An Invidia Tale by AMI MEITSU
A/N: This one takes place in the early summer of 2221, around mid-June.
The heat of summer was just starting to come in and could be felt all over the city, but the heat outside was nothing compared to romantic heat Invidia felt while preparing for a date one evening. She stood with her back to Arty as he gently washed her hair in the shower, and then wrapped his arms around her shoulders from behind.
"You know we're going to be alone for a while, right?" Arty asked.
Invidia nodded. "Well, at least until Akira comes back from her date with that boy she met at the bookstore, why is she noticing boys?"
"Would you prefer she be noticing girls?" Arty teased.
Invidia blushed. "No…but…that doesn't mean I want her out…I just… I…"
Arty turned her around. "Shush," he said before he pulled her close and gave her a hot, passionate kiss.
"Arty, not here, not now," she whispered. "We're going to be late if you do that."
"So? Derek and Nova can wait a little while."
"No. We said that we'd do this weeks ago, and you know how I feel about breaking promises," Invidia said as she turned off the water. "Now, go finish getting ready in the other bathroom."
"Yes ma'am," Arty teased as he wrapped a towel around his body and then left for the hall bathroom.
Invidia rolled her eyes and shut the door, dressed in only a dark red bath towel, then she went over to the sink and began to blow dry her hair. After she was done, she brushed it out, put the pin back in and started on her makeup, it wasn't much, just a bit of mascara and some lipstick, since she and Arty both felt that she was too pretty to wear makeup. She did a quick check before moving into the bedroom to get dressed. Her outfit for the evening was a simple-but-elegant, strapless, navy blue dress that stopped just above her ankles; with it she wore a pair of black sandals and her necklace with the comet charm.
"What do you think?" She asked Arty when she came out into the living room.
"I think you're beautiful," Arty replied as he came over and kissed her on the head.
"And you're handsome, why don't you dress up more often?" Invidia said as she looked Arty over in his white dress shirt, black pants and dark blue tie.
"Because I don't want to ruin these clothes," Arty explained.
"I guess you have a point. Well then, shall we be going?" Invidia asked as she grabbed her purse off of the counter.
"We shall," Arty nodded and gently took her hand so that he could lead her out and into the car. Once they were settled in his car they had a twenty-minute drive downtown to an elegant steakhouse that Nova had suggested when they came up with the idea for the double-date they were going on that night.
"Steakhouse…why did it have to be a steakhouse?" Invidia muttered as Arty drove.
"What's the matter? Is my pretty Princess allergic to anything non-Italian?" Arty teased.
"I don't go out to Italian restaurants all the time!"
"Maybe not all the time, but you seem to want to go out for that more than anything else."
"I like Italian food, okay? Besides, steakhouses are just an excuse to sell over priced bar-b-que junk."
"Princess, we've been over this a thousand times. A steakhouse is not a bar-b-que, just because they sell a few bar-b-que oriented dishes does not mean that it's their main selling point."
"Whatever," Invidia huffed.
Arty rolled his eyes. She had been acting this way ever since she was told where they would be eating, and it was a little annoying. 'She really needs to stop assuming things,' He thought as they drove on.
They arrived ten minutes later and found Derek and Nova waiting for them outside the entrance. Nova wore a white, halter top dress with a heart outlined in rhinestones where the straps came together and Derek wore an outfit similar to Arty's, except for his tie, which was red instead of blue.
"You're lucky you're here, we just about to call a search party," Derek joked.
"Ha, ha very funny," Arty replied in a sarcastic tone.
"Derek!" Invidia said as she ran over to hug him.
"Hi, Princess," Derek said, then he kissed her on the head.
Invidia giggled and turned to Nova, "Hi, Nova," she said.
"Hello, Invidia," Nova nodded.
"Alright, let's go before we miss our reservation," Arty said.
Everyone nodded and headed inside. Once inside, Derek gave his name and the hostess led them to a booth in the back of the restaurant.
"How did you manage to get this?" Invidia asked once she was seated comfortably next to Arty.
"When I called I just asked for it," Derek replied.
"Well thank you, I like it. It's next to the window and far away from any children."
"Strange that you say that when we never had problems at restaurants when Akira and Ryou were little," Arty said.
"We never had problems because they had manners."
"Not surprising since they ate with other people every night until they were adopted," Nova said.
"You have a point. But, I think their birth mother helped them too, because some of those children were horrible at meals and didn't care who was at the table."
"Maybe they were just fast learners, I know Setsuna was," Nova said.
"That's only because your mother basically shoved it down her throat," Invidia snapped.
"She did not."
"Yes she did, I…"
"Invidia, stop," Arty said. "It's not worth it."
Invidia sighed. "He's right, I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted, now, about the drinks…" Nova said.
"Do they have wine here?" Invidia asked.
"It depends on what kind of wine you're talking about," Derek said. "Because I doubt they have that fancy wine you like."
"Well, if they don't then I'll just have water, as for dinner, I…"
"Nova!" A voice from behind interrupted.
"Huh?" Nova looked around and saw a short brunette approaching the table.
"What a coincidence, I never thought I'd see you here," She said.
"It's nice to see you Sara, are you out on a date too?"
"Who's Sara?" Invidia whispered to Derek.
"One of the nurses Nova works with at the hospital," Derek explained.
Invidia nodded.
"I am, my husband figured that since we were out anyway that we might as well eat, then again, he might have said that just to get out of shopping."
"Shopping? Shopping for what?" Invidia asked.
"Evening gowns."
"Is there some event that I don't know about?" Nova looked at Derek.
"It's nothing big, just a beauty pageant," Sara said.
"Beauty pageant?" Invidia asked.
"It's a pageant for older women, ages twenty-eight to forty-three, and there are no restrictions for having children or being married."
"Beauty pageants," Invidia scoffed. "Ridiculous things, all they do is demean women."
"You're just mad because you know you can't win," Sara said.
"Excuse me?" Invidia snapped.
"You heard me. It's a beauty pageant not an ugly contest."
Invidia gasped and gave her a death glare, and was about to stand up when a man came over to them.
"Sara, our table is ready, oh, hello Mrs. Wildstar."
Nova nodded.
"Come on, Sara."
"Bye Nova!" Sara waved as she walked off.
"I hate her," Invidia said.
"I know," Nova said. "I don't particularly care for her either, but we get along."
"She's rude," Arty said.
"Well, she does have a point. Beauty pageants don't seem like your thing Invidia," Derek said.
"Are you saying I'm not pretty enough to be in one?" Invidia asked.
"No, you're beautiful; it just doesn't seem like the place for you."
"Besides, the only girls who win are pretty blondes with big breasts that put on an angel act," Nova told her.
"Does that mean I can't win because I'm not blonde?"
"No…Invidia, I didn't mean that…I just…"
Invidia turned her head just as the waitress came to take their order. They gave it to her and spent most of the night in silence since Invidia refused to talk. The only thing she said all night was that Ryou was at a friend's house because Derek asked as an excuse to get her to talk. After that the only other words she said were "good night," at the very end of the night.
"Invidia, what's your problem?" Arty asked once they were in the car. "You were looking forward to this earlier."
"You're my problem," Invidia snapped. "You and Derek and Nova and Nova's friend, who all think I'm ugly."
"What? Princess, you're the farthest thing from ugly."
"You're just saying that because you're my husband."
Arty sighed. 'There's no use arguing with her right now, I'll just wait until we get home.'
Invidia looked at him for a second and then turned to look out the window. She wasn't looking at anything in particular; she just wanted something to focus on so that she could get her mind off of dinner. Unfortunately, it didn't work for long and she was right back to thinking about it as soon as Arty parked in front of the building.
'I can't believe someone would say such a thing! And in public too. That girl needs to be shot, and I know just how I'd do it…' Invidia thought as Arty led her back to the apartment.
"Okay, Invidia you can stop brooding now, we're home," Arty said as he opened the door.
Invidia walked in and found Akira reading a book in the arm chair with Monica the kitten on her lap.
"Hey," She said.
As soon as she said it, Monica meowed and walked over to Invidia.
"Hello Monica, did you miss us?" Invidia asked as she picked her up, she petted her for a minute before turning her attention to Akira. "How was your date tonight?"
"It was fine. We went out to a nice, casual café for dinner and then a movie showing at the bookstore."
"Sounds better than our date…"Invidia muttered.
"What?" Akira asked.
"Never mind, I'm glad you had a good time. I'm going to bed." Invidia set Monica down on the carpet and headed into her bathroom so that she could wash her face and change for bed.
"I still can't believe she said that," Invidia said while she brushed her hair out ten minutes later.
"Don't worry about it Princess, she's not important," Arty said as he watched her from his spot on the bed.
"But…could she be right?"
"Of course not, you're beautiful."
"No I'm not." Invidia set her brush down and sighed. "Look at me, I'm horrible. I'm thin as a rail."
"Alright, I've had enough of your whining." Arty put down the book he was reading, stood up and went right into the bathroom. "If you refuse to think you're beautiful, then I'm going to make you feel it."
"Arty, please I just…"
She was cut off when Arty grabbed her and pressed his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. He then picked her up and carried her to the bed.
"Arty, no…not tonight…I…"Invidia could say no more as Arty kissed her and then began to run his hand up her leg. "Arty, stop…I can't…I…I'm not good enough for you…"
"Don't you dare say that, you're more than enough, Invidia, I love you," He whispered, then he gently slid down the straps of the black nightgown she wore and began kissing her breasts passionately, gently caressing them as he did so.
Almost against her will, Invidia moaned. "I…I love you too," She gasped.
Then, they shared a hot, passionate kiss and Arty gave her a look that made her just melt. It was a look that said more than a thousand words, it was a look that said "I love you."
At that, Invidia threw her arms around him in and pulled him in for another hot, passionate kiss. Arty then returned and deepened it, making her gasp, he then ran his hand up her leg once again, felt around for the hem of the nightgown and gently slipped it off of her. Almost immediately after he did Invidia got to work removing his clothes, as soon as she did they shared several more hot kisses as they fell into it. For both of them, it was almost like a dream, a dream that they hoped would never end, in an instant all of the night's problems melted away, until all they could see was each other. They spent quite a bit of time in this dream, and by the time it was over Invidia felt hot, sexy and completely in love, all of her previous accusations out of her mind.
"Arty, I love you," She whispered.
"I know, I love you too, My Princess," Arty whispered back as he gently ran a hand through Invidia's hair and gave her a soft, gentle kiss.
Invidia sighed a content sigh and cuddled up to him, just enjoying his company.
Arty smiled at her and gently kissed her head. 'It's always nice to see her happy, let's just hope that the earlier incident won't come back…'
"Arty?" Invidia asked, interrupting his thoughts.
"Hm?" He replied.
"Do you think I should apologize to Derek and Nova for ruining our date? I was a little rude."
Arty nodded. "I know you don't need to, but they'd appreciate it."
Invidia nodded back. "Alright," she yawned. "I'll do it tomorrow."
Though she said that, Invidia completely forgot about Nova until Monday afternoon, when Nova called her while she working on an article at home.
"Hello?" Invidia asked when she answered the phone.
"Invidia? Thank god I caught you. I need a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"An easy one. I need you to go to my place and pick up two things for me."
"Why can't Derek do it?"
"He's in a meeting, so can you do this, please?"
"Fine, what is it that you need?"
"I left my log book and my lunch at home when I left this morning, do you think you could bring them to me in about thirty minutes?"
"Sure, where are you going to be?"
"In the nurses' lounge on the second floor."
"Alright, I'll see you soon, bye," Invidia said, then she hung up and sighed. 'Well, at least I have a little time to freshen up before I go,' She thought, then she saved her article and headed into her bathroom, there, she brushed her hair so that it was neat and then, on a whim she clipped a violet barrette in on the side to match with her dark purple, off-the-shoulder sundress. She turned to her dressing mirror and did a quick twirl. 'Perfect,' she thought, then she put on a pair of white sandals for contrast and headed out after grabbing her purse. When she arrived at Derek and Nova's she let herself in with the key that they had given her years ago and headed into the kitchen, there, she found Nova's log book on the counter and a bento box with her name on it in the fridge. Out of curiosity she opened it and found a piece of paper.
'What's this?' She flipped it over and immediately recognized Derek's handwriting. 'Aw, he's so sweet to put this together, and I know Nova will appreciate it, or at least I hope she will, I know that I love it when Arty makes me lunch.' She slipped the unread note back into the box and left for the hospital. After she parked the car she headed inside to the receptionist's desk.
"Excuse me," She said, "How do I get to the second floor nurses' lounge?"
"Take the elevator down this hallway, and turn left once you step out, it should be straight down that hall," The receptionist replied.
"Thank you," Invidia nodded and followed her directions exactly. 'I hope she's there, I'd hate to sit and wait…' She thought as she approached the door, she then took in a breath and walked in to find Nova reading over something at one of the tables.
"Invidia!" She said.
"Hi, here are your things."
"Thank you. Why don't you sit for a while? I could use some decent company."
"Why?" Invidia asked as she sat down.
"I've spent all day in the maternity ward, and some of those mothers are a little crazy."
"I would think so, babies are stressful."
"But they can be fun too…what's this?" Nova picked up Derek's note and smiled.
"What's it say?"
"That he hopes I have a great day and that he loves me."
"How come your box has spaghetti in it and not traditional food?"
"Leftovers, Derek wanted to make a normal one, but he isn't the world's best cook."
"He can make some things."
"Only because I taught him, besides, he's better on the grill than on the stove."
Invidia nodded, and was about to say something else when she was interrupted.
"What are you doing here?" Sara asked as she entered.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" Invidia snapped.
"Taking up space with your fat ass!"
Invidia glared at her. 'Okay, that's it!' She thought as she stood up and slapped her.
The other doctors and nurses in the lounge gasped.
"I am tired of you and your mouth! Just because you're a beauty pageant queen doesn't give you the right to insult other women!" Invidia snapped.
"You're just jealous because you know you'll never be one, you ugly bitch!"
"You're the damn bitch!" Invidia retorted.
"Shut the hell up, you whore!!" Sara spat back.
Invidia stopped for a minute and then screamed out something in Cometine before she raised her hand again.
Nova quickly got between them. "Both of you stop! Go outside, now!"
"But…" Sara said.
"Outside. NOW!"
Both women gulped and headed outside to a courtyard in the back of the hospital.
"What is your problem, Sara? She didn't do anything to you!" Nova snapped.
"I don't like her or that look she gave me the other night." Sara replied.
"You deserved it. How dare you call me ugly?!" Invidia snapped at her.
"Because you are ugly! And let's face it you'll never be pageant material."
'I wish everyone would stop saying that! Even Arty and Father don't believe that I can enter a pageant, well then, I guess I'm just going to have to prove them wrong,' Invidia thought, then she said. "We'll just see about that! Because I'm going to enter that pageant and I'm going to win."
"Fine then, and when you loose I can laugh as you cry," Sara said, and with that, she turned away.
"Invidia, you're not serious," Nova said. "You? In a beauty pageant?"
"Why is that so hard to believe? I'm pretty; I have talent, I could win!"
"Invidia, you don't understand, the pageant world is beyond competitive!"
"I like challenges, and I also like proving people wrong. Even Father laughed at me when I told him last night. And I refuse to have him or anyone laugh at me, I'm entering and that's that." Invidia then turned away and left. When she arrived back at the apartment she immediately filled out an online application and sent it via email to the pageant officials. 'Now, all I need to do is tell Arty and buy a suitable evening gown. I know I have plenty, but I want something new, something that's going to make the judges say "wow!"' She then started looking at dress designs until Arty and the kids came home.
"Invidia, what are you doing?" Arty asked.
"Window shopping."
"Why?"
Invidia turned toward them in her chair. "I entered the beauty pageant."
"You did what?!" Ryou asked.
"You're kidding! Invidia-Mama, I thought you hated beauty pageants," Akira said, "you said that they demean women, and that it's unfair that they're being judged for how they look."
"I had to prove that I could do it. Everyone doubts me and I hate it, so I'm going to prove you all wrong and place high in this pageant."
"Alright, do what you want Princess," Arty sighed.
"You still don't believe me, do you? Well then, how about we make this interesting? If I do get a high title, you have to do something romantic to me, and if I don't then…um…then…"
"Then you can dress up in a pink princess dress and serve snacks at our next Black Tiger's meeting."
Invidia pondered for a minute, and said, "deal."
Arty held his hand out so that she could shake it, but she ignored it and stood up.
"Why do we have to be so formal? Let's seal it with a kiss," She said, then she leaned up and gently kissed him. "Deal?" She asked.
"Deal," Arty nodded, and then brought her in for a deeper kiss. "Now, what's for dinner?" He asked in a joking tone.
"I don't know, it's your turn to make it, so you better get on it."
"Dammit, I thought that would get me out of it."
Invidia shook her head. "Nice try, but no. By the way, I'm in the mood for a salad."
"You'll get what I make and like it."
"Fine," Invidia pouted.
Arty smiled and walked off to make dinner, which turned out to be chicken, rice and per Invidia's request, a salad.
"So, tell me the details of the pageant," Arty said.
"There are three sections, evening gown, talent, and interview, in which you answer three questions."
"And what is your talent, exactly?"
"Singing of course," Invidia said. "I can sing you know."
"Yes, I know," Arty said, remembering the numerous times she had sung for him, for the kids, and even just for fun in the shower and when she was cleaning.
"But, you don't like singing in public," Ryou pointed out.
Monica chimed in with a 'mew' and looked up at Invidia from the floor.
"Are you agreeing with him?" Invidia asked.
Monica meowed again.
"She's probably hungry," Arty said. "It's past her dinnertime."
Invidia nodded and got up to feed her.
"But he's right," Akira said. "You rarely sing in public."
"I know I don't like to, but I will if I have to, besides, it's my only stage talent."
"I think you'll do fine," Arty said, "what do you plan to sing?"
"A lullaby my mother used to sing to me, it's called 'Beautiful Princess,' she and her mother wrote it while she was in the hospital after my birth."
"I remember that one, you sing it when you're scared sometimes."
Invidia nodded to Arty. "It calms me, that's why. It's too bad she never made any recordings of it though."
"Then how do you still know it?" Ryou asked.
"I have the lyric sheet, and she taught it to Nadeshiko, who taught it to Shamura, so I picked it up from them," Invidia replied as she set down Monica's food bowl, then, she washed her hands and returned to her seat. "And I'm enlisting Nova, Natsumi and Shamura to help me with pageant preparations."
"Nova's mother? Are you serious?" Arty asked.
Invidia nodded. "Nova once told me that she used to compete in pageants, so, I thought she'd be able to help."
'Yeah, she's a great help…until you do something wrong and she goes off on you,' Arty thought, then he shook it off and ate. Immediately after dinner he went to go work on some things and didn't get to talk to Invidia again until it was time for bed.
"I think you should wear that in the pageant," He joked as he watched her brush her hair in the bathroom.
"My nightgown?! Arty, you've got to be kidding," Invidia replied as she looked down at her long, silken black nightgown, it fell to her feet and had a single layer of white lace along the bottom and around her breasts.
"Come on, it looks good on you, and you're sexy in lace."
"Arty!" Invidia blushed and rolled her eyes, just as she did the next afternoon at Nova's mother's place.....
"No! You're supposed to turn on the first 'X', not the second!" Natsumi snapped.
"Will you stop snapping at me!? At least I'm trying!" Invidia snapped back.
"Well you're not trying hard enough!"
"Shut up!"
"Both of you stop!" Nova said as she stood up. "This isn't going to work if you keep arguing!"
"But it's her fault!" Both of them said as they pointed at each other.
"No, it's both your faults. Mom, you're at fault for giving harsh orders. Invidia you're at fault for snapping at her criticism."
"Excuse me? She snapped at me first," Invidia said.
"I don't care who was being rude, just quit it!" Nova snapped.
"Fine," Invidia pouted.
"Alright now, start again," Natsumi said, then she started giving Invidia routine orders again, however, this time she was calm and careful when she gave them so that another argument wouldn't start. They worked for an hour and a half before Invidia decided to quit walking and move on to interview rehearsal.
"You know that interview is the hardest part, right?" Natsumi said.
"Why?" Invidia asked.
"Because, if you don't tell them what they want to hear they'll assume you're a snotty bitch and give you a low score because they don't like you," Setsuna said as she entered the living room.
"Don't you have work to do?" Nova asked.
"I took care of it already."
"Alright…"
Setsuna rolled her eyes at Nova and asked, "What are you doing this for anyway? You know you can't win."
"And why not?" Invidia asked.
"Because, you're not the beauty pageant type, pageant girls are unnaturally skinny, bitchy, blonde bimbos who have nothing else in life but their looks."
"Setsuna!" Natsumi snapped. "I was a pageant girl, remember?"
"You're a rare occurrence."
Natsumi sighed. "Setsuna, that's not true and you know it! And I will make sure Invidia has what she needs to win! Understand?"
"Yeah, yeah." Setsuna left, and Natsumi turned to Invidia.
"Anyway, it's best to be honest in these interviews, but Setsuna has a point. If you do not tell the judges what they want to hear, they will not score you well, so, let's practice," She said. Natsumi picked up a stack of index cards on the table and flipped through them. 'Here's a good one,' She thought. "What has been the most significant accomplishment in your life?"
Invidia thought for a minute. "I guess it would be my transition from living in the Comet Empire to living on Earth."
"Why?"
"Because I got to experience a new culture and without this experience I might still be in a royal bubble, meaning that I would just have everything done for me and have never learned a thing about Earth. Plus, if I had never made the adjustment I wouldn't have met my love."
"That's pretty good," Natsumi nodded. "How about this? Tell me a recent goal you accomplished."
"I don't normally think about goals, but I did manage to get a job to earn my own money. I love it because I not only have freedom, but, as Father says, it gives me a sense of responsibility."
"Alright…How about an issues question? Global warming has always been a controversy, and has become even more of a hot topic with the wars that have happened. What are your views on global warming and why do you feel this way?"
"Those people have no idea what they're talking about half the time! Earth is fine, and most of it is natural anyway, but, I guess we could do more to protect the environment."
"I don't think that's the best answer…" Natsumi said.
"And why not? Because it's not some sugar-coated piece of garbage? If I'm going to answer these questions I'm going to be honest, besides, you said to be honest!"
'I did say that, didn't I?' Natsumi thought.
"Alright then, how about…"
"No. No more questions."
"But, Invidia…" Nova said.
"I said no. I'm done rehearsing for the day, let's go shopping."
"Shopping? Shopping for what?" Natsumi asked.
"My pageant dress! I want to get one before all of the good ones are gone."
"Invidia, it's not that big of a pageant," Nova said. "I don't think that everyone's going shopping as we speak."
"I don't care! I want something beautiful, and I want it now! Are you coming or not?"
Natsumi shook her head, "no, I should probably get home."
"I'll come," Nova said.
"And I'll call Shamura, she said that she wanted to help with the shopping too," Invidia said as she picked up her cell phone and dialed. "Shamura?" She said when Shamura answered. "I need a favor."
"What? I'm busy."
"I'm going dress shopping and I want your help."
"Invidia, I'm busy with Nadeshiko right now, can't it wait?"
"No. I'm leaving now, so ditch your daughter and come on!"
"I am not leaving her! And, if you insist on leaving now, I have to bring her."
"Why?" Invidia whined.
"Because, Seiji's on a business trip."
"She's thirteen! She can stay by herself!"
"Not when she needs fabric for a dress."
"Fine," Invidia sighed. "She can come, meet me downtown at that bridal boutique, you know, the one where we got your wedding dress?"
"Alright, see you soon, bye."
"Bye," Invidia said, then she hung up and sighed again.
"What?" Nova asked.
"She has to bring Nadeshiko."
"What's wrong with that? You like Nadeshiko, or you should, you are her godmother."
"Whatever," Invidia muttered, "let's go." She then grabbed her purse and headed out with Nova following.
They arrived at the boutique thirty minutes later, and found Shamura waiting for them.
"You're late," she teased.
"Oh, be quiet," Invidia said. "Hi, Nadeshiko."
Nadeshiko waved and then turned to the shop's window.
"What are you looking for?" Nova asked her.
"Red fabric, it's for my class play."
"She got cast as the lead's sister, who wears red," Shamura explained. "And we're making her costume together."
"And what's this play for?" Nova asked.
"The school festival next week," Nadeshiko replied.
"Sounds nice, let's go," Invidia said, then she grabbed Shamura's wrist and dragged her into the shop.
"What are we doing in a bridal shop? I thought you were looking for an evening gown," Shamura said.
"I am, and I thought this was a good place to start," Invidia explained as she looked through a rack of dresses.
"How about this?" Nova held up spaghetti strap, white dress with little silver beads around the top.
"Too white, what about this?" Invidia showed her an off-the-shoulder lavender gown.
"Not for a pageant."
"Alright then…"
The women kept looking but found nothing in that shop or the next four.
"Invidia, why can't you make up your mind?" Shamura asked as they came out of the last shop.
"Because, I want something that's not only me, but that will…" Invidia stopped dead in her tracks. "There! That's it!" She quickly ran across the street and placed her hands on a window.
"That one?" Nova asked.
"Yes,
this one. It's beautiful, and I want it!" Invidia looked up at her
dress, a strapless, purple one with silver gems lining the top that wrapped
around the dress and then went down in a line to the bottom. She stared for
another minute before going inside; when she came back she had a black box in
her hands. "I got the last one in my size," she said.
"Congratulations, can we go now?" Shamura asked.
"But I'm hungry," Invidia whined.
"You can eat when you get home, let's go," Nova said.
"Why are you being so mean?"
"You have been dragging us around for three hours and I'm sick of it! So we're going home!"
"Alright, bye Shamura," Invidia said, as she was pulled down the street by Nova. They drove off and Invidia dropped Nova off at her house before going back home to find Arty watching TV in the armchair.
"Arty…" She said as she went over and sat in his lap. "I found my pageant dress." She gently laid her head on his shoulder.
"Really? When do I get to see it?"
"At the pageant."
Arty shook his head, "you're always holding out on me."
"So?" Invidia teased. "It'll make a good surprise for later."
"I guess you're right…too bad it's not going to work in the pageant."
"Arty! Why would you say that!?"
"Because I want to win the bet."
Invidia hit him on the shoulder. "So do I, but I'm not being mean about it!"
"Princess, I'm only kidding," he said, then, they kissed and Arty held her for a bit, before she yawned and fell asleep in his arms. Arty smiled, kissed her head, and then gently got up and placed her on the couch. He then went into the bedroom, got her blanket and covered her with it.
"Sweet dreams, Princess," he whispered and kissed her head again.
Invidia woke up an hour and a half later to the smell of tomato sauce; she then sleepy sat up and looked toward the dining room.
"Hi, Princess," Arty said as he set a plate of spaghetti in front her seat on the table. "You're up just in time. I made one of your favorites."
"I see," Invidia said, then she yawned and slowly got up off the couch. "Where are Akira and Ryou?" She asked as soon as she was settled.
"Akira went to the movies with some friends and Ryou's out on a date," Arty explained.
"Not him too! Oh, now I'm loosing both my children," she sighed.
"Why are you so upset? Shouldn't you be happy that they're gone?"
"I guess. It's just a little surprising, that's all."
"I get it," Arty nodded and poured her a glass of wine.
"Pasta and wine? What did I do to deserve this?"
"Nothing, I just thought that since we were alone, I'd do something special."
"Aw, I love it when you spoil me. And if you want to do something special, why don't we take a shower after this?"
"Sounds good to me." Arty gently placed his hand over hers, and smiled.
Invidia smiled back, it was a sweet, gentle smile that was quickly wiped off her face when the phone rang.
'Why do they always call during dinner?' Invidia thought, then she got up and answered. "Hello?" She asked.
"Invidia, you're not going to believe this!" Natsumi said over the line.
"What?"
"Remember how you said that your mother's song was a piano ballad?"
"Yes."
"Well, I received the pageant program today, and it turns out that the woman before you plays the piano, so if you want, we can set it up so that the piano stays for your act."
"And who is going to play this piano? I only know four songs, and Mama's isn't one of them!"
"Nova said she would, if you want to, that is."
Invidia thought for a minute, and then said, "thank you, but no. I want to sing by myself. It's nothing personal; I just think the song will have more of an effect without the background, does that make sense?"
"Yeah, I get it; it seemed like a nice idea though."
"I know, and it is, I just don't think it works for me."
"Alright then, see you tomorrow," Natsumi said, then she hung up.
"What was that about?" Arty asked.
"Just pageant stuff," Invidia replied as she sat back down. "Speaking of which, will you help me pick out my dress for my talent? I have three and I can't choose."
"Later Princess," he promised.
She nodded to him and continued to eat, then, immediately after clean up, Arty picked her up and carried her into the bathroom for their shower. And, afterwards, instead of looking at dresses like he promised, Arty carried her out to the bed and spent the next two hours making sweet, passionate love to her, causing her to completely forget about all pageant preparations until the next afternoon at rehearsal.
"You're getting better," Natsumi complimented as Invidia went through her routine.
"She's right, it looks good," Arty agreed, he had come to that day's rehearsal per Invidia's request.
"Thank you, now, about my talent dress…" Invidia said, pointing to three dresses lying on the couch.
"I like the second one," Arty said. "It's simple but elegant."
"He's right," Nova agreed as she came in with a vegetable tray.
"But it seems a little boring…"
"It's not, it's really nice," Arty said. "You just need to add some accessories. My mother has a beautiful pearl barrette that she might let you borrow."
"And, you could always pair it up with a necklace too," Nova suggested. "Like your mother's locket."
"That's a great idea. Thanks Nova, and, Arty? Ask your mother about the barrette, okay?"
Arty nodded.
"Okay, now that that's settled we should get back to rehearsing," Natsumi said.
"Not before you eat," Nova set down the tray. "You've been here two hours and haven't eaten a thing."
"She's right, thank you Nova," Invidia said as she went over and picked up a carrot stick.
"Fine, but after we eat we're getting right back to rehearsal, is that clear?"
"Fine." Invidia rolled her eyes while thinking, 'Ari, she's demanding! How does Nova put up with her?' She sighed and picked up a few wheat crackers.
"Oh, and I got an email today saying that next Friday's dress rehearsal has been cancelled," Natsumi informed Invidia.
"Good, because I have to go to work that day, and really didn't feel like leaving early."
"But, why would they do that?" Nova asked.
"They probably want us to take the day to relax before the pageant."
"When does it start again?" Arty asked.
"Six. Did you tell Father?"
Arty nodded. "He said he'd be there."
"Good, because I went through a lot of trouble to get all of you reserved seats."
"You did what?" Nova asked.
"Paid one-hundred and seventy-five dollars to get reserved seats for your family, Nova, Akira, Ryou, and Father."
"And what about me?" Natsumi asked. "And Shamura?"
"You two are going to be backstage the whole time, remember? You have to help me prepare."
"Oh, right…" She said. "Speaking of preparation, let's get back to rehearsing."
Invidia groaned, but did as she was told and went back to rehearsing the rest of that evening and every evening until the dress rehearsals started two days later.
"Alright!" The pageant director, Minako, clapped her hands. "You all have your numbers so get into position! Now!" She snapped.
The women then snapped to attention and formed a line. Invidia looked around at the other twenty-two contestants, and realized that it was going to be harder than she thought; she also did not appreciate that she ended up with Sara behind her. 'I thought I wouldn't have to deal with her and then she shows up again! And next to me too! I hate numbering!'
"Savela! Keep your head up!"Minako ordered.
Invidia nodded and raised her head just a bit, earning a nod of approval from Minako.
"Alright ladies I hope to run through this sequence only once today, so try and get it right!"
The women nodded and the background music started up. As soon as it did, they began to run through the opening routine, and, halfway through, Sara pushed Invidia to her left. Invidia stumbled for a second, but quickly regained her balance and pretended like nothing happened. Then, she put her hands behind her back and gave Sara the finger.
Sara gasped and shoved her forward, causing her to knock over the woman in front of her, and making four more trip.
"Savela!" Minako snapped.
"It's not my fault! Do you think I would push myself!? She did it!" Invidia pointed to Sara. "And by the way, my name is Invidia!"
"I don't care what your name is! I just care that you straighten up!"
"But it's not my fault!" Invidia whined.
"And don't whine. Alright ladies, get up and into position!"
The women did so and went through two more bad sequences before getting it right, then, they ran through it three more times, only making a mistake once. Afterwards they were given a small break to eat, socialize and just explore the stage. Invidia immediately headed to the snack table and picked up a few crackers.
'Thank goodness they're offering us refreshments, I'm starving. But, I guess that's my fault for not eating breakfast this morning…' She thought, and, just as she finished that thought, she heard a familiar voice.
"Are you sure you should be eating? You're fat enough as it is!" Sara taunted her.
"Why don't you just leave me alone!? I'm tired of you!" Invidia snapped, then she slapped her across the face. "All you've done is taunt me and push me around and I'm sick of it! Do me a favor and save it for the competition!" At that, Invidia turned and walked away.
'Fine then, let the best woman-me, win you rotten fat bitch!' Sara angrily thought, then, she turned away and went to go join a group of her friends.
Invidia glared at her from a distance and then sighed. 'I really need to do something about her! She thinks she's so special just because she's a beauty queen! Well, you know what? Soon the pageant world will crown a new queen and her name is Invidia Sabera-Monica Savela! All I have to do is be well prepared…' She thought. From that point on Invidia began to work twice as hard at her pageant preparations, even putting up with Natsumi for two extra hours of rehearsal the night before the pageant.
"Do you really think this will pay off?" She asked as Natsumi painted her nails.
"I hope so, I didn't invest my time in you for nothing!"
"You know, you said the same thing when you taught me how to sew."
"And now look at you, designing and sewing outfits for presentations and even magazine covers."
"It helps that Nova lets me use her spare bedroom."
Natsumi nodded as she gently painted over the base coat with a dark purple color that matched Invidia's evening gown. "Now, about make up…"
"None," Invidia said. "I hate make up, unless it's for a date. And, I don't need it anyway."
"Are you sure?" Natsumi asked.
Invidia nodded. "I want to win because of my own merits, not because I have ten pounds of make up caked on." She then took her free hand, picked up the smoothie glass next to her, took a sip and made a face. "There's mango in this, I really don't like mango."
"Then you should have said so," Natsumi pulled the glass away from her.
'Well, sorry. I didn't think tropical mix included mangos! Arty knows I don't like mango, and so does Nova. Humph, you think she'd tell her mother since she's helping me.' Invidia thought just as Natsumi grabbed her other hand.
"Do you want jewels on these?" She asked.
Invidia gave her a look.
"Right, too tacky," Natsumi muttered as she worked on Invidia's left hand.
'Jewels on painted nails, what a dumb idea, sounds like something that Sara woman would do! Thank goodness I'm going to work tomorrow so that I can forget about her and the pageant until show time,' Invidia sighed, and when she woke up the next morning in Arty's arms, she sighed a content sigh, thinking that it was going to be a good day. She then gently slid away from him and went into the bathroom for her shower, but, fifteen minutes in, someone grabbed her waist. Invidia screamed and quickly turned her head, only to receive a long, deep kiss from Arty.
"What are you doing!?" She snapped.
"I thought you could use something to loosen up before work and the pageant."
"But, I just wanted to get ready in…" Her sentence ended on a moan as Arty gently cradled and caressed her breasts. "Arty…stop…I…I don't have time for this…I…"
"You're right, you should get washed up first," Arty whispered.
"I…I did get cleaned up, the only thing left is…my hair," Invidia said.
"Then Ill take care of it," Arty said as he picked up a bottle of rose petal-scented shampoo. He then gently washed and conditioned her hair.
She turned towards him, smiled, and began to assist him in washing up. And, after they were done with that, he switched off the water, stepped out and picked her up and out of the bathtub with a towel. He then sat her down and blow dried and brushed her hair out before carrying her back into the bedroom and placing her on the bed.
"Arty…no…you can't…" Invidia said.
"I can, and I will," Arty said back, then he gave her a hot, passionate kiss and ripped her towel off.
"Arty…stop it…I…I'm gonna be late!" Gasped Invidia as Arty ran his kisses down her neck and began to caress one of her breasts. Then, he moved his hand down her body, all the way to the center of her. At that, she snapped, threw her head back and let out a soft gasp.
"Do you still want me to stop?" Arty teased.
"Please…don't stop, I…I want you. M…make love to me," Invidia gasped.
Arty smiled at her request and gave her another deep kiss, and then spent the next half hour making hot, passionate love to her. When it was over, Invidia lay spent in his arms completely oblivious to the time until she picked up her alarm clock.
"Arty! I only have ten minutes until I'm supposed to leave! Why did you do that?!" She asked.
"You didn't stop me," Arty said, then he pulled her in for another kiss.
She smiled at him. "Well, I did like it, not a bad way to start the morning, Darling," Invidia said, then she gently kissed his head and got up to get ready for work. She was done in twenty minutes instead of ten, but decided that it didn't matter anyway. When she came out into the kitchen Arty handed her a lunchbox and a fruit cup.
"Eat this as soon as you get there, you need to eat breakfast," he said of the fruit cup.
"Yes, father," she teased, then she quickly put on a pair of black pumps and left. When she arrived, Ariana looked her over.
"You're late," She said.
"I know, and I'm sorry, when I got up I just…"
"You had morning sex," Ariana interrupted, looking at Invidia's still-slumberous black eyes.
"I did not."
"Yes you did, I can see it in your eyes. You're late because you and your husband got into a sexy tangle this morning."
"I…well…yes," Invidia sighed, there was no use arguing with Ariana, especially when she was right. "He surprised me in the shower and took me to bed and I couldn't resist, I'm sorry," She whispered in a soft voice.
"I don't know whether to be mad because you're late or jealous because you had morning sex and I didn't, so I'm going to be both. Don't let it happen again."
Invidia nodded. "Yes Ma'am," She sighed, then she headed over to her desk, and set up her laptop. While she waited for it to load, she ate her fruit cup and looked over the magazine's recent issue. Once her computer loaded, she immediately got to work until her eleven o'clock meeting, after which she sat down to do some research, research that was interrupted by the office intern, Miyuki, ten minutes later.
"Mrs. Savela? These are for you," Miyuki said as she set a vase of red and white roses on Invidia's desk.
'What the?' Invidia looked them over and picked up the card, which read, Hope you have a great day, and good luck tonight! Love, Arty. "Aw, Arty…" She sighed.
"You're husband's really sweet to send you flowers," Miyuki said.
"I know, he's too sweet to me," Invidia said, while she thought, 'Love making and flowers? I was right, today is going to be a great day.' She leaned back and sighed a content sigh, one that expressed her feelings for the rest of the day…until she got to the hotel where the pageant was being held.
"This place is ridiculous!" Invidia said as they fought through the crowd in the lobby.
"I know, but it'll be better once we get backstage," Natsumi said as she trailed behind with two garment bags.
"Backstage? For what?"
"It's where you're getting dressed, remember? All of the contestants get ready backstage."
"Oh, no. We are not going back there, come with me," Invidia said, then she lead them down a hallway that lead to the ballroom and into a room at the end of it, where she flicked on the light. In front of them was a huge vanity table with a mirror that had lights around it, and next to that was a clothing rack.
"Invidia, what are we doing here?" Shamura asked.
"I paid an extra fifty dollars to get a dressing room so that I could get ready in private." Invidia sat in the chair. "Now, we have an hour until the introductions, so, let's begin."
Natsumi and Shamura nodded to each other, and Shamura went over, and undid the pin in Invidia's hair, then she gently brushed it out until it was silky-smooth and shining.
"Now, did you want your ends curled or not?"
"Curled," Invidia said. "Definitely curled."
"Alright then," Shamura muttered, then she pulled the curling iron out of the accessory box and plugged it in. While she waited for it to get hot, Natsumi touched up Invidia's nail polish, and picked up a foundation compact.
"No." Invidia said. "I told you, no makeup."
"You have to do something, at least let me put a little on."
"No means no."
"But…"
Shamura gave Natsumi a look and shook her head; it was her way of saying 'Don't.'
"Alright then, how about some eye shadow, or hair glitter?"
"No. I have a violet barrette to go with my evening gown, Shamura made it for me," Invidia said as Shamura picked up the curling iron and gently started to curl the ends of her hair. After she was done, she carefully sprayed a little bit of hair spray, put the pin back in and then clipped the violet barrette in on Invidia's left side.
"Are you sure you want that in?" Natsumi asked of the pin.
"Yes, I'm sure. It's part of me and I'm keeping it."
"Alright then, let's get you into your dress," Shamura said.
"Not with her here!" Invidia pointed to Natsumi.
"Fine, I'll wait outside." Natsumi left, and Invidia carefully stripped off the white skirt and sky-blue top she wore.
"I thought you didn't wear light colors," Shamura teased.
"Arty bought the outfit for me, and I couldn't resist. Besides, I think it looks nice on me," Invidia said as she slipped into her purple evening gown, then she turned so that Shamura could zip up the dress. Then, after Invidia put on her silver sandals, Shamura turned her to the dressing mirror on the room's left wall.
"I knew this was the one!" Invidia exclaimed. "Wait until Sara sees, no…wait until Arty sees! He always says that I look beautiful in evening wear."
Shamura nodded in agreement. "It suits you very well."
"Thank you," Invidia nodded, and then took in a breath and opened the door.
"You look…beautiful," Natsumi said.
"Even without make up?"
"Even without make up."
Invidia smiled, and Shamura looked at her watch. "We have about twenty minutes to spare…"
"It doesn't take me that long to get ready. Everyone else is busy fussing with make up and hair extensions and crying because they broke a nail, those sorts of things."
Natsumi nodded, remembering how it had been for her during her pageant days.
"Oh, there you are Invidia!" Nova said from behind. "I was looking for you, Arty wanted me to give you this."She handed Invidia a pearl barrette. "He said that he's sorry he didn't get it to you earlier, but he didn't have time to stop by his parent's house until today."
"It's fine. Tell him I said 'thank you'.Shamura put this with the rest of my accessories."
Shamura nodded and did as she was told, while Invidia turned to Natsumi and said, "I'm thirsty."
"I'll go get you some water, alright?"
Invidia nodded. "That's fine, thank you."
"By the way, you look great!" Nova said. "I don't think they could turn you down."
"You think?" Invidia did a quick turn.
Nova shook her head. "Not looking like that. I love it, it looks great on you. And, on top of that, you're a natural model, they'll see that. Some of the women here look way too trained."
Invidia nodded just as Natsumi came back with a bottle of strawberry flavored water.
"Here you are." She handed Invidia the bottle. "And I just heard that they're going to be about ten minutes late, one of the lighting fixtures broke down."
"That's fine, I have something to do," Invidia said, then she went back into the dressing room and came out with a book, she then went into the lobby and sat down on a chair to read. She sat until Shamura came for her twenty minutes later.
"They just gave the five minute warning, we should get to the stage," She said.
"Alright, take this," Invidia said as she handed Shamura the book. She then got up, stretched and followed Shamura through the ballroom to the back of the stage, which was a bit of a mess. Props and clothing racks were everywhere, along with a few very confused contestants and stylists.
"Shamura, they all have numbers, where's mine?" Invidia asked.
"I think I left it in the dressing room. Stay here and I'll go get it." Shamura ran off and Invidia stood off to the side, trying to stay out of everyone's way. She was doing a pretty good job of it until Sara spotted her.
"So, you really did show up," She said as she walked over in a long, green evening gown.
"Yes I did. And, by the way, you look like a Christmas tree."
"At least I'm not the one with the dead flower in her hair."
"It's a fake flower! It can't die! And I'll have you know, my best friend made this for me!"
"Some friend, and where'd you get those shoes? Yard sale rejects perhaps?"
"My husband. They were an anniversary gift."
"Oh, so your bad taste extends to men too."
"Look you, I…" Invidia started to speak but was interrupted by Shamura running over. "I found it, so hurry up and pin it to your dress, you've only got forty-five seconds!"
"Alright, alright," Invidia huffed, then she quickly pinned the number to her side and joined the line up in her proper place.
"Alright ladies, show them what you got!" Minako said, then she gave the order for the first contestant to start walking.
Invidia quickly looked down and drew in a breath, then she softly chanted a prayer in Cometine before heading out. When she stepped out, the first thing she saw was Arty in the third row on the left. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled towards him. Unlike most of the other contestants, her smile was a genuine smile and not a forced, fake model one.
"Ladies and Gentleman," the host said. "Welcome to the twelfth annual Ms. Tokyo Diamond pageant. Tonight these twenty-three lovely ladies will show you what beauty is really about, so without further ado, let's start with contestant number one!" He gestured toward the woman in the front, who stepped forward.
"My name is Nina Sakura and in my spare time I volunteer at an animal shelter."
Invidia rolled her eyes at her and several others who sounded way too perfect, and when her turn came she stepped forward and said, "I'm Invidia Sabera-Monica Savela and I'm the fashion reporter who shut down a whole cosmetics company because of animal testing." She then stepped back, surprised at the audience's cheerful reaction to her statement.
Sara rolled her eyes and steeped forward, "I'm Sara Nanami and I'm a nurse who spends her spare time volunteering at nursing homes."
'She would say that…' Invidia thought as the introductions continued.
"Alright, judges, now that you know who they are we can start the talent competition! You all have twenty minutes to get ready starting from the moment you walk off the stage! Go!" The host gestured to the first woman who led the ladies off the stage and back behind it.
"You did great!" Shamura complimented her.
"All of that work for ten minutes of show…" Natsumi muttered.
"She's going to wear it for the interview as well, remember?" Shamura said. "But, never mind that, let's get going." She grabbed Invidia's wrist and pulled her back to the dressing room. There, Invidia replaced the violet with the pearl barrette, and exchanged the purple gown and silver sandals for a simple-but-elegant strapless black dress and matching black sandals. The outfit was completed with Invidia's mother's locket and a simple gold bracelet.
"Where'd you get that, anyway?" Natsumi pointed to the locket while Shamura touched up Invidia's hair.
"My father gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday, he said that Mama told him to give it to me when I was ready and he did." She took it off and opened it. "It has their wedding pictures in it, and helps me keep them close."
Natsumi nodded and looked her over. "Stand up," She ordered.
Invidia did so and turned in place.
"Perfect. How much time do we have?"
"Five minutes, not that it matters since it'll be awhile until her performance, since she's number fifteen."
"Good, I like to think of fifteen as my number," Invidia said.
"Why?" Natsumi asked.
"Well, I was born on January fifteenth and I got married on March fifteenth. So, since two of the happiest days of my life occur on fifteenths, I just consider it lucky."
"I hope your birthday was good, it was the day you were born," Shamura said.
"I know, now lets get back out there, I want to sing. Did you see the way both Arty and Father's eyes lit up when they saw me? I'm a natural!"
"I know, I know, let's get to the stage," Shamura said as she gave her a gentle push towards the door. Invidia left and came back stage just as the second act was announced; she sighed and felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Here, it might be awhile," Natsumi said as she handed Invidia her book.
"Thanks, if you need me, I'll be over there." She pointed to a series of vanity tables and sat in one of the chairs to read.
"You would be reading during a beauty pageant," Sara taunted as she came over and sat in the chair next to Invidia.
"Yes, I would. It's better than sitting around and being bored."
"You're supposed to watch the pageant and analyze your competition."
"That's dumb. Besides, if I don't watch them, I have nothing to live up to, now go away."
"Can't, I'm not done yet and you're in my seat."
"Fine." Invidia got up and moved three chairs down, then she got right back to reading and ignored Sara until her number was called an hour later.
'Alright, this is it,' Invidia took a deep breath and walked out into the golden spotlight, where a single microphone sat, waiting for her. She briefly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she began to sing. It was a beautiful, soft song that hypnotized everyone in the room. Both the audience and the judges fell into it as she sang. While she did so, the judges made notes, scored the performance, and talked amongst themselves. Meanwhile, in the audience, Arty sat thinking, 'She's wonderful! It kind of makes me wish I never made that bet. I really hope she places high, she deserves it…'
'She should sing more often,' Zordar thought. 'It suits her, as does her attire, the simple-but-elegant style makes her look so much like Sabera, it's nice…'
He finished his thought just as Invidia finished the song, and when she looked up the whole ballroom stood up and applauded. She was so awestruck she nearly tripped backwards, but she managed to keep herself together and just bowed politely before walking off stage, and, as she passed Sara she gave her a smug 'beat that' look.
Sara glared at her and went on stage for her act, which was a performance of a scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with her husband.
'I don't know how he puts up with her. It must be because she's good in bed…' Invidia paused, then thought, 'No, never. No matter how good she is, I'd bet money on it that I'm fifteen times better…' She laughed at the thought and headed back to her dressing room to prepare for the interview portion.
"Now, you remember what we practiced right? You have to be honest, but say it in a calm tone," Natsumi said.
"I know, I know," Invidia sighed as Shamura zipped up her evening gown. "How's my hair?"
"Perfect, now let's get you out there," Natsumi said as she pulled at Invidia's wrist. And, as soon as she opened the dressing room door, they were both face-to-face with a man who looked to be in his early twenties.
"Sorry about this," he said. "But, you're really beautiful, and your voice is amazing…I was wondering if maybe…"
"I'm married," Invidia said, showing him her wedding ring.
"Oh, no. I'm not interested in that, let me start over. My sister is the pageant director for the national pageant that's happening next month, and if you're interested, we'd love to have you try out for it." He handed her a paper.
"I'll think about it. I don't normally do this sort of thing. In fact, this is my first, but I'll give it some thought."
"That's all I needed to hear, thank you," He nodded to her and moved on to another woman, who wore the number three.
"Invidia, this is great! It could start your pageant career, it could…what are you doing?" Natsumi gasped as Invidia ripped the paper.
"I'm not a pageant girl, and you know it. He was very kind to ask, but I'm not interested."
Natsumi gave Shamura a defeated look, but Shamura just shrugged.
"Come on, they're on act twenty, which means it nearly time," Invidia said as she left. Once she arrived back stage she dragged one of the vanity chairs off to the side and sat in it to read while chaos formed around her. She read for a good twenty minutes before they announced the interview portion, but being that she was late in the line, Invidia wasn't called for another forty-five minutes.
When she stepped out onto the stage, the judges, who had been sitting, stood in front of their table with microphones.
"Now, each of our judges will ask you one question, which you will answer, as thoroughly as you can, understand?" The host asked.
Invidia rolled her eyes. "Yes," she replied.
The host nodded and the first judge, a woman in her late fifties, stepped up. "If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one item, what would it be?"
"A boat so I could get off the damn island," Invidia replied.
Both the judge and audience laughed, but it was a good laugh, Invidia knew, one that meant that they were amused with her honesty, and not making fun of it.
"Alright, Eric?" She turned to the man next to her.
He nodded and asked, "At what point does a girl become a woman?"
Invidia paused in thought, and then said, "I grew up in the Cometine Empire, where everyone is acknowledged as an adult at eighteen, but, I also know that just being acknowledged as a grown woman doesn't make you one at heart. I've learned that a girl becomes a woman when she finds out who she is and what she wants to do in life. And even if she can't figure out what she wants to do, it's fine, the day she realizes who she is and learns to accept herself and her fate, is the day she becomes a woman."
Arty smiled. 'Great answer, Princess!' He thought. 'It's honest and perfectly you, way better than the answer that came from number four when she was asked that question. God, she was an idiot!'
The judge, who looked a little awestruck by her answer motioned to the last woman.
"Who do you consider to be your role model and why?" She asked.
"My late mother. I didn't know her because she passed away when I was a baby, but I grew up hearing amazing things about her. She was a strong woman, and despite her health problems she always looked up, and never let anything stand in her way. She was an amazing ruler and an excellent negotiator, who cared about our people, but she never let her royal duties get in the way of being a mother. My father says that when I was a baby she took great care of me, and always dropped what she was doing for me, not only because she felt she had to, but because she wanted to. And though I never got to know her, I know she's in my heart, and her lessons managed to carry on after her passing. One of the most important things she and Father taught me, was to just be myself, no matter what others said, because only you know the real you."
The woman smiled at her and said, "thank you."
Invidia bowed politely and headed off stage.
"Invidia, that was great! Honest but not sugar coated, perfect," Shamura hugged her.
"Now what?" Invidia asked.
"Now we wait," Natsumi said.
And, they did, They waited until all of the contestants went through and then were told by the judges to move backstage so that the scores could be tallied.
"We can get our scores, right?" Invidia asked.
Natsumi nodded. "After the pageant, all you have to do is ask the director for them."
Invidia nodded back and opened her book, she read for a good forty-five minutes before the judges announced for all contestants to come onto the stage.
"Good luck," Shamura whispered before Invidia left.
"Well, it's been a great evening and we've seen some great competition, but remember, only one can be our Ultimate Grand Supreme, so without further ado, pageant director Minako Arishi!" The host said, gesturing towards Minako, who stood behind him.
Minako stepped up and gave a small speech and several small awards, such as evening wear, talent and judge's choice before going into the results. "Our two princesses are, contestant number seven, Tisha, and contestant number twenty, Hikari!"
The two women stepped forward and accepted their tiaras, sashes and gift baskets.
"Congratulations, and our queen is contestant number thirteen, Yumi."
Yumi stepped forward to accept her items, and stepped back.
Minako nodded at her and then said, "These next contestants have been selected for higher titles, as soon as I call you, step forward, everyone else can head back stage. Alright, numbers, twenty-two, twelve, sixteen…"
Sara gave Invidia a look.
"…And fifteen," Minako finished.
"What?" Sara muttered as all of the other women headed off stage.
"Alright, starting with the smallest and working our way up, our mini supreme is, contestant twelve, Rina!"
Rina stepped forward for her crown and gifts, and as soon as she stepped back, Minako continued.
"Novice Supreme goes to contestant twenty-two Amanda! And, now it's down to the final two…"
Sara gave Invidia a look that said, 'Back off, this is mine.'
"Our grand supreme is…contestant sixteen, Sara!"
'What? There is no way! There has to a mistake…she can't be…' She thought as she looked at Invidia.
"And, last, but not least, our Ultimate Grand Supreme, contestant fifteen, Invidia Sabera-Monica!"
Invidia gasped and stepped forward, the male judge placed a tiara with a heart-shaped sapphire in the middle of it on her head, put a sash around her and then finally, presented her with a bouquet of roses and a check for one-thousand dollars while Sara stood opened-mouthed.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, our new Ms, Tokyo Diamond, Ms. Invidia Sabera-Monica Savela," Minako announced.
Invidia stepped up to the stage and was handed a microphone. "Thank you all, and to everyone who didn't believe in me, screw you!"
The audience clapped and Invidia stepped off the stage and back to her dressing room.
"We are so proud of you!" Shamura said as she and Natsumi hugged her.
"Great, now get off," Invidia said. "And, where are my things?"
"I packed them up when the judges were tallying scores," Shamura said.
"Thank you, but I really need to put my casual clothes back on."
"No you don't."
"What are you…?"
"Come on!" Shamura grabbed her wrist and led her into the lobby where Arty, Zordar, Nova, Derek, Setsuna and Akira and Ryou waited.
"Congratulations, Princess," Arty and Zordar each handed her a white rose.
"Thank you."
"I loved your interview answers," Zordar said, "especially the one about Sabera."
"I tired."
"And you succeeded!" Zordar hugged her.
"Invidia! I got your scores!" Natsumi came over and handed her three sheets.
"An elegant, natural beauty," Invidia read. "Honest answers, sense of humor…amazing voice…uses simplicity to highlight elegance…Wow, they loved me!"
"Of course they loved you, now what do you say we go out for dinner?" Arty said. "I made reservations for us at your favorite restaurant."
"Oh, Arty I love you!" She hugged him.
"I know, let's go. Shamura, do you have all of her things?"
Shamura nodded. "I triple checked," she said.
"Good, just drop it off at the apartment, we'll be back soon. Let's go Princess," Arty grabbed her hand and they headed out.
"Arty, you do know that it's nearly ten o'clock, right?"
"And they're open until eleven; we'll just have a small meal then."
"Alright," Invidia leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. "By the way, you owe me a romantic date, now."
"I know, I know. I was thinking…actually I'm not going to tell you what I'm thinking."
"You're cruel," Invidia teased.
"I know," Arty teased back as they got to the car. "By the way, I love that dress, the gems make you extra beautiful."
Invidia blushed as they drove off to enjoy their dinner, which was great but not as enjoyable as the date Arty took her on a week later.
"Arty, I don't see how your parent's garden is a romantic…oh…" Invidia stopped when they came around the side of the house. Along with the beautiful flowers were soft, tree lights and elegant candles that gave the place a romantic glow. And, in the middle of this glow was a picnic blanket and basket.
"I thought you'd like a garden picnic in the moonlight, rather then the traditional date. And, it helps that I convinced my parents to go away for the weekend, so we're all alone." He looked at Invidia, and since she was so awestruck, he took her hand and led her to the picnic blanket.
Once she sat down she immediately took off her sandals and pulled Arty towards her for a deep, loving kiss.
"Thank you…" She whispered.
"No problem," Arty muttered, then he poured the wine and started getting out the dishes.
"Did you make all of this by yourself?" Invidia asked as she carefully filled a plate with a small salad for her.
Arty nodded. "Yes, I did. And after the salad, there's some grilled lemon-pepper chicken, some bread with dipping oil and a mixture of vegetables and white rice."
"And for desert?" Invidia asked.
"That's a secret."
"Well it sounds delicious, even without desert."
Arty smiled and handed her a plate.
She smiled back and they spent the next hour eating, talking, laughing and just enjoying each other.
"Arty, this is amazing!" Invidia complimented as she ate.
"Thank you, I try."
"You succeed," she placed her hand over his.
Arty smiled at her for the hundredth time that night, lifted her hand and gently kissed it.
Invidia giggled, and then moved closer and gave him a gentle kiss. "So, where's the desert?" She asked.
"Inside the house, but first you have to blow out these candles, unless you want to set the garden on fire," Arty said as he packed up the basket.
"No thank you," She said, then she picked up the first one and blew it out. She then went through and blew out the rest, and then unplugged the lights when she and Arty were ready to go inside. "So, where's the desert?" She asked when they stepped inside.
"Later, right now, I want you to stay downstairs and change," Arty said. "You brought something, right?" He teased, then, he gave her a light kiss.
"Of course…you…you did tell me to pack an overnight bag, so I…I figured that…"
"Good, you go in the bathroom and change, and don't come out until I tell you to."
Invidia nodded and left to get her bag, which Arty had brought in that afternoon. She then went into the bathroom and dug through her bag for a specific outfit, which she immediately found. She briefly looked it over before getting up and changing into it, she then sat on the floor and waited for Arty to call her. She sat for a good twenty minutes before Arty told her to come out.
"Arty? Where are you?" She asked when she didn't see him.
"Upstairs," He replied.
Invidia shrugged and quietly walked up the stairs and into a hallway that only had light coming from one room, she walked towards it and gasped. In his parents' bedroom Arty had set candles, and vases of roses in various places and covered the huge, canopy bed with her dark red, silk sheets, and on the window hung her matching red, silk curtains.
"So, do you like it?" Arty said as he hugged her from behind.
"I do. When you said I was going to be amazed, you meant it, what do you think of this outfit?" Invidia turned to show off her silk, aqua-blue slip with black lace around the top and bottom that, in some places had a flower shape to it. With it, she wore a silken robe the same color as the slip.
"I like it, it's different and very, very sexy," Arty complimented, then he pulled her towards him and gave her a deep, passionate kiss before he picked her up and gently set her on the bed.
"Arty, one question before we start."
"What's that?"
"Where'd you get the red canopy?" She pointed to it, knowing that it had not been there originally, since his mother had navy blue sheets originally.
"I ordered it last week so that it would match, but enough about the décor. I want to look at you," He said, then he gave her another hot kiss, and slowly began to move down her shoulders, to her neck and her breasts while gently sliding the slip and robe off of her.
Invidia gasped and tried to reach for his clothes, but he grabbed her hands.
"No…not yet…" He muttered.
"Why not? If you…" She was cut off by Arty kissing her.
"Don't talk, please don't…" He whispered.
She didn't, and neither did he. They just let their hands do the talking as they fell into it, and let everything melt away, everything, except each other. The whole thing was like a beautiful dream, one that neither of them wanted to end, which made the later release both brutal and glorious.
Afterwards, Arty immediately got up and left, coming back with a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries.
"Arty…you didn't!" Invidia said.
"I did."
"I love you."
"I know," He said, then he set the tray down and kissed her again.
She smiled and gently held his hand, thinking that this date was perfect…just perfect…