Summer Serenade

BY AMI MEITSU

A/N: Timeline is summer 2221, and everyone's ages have moved up. And since this has not come up before, I have given Homer two children in my story-verse, who will appear in this one-shot. (But you have to read to find out who they are.)

A bright sunlight shined over the city, and most of its residents, except for a one, Princess Invidia. Invidia lay on her bed, bored out of her mind while Monica slept next to the bed in her basket. Even she was having more fun than Invidia it seemed.

"Invidia? What's wrong?" Arty asked as he entered.

"I'm bored…" She whined.

"Why don't you play with Monica?"

"She's asleep," Invidia pointed to her.

"Then why don't you call one of the girls up? What about Shamura?"

"Second honeymoon."

"Nova?"

"On twenty-four hour shift at the hospital."

"Wendy? Trelania?"

"Wendy's doing something with Cassandra and Trelania's upset about something and won't talk to anyone."

Arty thought for a moment. 'They're all busy? That's rare…there's normally always someone to hang out with Invidia…'

"How about you work on your novel?" he suggested.

"Writer's block," Invidia said with a sigh.

"Don't you have work to do?"

"No. I'm waiting for my next assignment."

"Well then, I don't know what to tell you," Arty said as he went over and sat on the bed.

"Will you do something with me?" Invidia gave him a pathetic look.

"Sorry, I'm busy with the summer classes."

Invidia groaned.

"Sorry, I don't know what to tell you, Princess," he said, and, as soon as he finished, the phone rang. He got up to answer, surprised when Mark's voice came over the line.

"Hey, Arty." he said.

"Hey, Venture, is something wrong?"

"Why do you always ask that when I call?"

"Because you rarely call, and besides, Invidia told me Trelania's upset about something."

"She was, but we worked it out. Actually that's why I called you."

"Okay…?" Arty said skeptically.

"Listen, she was mad because we had to cancel our vacation because of work, but shortly after that, my parents called. You know how after Jordy left they moved up to Kasatsu, and have their own open-air bath?" Mark asked.

"Yes."

"Well next weekend is the annual summer festival and they invited me to come up and stay with them and they said I could bring anyone I want, the house is big enough for a couple people."

"Summer festival huh? Sounds like fun. I haven't been to one since high school."

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," Mark said.

"Not yet, I still have to ask Invidia, but I'm sure she won't mind. She's never been to one," Arty told him.

"Alright, call me back when you get an answer. Derek and Nova already said 'yes'."

"Will do," Arty said, and, with that, he hung up, then he thought, 'Even if she says 'no' I'm still going, though I doubt she'll be able to reject it, she likes hanging out with everyone, especially Derek.'

"Arty, who was that?" Invidia asked when he came back into the bedroom.

"Mark. He wanted to know if we could come with him to his parent's house for a summer festival," Arty explained.

"Summer festival?"

"Yeah, it's a big thing. There's food, games, dancing and even fireworks."

"Sounds like just another fair."

"It's not. Trust me, it's better than that, and the festival up there is one of their biggest."

"I don't know…"

"Come on, we haven't gone on vacation in a long time, and it'll ease your boredom. Plus, there's a hot spring."

Invidia looked at him. "Hot spring?"

"Personally owned by his parents."

"Well, I really don't care about the festival, but hot springs are enjoyable, so…I'll go."

"Alright, I'll tell Mark," Arty said, then he left, thinking, 'Wait a minute! If we're going to a summer festival then we need to dress up. I know I can get something from my father, but what about Invidia? Does she know anything about traditional clothing? I doubt it…I guess I need to call in a favor…' He then picked up the phone and dialed Derek and Nova's number.

"Hello?" Nova answered.

"Hey, Nova. It's me. I need a favor…for Invidia."

"Why can't she ask me then?"

"Because it's a surprise, and I called you because you'd be the most knowledgeable about this."

"Alright, what is it?"

"Listen carefully…" Arty then told her exactly what he wanted and how to approach it. Nova just nodded and answered, occasionally adding her own opinions.

"Alright, deal?" Arty asked.

"Deal," Nova agreed.

They hung up and Arty proceeded to call Mark to confirm that he was staying. Invidia came up behind him after he hung up.

"Arty, are the kids coming with us?" she asked.

"It's a weekend and it's summer vacation, of course they're coming," he replied.

"But I wanted to go with just us adults!"

"We'd have to plan for a vacation like that, and besides we can't go to a summer festival without them, they'd kill us."

"Fine, but the next vacation has to be a romantic one, alright?"

"I'll try."

Invidia smiled at that, and then asked, "Now, you're going to help me pack, right?"

"Well…I…uh…I really should…" Arty stuttered, trying to find a good way to say 'no.'

"Good, now come on, I have five sundresses and can only bring two, I need opinions!"Invidia grabbed his wrist and dragged him down the hall.

"Fine…" Arty sighed.

"Be more positive! At least you get to see me in cute clothes!"

"Can't you ask Monica?"

"She doesn't give good advice! All she does is meow and get tangled in the laundry!"

"She's a kitten, Invidia, that's normal."

"I don't care! My cat should at least have good fashion sense!"

Arty just rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the bed, where Invidia had sat five sundresses, three that had designs on them and two solid colored ones, next to them Monica pawed at one of the halter straps.

"No, Monica, that's not a toy," Invidia went over and picked her up. "I'll get you a toy if you want to play, alright?"

"I got it," Arty said as he picked up a catnip ball by his feet. He threw it down the hall and Monica jumped out of Invidia's arms and went after it.

"Okay, now that she's taken care of, which do you like better? The tropical flowers or the roses?"

Arty sighed . 'Honestly I don't care, you look good in both, but if you insist…'

"The black with the pink flowers…"

"Really? Because I kind of like the blue one better, the rose on the strap gives it an elegant look, don't you think…?"

"Sure…" Arty said, wishing that he could go on vacation at that minute. Unfortunately they didn't leave until seven days later on the next Friday, with them were Mark and Trelania, Derek and Nova and even Homer and Wendy and their families.

"Are you sure we can all live in the house?" Nova asked.

"Of course, the girls will have their own room, the same for the boys and us adults will stay four to a room, so that's four. It is a six bedroom house."

"Wow…" Setsuna said. "What do they need six bedrooms for?"

"They originally wanted to turn it into a resort, but they figured why bother with so many others. Eventually it just became somewhat of a free bed-and breakfast," Mark explained.

"That doesn't make any sense," Cassandra said. She, like everyone else was dressed in summer clothes, though her style was very different from the light colors that everyone else, except Invidia, wore. She had a chain hanging sideways over her dark blue Capri pants and sported a t-shirt with the name of a Goth band on it. Invidia liked the style; she thought it was nice to see someone else into dark color schemes.

"Well, they sometimes take in people when the local resorts have no room or just tourists who need to rest and they give them the rooms and food for free, since money isn't a big deal for them."

"Sounds nice," Nova said as she adjusted the white hat she had worn to match her dress.

"Can we go now?!" Invidia whined, tired of listening to their chatter while they loaded up the cars.

"In a few minutes…" Arty said.

"No, now!"

"Invidia, I know you're tired but you can wait."

"No I can't! We still have to deal with Monica, remember?"

"Princess, it's not like your father's going to be waiting at the door to take her," Derek said. "In fact, I'm pretty sure he doesn't even want her…" he muttered.

"How can you say that!? He's doing this for me! And besides, he loves Monica! He told me so himself!" Invidia snapped.

"He could have been lying," Cassandra told her.

"Cassandra, what have I told you?" Wendy asked.

"Respect adults, especially your friends," Cassandra replied with a roll of her eyes.

"Right. And if you don't do so, we can leave you here with your grandmother."

"No way! She has no taste in music and her house smells like mothballs!"

"Then I guess it's best for you to be quiet then."

"Fine."

Next to her, her brother Alex laughed. "You're in trouble." he said.

"You are such a five-year-old," she snapped.

"I'm twelve!"

"No, you're annoying."

"Hey!"

At that, they started and Homer attempted to break them up while Invidia watched.

'Man, am I glad I was an only child!All that arguing would have been annoying…' she thought, just as Arty said, "Alright, let's go."

"Finally!" She said, and got into the car next to Arty, who would be splitting the driving with both Derek and Nova, since Invidia said she didn't want to drive. She looked out the window for a second and realized something. "Arty, where's my blanket?"

"Didn't you put it in your suitcase?"

"No! I always leave it out, since I use it in the car and…don't leave yet!" Invidia then ran back into the building and up into the apartment where she found her black blanket lying on her bed. 'Thank goodness…It would have just been too uncomfortable without you…'

When she came back out everyone gave her a look.

"What?" she asked.

"You ran off, for that?!" Homer asked.

"Yes, what of it?!" she snapped with a glare.

Homer backed off. "Nothing…it's just…I'm going to go over there."

'You better,' Invidia thought. Then, she got back into the car and leaned against Arty's shoulder.

"I love you…" she said.

"I love you too, now go to sleep," Arty said. He kissed her head and put the blanket over her.

She gave him one last look and slowly drifted off into a short sleep. Arty woke her up just five minutes later so they could drop Monica off with Zordar for the weekend, and, after that, she went back to sleep, this time a deep one.

She was asleep for the majority of the trip, and didn't even notice when Arty and Derek switched places, leaving her to lean on him.

"When Arty and I switch you're moving up here." Nova said.

"Why?"

"Because you're mine and I should be the one cuddling with you, not Invidia."

"Fine…" Derek agreed, just as Invidia came to.

"Derek?" she asked in a cute whisper.

"Hi, Princess, did you have a nice nap?"

Invidia nodded and sat up. "Where's Arty?"

"Right here," Arty said.

"Are we there yet?"

"Almost, just two more hours to go."

"Two Hours!?" Invidia groaned and leaned against the window. The first hour passed slowly while she did so, and she eventually fell back asleep out of pure boredom. By that time Arty was next to her again and sitting with an arm around her, just watching her sleep.

'She's so cute…then again, she's always cute…Makes me wonder what she'll look like in the hot spring…' That thought kept him awake until they arrived, which was shortly after eleven clock. When they arrived they were greeted by two elderly people and one younger man.

"Mark!" The woman said. "So good to see you again."

"You too Mom, and Dad, how's it been going around here?"

"Just fine," his father replied.

"Hey, who's he?" Invidia asked.

"Hm? Oh that's Kaito; he lives next door and comes by to help from time to time." Mark's mother answered.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kaito bowed.

"Uh huh…" Invidia said, still a little tired from the trip.

"Anyway, I think you know everyone, but why don't you guys introduce yourselves again?" Mark said.

Everyone did so and Mark introduced his parents as Sakura and Yuta. And, after all of that was done everyone was taken to their rooms and given a chance to settle in.

"Where's the bed?" Invidia asked as she looked around at the room she and Arty would be sharing with Derek and Nova.

"To save space you'll be sleeping on the floor," Sakura said.

"No. I want a real bed! This is supposed to be a free bed and breakfast not futon and breakfast. So I want a bed!" Invidia snapped.

"Princess, calm down…" Arty said.

"No. Not until I get what I want!"

"If I give it to you, will you stop talking?" Sakura asked.

"Maybe."

"Very well then, follow me." She led them down the hall into a single room. "This is normally Mark and Trelania's room, but they decided to sleep across the hall this time. Will this work?"

"Where are the curtains? And the bed covers?"

"Being washed."

"What do they look like?"

"Invidia…" Arty nudged her; it was his way of telling her to stop being so picky.

"Light blue, why?"

"Just curious. And yes, this is fine, thank you."

"You're welcome," Sakura left and Invidia put one of her three luggage cases on the arm chair.

"Do you want the closet or are you just going to go through the case every morning?"

"Are you going to share the closet?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll take it," Arty said while thinking, 'I really don't like it when you get picky and whiny, but I have to say, I like this a little better than the futon idea. Now we have a room to ourselves.'

"Invidia! Arty! Come here, you have to see this!" Nova said from her room, breaking Arty's thoughts. They dropped their stuff and went back into her and Derek's room.

"Look at this yard! Isn't it beautiful?"

"Wow…" Invidia breathed. "It's gorgeous…"

It looked almost exactly like a hot spring resort, only smaller, but it was still fascinating just the same.

"I see you like the view," Kaito said from behind. "And when you're ready the baths are over there," he pointed to a section to the left of them.

"Thanks…" Invidia said.

Kaito nodded. "You're quite welcome. Though, I actually came to inform you that lunch is going to be served in an hour. It's not much, since there's going to be a nice dinner, but they thought you'd be hungry after the long trip."

"I think we all are," Derek said. "And thanks again."

Kaito nodded and left, immediately after he did, Invidia said, "I don't like him."

"Why? He seems polite."

"He just creeps me out, I think he's too polite, and he was giving Akira a look earlier, then he said something that made her smile…"

"Invidia, I heard him, he was just complimenting the girls' outfits. And it was Cassandra he gave the weird look too."

"I would too. A girl her size in Goth attire just doesn't fit. I wonder what her influence was anyway, since it certainly wasn't her parents."

"That's like asking how I joined the military when neither of my parents were into it," Arty said. "Sometimes you just find your thing and go with it."

"Whatever, I'm going to go unpack…" Invidia walked off and Arty followed. They set up the room up until they were called for lunch and by the time they were done with the set up it was five o'clock, just an hour before dinner, and plenty of time to take a bath everyone decided. Everyone except Invidia. While the girls had no objections to taking a bath together, Invidia did, as soon as she saw them she gripped her robe and backed up.

"Invidia-Mama, aren't you going to get in?" Akira asked.

"No, I'll…uh…take a bath later…I'm too tired right now…" Invidia lied, truth was, she was just too insecure to get into the bath with all of them. 'Everyone one else is so beautiful and I'm…horrible…' She thought as she went back into her room and climbed up on the bed. She rolled over on her back and sighed.

"Invidia, are you alright?" Derek asked as he came in.

"Yes, I'm fine. Why?"

"I just thought…never mind, why aren't you taking a bath?"

"Why aren't you?"

"I'm still setting up."

"And I don't feel like it."

"Uh huh, what's really wrong?" Derek asked, he could tell from her tone that she was lying.

"I…I…I'm not pretty enough to be with them," Invidia admitted.

"What?! Invidia, you're beautiful. Who told you that you weren't?"

"No one, it's just… looking at Nova and Trelania and everyone else…I just can't compare, I'm just not as pretty as they are…They're all perfect and their bodies are perfectly sized and I'm just…me…"

"Really? Why don't you let me see?"

"No! I'm naked, and besides, you're just going to make rude comments."

"If you let me see I promise I won't say a thing."

"If I do will you leave me alone?" Invidia asked.

"Sure," Derek replied.

"Fine, just let me go put something on…" Invidia left and came back in wearing nothing but a black, spaghetti strap nightgown.

"Perfect, come here," Derek grabbed her wrist and took her into the master bathroom and put her in front of a dressing mirror. "Now, what do you see?" He asked while he stood behind her.

"A thin rail in a pathetic excuse for pajamas."

"Well, do you want to know what I see?"

"What?"

"I see beauty. Beauty covered up by false accusations. You're beautiful but too self-conscious to see it right now," Derek said as he put his hands on her waist. "You claim that Nova looks better, and while I say that's true…"

Invidia gave him a look.

"Don't give me that look; I'm her husband, so it makes sense. Anyway, no matter how good you think everyone else looks, you look nice too. You're perfectly curvy, and your breasts are perfect, Arty says, and you've got such a pretty face, not to mention your silky hair," Derek complimented as he ran a hand through it. "And what should it matter what the other woman think, shouldn't it matter more that you think you're beautiful? That Arty thinks you're beautiful?"

"I guess…"

"Then stop moping and go take a bath."

"No. I can't, taking a bath with other people is too weird. Besides, you're not going to change me after just a few compliments, I don't want them to see me and that's that."

"Very well then, do what you want, as long as you remember what's important I don't care," And, with that, he left, but before he got too far down the hall, he stuck his head back in. "I forgot to mention, it's not only outer beauty that you have, your heart and personality are pretty good too."

"Thanks," Invidia blushed.

You're welcome, and if you're not going to take a bath then why don't you help me clean up a bit? It'll give you something to do at least."

"Alright, just let me go put on something decent."

"You really don't have too; if you just throw a robe over it, it'll be fine."

"No. I'm not walking around like this! I'll change and meet you in your room," Invidia stated.

"Fine," Derek said, not wanting to argue with her.

Invidia nodded to him, went back into her room, and changed into a casual, white sundress with a black sash.

"Cute…" Derek complimented when she met up with him.

"You think so? Arty bought it for me, white's not really my color but, I like it."

"I do too; it's a nice change for you. Now, help me set up the futon, would you?"

Invidia nodded and grabbed the end of the mat opposite Derek, and once they were done with that she went out into the garden and, with permission from Sakura, set up some flower arrangements for the rooms.

"Too bad they don't have any roses," she said as she cut stems.

"Why?" Derek asked.

"They're my favorite, and they give off an elegant and sophisticated feel, don't you think?"

"I don't know, flowers aren't really my thing. Don't get me wrong, I like to admire them, but I really don't have any preferences."

"I do."

"Yeah, I noticed."

Invidia threw a flower at him. "You say that like it's a bad thing! Maybe I have preferences because I actually have taste!"

Derek laughed. "I didn't say you were tasteless," he said as he pulled Invidia over with him on the futon. "Actually you have excellent taste in both flowers and men."

"What do you mean?"

"You're here with me, aren't you?"

"True…" Invidia said as she cuddled up to him. "You know I love you, right?"

"Yes, I know…" Derek kissed her head.

Invidia sighed a content sigh, and settled into her spot, eventually being so comfortable that she fell asleep right in his arms.

Derek looked at her and smiled, then he gently laid her down on the mat and just watched her sleep for a few moments.

'She's so cute…' He thought as he watched. She looked so comfortable and after sitting with her for a good five minutes, he began to feel drowsy himself, and it wasn't long before he lay fast asleep next to her.

Nova and Setsuna came in and found them just ten minutes later.

"Looks like Dad's found a new sleeping buddy…" Setsuna teased.

"Oh, be quiet. I don't mind, it's kind of cute actually…" Nova said, then, she got a blanket and lightly draped it over them. She smiled and then noticed the vases on the floor, all with heart shaped tags on them.

'Made with love by Invidia…' Nova read. 'That's cute, and this is beautiful, she really is good with colors…' She smiled to herself just as Sakura entered.

"I'm just here to tell you that dinner's going to be late. It's at six thirty rather than six, is that alright?"

"I should be, I'll tell everyone else for you," Nova said.

"Thank you," Sakura replied. As soon as she left Nova spread the word around, and nobody seemed to mind. Arty even said that the wait was worth it, and that it meant they were working like hell in making sure the food was good.

"Better to have quality than to have a quick rushed meal," he had said.

"Got that right!" Ryou told him, he always thought food was better when time was taken out to prepare it properly.

Arty nodded and then asked, "Nova, have you seen Invidia? I haven't since five."

"She's asleep in my room."

"Really? I didn't see her."

"Just go look," Nova motioned him toward the door and Arty stuck his head in.

"Invidia and Derek…why am I not surprised?"

"Because she loves him…" Nova teased. "Maybe more than you…"

"I doubt that. So what are we going to do with them?"

"Leave them for now. We can wake them up before dinner," Nova said. And, later, that was exactly what they did. Arty went in and got Invidia up just ten minutes before dinner was supposed to be served.

"Princess, wake up…" He whispered as he gently shook her.

"No!" Invidia whined.

"Come on, you can't stay here. You have to eat dinner."

"No, I want to stay with Derek," Invidia grabbed onto his arm.

"But then you'd have to leave me, you don't want that do you?" Arty teased.

"No. I love you."

"If you love me then you'll get up and eat with me."

"Fine…" Invidia groaned. She sat up and shook Derek. "Derek, get up, it's dinnertime."

"Hm?" Derek sat up and looked at her. "What happened? What time is it!?"

"Relax, it's only six thirty," Arty said.

"And we fell asleep, that's all…" Invidia said.

"But now it's dinner time."

"What is for dinner anyway?" Invidia looked up at Arty.

"I don't know, Sakura wouldn't tell me."

"It better not be something yucky…" Invidia huffed as she stood up and threw the blanket aside.

"I don't think it will be, Sakura's always been a great cook," Derek said.

"Well there's a first time for…" Invidia stopped when she entered the dining room. In front of her lay three Japanese-style kneel tables put together in one, long row and filled with huge plates of traditional food."Did she really do all of this?"

"No, Dad and Kaito helped," Mark said. He entered from the kitchen with a bowl of rice, which he set in the middle of the table.

"Where's everyone else?" Trelania asked from behind Mark.

"In the living room, waiting," Derek replied.

At that, Mark left to call everybody in for dinner. Once in the dining room everyone assembled their own small groups and sat around the table. It ended up with the kids on one side and the adults on the other with Setsuna somewhere in the middle.

'I know I'm almost a legal adult but some of the things they talk about, ugh…it gets boring. Then again some people might say that all of my friends are 'boring' high school kids…' She thought as she looked over the table from both sides.

While she looked at the people, Invidia overlooked the food.

'It's all traditional food…I like it, it's a nice change of pace from the food I normally eat, but there's so much…I have no idea what to eat first…' she thought.

Arty glanced at her and noticing her uncertainty, he placed a plate in front of her.

"What's this?" She asked.

"Stir fry. It's amazing, trust me."

Invidia looked at it, but it didn't look as appealing as Arty made it seem. 'Who puts this stuff in stir fry?' She thought, then she went through and began picking stuff out. "Shrimp, yucky. Red pepper, yucky…"She went on to pick out two more vegetables, and made sure that every piece of 'yucky' food was removed before she started eating. She took no more suggestions after that and started picking and choosing from the choices on the table. This went on for another hour and half, until here was barely anything left. At that point everyone dismissed themselves and went back to their rooms.

"Arty, I'm going to take my bath now," Invidia told him when he entered the room.

"Why didn't you just take a bath earlier?"

"I just didn't feel like it, that's all…"

"Well, it's so late, maybe I could come with you."

"No, you had your bath."

"Come on, at least let me wash your hair…" Arty said as he came over and ran a hand through it.

"No."

"Come on, it's been so long since we had our last shower together," Arty moved her hair out of the way and kissed the back of her neck.

"No. I want to do this alone. But I'll meet you in bed later, okay?"

"Fine with me," Arty said with a gentle smile.

Invidia smiled back. She then grabbed her bath stuff and headed out.

'It's been awhile since I've taken a Japanese-style bath, especially an open air one…good thing it's warm out or I'd be freezing…' she thought as she began to wash up, it took longer than normal because every few seconds Invidia would look up to make sure no one was watching her. Every little sound disturbed her.

'Stop it!' She told herself. 'It's nothing, just relax Princess…' She then took in a breath and started to wash her hair. She was just about done when a waterfall came over her.

"You still had soap in your hair," Sakura said.

Invidia gasped and tried as best as she could to cover herself up with her hands.

"Here." Sakura threw her a towel.

"Thanks…" Invidia muttered. She quickly wrapped the towel around herself.

"Why are you out here by yourself? I thought you took a bath with everyone else." Sakura went over with another towel and began to lightly pat Invidia's hair dry.

"No, I didn't feel like it…"

"Don't think you're pretty, huh?"

"How do you know that!?"

"I heard Derek talking to Arty. I don't know what you're so worried about, you're beautiful."

"I know. I'm just shy. I don't like people seeing me naked. And when I'm around them…it…well it makes it worse. Nova, Trelania, Wendy, they're all perfect and I'm…"

"That's not true," Sakura interrupted. "They have flaws too, everyone does. They're just more comfortable with themselves."

"Yeah, I noticed," Invidia said in a harsh tone.

"Don't be mean," Sakura teased as she pulled the towel off Invidia's head. "There, now you get in the bath and don't think about anything, understand?"

Invidia laughed. "Yes, ma'am."

"Call me Sakura, darling. Saying ma'am makes me feel older than I am."

"Alright," Invidia nodded and Sakura left. As soon as she was out of site Invidia tested the water, and, finding it perfect, slipped down into it.

'This feels wonderful…it's relaxing and I don't even want to think about anything…And I know everyone tells me not to worry, but it's more than that. Taking a bath with other people is weird…unless it's Arty and it's so much easier to relax if I'm alone…' She sighed a content sigh and looked up. 'The stars are so beautiful; I could stay here forever…' Unfortunately, she could not. Invidia got out an hour and a half later, she wanted to turn in early and also allow time for her hair to dry, since she never put it up in the bath.

She got out and dried and dressed quickly, before anyone came looking for her, and went back to her bedroom, where, Arty offered to help with her hair.

"So, how was your bath?" He asked as he sat on the bed and started to brush out her hair.

"Fine. Sakura helped me wash my hair."

"I thought you didn't want anyone with you."

"I didn't. She came to me because Derek blabbed to you about my insecurity!"

"Of course he did, I'm your husband, I have to know these things so I can help."

"Well I am still feeling a little unsexy…" Invidia teased.

"What do you want me to do?" Arty asked.

"I thought maybe we could turn in….early…" Invidia stood up and turned out the light, then she slowly slipped her robe off.

"I like your outfit choice…"Arty said as she slowly walked toward him in nothing but a short, lacey, black nightgown.

"I knew you would…" Invidia climbed up on the bed and got on top of him. Then, they kissed and kissed and…their third kiss was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Invidia?" Nova asked.

"What?!" Invidia snapped, then she turned back toward Arty and kissed him again. While they kissed Arty took his hand and began to run it through her hair.

"We have something for you."

"Can't you give it to me later?"

"Nope. It has to be now."

"But I'm busy!"

"Well if you don't come now, then you'll never get it…" Nova said.

"Fine…" Invidia groaned and got up, then, she put her robe back on and went out into the hall.

"This better be good!" she snapped.

"It is, don't worry," Nova took her hand and led her into the girls' room, where every single one of the women sat. Around them lay clothes, books, videos, games, and every piece of jewelry and make up that a woman could want.

"What's this?" Invidia asked.

"Well, Akira told us you'd never been to a slumber party before," Trelania said.

"And we figured since we were all here, and on vacation…" Wendy said. "Why not?"

"So, surprise!" Nova said.

"I have to go change," Invidia said. She left and went back into her room, flipping the light on when she entered.

"So, what was it?" Arty asked.

"They're throwing me a slumber party."

"That's cute."

"Not really. Not when I want to be with you."

"Is that why you came back?"

"No. I have to change into something cute. This is for your eyes only."

Arty got up. "Right now, I'd much rather see it off." He got behind her and wrapped his arms around her neck. Then, he slowly moved his hand down and began to caress her right breast.

"No, Arty. Not tonight, not after this, just let me change."

"Alright, I'll back off." Arty left and after she was sure he was gone. Invidia took off the nightgown and replaced it with a short-sleeve lavender one that went down to her feet. "You think this is cute enough?" she asked when Arty re-entered.

"It's perfectly cute, I like it," he said. "But I liked your sexy look better…"

"Arty…" Invidia playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"What? I can't help it, you're beautiful," Arty said, then he went over and kissed her head. "Now go enjoy your party."

"I'll try…" Invidia went back down into the girls' room. Almost immediately after she entered, Wendy grabbed her arm.

"Come on, we're going to start with a movie."

"A romantic movie?" Invidia asked hopefully.

Wendy nodded.

"And then we'll move on to stuff like makeovers and pillow fights, the usual sleepover activities," Trelania said.

"But I don't need makeup! And I like my hair the way it is."

"Oh shush. We don't have to worry about that now, just sit…" Nova ordered.

Invidia sat in between Cassandra and Akira on one of the futons. She had just gotten settled in when she realized something.

"My blanket!" She said. "If we're going to have a slumber party then I have to get it, I…" She started to get up, but Nova pushed her back down.

"Sit, this is your party and you're going to stay through every minute. Besides, you don't want to miss the beginning of the movie, do you? I'll go get your blanket."

"Thanks," Invidia said as Nova left.

Nova nodded to her and came back just a few seconds later with the blanket in hand. "Here. And before the movie starts we have some rules."

"Rules?" Invidia asked.

"Of course. The first is of course, have fun, But you can't go back and sleep with any of the guys."

"What!?" Invidia exclaimed.

"Slumber parties are a girl thing, remember? And they also can't come in, unless they have food. You have to participate in everything, try on at least two outfits, and you, Invidia, have to show us how to make your Mama's brownies."

Invidia shook her head. "I can't, it's a family secret. I can make them for you if you want though."

"Fair enough, now shush, it's starting," Nova said. Everyone turned their attention to the television and spent the next two hours watching and eating. Then they went on through a semi-organized schedule of things. Hair and makeup sessions followed, and then a small fashion show with the clothes everyone had brought.

"Invidia, you look beautiful," Setsuna complimented when she came out in her third outfit.

"Really? I got to keep this from my last photo shoot. I never thought pink was me…but…"Invidia said as she looked down. The only things she wore were a pair of lacey, black panties and a matching bra with silky, pink hang-offs on it.

"It complements the black, let me take a picture!"Nova quickly dug through the clothes for a camera.

"No! What if it gets around? I already had to beg the staff not to put this in the magazine! Besides, this is for Arty's eyes only!"

"Then why'd you bring it?" Akira asked.

"Well…I…uh…I just thought…"

"You wanted to tease him, didn't you?" Trelania asked.

"Maybe…" Invidia admitted.

"Then we'll just give the picture to him. Now come on, pose for us," Nova said.

"Please?" Everyone asked.

"Well…he does like seeing me in it…alright," Invidia sighed.

The girls smiled and Nova grabbed a camera, then, she had Invidia lie down on her back to get a full shot. "Try lying on your stomach," Nova said.

Invidia did so and they spent the next half hour or so just taking pictures of her and everyone else in whatever cute outfits they could find. Then, after changing back, Invidia left to go make the brownies she promised. When she returned both the plate and her were attacked, not only with hands, but pillows as well.

"I can't believe you've never had a real pillow fight before!" Misako said to Invidia.

"I always thought this was pointless," Invidia laughed. "But, it's actually fun!" Her sentence ended on a squeal when Akira dropped her pillow and started tickling her.

"Akira! Stop it! You know I hate this!"

"You're laughing!" Akira teased.

"I don't care! Stop it!'" Invidia snapped.

Akira immediately got off. "You're no fun."

"I hate being tickled! You know that!"

"Okay we get it, obviously you're tired," Nova said. "And it is late, maybe we should all go to bed."

Her suggestion was met with a series of groans.

"You want to be well rested for the festival, don't you?"

Everyone sighed, Nova was right. And, after cleaning up a bit, they all laid down and attempted to go to sleep. Everyone was asleep within ten minutes, everyone but Invidia.

'I can't sleep like this, I miss Arty, besides, the bed is much more comfortable…' She thought as she looked up at the ceiling. 'I know they said not to, but how are they going to find out anyway? They're asleep! I'm going to sleep with Arty and there's nothing they can do about it!' Invidia then got up, grabbed her blanket and went back into her room, where Arty lay sound asleep in bed. She went over and gently shook him. "Arty?" she said.

"Hm?" He looked at her.

"I came to stay with you, I missed you and the floor is uncomfortable."

"Aw, come here…"

Invidia smiled and crawled over into his arms. She cuddled up to him and settled into his warmth. It was so comfortable that she was asleep within five minutes. She slept so soundly that she didn't wake up until Nova came in and forced her up.

"Invidia, it's time for breakfast! Come on," she said.

Invidia whimpered and turned away from her.

"Invidia, if you don't get up I'll tickle you. And I won't stop until you scream."

At that, she sat up. "No! Never! You keep your hands away from me!"

"Why should I? You're the one who broke the rules and snuck off to sleep with Arty!"

"He's my husband! I'm allowed to sleep with him! Besides, the floor was uncomfortable!"

"Whatever. Breakfast is ready and Arty made you a smoothie…"

"He did? I knew there was a reason I loved him!" At that, Invidia threw the blankets back and got up. She followed Nova into the dining room, which was set just as it had been the night before, but instead of traditional Japanese food, it was covered with breakfast food.

"Good morning, sleepy Princess," Arty teased.

"Morning," Invidia replied. She took her spot next to him. "What's for breakfast?"

"Anything on this table," Sakura said as she set down a fruit bowl.

"Anything?"

"Anything and everything. Enjoy," Sakura said with a wave as she left.

'We can't eat all of this, can we? Then again I thought the same about last night's dinner and they tore it up…' Invidia thought, then. She turned to Arty and said, "Nova told me you had a smoothie?"

Arty nodded and slid the cup over to her. "It's strawberry-banana, your favorite."

"Thank you, I love you." Invidia leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Yes, Princess, I love you too." Arty kissed her head.

Invidia smiled at him and turned her attention to the table. As soon as her plate was put in front of her she began picking and choosing what she wanted. Then, after breakfast, everyone got dressed and decided to head out for awhile and explore the city. They returned at four for an early, light dinner and break before they got ready for the festival. Invidia sat off to the side, watching the women change in the girls' room, she didn't have clothes like they did, and it made feel a little out of place.

'What are they wearing!? Arty said that we'd have to dress up, so I brought a dress, but they look like they're going to a pajama party! And we already had one of those!' Invidia thought.

"Invidia, aren't you going to change?" Setsuna asked.

"No. I don't have one of those, I brought a black dress. No one told me we'd be dressing up for another pajama party."

"Invidia, it's not a nightgown. It's a yukata," Nova told her as she tied Setsuna's sash.

"Yukata?" Invidia gave her a look.

"Traditional clothing, you're supposed to wear it to festivals like this. And by the way, you do have one."

"Since when? The last robe I owned like that I had to get rid of about six years ago!"

"You mean that blue one I gave you? That was for at home, this is for now," Nova said as she handed Invidia a dark, blue box.

Invidia opened it and gasped.

"Here, I'll help you put it on," Nova offered as she picked it up.

Invidia nodded and slowly stood up. She started to take off her clothes, but stopped.

"You know you can't wear that with yukata, right?"

"Can we do this in my room?"

"Why?"

"Well, it'll just be more comfortable there, please?"

"Alright," Nova sighed. She picked up the box and followed Invidia into her bedroom, where, Invidia quickly locked the door.

"Sorry about this," she said.

"No you're not, you're just shy."

"Well, maybe a little," Invidia admitted as she slipped her shirt off.

"I don't know why. You're beautiful."

"Everyone says that, you know."

"Because it's true, now put this on," Nova held up a white robe.

"That looks nothing like yours."

"This is only the first layer," Nova informed her as she slipped her arms into it. As soon as she did Nova went around and tied it off with the first sash.

"It's a perfect fit…"

"Of course, I know your size. And Arty helped a little."

"Then why didn't you tell me about this?"

"We wanted it to be a surprise, here's the actual yukata," Nova held up a robe similar to the one she was wearing, only it was dark purple and had a print with light purple roses on it in just a few places. After Invidia put it on, Nova tied the sash and adjusted it.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"It's perfect…how can I learn to do this?"

"It takes practice; I learned when I was little, which is why I'm so good at it. Now all we have to do is put your hair up and…"

"No! I never put my hair up, not even in the bath! It doesn't look right when it's tied back!"

"But Invidia…"

"No!"

"Fine, but can I at least put a flower in it?"

"Sure."

"Come on then," Nova led her back into the girls' room and went through her hair supplies. After a while she found exactly what she was looking for-a fake white rose barrette. "Here," She said as she went over and clipped it in Invidia's hair.

"What do you think?" Setsuna gave her a mirror.

"I think I look beautiful," Invidia said.

"Good. That's what you're supposed to think," Nova said.

"I'm going to go find Arty."

"He should be with the guys," Trelania said as she brushed out Misako's hair.

"Alright, thanks." Invidia ran off and knocked on the boys' door. "Arty?" she said.

"What?" Arty said as he opened the door. As soon as he saw her, his eyes lit up. "Princess, you look wonderful. Yukata suits you."

"Thanks. Nova told me you picked it out…"

"I thought the color would fit, and it does." Arty kissed her head. "Now, where are the others?"

"Still messing with their hair, why? Are you all done?"

"Pretty much."

"I'll tell them; by the way, it suits you too."

"This old thing? I just got it from my Father," Arty said while looking at his own plain, dark blue yukata. "Thanks though."

"Don't mention it." Invidia went over and kissed him on the cheek. Then, she ran off to get the rest of the girls. Unfortunately, though, they were still busy and the group didn't leave until around six. Once they entered the city Invidia's eyes lit up, what she was seeing was not just a normal fair. There were games, food stands and shopping areas all around her, and she loved it.

"I knew you'd like it," Arty said.

"What's that?" Invidia pointed to a pool in the middle of the path.

"It's a fish game, do you want to try?" Nova asked.

"Are they real fish?"

Nova nodded. "You should try, it's fun." She grabbed Invidia's wrist and led her over.

"Are you sure you need fish? You already have a cat," Homer said to Arty.

"I'm not worried about it. I doubt she'll catch anything anyway," Arty replied. 'But…just in case…' He thought as he went over. Invidia was kneeling on the ground with Nova, looking into the pool.

"Invidia, just pick one," Nova said.

"I can't 'just pick one' it has to be special! Like that blue one!" Invidia carefully observed the fish in question, and when she thought she had a chance, she quickly tried to get him with the net. She succeeded. "Hey I got it!"

"That's great," Nova said. "And on your first try too!"

Invidia smiled and the man running the game gave her a bag to put the fish in.

"He's cute," Arty said.

"But not as cute as you," Invidia replied as she tousled his hair a bit. "Come on, let's go shopping… bye, Nova!" Invidia then grabbed his wrist and pulled him further down the street. They shopped for a bit, and while Arty was ordering something to eat, Invidia heard a cry. She looked behind her and saw a little girl with her mother.

"Mimi, it's alright we'll get you another fish…" The mother said.

"I don't want another one! That was the only blue one!" Mimi wailed.

"Oh, Mimi…"

"Here," Invidia said as she knelt down and held her bag out.

Mimi looked at her.

\

"Take it."

Mimi gave her a shy look, but she did take the bag. "Thank you," she said softly

.

"Are you sure?" Her mother asked.

Invidia nodded. "I have a cat at home, so I really don't need a fish." With that, Invidia got up and walked away.

"That was nice of you," Arty said.

"Oh, it was no big deal. Monica would have just eaten him anyway."

"Here, I thought you might want to try a candy apple."

Invidia took it and gave it a disgusted look. "Arty this is sticky, and fattening and yucky! I don't want it!"

'Oh well, it was worth a try…' He thought. "Fine, we'll trade then." He took the apple and gave her his dumplings.

"Oh, this is much better, thank you."

Arty rolled his eyes and took her by the hand. "Come on, I think we still have time to check out some things before the fireworks. We passed a jewelry stand a while back."

"Really?"

Arty nodded. "I'll show you." He then led her to a booth with several tables of handmade jewelry.

"They're all very beautiful," Invidia said to the woman running it.

"Thank you, we try our best."

"We?"

"My daughter and niece help me. You don't think I can make all this on my own, do you?"

"Well…no…" Invidia admitted. "Hey, look at this…" Invidia picked up a gold bracelet with a purple, glass moon hanging off of it.

"I'll buy it for you if you want," Arty offered.

"But I already have so much jewelry and…"

"Why don't you consider it a souvenir? A memento of your first summer festival," Arty suggested, then, he paid for it and gently put it around her wrist. "There, a perfect memory for a perfect Princess."

"Arty…" Invidia blushed.

"Aw, you're so cute when you're embarrassed…now, come on. We don't want to miss the show." Arty took her hand again and they walked around until they came to the open field where the fireworks were to be shown.

"Everyone's here!" Invidia let go of Arty's hand and went to join the group.

"So, did you have fun?" Trelania asked.

Invidia nodded. "Well except that Arty tried to feed me sugary junk…"

"It was not junk! You just don't appreciate good sweets."

"It was sticky and sugary and yucky! Apples are to be eaten with peanut butter! Not drowned in caramel."

"You like caramel!"

"In chocolate!"

"Can you two stop arguing long enough to look up?" Mark teased.

They then stopped and looked up, just as the first set of fireworks went off. As they watched Invidia leaned her head on Arty's shoulder, thinking that it was a perfect night.

Little did she know that Arty had plans for making it even more perfect.

When they arrived back at the house, Arty pulled her into a hug from behind, and then wrapped his arms around her neck.

"You know," He said. "This yukata is good for more than just making you look good."

"Hm?"

"It's good for other things too." He continued as he slowly lowered one of his hands down to her chest.

"Arty…what are you?"

"What's it look like?" He asked as he caressed her for a few moments. Then he reached back and united the sash that held the first layer on.

Invidia turned her head back and kissed him while he slid his arm under her chest and pushed her breasts up so that they started coming out of her clothes. Then, he moved down and untied that sash.

"String panties, nice…" He whispered as he slid his hands down her body.

"Well, it was the best thing I had to go with the yukata, I mean it doesn't show much but…"

She was cut off by Arty kissing her. She returned it and slowly began to untie the sash that held his yukata on. As she was getting the last layer undone Arty moved down and began to kiss her neck.

"Arty…bed…" she whispered.

At that, he picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. It started off slowly, with fears of getting caught prominent in their minds. But, it wasn't long before all of that disappeared, leaving nothing but a hot, romantic pleasure behind. In an instant everything melted away, until the only thing they could see was each other. At that moment Invidia looked into his eyes, and he gave her a look that said more than a thousand words, it was a look that said "I love you." It pleasured her more than any of his kisses did, and made her feel like she was in a dream, a dream that she wished would never end. It made the later release both brutal and glorious, and, afterwards, a gasping Invidia asked, "You don't think they heard us, do you?"

"I doubt it, everyone's asleep. Like we should be."

"But I don't want to sleep," Invidia said, then she kissed him.

"I was hoping you'd say that. I have an idea."

"Hm?"

"It's late and everyone's asleep, which means we're basically alone, right?"

"I guess, why?"

"I want you to take a bath with me."

"But Arty! It's late, what if we get caught?"

"We won't if we're quiet, come on," Arty got up and threw her a bathrobe. He then put on his own and held his hand out.

"I don't know…" Invidia said. "It seems a little risky…"

"We'll be fine, trust me. It's not like we're going through a full bath, just a soak in the spring."

"Fine, but you owe me after this."

"I promise I'll make it worth your while, now come on," Arty grabbed her hand and led her out through the back door, being extra careful not to wake anybody.

"You do realize that it's one in the morning, right?" Invidia asked as she slipped her robe off.

"Sure, but who cares? It's nice out, especially with you here…"

Invidia blushed and then took Arty's hand and led him into the spring. Once they were settled her grabbed her from behind and held her close to him, while gently teasing her with his hands.

"You know, this doesn't mean you can take baths with me at home, right?" Invidia said.

"I figured that," Arty replied, then he thought, 'And it doesn't matter, I'll just have to savor the moment now then.' "Princess, you're beautiful like this under the moonlight," He said, thinking out loud.

Invidia blushed heavily at that. "You've only told me that a few times before…do you remember the first?"

"During our first time?"

"No. Our second honeymoon, remember? The first time we ever made love under the stars…" Invidia sighed with a dreamy look on her face.

"I remember now. In fact, I count that as one of my best moments with you."

"As do I, darling." Invidia leaned her head on his shoulder and spent a few more minutes leaned against him, then, on a whim she flicked water onto his face with her hand.

"Hey!" Arty then attempted to do the same but she moved away from him. "Alright, you asked for this…" He muttered, then, he slowly moved toward her and began to tickle her.

"Arty! Stop it!" She laughed.

"Shush," Arty said as he stopped. "Not so loud."

"Fine. Just don't tickle me anymore."

"I won't …I have better plans in mind…" Arty ran his hands down her shoulders and then moved some of her hair out of the way and kissed the back of her neck. "Much better plans…" He then got out, wrapped a towel around his waist and then lifted Invidia out of the spring with another one.

"Come on, I believe I owe you a favor…"

"I believe you do," She teased.They kissed and, after picking up their discarded robes, Arty carried her back into the bedroom. Needless to say, they didn't sleep at all, but, they were still up and ready to go by five thirty with everyone else. And, though the lack of sleep seemed not to be a bother, Invidia ended up sleeping the whole way back, only waking up when Arty told her they had to go get Monica.

They arrived at Zordar's shortly after eleven, due to traffic. When Invidia entered she noticed that he had all of Monica's things neatly organized by the couch where she was sleeping.

"Monica?" Invidia said.

Monica immediately sat up and went over to Invidia; she looked up and meowed at her.

"Aw, did you miss me?" Invidia picked her up.

"A lot." Zordar said. "She spent the whole weekend walking around, looking lost and meowing. And just yesterday, she was pawing at your picture." Zordar motioned to a picture frame on the computer desk, which held a single shot of Invidia in her wedding gown from back in 2205.

"Well, it means she knows who her mommy is," Arty teased as he picked up Monica's things.

"I guess so." Invidia then put Monica in the carrier and headed out. She returned home just a few minutes later, and after giving 'thanks' to Mark and Trelania she went into the bedroom and collapsed on the bed. She then looked at her moon bracelet and thought, 'A perfect memory from a perfect vacation…'