Traveling Companions

A New Invidia tale by AMI MEITSU

A/N: As of recently, in my stories Invidia has gotten a job as a magazine writer to make her own money.

‘He’s late…’ Nova thought as she looked at the clock while she stirred a pot on the stove.

“Mom, are you okay?” Setsuna asked.

“Yeah I’m fine, I was just thinking, your Father’s late.”

“Well it’s only about thirty minutes, and if something was wrong I’m sure he’d call you. He’s probably just running behind or something.”

“I know that, I think it’s just force of habit.”

Setsuna smiled. “And you can’t wait for him to come home. I don’t know why though, since you see him every day.”

“Because I love him, that’s why, and I like to greet him when he comes home.”

‘Whatever…’ Setsuna thought, just as Derek came in the door.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” He said. “We had a meeting and it ran later than usual.”

“It’s fine,” Nova said as she came out. “But, what was the meeting about?”

“Oh, about the EDF's annual conference.”

“You mean, the huge two-week conference where they talk with representatives from all the planets we have an alliance with to discuss changes in the treaties or other points?”

“Yes, that’s it. Why?”

“No reason,” Setsuna said as she looked away.

“Anyway, I’ve been selected to go this year, along with Mark and a few others, and we’re allowed to bring a guest, so what do you say, Nova? Do you want to go?”

“Oh,” Nova said with a disappointed look on her face.

“What?”

“You know I do, but I can’t, Derek! I’m going to be busy at the hospital with some of the new nurses in training, sorry.”

“Well then, Setsuna?”

“I wish, but I have midterms to study for.” Setsuna sighed. ‘Which really sucks because I’ve wanted to go there since I was twelve! But Dad’s only gone five times and he always took Mom!’

“Well, since you need a companion for the reception, what about Trelania?”

“Mark’s taking her.”

“Oh, right. And Wendy’s busy, Starsha’s probably already coming with Alex…I know! Why don’t you take Invidia?”

“Doesn’t she have to work?”

“Her job is independent; she can take her laptop and write on that.”

“All right, I’ll call her.”

“You do that,” Nova said as she went back to finish dinner as Derek picked up the phone.

Invidia was helping Arty with dinner when the phone rang, and grabbed it since he was busy.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Invidia?” Derek said.

“Oh, Derek, Arty’s busy now but…”

Derek cut her off. “No, actually I wanted to speak to you.”

“Oh, well, what?”

“Well, I know you know about the EDF’s annual conference.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ve been selected to go this year, and Nova and Setsuna are both busy, so I was wondering if maybe, you would like to come with me?”

“Sure,” Invidia said. “But what made you ask me in the first place? It is because you love me?” She teased.

“No. Since Nova was busy, she suggested I take you, we leave in a couple of days, so I suggest you start packing now, and bring a nice dress for the reception.”

“All right. By the way you don’t have to remind me about dresses, I always bring one or two with me whenever I go on a trip, for dinners and such.”

“Well, I guess that’s good to hear…anyway I’ll see you in a few days, all right?”

“Right,” Invidia said. “Bye.” With that she hung up and headed back into the kitchen.

“What was that about?” Arty asked.

“Derek asked me to go to the EDF conference with him,” Invidia replied.

“What about Nova?”

“Derek said she’s busy, so he asked me, and I’m going.”

“When is it?”

“He said in a few days, and it’s for two weeks.”

“So you get to leave me alone this time?”

Invidia nodded. “It’s your turn to be lonely.”

“I don’t get lonely,” Arty said.

“Oh, we’ll see…” Invidia said as she left down the hall to start packing. And, after a couple days of packing, she stood in front of the building and Derek’s car talking to Nova while Arty talked to Derek.

“Now, just in case,” Arty started. “You know what she won’t eat, and her three fears or problems might be…”

“Nightmares, thunderstorms and loneliness,” Derek finished.

Arty nodded. “Right, and…”

“…I’ve told you his favorite foods, in case you want to make dinner, and you know just about everything else…so…” Nova said as she talked to Invidia. “There’s not much else to tell you, except, don’t get too lovable with him. All right?”

“Fine…” Invidia huffed, then she thought, ‘I know that! And what’s ‘too lovable’ anyway?’

“And that should be it, so, have a good trip,” Nova said as she hugged Invidia and then Derek.

“I’ll see you when you get back,” Arty said as he hugged Invidia. “I love you,” he whispered, and then he leaned down and gently kissed her.

“I love you too,” Invidia said back, then, she let go and went over to the car with Derek for the long three-hour ride ahead of them, since the EDF conference was out of the city to allow privacy, and more room for the diplomats from the other planets.

“So where exactly are we going?” Invidia asked.

“Outside of the city to a country-like area that allows more room for ships and people, it makes space less of a problem, especially where the guests are concerned.” Derek said. “It’s a building the EDF built a long time ago, it’s a huge luxury hotel with a conference area on the very first level, along with the ball room, and the café and a couple of other things.”

Invidia just nodded and leaned her head against the window, then she said, “I’m hungry.”

“Well, we’re going to stop for breakfast in about an hour, but there should be something in that bag you have,” Derek said, motioning to the bag Invidia held on the floor, which was just a tote bag filled with various objects for the car trip, including some of Invidia’s and Derek’s books, snacks, and her laptop, if she wanted to use it, even though she never did in the car.

She began looking through it while they drove on, and when Derek looked at her again twenty minutes later she was asleep with her head leaned against the window. He smiled at her and kept on until he came to a small diner for breakfast. They ate and then Derek let Invidia drive halfway, with his directions before they stopped and switched again so that Derek could drive to and around the conference center to find the right spot, since all parking spots for representatives were labeled. Once he found the spot for EDF representatives they quickly unloaded the car and made their way through the crowded lobby, checked in, and met up with Mark.

“So, Derek you really did bring her?” Mark teased.

“Yes I did,” Derek said.

“And what’s wrong with that?” Invidia asked.

“Nothing, I just thought that maybe Nova would’ve found a way to come.”

“Well she didn’t and I’m here, so deal with it! Derek, let’s go find our room!” With that Invidia walked off trailing her two luggage cases behind her.

“She’s…” Mark tried to think of something but couldn’t.

“She’s probably just tired and annoyed; it did take three hours to get here…”

“Good point,” Mark said. “Anyway, I’ll see you later at the meeting, and maybe tonight for dinner with me and Trelania?”

“I’ll ask Invidia what she thinks, since I know she won’t want to cook.”

“All right, I’ll see you later then.”

Derek just nodded and went the same way Invidia did. She was waiting for him by the elevator.

“There you are,” She said. “If you didn’t show up I would’ve just left.”

Derek didn’t reply, he just stood by her until the door finally opened. They ended up on the sixth floor in a suite, to allow more room and Invidia had mentioned that it would be better to have a kitchen, even a small one so that they didn’t have to go out all the time.

“It’s perfect,” Invidia said as she went into the bedroom and studied it. “I get this bed.” She stated, sitting on the one by the balcony.

“Why?” Derek asked.

“Because I always get the bed by the window or balcony, I like being able to get up and look out, okay?”

“All right…” Derek said. “By the way, for dinner tonight do you want to go with Mark and Trelania? I said that I would ask you.”

“Sure,” Invidia said. “When?”

“After our first meeting, so about seven, I guess.”

“All right, I’ll meet you in the lobby then,” Invidia said.

Derek nodded. “Fine, but for now just unpack and try and get settled.”

Invidia nodded back and started going through one of her cases, pulling out a blanket, something black that Derek couldn’t identify and a smaller bag containing bathroom stuff.

Invidia held up the black ‘thing’, which turned out to be a dress “Do you think this is fine for dinner?” She asked.

“Sure, it looks alright.” Derek said.

“Good,” She said, then, she went back to unpacking. Afterwards Derek left for his meeting and she took a small nap before getting ready for dinner. Which turned out to be fairly pleasant, it was afterward that was troublesome as they walked past the main meeting room.

“Stay here,” Derek said. “I have to get something.”

Invidia nodded and stood waiting. As she did three other guys came around the corner, a diplomat and two of his assistants.

“Look at her,” He said.

“Must be someone’s guest,” one of the assistants pointed out.

“Who cares? I like her…Tall, pretty, and in black? I‘d say that’s a winning combination.” The main diplomat said as he came around and went up to her, assistants following him.

Invidia looked up at them.

“Hey, darling…” He said. “What are you going here all alone?”

“I’m waiting for someone, and I would appreciate it if you leave me alone,” Invidia replied.

“Aw, come on, let me show you a good time.”

“No!” Invidia snapped as she walked away, but he grabbed her hand.

“Don’t be feisty! Just come here!”

“No! Let go!”

The assistants got on either side and tried to grab her, but she kicked them hard.

“Don’t you dare touch me!” She snapped. “And you! Get Off!” She tried to kick him but missed

He pushed her against the wall. “I don’t think so. I want you and I always get what I want. Now, how good are you in bed?”

“Let her go…” Said a voice from behind.

Invidia looked over the man’s shoulder. “Derek!” She said.

“And if I don’t?”

Derek glared at the man, and then punched him in the face.

The man let go of Invidia and glared back at Derek.

“If I’m not mistaken you’re one of our diplomats. How dare you try and lay a hand on her or any woman!? I want your name, ranking and leader, now!”

The man reluctantly obeyed and talked to Derek as Invidia just watched.

‘He protected me…Another minute or so and I would’ve ended up being carried off…and worse in his bed!’ She thought.

About a minute later Derek came back. “Are you okay?” He asked. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“I’m fine…but why did you…?”

“You’re my friend, I had to protect you. Besides I’d probably do it for anyone, no one needs to be treated like that, and anyway, Arty would kill me if something happened to you.”

“So you did it because you had to?” Invidia said as they walked off.

“Not just that, because I wanted to, and I don’t like seeing you hurt or tortured or anything like that. I told you, you’re my friend.”

“And you love me?” Invidia asked.

“Yes, I love you.” Derek said.

Invidia smiled at him and grabbed his arm as they headed back up to their room for bed, which turned out not being as much of a relief as Invidia thought…The earlier scene played in her mind again, but this time no one was around to protect her. She kicked and fought but none of it was any use, and next thing she knew she found herself in a bed, only half clothed…

“No, no, no, no!” She said. Then, she opened her eyes and sat up, finding that she was still in the room. She quickly looked down, relieved when she found that she was still in the slip she had worn to bed. But, as relieved as she was tears still formed in her eyes, the whole experience, topped with the dream, was just so scary. As she cried, she looked over at where Derek was; then, she quickly grabbed her blanket off the bed and went over.

“Derek? Derek?” She whispered as she shook him.

“Hm?” He rolled over and looked up at her.

“Can I sleep with you?”

“Sure, you look upset. Why are you crying?”

Invidia got into bed with him, accidently throwing her blanket over him, and laid her head on his shoulder.

“What’s this?” He asked as he pulled the blanket off of himself.

“Mine!” Invidia snatched it back and covered only her side of the bed with it.

“All right, now what happened?”

Invidia told him all about the dream and how she felt making her cry all over again as Derek just held her.

“It’s alright…” He reassured. “Nothing is going to happen, I’ll protect you, I promise.”

Invidia looked up at him, and then cuddled up to him some more, he felt so warm and made her feel safe. And after a few minutes, she was fast asleep next to him. He was gone when she got up though. She looked around and found a note left on the nightstand for her, explaining that he had to leave for a meeting early and that he’d be back for lunch. She read over it quickly and then got up, made breakfast for herself and got ready to go out for the day before coming back to make lunch for her and Derek, who didn’t come back when he said he would…Invidia waited and waited and eventually fell asleep on the couch out of boredom about thirty minutes before Derek came back with three other diplomats, including Desslok.

“All of you just take a seat and I’ll…” Derek started to speak, but trailed off when he saw Invidia asleep on the couch. He smiled and Desslok looked over his shoulder.

“Why is she here?” He asked.

“Nova was busy with training other nurses back in the capital, so she’s my guest. And I’ll be right back…” Derek went into the bedroom and soon came back out with Invidia’s black blanket, which he promptly draped over her.

“So she still has that?” Desslok asked.

“Of course, her Father gave it to her. She treasures it. But aside from that let’s get started.”

Everyone nodded and followed him into the kitchen, where they could sit and talk at the table. They had been discussing treaties and other matters for about a half hour before Invidia got up. She sleepily sat up, yawned and looked not only at her blanket, but behind her, where at the kitchen table she not only saw Derek and two people she didn’t know but…

“Desslok!” She snapped. “Why are you here?!”

“I am here as the Gamilon representative and at the moment I’m discussing changes in the latest Gamilon-Earth Treaty while you sleep with your blankie.”

“It is NOT a blankie!!” Invidia snapped. “It is my blanket that my father gave to me! Remember him? The man you corrupted?!”

“I did no such thing.”

“Yes you did! I never thought Father could stop loving me! Ever! But when you came he did! He loved you and he pushed me aside!”

“I didn’t tell him to do that…”

“I don’t care! You still did!” Invidia’s anger rose as she spoke, enough to form tears in her eyes. She hated him with a passion, since the first day he showed his face to her.

“Whatever you say. By the way, why are you here with him? Where’s your husband? You know the one who uses you as a bed toy!”

“Both of you stop!” Derek snapped. “This isn’t necessary, just calm…”

Invidia cut him off. “Get out!” She shouted at Desslok. “Get out! And never show your face to me again!”

“Invidia!” Derek said with horror and astonishment.

“Fine, I’ll leave.” Desslok stood up. “Derek, we’ll continue our discussion later.” He left and the other two diplomats followed him without saying a word. As soon as they left Derek shot Invidia a look.

“Why did you do that?!” He snapped.

“Derek! I hate him! And besides, he called me a bed toy!!”

“I can understand that, but on the other hand you started it.”

“No! He did! He made me sound lazy and called my blanket a blankie like I’m some kind of a baby!!”

“Invidia it is a blankie! Just admit it!”

“No! ‘Cause it’s not! And stop snapping at me!” She said.

“Well it’s the only way you’ll get my point!” Derek snapped, practically shouting.

“If you think I’m that dense then fine! But you can make your own dinner tonight!” Invidia snapped back as she walked off into the bedroom and slammed the door.

“Invidia…wait I didn’t mean it like that I…” Derek trailed off and then thought. ‘Great just great.’

“Now what do I do?” He asked himself. ‘Well, I guess the only thing to do is call Arty, he’s the one who understands this better than anyone.’ Derek sighed, and then picked up the phone and called.

“Hello?” Arty answered.

“Arty it’s me, and I need help. With Invidia.”

“What did she do?”

“She got into an argument with Desslok, and then me, so now she’s pissed off. And to be honest, I’d rather not go this whole trip with her mad at me.”

“Just give her some time to cool off and then talk to her calmly. And let her tell her side, that’s a big thing. I’ve learned that when you don’t let that happen, it just gets worse.”

“Right, thanks.”

“No problem, and tell Invidia to call me later, I want to talk to her,” Arty said.

“Alright, I will,” Derek replied, then, he hung up. He stood there for a minute and then knocked on the bedroom door. “Invidia?” He asked.

She didn’t answer.

“Invidia?” He said again as he opened the door, only to discover that she wasn’t there. ‘She’s probably in the bathroom…’ He thought, as he went over and knocked on that door.

“Invidia?”

“What?” She snapped.

“Can I talk to you?”

“Later.”

“No, now.”

“Fine,” Invidia huffed. “Just give me a minute…”

He sat on his bed and waited for about five minutes before Invidia came out in her bathrobe.

“Okay, what do you want? And why was it so important that you had to interrupt my bath?”

“I just wanted to talk to you about what happened, maybe you could explain what you did, I promise I won’t snap at you this time.”

Invidia thought about it, and then went over to sit with him. She told about why she did it and why it started, and that she was sorry and she could have let it go.

Derek nodded, and explained to her why what she did wasn’t acceptable, and that if diplomats can’t harass the guests, then guests can’t harass them, saying that he could and would report it if he had too like he did last night.

Invidia just nodded in agreement and apologized again, then she looked up at him shyly. “Now that this is over…” She said. “Do I get a hug?”

Derek laughed a little. “Yes,” he said as he hugged her, and then kissed her on the head. “Oh, by the way, Arty wants to talk to you,” He told her as he let go.

“I’ll call him later, right now I want to get back to my bath.”

Derek nodded and she got up and went back into the bathroom. ‘That lasted shorter than I thought it would…’ She thought as she slipped her robe off and got back in. ‘Maybe I was wrong in thinking this would be bad…it seems like it’s going to be a nice trip after all…’

TO BE CONTINUED….