Renewal

ANOTHER Invidia story by AMI MEITSU

A/N: The beginning of this story takes place in 2212, and the other half in 2213…Kay?

March fifteenth, was a day that shall forever remembered as one of happiness for one Princess Invidia. She walked around the kitchen humming to herself as she prepared breakfast, she knew it was out of character for her, but she just couldn’t help it, it was her anniversary.

‘I can’t wait until he gets up and sees what I’ve done…and then tonight…oh, I go crazy just thinking about it!’

“Invidia?”

“Hm?” She turned around just as Arty entered the kitchen.

“What are you doing up so early? It’s not even time for the kids to get up yet.”

“I made you breakfast, and I got all you favorites, see?” She showed him the table.

“Oh thanks…” He sat and she gave him a loving look.

“Don’t you have something to say to me?” she asked.

“Uh…I love you?”

Invidia walked away and pouted, how could he forget? ‘The happiest day of our lives and he forgot it. Or maybe it’s just too early, or he’s got something planned later and is hiding it! That’s it! All I have to do is wait!’And she did…

Invidia waited the whole day for Arty to at least call and say ‘Happy Anniversary, Princess’ but he did not. It made Invidia both mad and curious as she waited and later prepared dinner for just her and Arty. She left the kids with Arty’s parents for the evening and made up a fancy, romantic dinner for the two of them. When she was done she had just enough time to get dressed and then wait for him.

Meanwhile, Arty was busy at work still. They had run through a lot of lessons that day for the Black Tigers and a couple of the ships needed not only repair, but inspection and flight time needed to be logged.

‘This is going to take forever…’ He thought. ‘I’ll be lucky if I’m done by eight o’clock…’ He sighed and kept working for about three more hours, then, at about nine thirty he came into the apartment to find a very angry-looking Invidia in a black dress.

“What?” He went over. “Is my little Princess upset that I’m late?” He tried to hug her but she slapped his hand away… “Invidia! What…”

She glared at him. “Don’t touch me!” She snapped. “I hate you right now!”

Arty looked confused.

“You forgot our anniversary, how could you?!I even made us a fancy dinner, and that was three hours ago! You stood me up!”

“Princess…I’m sorry; I just got caught up with work and…”

“Do not call me Princess! You forgot one of the most important days in our lives! I even dressed up for you! And thanks to you I had to put everything away! You’re just horrible! And you are sleeping on the couch until further notice!”

It was then that Arty noticed that there were things of his thrown on the couch. “But Invidia…I…”

She glared at him one more time and left before he could say anything more, slamming the bedroom door behind her as she cried. ‘How could he do this?’ She thought. ‘And after I worked so hard too! After all these years he just can’t remember? It’s just…it’s sad!’ She then crawled up on the bed and continued to cry. She hated Arty so much at the moment! He seemed to care more about his work then his wife in her eyes and it was wrong! ‘He owes me something! Something big! Just like Nova said when I called her…’ She thought as she got up to take a bath and think about her plans.

As she did Arty made his own plans, plans for making things up to Invidia, and he started the next morning. As soon as Invidia woke up she got an unexpected surprise…

“Good morning Princess…” Arty said as he came in with a tray.

“What do you want?” She snapped. “And shouldn’t you be at work? I mean, you’d rather be there then here, right?”

“I took the day off to be with you, here…” He put the tray on her bed. “I made you breakfast…see? I remembered the kren for your pancakes, made a fruit salad and some eggs. And look, I even made you your favorite strawberry-banana smoothie…”

“You think that this is going to win me over? After all you’ve done?” She looked at him. “It’s nice, but…it’s not enough! You forgot one of the most important dates in our lives, and more then that you hurt me, after all I did…”

“I know, and I’m sorry Invidia…but you know I’ve been busy and…”

“You owe me something…” Invidia interrupted. “A big something…” She looked at him. “I want to renew our vows…”

“What?”

“You heard me…Nova suggested it…she said that she and Derek did it about a year ago and it was romantic…”

“I’ll think about it…” Arty said, then, he got up and left. ‘Renew our vows…’ He thought. ‘Hmm…’

He continued to think about it and soon made a decision that was known a week later when he made Invidia a romantic dinner at home.

“So, what did you do this for?” She asked. “Trying to flatter me?”

“No…I…I wanted to ask you something…”

“Yes?”

Arty got down on his knee in front of her. “Princess Invidia, will you have the honor of marrying me again?” He presented her with a ring…her old engagement ring.

“I thought I lost that…you…”

“Got it polished, please accept it. I thought about what you said…And…I want to renew our vows, to make up for missing our anniversary, I want to have another big wedding, a huge reception and I want to give you a second honeymoon, a longer…happier one…”

Invidia smiled at him. “Of course I accept!” She allowed him to slip the ring on her finger and then, she kissed him. Their first kiss in more than a week, it was deep, passionate and it felt nice to the both of them…

“I already planned it; we’re going to get married on our next anniversary,” Arty said as he held her.

Invidia nodded, he was forgiven now…

“Do you love me again?”

“I never stopped loving you! Just because I hated you for a couple of days doesn’t mean that I gave up my love!” Invidia said. “And please…”

“Hm?”

“Kiss me again…”

He did and she quickly pulled closer to him and deepened it…And, a couple days later Invidia sat in front of the computer making wedding plans.

“Princess, isn’t a bit early for that?”

“No, I want it to be nice! Just like our first one, we had a whole year to plan that one, or I did, you were on patrol…”

“So about the wedding?”

“It’s still on next anniversary, of course.” Invidia said. “It’ll cover two anniversary presents…and give us plenty of time.”

“Okay, whatever you say…” Arty kissed her head and walked off. ‘She always gets so into planning stuff like this…I wonder if she’ll have time for me…’

Unlike what he thought, Invidia had plenty of time in between planning and shopping and price comparing over the next two to three months. And, by August she was ready to pick out her dress. After months of going though websites and designs she finally knew what she wanted, she just had to find it…Nova and Shamura helped with that, they took out near the middle of the month, even though it was hot, and Invidia would’ve preferred to stay at home and lie around in nothing but her sundress while Arty held her and rubbed her head with a cloth and even fed her ice cream to keep her cool.

“Why’d we come out today?” Invidia whined, not only was she hot but she didn’t want to be out in a hot city in a short, dark red sundress.

“Stop whining.” Shamura said.

“Yes, we came out today because I had to take Setsuna shopping anyway, vacation is almost over…” Nova said, the she looked at Setsuna. “You have finished you summer homework, right?”

“Uh…I did half of it…” Setsuna said.

“Summer homework…ridiculous, I never had it…” Invidia said.

“You never had homework in general, you were homeschooled.” Shamura said.

Invidia shrugged. “Let’s just go…” She said.

“How come you don’t just wear your old wedding dress? I mean I never saw it.” Shamura said.

“You were on a business trip the week of the wedding, and think about it, he’s already seen that dress! I have to get another one he hasn’t seen, I mean, it’s bad luck if he’s already seen the dress. Oh and yes, you did see me in my dress; I did model it for you…” Invidia said.

“Oh…Right…” Shamura said as they came into a dress shop, which made Nova wonder why Invidia just didn’t go to a bridal shop and get a custom dress but…she didn’t ask.

“So, do you know what you’re looking for?” Nova asked.

“Yes, something in red, I changed the wedding to be red and black, not blue and black like the first one.”

“I see, for a new setting?”

“Right, we don’t want to replicate the wedding, just have another one. Arty said that nothing can replace our wedding or our uh…wedding night…”

“What do you have planned for this one?” Shamura asked.

“We don’t know yet…” Invidia told her as she waited for the girl behind the counter to pay attention to her. “But we want a nice second honeymoon, somewhere nice…like a beach…”

“You don’t like beaches…” Nova told her.

“I know, but it can be relaxing and quite romantic, I just want a private spot somewhere and…I want our second wedding night to be on silk…” Invidia blushed when she got to the end of her sentence.

“What’s that mean?” Setsuna asked.

“Nothing!” Invidia said quickly as the woman finally came up.

“What can I do for you?” She asked.

“I need a dress, something in red. It has to be long, and feel comfortable, oh and it has to be appropriate for a spring wedding.” Invidia told her.

“Any particular shade of red?”

“Pure, dark, wine red.”

The woman typed something in the computer. “How’s this look?” She showed her the picture.

“Perfect! But I wanted a spaghetti strap dress…”

She clicked on another picture. “Something like this?”

“That’s it…that’s my dress!” Invidia said.

The woman chuckled. “Well, we don’t have it in stock now, but we can order it and have it ready in about two weeks, is that okay?”

“It’s perfect.”

“And, do you want to take care of payment now or later?” She asked.

“Now…” Invidia handed her a credit card.

She swiped it and the women left.

“Where to now?” Shamura asked.

“Shoes.” Invidia said.

“My clothes!” Setsuna demanded.

Invidia leaned in her face. “We are going to find me new sandals for my wedding, which is way more important than your wardrobe! You have clothes!”

“And you already had a wedding!” Setsuna snapped. “Another one is stupid! And what is ‘renewing your vows’ anyway? And further more what do you do on a wedding night? No one tells me!”

“Setsuna!” Nova snapped. She grabbed her wrist. “I know you aren’t happy but you do not snap at adults! Ever!” Nova whispered so that only she heard and made it look like she was only holding her so she wouldn’t run off. “Now I’ll take you shopping, Shamura you can go with Invidia.”

Shamura nodded and she and Invidia walked off. Invidia took her to a fancy little boutique downtown, she had heard about them and thought she might find a good pair of sandals there and she did, well they were really slippers but she didn’t care.

“Shamura look!” Invidia said as she showed her a pair of open-toed, black, silken slippers. “These are perfect!”

“They’d go well with your dress and since they have them I think you should just get them now. But I have to ask, how much is that?”

Invidia thought for a minute. “Let’s see…” She said. “Counting the slippers…maybe around eight-hundred dollars…”

“Mistress! Do you even have that much money?”

“Of course, my Father and I do have about ninety-something million dollars left…”

Shamura shrugged and just watched as Invidia paid for her shoes and then followed her out.

“Where to now?”

“Home. I’m tired and it’s hot so I don’t feel too good, I just want to go home and relax…”

Shamura nodded and they went to go find Nova and tell her before they went back to Invidia’s apartment, Shamura being there to stay and visit with them.

“Arty!” Invidia called when she came in.

He came out from the kitchen. “Oh good your back, I started lunch for you guys after you called, it’s almost done.”

“Aw, aren’t you sweet?” Shamura teased.

Invidia went over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Thank you…” She said. And soon after they ate lunch and Invidia sat with Arty to talk about more plans…

And they continued planning almost endlessly for the next few months as the hot turned to cool and the cool turned freezing. And while Invidia hated freezing she didn’t mind, it just meant that it was almost March, which, when it came around, was the best month in Invidia’s opinion.

“I can’t wait until tomorrow!” She told Nova the day before the wedding. “It’s going to be wonderful, well…except that I can’t see Arty until the wedding…”

“How do you plan to pull that off? You live together, you have to see him.”

“No I’m staying with my Father for the night, so if you need to call me for anything call my cell, okay? Bye.” Invidia hung up, and then took off for Zordar’s, happily anticipating tomorrow’s occasion…which started at about two o’clock in the afternoon with everyone getting ready between noon and one.

“You look amazing…” Nova said as Invidia showed her the new dress in the mirror. Nova wore a similar dress in a lighter shade of red.

“Thanks…and also thank you for helping with my makeup and such.”

“No problem and Happy Anniversary to you and Arty.”

Invidia nodded. “Where’s my Father? He was supposed to get my bouquet…”

“I’m here!” Zordar came in and presented her with a bouquet of red roses that matched the one in her hair.

“Thank you!” She hugged him. “Now let’s go and wait, it’s about to start…”

‘It’s funny…’ Zordar thought. ‘When she first got married she was nervous and now…she’s excited…’

“Father! It’s almost time!” He joined her where she stood and they waited for their turn to come down the aisle.

‘Arty looks good in a tux…’ Invidia thought. ‘It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in one…’ She smiled as she walked with her Father, being careful not to miss a step as they approached the altar.

“Who gives this woman to be married?” The priest asked.

“I do.” Zordar gave a small nod and Invidia joined Arty and held his hands.

Then, the priest started. “Today we are here to witness the joy of Arty Jefferson and Princess Invidia re-enacting their wedding vows an act to remind us and them of the love they still share after all these years.”

‘They make it sound like we’re old!’ Invidia thought.

“Arty, you may start.”

“Invidia, my princess, my love, I told you before that back when we were dating the feeling changed from favor to will and I meant it. But now, it’s more than that. A night out with you is a wonderful experience, just as every day is and will continue to be. I love you very much, and always will, you’re my one true love...my soul mate and I want to be with you for many more years to come. I love you, my Princess…”

Invidia looked at him. “I love you too, and I will forever. And I know we fight sometimes and I know that I was mad for you forgetting our last anniversary, but you always make up for it. And, you know me, you accept me for everything I am, even with my faults. Every day with you is just…wonderful, they’re not all exciting, but they’re something and even just being together is nice, I like the closeness between us and the protection you give. I love you, for now and for always…”

At that, Ryou brought up a pillow with their wedding rings, now perfectly polished, on it.

Arty took Invidia’s. “Invidia, with this ring, before our friends and associates, I thee wed. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, I will protect you and stand by you forever my princess…”

The priest then said. “Do you take Invidia as thy wedded?”

“I do,” Arty said as he slipped Invidia’s ring back on her finger.

Invidia then took hers and said, “Arty, with this ring, before our friends and associates, I thee wed, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I thank you for taking care of and protecting me all these years; I love you dearly and always will.”

“Therefore, by the power vested in me,” the priest started. “Confirming the words said in March of 2205, before the world, I once again pronounce you husband and wife, Arty, you may now kiss your bride.”

Invidia gave him a shy look as he took her in his arms and gently kissed her as everyone applauded.

“I can’t wait to dance with you again…” Arty said, as, they hadn’t been dancing in so long… “And don’t try and pull the ‘I can’t dance’ stuff, you’re a wonderful dancer…”

Invidia nodded and proved it later at their reception. This time their reception was held at a country club, one of the most exclusive clubs in the city, Invidia got to pick and Zordar got to pay…

After she danced with Arty, she danced with her Father, Mark, and by force, Homer, then, Derek. Who, she found, was just as good a dancer as Arty.

“You were wonderful…,” she told him.

He kissed her head. “Thank you, Princess…”

She smiled and went to go find Arty again, who was by the champagne fountain.

“Hi honey…” Invidia grabbed his arm. “What time is it?”

Arty looked at his watch. “Five o’clock and dinner’s at six. Then we clean up a bit and head off…”

“Good…I can’t wait for our wedding night…” Invidia kissed him lightly on the cheek. Then she smiled, she was sure the night was going to be amazing…Derek and Nova had lent them their lake house for the week, meaning they’d be all alone in the house all week…on their second honeymoon, and Invidia was pretty sure being in a lake setting would make it even more romantic…

She thought about it for the rest of the reception and the whole way there. They arrived at about ten o’clock, considering it was a two hour drive from the country club.

“Wow…it’s beautiful…” Invidia said.

‘Wait until you see what I’ve done with the bedroom…’ Arty thought to himself as he tried to pick her up.

“No!” She said. “Get the stuff; you can carry me into the bedroom once we’re inside!”

“Fine…” Arty did as he was told and once they were inside, he carried her up to the bedroom. There, he turned on the light and her eyes widened. Arty had done the room in all red and black, and the bed…he remembered to get the dark red silk bed sheets that she ordered…

“Wow…,” she breathed.

Arty smiled, put her on the bed, and took off her shoes and his own. “I thought you’d like it…”

“I don’t like it, I love it…and…” She ran her finger along the sheet. “It’s perfect…”

“Is that so?” Arty asked as he took off his coat and undid his tie.

“Oh it’s so…”Invidia got up and hugged him, and then, she attacked him, pulling off his clothes quickly while saying little…he did the same with her and soon enough they were both naked, and rolling and kissing and loving unashamedly on the silken sheets in the quiet night. But there was one problem…after a minute or so Invidia had him practically pinned to the bed.

“No.” He said. “This is your anniversary present…” He rolled her over so that he was on top.

“But I…”

“Don’t talk…” Arty whispered as he began to trail his kisses from the top of her neck down to her breasts.

She didn’t talk anymore after that, she was just gasping and softly moaning as his hands ran all over her body while he kissed her and turned the night into less of a night and more into heaven for the both of them.

Invidia felt hot, sexy and her heart was beating hard as Arty himself become sweaty, hot and began to melt into her. Invidia moaned in a low, sexy way that drove him mad as he worked with her, obeying her pleas and giving her nothing but the hot pleasure she had wanted, that she waited for…And she gave it back, making the whole thing feel wonderful for the both of them…

It continued on, getting more passionate by the moment…and went on for who knows how long before Arty brought her to a wonderful climax, the first she’d had in several weeks, as she cried out his name again and again and again… and soon they just lay together on the bed…

“I love you, Princess,” Arty told her.

“I know…I love you too…you…you just don’t know how much I love you!” Invidia said.

“I think I have a pretty good idea…”

“Oh, do you?”

And then, at that, they began to make hot, urgent, passionate love again…

All through the night…