrier? I bought it on the way here; keeping her in my purse was too risky."

"Your purse?"

"What? It was the only thing I could think of! Now if you excuse me, I'm going to Nova's," Invidia said, then she picked up the carrier and tried to leave but, Arty grabbed her arm.

"No you're not," he said.

"Yes I am, I have to…"

"Not without this," he said as he quickly turned her around and kissed her.

She almost dropped the carrier it felt so good, it was more than the simple 'good bye' kiss, Invidia knew, it was kiss that meant 'I love you.'

"What…what was…?" Invidia stammered.

"Just take it," Arty whispered, then he headed back down the hall.

Invidia watched him for a moment, before she shook off her surprise and left. Luckily for her, Nova had taken off that day to write medical reports, so Invidia didn't have to wait up for her.

"Shouldn't you be at work?" Nova asked when she answered the door.

"I left the tour early, well actually I got lost, and something came up…"

"What? And what's that?" Nova looked at the carrier.

"Let me in and I'll tell you."

Nova moved and Invidia came in, and set the carrier on the floor. She sat down, and opened it. As soon as she did, Monica walked out.

"Aww, she's so cute! Hi, Kitty…" Nova said as she joined Invidia on the floor, Monica went over and sniffed her.

"How do you know it's a she?" Invidia asked.

"She looks like a she, besides, females are normally smaller than the males and this one's so tiny…"

"Well you're right, her name is Monica."

"That's cute, and isn't that your middle name?"

"Only part of it, remember? Father wanted it to be after Mama, and she wanted 'Monica', but they couldn't decide, so they settled. And I ended up being Invidia Sabera-Monica."

"I like it though, it's unique, but enough about that, why'd you bring her here? And where'd you get her? I thought you didn't like animals."

"I rescued her," Invidia said. "I told you I got lost, and that's true, but that wasn't the real reason why I left. While I was lost I got curious and went into one of the rooms and inside there were all these animals in cages, they looked so miserable and then I heard two men talking about new arrivals and perfume and found her," Invidia explained.

"But why her? In a place like that there must have been hundreds of cats," Nova said.

"Not hundreds, maybe twenty or thirty, including the ones she came in with. And I took her because, well, she's so tiny. She was smaller than the other cats and I thought that something so small didn't deserve what she was going to get, I mean you wouldn't do that to babies …would you?"

"You have a point, but what about all the other animals? Animal testing is illegal here you know," Nova said.

"I know, Arty told me. And I figured since I was going to have a private interview in two weeks anyway, I could just talk to the CEO about it."

"That sounds pretty good."

"Thanks. Anyway, I was hoping you could do me a favor."

"What?"

"Well, you know I don't want pets in the apartment and I was wondering if maybe… you could take Monica?" Invidia asked.

"But why? I thought she was yours."

"You know why, pets are dirty and leave hair, and they never leave you alone and…"

"Fine, I'll take her," Nova then picked her up and put her over her shoulder. "You're just too cute to pass up anyway…"

"Hey, put her down!" Invidia demanded. "I never said you could pick her up! She's my kitty!"

"I thought so," Nova put Monica back on the floor.

"What?"

"You do want to keep her, you know it!"

"But…animals are dirty…"

"Actually, cats are normally clean, and they practically take care of themselves, you just need to feed and water them and clean the litter box, and of course, play with them once in awhile."

"That sounds like a lot."

"Yes, but it's part of the job. And think about it this way, since she uses the litter box you don't have to take her out all the time, and cats can be alone and not be bothered. And she's way under the weight limit for your apartment, so you don't have to deal with the landlord," Nova said.

"But what about the scratching?"

"Just buy a scratching post; she can use that and no damage, as long as you show her early. And pets can be a great stress reliever, they can't judge when you talk to them and can pick up when you're not feeling well."

"Well, I don't like being alone when I feel bad."

"Exactly, and besides," Nova held Monica up to Invidia's face. "How can you resist that face?"

"She is cute… alright, I'll keep her," Invidia took her from Nova and held her in her lap.

"Great, now you're gonna need a few supplies, so give me a few minutes and we'll go to the pet shop, I can show you exactly what to get…"

Nova then left to save her report and they left, and by the time Invidia came home she was overloaded with toys, beds, and even special organic food.

"Invidia-Mama, what's all this?" Akira asked.

"We're keeping her," Invidia said. "Monica, I mean."

"Dad told me you found a cat, but I thought you were pawning her off on Nova."

"Nova convinced me to keep her, besides, it might be fun…"

And it was, for awhile, until they had to work out a schedule for not only cleaning out the litter box but also for Monica's feedings, as, she was only to be fed twice a day. But they got used to it, and once things settled down Invidia decided it was time for some fun…

"Arty," Invidia said as she sat on the couch with him one night.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to go out to dinner with me on Friday?"

"Are you asking out? On a date?" Arty teased.

"Maybe…" Invidia teased back.

"Then I accept."

"Good and wear something dressy, I booked us a table at one of the best restaurants in town. It has a nice, romantic atmosphere…"

"Good, I like it when you get romantic…" Arty said, then they kissed, but just as they were about to do it again, Monica jumped into Invidia's lap.

"Monica!" Invidia whined.

Monica mewed at her.

"Aww, you're too cute…" Invidia petted her and then set her back down. "But you need to learn to stay out of private matters, okay?"

Monica just looked at her, as she did a few nights later while Invidia got ready for her date. "What do you think? The red or the black?" Invidia held two dresses in front of Monica, who sat at the bathroom sink and gave a soft 'mew.'

"That doesn't answer my question…" Invidia fake-scolded as she leaned over so she was eye-to-eye with Monica, who just licked her nose. "Never mind," She said as she held the dresses in front of the mirror and pondered another minute. "I think I'll go with red…" She then quickly changed and went to meet Arty out in the living room.

"Well, what do you think?" She asked.

"When did you get so sexy?" Arty teased as he walked over and kissed her.

Invidia blushed and quickly turned her head as he looked her over in her dark red, spaghetti strap dress that cut halfway up her leg; he had never seen it before, but he had to admit, he liked it. A lot.

"Come on, let's go," Arty took her hand and led her out, and into the car. When they got to the restaurant, he found that not only did she make the reservations, but Invidia had it set so that they got a table by the window, their favorite place to be.

"It is beautiful…isn't it?" Invidia said as she looked at the star lit city.

"Very, I'm glad you got this arranged," Arty said.

"It was hard, and costs a little more, but I'm happy with it, so how are things going at work?"

"Fine, this group of cadets is learning fast, we're already onto flying. What about you? Have you done anything about the animal situation?"

"Not yet. They pushed my interview back, so now it's on Monday."

"Wow, that sucks."

"Tell me about it! I even had to ask for an extension on the deadline! And you know how much I hate that!"

"I'm sorry Princess," Arty reached over and held her hand.

"It's fine, I'm just not used to it."

"You weren't used to cats either, but now we've got one. I mean a few weeks ago I would have never thought of having any pet, nor would I have thought about seeing you in such an amazing dress…or, that before the night was over, I'd be finding out what's underneath it…

"Well, a few weeks ago…" Under the table Invidia slipped out of one of her sandals, and slowly slid her foot up his leg. "I would have never even thought of wearing this dress for the express purpose of you getting me out of it which is why…" She leaned closer, so close that the candlelight gave a soft glow to her eyes… "There's nothing underneath it…"

Arty stared at her a moment, watching her glow in the candlelight, then, he shot up his free hand. "Check!"

On the way home, he tried to concentrate on his driving, particularly because he was attempting to break speed records. She drove him crazy, the way she crossed her legs, so that the dress slid enticingly up her thighs. And she leaned forward-deliberately, he knew-so that if he took his eyes of the road, even for a second, he got a nice shot of her breasts rising against the sexy, red fabric.

She fiddled with the radio and gave him a sweet, feminine smile, then sat up and re-crossed her legs so the dress slid up another half inch. He quickly looked away, afraid he might drool.

"You're risking our lives here," Arty told her, it only made her laugh.

"I could be more dangerous. I could tell you what I want you to do to me. How I want you to take me. I'm in the mood to be taken. To be used. Arty, do ever imagine taking me? Using me?"

"Of course, what man wouldn't dream about being with you? Not that they should, but still…you're elegant, pretty, and also very lovable…"

"Tell me more," Invidia purred.

"That dress is amazing and really shows you off, right now, you're the living embodiment of sexy…"

"Keep talking…" As she spoke Arty quickly turned onto their street and whipped the car into the first available space. It was late, so most lights were off, except for a few on the upper floors.

He hit the release on the seatbelt as he hit the brakes, and before she had a chance to do the same he managed to shift toward her, grab hold of her and press his mouth hard against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. She returned it as he caressed her breasts, and then slid his hands up her legs, under that seductive red.

She gasped just as he managed to pull down one shoulder of her dress. However, she caught on to what was happening and whispered, "Arty, not here…it's too obvious, too risky…"

"Then we better get inside before I really get started."

Invidia gripped his jacket and brought him back for one more wild kiss. "Hurry…" she whispered.

Then, they bolted out opposite sides and ran to each other and in one quick, fluid motion Arty brought her up into his arms and inside. Once they reached their floor Arty put her down and she backed him up against the door and kissed him once again, breaking only so she could slip his jacket off.

"Oh, who's being risky now?" Arty teased as he felt behind him and then quickly opened the door. It was dark, signaling that the kids had gone to bed, a sigh of relief came from them when they saw this, if they had been caught Akira and Ryou would never let them live it down.

She quickly shut and locked the door. Just as she was finishing Arty, who had taken the time to take off his shoes, picked her up again, kissed her and took her into the bedroom. He backed her up against the wall and quickly closed the door, not noticing when it didn't 'click' signaling true closure, he just forced Invidia's arms above her head and trapped her with his hand. Keeping a steady hold on her, he slid his hand up her skirt once again, and found her. Just her, already hot for him, already wet…

"How much can you take?" He demanded.

Breath ragged, and utterly hypnotized, she met his eyes, "All you've got…"

He released her, took her by her shoulders and kissed her as she slipped him out of his shirt, and then whipped his belt out of his pants and tossed it aside.

At the same time he quickly dragged her dress down to free her, to reveal her to him as he teased her with both his hands and his mouth. And she wanted it, more than she ever had before as he lifted her up and out of her shoes, and placed her on the bed. He got on top of her, and after looking in her eyes for a brief moment, gave her another hot, intimate kiss while she worked on getting his pants off. Almost immediately after she did, he locked hands with her and came down on her, trailing his kisses down her body while she gasped and moaned for more, which he generously gave.

There were so into each other that neither of them noticed when the door opened slightly. However, it was not a person who pushed it open, but a little fur ball…

Monica looked up upon entering, and studied the bed, but realizing she would never be able to get up there she just sauntered over to the end of it and sat, like cats do, on her paws and watched. She had no idea what was going on, but she also knew it didn't matter; she was comfortable where she was.

While Monica made herself comfortable, Invidia did the same, repositioning herself so that she could wrap her arms around his neck and bring him in for another kiss before he took her. It was done with a suddenness that took her breath away, as she lay backed up against the headboard, her silken hair running off of his shoulders like a soft rain as she said his name over and over again.

The release was both wonderful and horrid.

By the time it was over, Invidia wasn't sure if she was dreaming or not, nor if she was even alive.

"We're still living, right?" Arty asked.

"I don't think I could feel this way if I was dead…" Invidia said as she grabbed his hands.

"This is your fault you know, teasing me with your dress…"

"You never said you didn't like it…" Invidia then moved in to kiss him again when she heard a 'mew.' She immediately sat up, only to find Monica sitting up at the end of the bed.

"Monica!?" Invidia said as she placed a hand over her breasts. "Oh, first the kiss and now this. I thought I told you to stay out of private matters! How did you get in here anyway?"

"Invidia, it's okay, she's just a cat," Arty then picked her up and put her out, then he closed the door completely and locked it.

"So? I'm naked and it's still another pair of eyes watching."

'Whatever…' He thought as he walked back over. "Now, where were we?"

They kissed and Arty moved her back down onto the bed while Monica stood outside looking pathetic. She meowed but no one came.

"Monica?" Akira said as she approached her. She had gotten up to go to the bathroom when she heard the meowing. "What's wrong? Do you wanna go in?" She reached for the door, but stopped when she heard what was going on. "Okay, I guess you can't go in there, but how about you sleep with me?" Akira then picked her up and took her back to her bedroom, where she laid a blanket on the floor and set Monica down.

Monica kneaded at it for a few minutes before lying down and going to sleep.

"Good girl…" Akira gave her a small pat and then climbed back into her own bed. But since she was now aware of what her parents were doing, she knew it would be awhile before she actually went to sleep…

The same was true of Invidia and Arty, though this sort of thing normally made her sleepy, she found herself too overwhelmed with pleasure to even think of sleep. These pleasurable feelings, however, turned to worry as she prepared for her interview Monday morning.

"What if she hates me?" Invidia said to Arty. "Or she has me arrested for taking Monica?"

"That won't happen, and you don't even have to mention Monica, just stay strong and state your case," Arty said.

"Easy for you to say, you deal with this stuff on a daily basis. Telling wrong doings I mean," Invidia said as she put down Monica's food bowl.

"It's not easy at all, I'm just used to it. But that doesn't matter; you've got a good case, just be strong and firm about it, alright?"

"Alright, wish me luck?"

Arty didn't say anything, he just got up and kissed her. "Luck…" he whispered.

Invidia smiled at him. "Bye Arty," she said. "Bye Monica." She gave a small wave to the cat, grabbed her jacket and purse and headed out.

When she arrived she was greeted by the publicist and some scientists who gave her a personal tour similar to the one she had a few weeks ago, only with more explanations and rooms, though, she noted that they left out the animals.

'They're just trying to hide it, but I know what's going on! You're all just a bunch of cold-hearted bastards!' Invidia thought when they passed and did not take notice of the animal room.

"And this is our CEO's office," the publicist said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Thanks…" Invidia muttered as they entered.

The office itself had elegance to it, simple but business like Invidia noted. And behind the desk stood a woman with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail in a blue pant-suit.

"Hi, I'm Tamara Yamamoto, and you must be Mrs. Savela…"

"Just call me Invidia," Invidia said.

"Well then, I'm very pleased to meet you, Invidia," Tamara said as she shook Invidia's hand. "Please, sit down. Chocolate?" She held a plate in front of Invidia.

"No thanks," Invidia pushed it away. "Let's just get to the interview."

"Very well then, ask away."

Invidia started with normal questions, about her life and family and moved onto questions about the company and how she got started, which Tamara answered honestly and politely, until it seemed as if Invidia had run out of things to ask.

"Is that all?" Tamara asked.

"No, one more."

"Alright…"

"Why do you permit animal testing within the company?"

"What?!"

"Animal testing. You use it and you know it! I saw it myself! It's illegal you know! And not only that, but it's cruel!"

"I don't know where you got that information, but our research is none of your business, understand?"

"Of course not! Because it's injustice! Not only to the animals but to the other companies! Those animals are defenseless and most of them tiny! They don't deserve what you're doing to them! For Arishna's sake, woman! You're poisoning them!"

"Do you think I care right now?! I'm allergic to animals anyway! Good riddance!"

"I hate you and all you stand for! You're nothing but a horrid bitch!!"

"Security! Escort her out! Now!" Tamara ordered.

As soon as she did two huge men grabbed Invidia by the arms and dragged her out. "This is not over! I swear to you by the end of this year no one will ever hear of Fine Line cosmetics ever again!"

'Yeah right…' Tamara thought.

Invidia was in such a rage when she came home that she immediately went to work and spent the rest of the night and week writing, with Monica in her lap. And early Monday morning she placed the article on Ariana's desk, a week before her new deadline.

"This is early…" Ariana muttered.

"I know! And it should be, It's important and I wasn't going to risk getting pushed back to next month's issue!"

"Whatever you say…" Ariana said, but when she read it she understood and immediately pushed it to the editor in chief, who eliminated one of her own writings just to fit Invidia's in, pictures and all! But, she wasn't aware of it until the magazine was actually published…

"Invidia! Check this out!" Arty said a week later as he handed her the latest issue.

"Fine Line Promotes Animal Cruelty, full details inside…" Invidia flipped to the page. "Arty look! It's my article! They said they wouldn't have room for it!"

"I know, I read it and it's amazing, I think you gave that Tamara a what-for."

"I hope so…" Invidia said.

Her hope was true. Within a month the government arrested Tamara and all of the scientists, only to replace them with more efficient and more humane people and methods. All the well animals were put up for adoption and the humane society even gave Invidia an award.

"Congratulations!" Arty said at the ceremony. "See I told you it would all work out."

"I'm glad, that Tamara was a royal bitch anyway."

"Well, now you don't have to worry about it and neither does anyone else. Though, I'm especially happy for those animals, they deserve to be adopted."

"Just like Monica," Invidia said.

"Yes, just like Monica, now let's get home. I'm hungry and it's almost dinner."

"I got a better idea…" Invidia purred. "Let's skip dinner and go right to dessert…" She then leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

"I like that idea…" Arty said.

"Just don't forget to lock the door this time…"

"Invidia, I always lock the front door."

"Front? No, Arty, I mean…"

"I know what you mean, but why go all the way to bed when we have a perfectly good floor?" Arty teased.

"I like it when you get naughty…let's go," Invidia then grabbed his hand and quickly led him into the car, once he sat down she pulled him toward her and kissed him.

"Let's see if you can survive this again…" She teased as she crossed her legs.

"No promises…" Arty said as he put the car in gear and sped down the road, hoping with everything he had that he didn't get caught as Invidia teased him again. And just like their date a few weeks ago, he picked her up first chance he got, but instead of holding out, he got her on the floor as soon as the door was locked. But, before he could even give her the first kiss Monica walked over and mewed.

"Monica…why…?" Invidia whined.

"Just get used to it; this is how it's going to be from now on…"

"Fine, as long she doesn't join in."

Arty laughed. "Whatever you say…" He said as he leaned down and kissed her.

Almost immediately Invidia forgot about Monica and threw her arms around him, and he pulled down one shoulder of her dress as she gasped and the heavy breathing started. At that moment, they locked eyes and, while he had her attention, Arty ran his hand under her skirt, making her moan…

It was going to be a long evening…

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