Tender Love and Care

Another Invidia Short Story by AMI MEITSU

A/N: This tale takes place in mid-November 2221

A delicate moonlight fell over the Tokyo Megalopolis, giving a slight glow to the light snowfall that dusted the sky. The flakes fell softly, while, inside his apartment, Arty diligently worked in the kitchen chopping vegetables and stirring tomato sauce for the spaghetti sauce he was cooking. He had just begun chopping green peppers when he heard a small meow.

"Hm?" He looked down and saw Monica at his feet. "Hi Monica," He said.

Monica looked back up at him and meowed.

"What? Are you hungry? Invidia!" He called.

When he received no answer he headed into the bedroom, where, Invidia was working, and found her sound asleep at the desk with her head on her arms. He smiled at her and moved a strand of hair out of her face before he headed back out and fed Monica before putting the water on the stove and cooking the pasta. He finished within ten minutes and called the kids and Invidia for dinner. The kids came immediately, but to get a hold of Invidia, Arty had to go in and wake her up by shaking her shoulder.

"Princess?" He said. "Princess, wake up."

Invidia gently lifted her head up and glanced at him in the darkness.

"Hi," He whispered. "Did you have a nice nap?"

Invidia responded by rubbing her eyes and giving him a pathetic look.

"Dinner's ready, I made one of your favorites…"

"All right," Invidia finally said, then she yawned and stretched before following Arty out into the kitchen.

"How come you didn't change?" Akira asked, looking at Invidia's red, skirted suit.

"I was working and then I…" Invidia trailed off and yawned again. Then, forgetting what she was going to say, she wandered over to the table and sat down at her place. She looked down at her plate blankly as everyone started to eat. Invidia watched them and then picked up her fork with the intention to eat, but ended up picking at her food absently until Arty noticed.

"Invidia, are you feeling alright?" He asked.

"Huh?" She said, her concentration broken. "Oh, I'm fine, I'm just…tired…"

"Are you sure you're okay? You normally love spaghetti."

"I'm just not very hungry, I'm going to bed." Invidia stood up, left her plate and walked off down the hall in a trance-like state.

"Maybe she's just overworked," Akira said. "She's been working nonstop for the past week and has another two to go."

"That's right…" Ryou said. "She's scheduled to go in for the whole month, isn't she?"

Arty nodded. 'I'll check on her later…' He thought with a concerned expression.

While he thought, Invidia dragged herself into the shower. However, she found that she couldn't stay in for more than ten minutes before she had to get out.

'What is wrong with me?' She thought. 'I'm just so rundown I…' She yawned again and then coughed before blow drying her hair, putting on her long, long-sleeved, black nightgown and climbing into bed.

She fell asleep quickly and deeply. So deeply that she didn't even move when Arty crawled into bed next to her three hours or so later.

"Good night, Princess," he whispered before he gently kissed her head.

Invidia whimpered and moved over.

Arty gave her a weak smile before he grabbed her around the waist and cuddled up to her.

"I love you," He whispered before he slowly began to fall asleep.

He woke up sometime later, not completely sure why…So, he just shrugged it off and laid back down. He reached for Invidia again and discovered that there was nothing next to him.

'Invidia?' He thought. 'Princess…?' He felt the bed for a minute before sitting up and looking next to him to find an empty piece of red fabric. 'Invidia? Where are you?' He thought as he sat up. And, noticing a light through the cracked bathroom door, he got up and slowly walked over.

"Invidia?" Arty said as gently knocked on the door. "Princess, are you okay?" He waited a minute and after receiving no answer he gently opened the door and stopped. In front of him sat Invidia on her knees with her hands on the ground, crying.

"Princess!" Arty said as he went over and knelt next to her. "Invidia, are you alright?" He said as he gently stroked her cheek.

"Arty…" Invidia looked at him with pathetic eyes.

"What?" He asked.

"I have to throw up again…"

Arty quickly but gently pulled her hair back and she leaned over and hacked up everything she had eaten that day and more. He gently rubbed her back and held her as she retched through being sick and then burst into tears. She rested her head on his shoulder and cried into him as he rubbed her back and shushed her with one hand and felt her forehead with the other. As soon as his hand made contact with her head he gasped.

"Princess…You're burning up…"

"I…I…" Invidia tried to say something but ended up gagging and moved towards the toilet again.

Arty gently helped her through it and the next two hours, even going as far to bring in a pillow and her blanket so she could relax. After the two hours of helping he waited another thirty minutes before he carried her back into the bedroom and checked her temperature.

'One-hundred and three point five!? Oh, Princess…What happened?' He sighed and looked at the clock, and despite the early time, he picked up the phone and called Nova.

"Invidia, do you know what time it is?" Nova asked.

"I'm not Invidia," Arty said.

"Arty, you are aware that it's four o'clock in the morning, right?" Nova said in a voice slurred with sleep.

"What time are you going to work?" He asked.

"I don't know, about six. Why?"

"Invidia's really sick and I was wondering if you could take a look at her?"

"Can't you take care of it?" Nova sighed.

"I could, but I really need your help. Last time I checked her temperature it was a hundred and three."

"What?! I'll be over in a half hour or so!" At that, Nova hung up the phone and put her hand to her head.

"Nova? Are you alright?" Derek asked as he sat up.

"I have an emergency! I have to go check on Invidia."

"Why?" Derek sat up and began to gently rub her shoulders.

"She's sick. Really sick. Arty said that her temperature was one-hundred and three."

"All right, but why do you have to go?" Derek asked.

"I'm her doctor, remember?" Nova sighed, got up and headed into the bathroom for her shower.

While Nova showered, Arty sat with Invidia and gently rubbed her back as she lay in bed coughing and whining that she was hot.

"I know, Princess, I know…" Arty soothed, then he gently kissed her forehead and got up.

"Arty…don't leave…" Invidia whined.

"I'll be back, I promise," He said as he headed out of the room. The first thing he did was pick up the phone and dial into work to tell them that he wouldn't be coming in due to Invidia. They didn't take it well, but Arty shut them by pointing out that the last time he took off was in August for vacation and still had at least two months of leave left. After the ten minute phone call he filled a bowl with cold water and pulled a cloth from the bathroom to use on Invidia's head.

"Princess?" He asked when he came in.

Invidia coughed and turned towards him with a pathetic look in her eyes.

"Here, this should make you feel better," Arty soothed as he put the bowl on the desk and rung the cloth out. He then approached her and wiped the sweat from her forehead before he placed it on her head and she went into a fit of coughing.

Arty rubbed her back and coaxed her through it with a concerned expression on his face. 'How on Earth did this happen? She's normally so healthy…'He thought. 'I know everyone gets sick but she gets it so bad…and I hate seeing her like this…'He sighed and covered her with her blanket and soothed her to sleep. Unfortunately, she only got to sleep for twenty minutes before a knock at the door woke her up. However, being too weak to get up she laid back down and left Arty to answer it, thinking, 'Who visits at four-thirty in the morning? It better not be the landlord, I haven't done anything wrong, at least…I don't think so…'

Invidia then pondered about things she could have done to anger the neighbors as Arty talked with Nova in the living room. Nova wore her white lab coat over a black sweater and gray skirt and her hair was still wet from her shower. Arty felt terrible calling her over like this (and she looked a little like a beatnik caught there at that ungodly hour) but he knew Invidia's health could not wait.

"Are you sure this couldn't wait?" Nova asked, yawning slightly as she kicked off the white open-toe medical clogs she often wore to work and exchanged them for house slippers.

Arty shook his head. "I told you on the phone, she's really sick. I found her in the bathroom at two o'clock looking, well…miserable," He said, not wanting to go into detail.

"And her fever?"

"One hundred and three point five last time I checked."

Nova just nodded, followed Arty into the bedroom and turned on the light.

"Princess?" Arty said. "Nova's here."

Invidia tried to respond but ended up coughing again.

"That doesn't sound good…" Nova muttered as she walked over with her at-home nurse's bag in hand. "Invidia, can you sit up for me?"

Invidia nodded and weakly pulled herself up while Nova looked her over.

'Arty was right…she does look miserable…' Nova thought as she got out a stethoscope and did a normal check of Invidia's heart and lungs and breathed a sigh of relief. "Your vitals seem to be normal and there's no fluid in your lungs so that rules out pneumonia…But you do have this horrible cough…Open," She ordered as she help up a tongue depressor.

Invidia did as she was told and opened her mouth, allowing Nova to check her throat with the small penlight that doctors always seemed to be able to produce from nowhere (it had come from a pocket of Nova's lab coat near her ID badge)

"It's red…" She muttered, then she checked her temperature and gasped. "And you're getting worse…"

"What is it?" Arty asked, then, he leaned forward and looked at the thermometer which read one-hundred and three point eight…Fahrenheit.

"What are her other symptoms?"

"She hasn't shown any serious ones yet, other than her cough. And, I told you that she was throwing up this morning."

"Not in detail…How long was she in for?"

"About two hours."

Nova nodded and looked at Invidia, who turned towards her and said, "My head hurts too, along with the rest of my body, and I'm hot," she whined.

"All right, so, let me get this straight, you've got a high fever, sore throat, a cough, headache, body aches and the vomiting, which you got past."

Invidia nodded.

"Well, from that breakdown it looks like you've got a bad case of the flu. Didn't you get your shot?"

Invidia shook her head. "My appointment was canceled, remember? It was that day you got stuck in delivery and couldn't make time for the clinic. It was rescheduled for next week, but…"

"That's canceled as of now," Nova said as she wrote something down. "Now, listen to me carefully…"

Invidia looked at her as Arty crawled up on the bed and hugged Invidia.

"First, you need to take a cold bath and get into some lighter pajamas. Then, I want you to get her something to drink so she can keep her fluids up," Nova looked at Arty and then back at Invidia. "After that, you are to sleep until you wake up while Arty goes to pick up this." Nova handed him a prescription slip. "It's an all around medicine and fever reducer, the only downside is that she has to take it with food."

Arty nodded and glanced at Invidia again, who said, "I can't be stuck here! I have to go to work! I…"

"You are sick and therefore, you are not going to work!" Nova said sternly.

"But I have a meeting and…"

"No!" Arty said. "You are to stay in bed, doctor's orders, right?"

Nova nodded.

"How long am I going to be out?" Invidia asked.

"I don't know, could be a few days, could be a week, depending on how long it takes you to get better," Nova said.

Invidia sighed as Nova sat on the bed and gently rubbed her back. "It's okay, I'm sure they'll understand…" She said, then, she stood up. "I have to leave before I'm late for work...can you handle everything here?"

Arty nodded and Nova left after packing up and reclaiming her shoes, mumbling something about needing to stop at the local “Wawa” convenience store for coffee on her way to work. As soon as she was gone, he looked at Invidia and said, "all right, I guess it's bath time now."

Invidia groaned and thought, 'Why does it have to be a cold bath? Can't I take a bubble bath instead?'

"I know you hate cold baths, but you know as well as I do that it's an excellent fever reducer and yours has to come down," Arty explained. "And while I'm getting that ready, you can call into work."

"I can't, it's only four-thirty. The offices don't open until six."

"Oh, then just sit here and relax."

Invidia nodded and slowly lay back down while Arty left to fill the bathtub. He swirled the water around as he filled it, both to curve boredom and to distribute some of the warm water he added so that the water wouldn't be freezing cold.

"Invidia," He called a few minutes later. "Your bath is ready."

Invidia stepped in two minutes later and gave Arty a look.

"Right…" Arty muttered as he respectfully turned, allowing Invidia to get undressed and step into the water. As soon as she sat down she brought her knees to her chest, stared at the water and sighed.

"I know, Princess," Arty said as he rubbed her back.

"Arty," She said. "Why did this have to happen?"

"Everyone gets sick, Princess. It could have happened to anyone."

"But why me? I'm hot and tired and achy and I…I…" Invidia trailed off, slowly lowered her head to her knees and began to cry.

"Invidia…Don't cry…" Arty said. "You know I don't like seeing you cry…How about a smile, instead?"

Invidia looked at him for a brief moment and then quickly put her head down again.

"I know what'll cheer you up, I'll be right back," Arty said, then, he stood up and headed to their closet. He brought down Invidia's toy bin from the top shelf and emptied it.

'Where is it…?' He thought as he sieved through several dolls, clothes and stuffed animals Invidia kept around for when she started feeling old. She claimed that playing with toys made her feel young, but Arty liked to think that part of the reason she kept them was so that she could make clothes for the dolls with her scraps. He continued to root through the pile until he found what he was looking for and brought it into Invidia.

"Hey, I brought you a friend," He said as he set a rubber duck with a purple tiara in the bath.

It floated towards Invidia who gently pushed it back with her finger and smiled.

"You're so much prettier when you smile," Arty complimented.

"Too bad I don't feel like smiling," Invidia replied, then, she closed the shower curtain and began to wash up. She selected a lavender body wash that always made her feel better when she was down and spent ten minutes getting cleaned up before she re-opened the curtain and allowed Arty to wash her hair.

"Can we please make the water warmer?" She asked as Arty gently rinsed her hair.

"Sorry, Invidia, it has to stay cold for your fever to go down."

Invidia sighed and stared into the water.

Arty gave her a sympathetic smile and began to massage her shoulders. "It'll be all right," he said. "Just listen to Nova and you'll be better in no time."

'I hope so…' Invidia thought just as Arty stopped and pulled the tub's drain.

"Here," He said as he handed her a towel. "You stay here and dry off."

Invidia nodded dully and accepted the towel as Arty left. She wrapped it around her body and stepped out of the tub to dry her hair, humming to herself as she did so. When she finished she did another quick brushing, to make sure her hair was straight and slipped into a light, short, black slip before coming back out into the bedroom, where Arty was changing the sheets.

"I thought you'd feel better with some cool, clean sheets to sleep on," He said as he exchanged their usual, red set for Invidia's back-up, which was navy blue.

"You're going to have to change the curtains too, remember?" Invidia said, then she coughed.

"I know, I know, but don't worry about that, just get in," Arty said as he pulled back the comforter.

Invidia did as she was told and climbed into bed.

Arty pulled the comforter up and tucked her in with that and her blanket, then he kissed her head and asked, "Comfortable?"

Invidia nodded and coughed again.

Arty felt her forehead. "You're still hot, stay here."

'As if I could go anywhere…' She thought as Arty left.

He soon came back with a thermometer and a glass of water. He checked her temperature first and breathed a sigh of relief. "One-hundred and two point five," he reported. "It's still a bit high, but that's a lot better than before."

Invidia nodded.

"Sit up," Arty ordered.

Invidia did so and was handed the glass of water.

"Drink this, but do it slowly. Nova said you have to keep your fluids up, remember?"

Invidia nodded dully and took a small, unsure sip. 'Will it stay down?' She asked herself, waited a minute and concluded that it would, so she slowly emptied the glass and laid back down.

Arty gave her a small smile and tucked her back in. "You get some rest now, alright?" He said, then he kissed her forehead and left for the living room. Once there, he glanced at the clock and sighed. 'It's only five-thirty, and the drug store doesn't open until six…' He thought, looking at the prescription slip sitting on the computer desk. 'Oh well, maybe I can take a nap, I have been up since two…' He sighed again and then went into the hall closet and pulled out some extra blankets and a pillow, which he used to set himself up a small bed on the couch. After his make-shift bed was completed he snuck back into the bedroom for his alarm clock. Upon entering he found Invidia sound asleep, but looking miserable. As soon as he set foot in the room Invidia rolled over on her side, went into a small fit of coughing, sneezed, and then groaned and rolled the other way.

'Aw…Princess,' He thought as he went over and gently stroked her cheek, then, he quickly unplugged his alarm clock and set it up on the end table on the right side of the couch. And, after that and everything else was straight, Arty got up on the couch and prepared to go to sleep until Akira came out and turned on the light.

"Akira, turn that off," He ordered.

"I can't get ready in the dark," She said. "And, what are you doing out here? Did you and Invidia-Mama get into a fight?"

Arty shook his head. "She's sick."

"Really? What is it?"

"She's got a bad case of the flu, Nova said."

"Nova was here?" Ryou asked as he stepped into the living room. "When?"

"Around four thirty, I called her to check on your mother."

"You couldn't diagnose her yourself?"

"Not with a fever of a hundred and three, besides, Nova even prescribed some medicine for her."

The kids nodded and headed into the kitchen to fix their breakfast, but, halfway through making an omelet Akira asked, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?"

Arty shook his head at her for the second time that morning. "I'm staying home to take care of Invidia, I already called out."

Akira nodded. "Do you want something to eat then?"

"Sure, I have to go out soon anyway, so I might as well have something to wake me up."

"Where are you going?" Ryou asked.

"I have to get your mother's prescription filled and pick up a few things. By the way, what time is it?"

"Around six-ten," Akira said.

"I guess I should be getting ready then," Arty said as he got up and headed into the hall bathroom for his shower. Afterwards he snuck back into the master bedroom to pick out his clothes before he returned to the bathroom to comb his hair and then to the kitchen, where Akira had breakfast waiting.

"Thank you, Akira," Arty said as he sat down to a breakfast the included his favorite kind of omelet, bacon, toast and a fresh cup of coffee.

"No problem," Akira said as she and Ryou sat down.

"So, what's up with Mom?" Ryou asked.

"She's got the flu," Arty replied. "Which means I'm going to need you two to help out for a bit in looking after the house, alright?"

Akira and Ryou nodded.

"I had a date tonight…but I guess I could cancel…" Akira said.

"A date, with who?" Arty teased.

"Ryuji, you remember him, right?" Akira asked.

Arty nodded and then asked, "Is it serious?"

"I don't know…maybe…he did give me that book sitting on my desk."

"A book is not a very good preset," Ryou pointed out.

"It is when we met at the bookstore, and on top of that it was the same book we were reaching for when our hands touched. I think it's sweet."

"I agree," Arty said. "Keep him around for a while. Guys as nice as him can be hard to come by at your age. Thanks for breakfast," He said as he stood up and placed his dishes in the sink, then he grabbed his keys and coat and put on his shoes before heading to the pharmacy.

Being that it was six thirty in the morning, the store was virtually empty and Arty was told that the prescription would be filled in only twenty minutes. To pass the time he walked about the store, picking up various things along the way.

'Invidia just went shopping a few days ago, so I know we have food, we just need a few things…' He thought as he made his way to the soda aisle. There, he picked up a bottle of diet ginger ale and looked it over. 'I know she doesn't normally drink soda, but we all know that this helps settle her stomach when she's sick, and where do they keep the small saltines?' He thought as he walked about, picking up items that came to mind until, by accident he ended up in a small toy aisle.

'Coloring books…' He thought as he looked at the selection in front of him and picked up a princess one. 'I know Invidia has one of these, but I think she colored it…Besides, she could use something to do while she's stuck in bed…' He pondered for another moment and decided to take it, then he made his way back to the pharmacy, picked up the prescription and headed to checkout, where, a young woman stood. To Arty, she looked to be college-aged and very bored.

"Hi!" She said happily as he approached.

"Hello," He nodded and set the extra items on the counter.

"You know, I get off in a couple hours, I don't normally go for older men, but…"

"Stop right there," Arty said as he held up his left hand. "I'm married."

"So that ring isn't just for decoration?" The woman asked, then, she popped her gum.

Arty rolled his eyes and said, "No it's not."

"Uh-huh," The woman said as Arty handed her some cash. "Are you sure you don't want to re-think my offer?" She leaned closer. "I can really rock your world."

"No." Arty snapped. "I have no interest in anyone but my wife, thank you." He quickly snatched the bag off the counter and walked off, thinking, 'Well, that was rude. But, not surprising. I know her type, blonde, pretty, thinks she can do anything and have anyone…well, that is last time I come down here at six thirty in the morning!' He sighed as he got into the car and headed home, arriving just fifteen minutes later.

"You okay?" Akira asked. "You seem annoyed."

"I am," Arty said as he set both the shopping and prescription bag on the counter.

"What happened?"

"I'll tell you later, you should probably go before you're late."

Akira nodded, grabbed her coat off of the couch and shrugged it on. Then, she quickly put on her shoes, picked up her school bag, and said, "See you later, Dad. And don't worry about Monica, I fed her."

"Thank you and bye," Arty waved and she left. As soon as she was gone Arty moved to put the soda away and was met with a meow. He looked down and saw Monica at his feet. "Hi Monica," He said.

Monica meowed again and looked at him.

"What?" Arty approached her and she turned towards the hall. 'Oh, I see…You want me to follow you…' He moved closer and allowed Monica to lead him down the hall. She stopped in front of the master bedroom and meowed again.

"I'm sorry, Honey but you can't go in there. Invidia's sick," He said, then, he picked her up and set her in a basket in the living room. "You have to stay out here for awhile, all right?"

Monica looked at him, jumped out of the basket and headed back down the hallway.

'Stupid cat…' Arty thought, then, ignoring Monica, he glanced at the clock. 'Six forty-five…I know Invidia doesn't go into work until eight, but I should call anyway, I know Ariana will be there by now,' He thought as he picked up the phone. It rang twice before a man answered.

"How may I help you?" He asked.

"May I please speak to Ariana Sakamoto?" Arty asked politely.

"Hold on while I transfer your call."

"Thank you," Arty said, leaning against the counter. He waited all of two minutes before Ariana's voice came over the line.

"This is Ariana, how can I help you?"

"Hello, Mrs. Sakamoto. This is Arty Jefferson, Invidia's husband."

"I remember you. What do you want?"

"I just called to tell you that Invidia's sick and won't be coming in today."

"Uh-huh, and why couldn't she tell me this herself?"

"She's resting."

"Are you sure she's sick?" Ariana asked with a raised eyebrow that Arty couldn't see.

"Yes, her doctor confirmed it this morning," Arty explained.

"Well then, what does she have?"

"A bad case of the flu."

"Alright, you sound legit….so I can buy it this one time."

"Why do you need to buy it?"

"Because, some of our employees spouses have called them out before, claiming they were sick when all they really wanted to do was spend all day in bed."

"Well, you don't have to worry about us. I don't lie, especially about Invidia."

"Good to know. Anyway, do you know how long she'll be out for?"

"At least a few days, and if she's still not feeling well by the end of the week, I'll call again."

"all right, but if she is still out at the end of the week you need to get a doctor's note, company policy."

"Will do, and thank you."

"No problem, bye."

"Bye," Arty hung up. 'Well, now that that's taken care of, I should probably give Invidia her medicine…But if she has to take it with food then what am I supposed to give her?' Arty pondered for a minute, letting his eyes search the kitchen until they landed upon a bag of wheat bread. He then made up his mind and fixed her some toast with a light tea for accompaniment, which he put on her favorite tray with a small, dosage cup that held just one pill. He carried it into the bedroom, sat it on the desk and then gently shook Invidia awake.

"Princess? Can you get up for me?" He whispered.

Invidia slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him before she sat up.

As soon as she was up, Arty placed the tray across her lap and said, "I know you're not hungry, but you have to take your medicine with food, so please eat something."

Invidia nodded, picked up a piece of the diagonal-cut bread and took a small bite of it. She sat back a minute making sure that it would stay down before taking another bite and then picking up her tea and blowing on it. She took a small sip of it, paused, and took another.

"Good girl," Arty teased lightly.

Invidia ignored him and continued to slowly eat, and, after she ate what she could she took the pill and looked at him.

"I have something for you," Arty said.

"Is it an instant cure?"

"I wish."

Invidia gave him a look. "Why? You're not the one who's sick!"

"I know, but I hate seeing you miserable. Stay here."

Invidia rolled her eyes and waited until Arty came back with a book in hand.

"I know you like to use coloring books when you're stressed and bored, so I picked this up at the drug store," Arty explained as he handed her the princess book.

Invidia flipped through it. "I was looking for another one, thank you."

Arty nodded and reached for the tray, but, Invidia stopped him.

"Take the food and leave the tray and get my colored pencils, would you?" Invidia asked, then, she coughed a few times and sneezed.

Arty gave her a sympathetic smile and placed the plate and cup in the sink before he returned to get Invidia's colored pencils from her laptop case. Knowing that she always kept them on hand for designing and coloring clothing, he didn't question their location, he just handed them over.

"Thanks," Invidia said with a weak smile.

Arty nodded and left her to her work. 'Now, maybe I finally can take a nap…' He thought as he headed into the kitchen to wash her dishes, while, in the bedroom Invidia opened to the first page and pondered.

'Alright, she's obviously going to have black hair, but it needs something more than color, maybe if I put a barrette here…and then a matching ribbon on her dress…which is probably going to be purple,' Invidia thought as she laid some designs out in her head and lined up various shades of purple on the tray. She decided to make the dress a dark, violet color and then drew and colored a lavender sash onto the dress and put a lavender rose in the girl's hair. She smiled at her additions and continued coloring for another ten minutes, her hand getting slower every second. She yawned and dropped the black pencil she was using on the tray.

'I'm so sleepy…it must be the medicine I…' She thought before she coughed and then yawned again. After the yawn she sat for a minute and then slowly put her colored pencils away, closed the book, folded up the tray and set all of the items next to the bed. Invidia glanced at them one more time before lying down and falling into a deep, sound sleep. Arty came in a few minutes later and smiled, then he quietly walked over and pulled her blanket up.

"Sweet dreams, Princess," he whispered and kissed her head. And, knowing she was all right, he decided to lay down himself. 'Finally, I can sleep!' He thought as he climbed up on the couch and laid down. He was able to sleep for an hour and a half before he heard a bell.

'What?' He thought.

"Arty!" Invidia called.

He sighed, threw back the blanket and made his way to the bedroom. "What?" He asked. "And where'd you get that bell?"

"I'm thirsty and hot, and my stomach hurts!" She whined.

Arty sighed again and headed to the kitchen. There, he filled both a bowl and glass with ice water and then headed back into the bedroom. "Here, drink this," He said as he handed Invidia the glass.

Invidia nodded and slowly drank. She put he cup down halfway through and laid back down.

As soon as she was settled Arty went over, placed a cool cloth on her head and then sat on the bed and gently stroked her cheek.

As soon as he started, Invidia went into a fit of coughing that ended with a sneeze. "I hate this," She whined, propping herself up with her arm.

"Shush…I know Princess, but it's all right. Think about it this way, at least you get to be waited on."

"That doesn't help," Invidia snapped with a glare. "I don't want to be waited on! I want to go to work!"

"Why?"

"Because I have a big presentation tomorrow and I intended to work on it today! Then this happened! Why me, Arty?" Invidia whined, and then slowly lowered her head to the pillow and cried.

"Oh, Princess, don't cry…Come here," Arty said as he gently forced her up.

Invidia did as she was told, sat up and then crawled into his lap.

Arty gave a weak smile and held her until she fell back asleep, then, he gently laid her down and headed back to the living room, where he fell asleep until noon. After glancing at the time, he got up to make himself a small lunch and contemplated whether or not to make Invidia something.

'I know she won't want to eat, but I have to give her something…she needs to keep her strength up if she's going to fight this off…' He though as he picked at a sandwich for a moment. Then, he continued eating and made up his mind to give Invidia a small snack rather than a meal, and, as he was getting it ready, the phone rang.

"Hello?" He said.

"Arty?" Nina said over the line.

"Hi, Mom. What's up?"

"I was just wondering if we're still on for dinner tonight."

"What?"

"What do you mean "what?" You invited us to dinner last week, remember? Your father and I are really looking forward to it."

'Dammit! I completely forgot about that!' He thought, then he said, "I'm sorry, but can we do it another time? Invidia's sick."

"Is she all right? What does she have?"

"She should be fine, it's just the flu."

"Oh, well I hope she gets better, and I guess we can have dinner another time. Though, your father will be disappointed about missing your steak."

"I know, and I'm sorry."

"It's alright, nothing you can do about it. Bye."

"Bye," Arty said, then he hung up and carried Invidia's plate into the bedroom, where she sat with the tray across her lap, coloring. "You're up. Good," He said as he came in.

"Hm?" Invidia turned her head.

"I brought you a little snack. It's not much, but at least it's something."

"I'm not…"

"I know," Arty interrupted. "But you have to keep your strength up. Move the book."

Invidia placed the coloring book on the ground and Arty set down a small plate of mini, saltine crackers and a glass of ginger ale. She looked at the tray and then at him before she gently picked up a cracker and slowly ate it.

Arty sat on the bed and gently rubbed her back while she ate, then, when she was done, he moved his hands up and began to massage her shoulders.

Invidia moaned softly and then sighed.

Arty smiled and said, "You must really be stressed out with all these knots in your back."

"I am," Invidia admitted. "We're preparing for both the holiday and spring bridal editions, so it's got everyone on edge. Especially since we have five other monthly issues before the bridal edition comes out in April."

"Aw," Arty teased.

Invidia ignore him and sighed again. "Arty?" She said.

"Yes?" He replied.

"Get me my laptop, would you?"

"Oh no. You are not doing any work today."

"Why not?"

"You need to relax. You're sick, remember? Take today to get some rest and if you're feeling better tomorrow then you can get started on some things, alright?"

"Fine," Invidia pouted.

"But, you can read," Arty said as he handed her a book that had been lying on the nightstand. He then stood up, grabbed the tray, kissed her on the forehead and left.

Invidia watched him go with a saddened expression. While she knew he had work of his own she enjoyed it when he sat and talk with her. 'Arty's company is a lot better than a book's! Why doesn't he stay for more than ten minutes? Is he afraid to get sick or something?' She thought as she opened the book where she last left off and began to read. The story she was reading was an old, Cometine novel she had taken from her father a few days ago. It was one of the stories she knew, but loved to read again every once in a while.

She sat back and read for two and a half hours before she went back to sleep, and, as soon as she was asleep the kids came in the door.

Arty looked up from his work and said, "You two are awfully quiet today."

"Mom's resting right?" Ryou said. "It would be rude to make a lot of noise."

Arty nodded and then turned to Akira, "Didn't you have an after-school date scheduled?"

"I told you, I canceled it. I figured it was more important to be here for Invidia-Mama, and to give you a break."

"You don't have to do that."

"I know, I wanted to."

"Thank you," Arty nodded to them and they both went into their rooms to start on their homework until they were needed. And, while they worked on schoolwork, Arty sat at the dining room table typing up flight logs and updating cadet reports until a knock came at the door a half hour later.

"Yes?" He said when he answered and found a young girl in her early twenties standing before him.

She nervously pushed up her glasses and said, "I…I'm a…My name is Miyuki and I'm an intern in Mrs. Savela's section…"

"If you're looking for her, she's not available. She's sick and…"

"I know, I just came by to drop off some things for her," Miyuki said as she handed over a manila envelope. "It's her next assignment, along with meeting notes and a few things from Ariana."

"Alright, I'll make sure she gets it. Thank you for bringing it by."

Miyuki blushed and nodded shyly before walking off.

Arty quietly shut the door and set the envelope on the counter before going back to work. He worked until five, when he got up to make dinner. While he was stirring a pot of stew another knock came at the door.

"Hello?" Arty said.

"Hello yourself," Nina said.

"Mom! What are you doing here? I thought I told you that…"

"I'm not here for dinner, I just brought some things for Invidia," Nina said as she held up a blue gift bag. "May I come in?"

Arty stepped aside and let her in.

Nina slipped off her shoes and coat and headed into the kitchen, where, she set the bag on the counter. She pulled out a blue thermos, a vase of roses and bottle of perfume entitled Moonlit Dream.

"What's all this?" Arty asked.

"Just some things to make Invidia feel better," Nina explained. "I made her some of my special chicken noodle soup, and brought the flowers and perfume as get well presents."

"I'm sure she'll love them, and since it's already dinner time, do you want to bring her the soup?"

"Sure," Nina said.

Arty smiled and got out the tray while Nina got Invidia's favorite porcelain bowl. It was black with a red heart in the middle on the inside of the bowl. She set the bowl on the tray and filled it while Arty filled a small glass with water and set it on the tray.

Nina started to pick the tray up but Arty stopped her.

"Wait," He said as he picked up Invidia's medicine. "She has to take this with it."

"And what exactly is that?" Nina asked.

"Her medicine. Nova prescribed an all-over medicine and fever reducer to help her and she has to take it twice a day with food."

Nina nodded and watched him set a small dosage cup with a pill in it on the tray. "Get the vase," She said as she picked up the tray.

Arty nodded and picked up the vase. As soon as they set foot in the bedroom he turned on the light and set the vase on the nightstand.

"Thank you," Nina nodded to Arty as she set the tray on the desk.

Arty nodded back and left.

"Invidia? Wake up, Honey," Nina said sweetly as she gently shook Invidia by the shoulder.

"Hm?" Invidia murmured as she slowly sat up. "Nina?" She asked.

Nina set the tray across Invidia's lap and sat on the bed. "I made you some of my special soup," she said.

"But…why did…how did you…?"

"Arty told me you were sick when I called to ask about dinner."

'Dinner?' Invidia thought. "Oh no…We were supposed to have you over, weren't we? I'm so sorry, Just give me a chance to get decent and…"

"Don't," Nina said. "It's perfectly fine, Arty explained everything. And, since you're not feeling well I thought you could use some of this."

"Thanks," Invidia said as she picked up the spoon and slowly began to eat. "This is amazing," She said.

"Thank you," Nina said, "I try."

"You succeed," Invidia said, smiling.

"Arty's right, you are prettier when you smile."

Invidia blushed and continued to eat the soup and drink her water until it was halfway gone.

"Don't forget this," Nina handed her the pill.

Invidia gave it a look, but she took it with some water and finished off the little bit of soup she had left before pushing the tray back.

Nina picked the tray up and set it on the ground by her feet. "I brought you something," She said.

"What?"

"Well, these flowers for one," Nina said as she pointed to the vase.

Invidia looked towards the nightstand, picked a red rose out of the vase and sniffed it. "They're beautiful and they smell nice…thank you."

"And, that's not all, I'll be back." Nina left and soon came back with the purple, perfume bottle. "Here," She said as she handed it to Invidia.

Invidia took off the top and sniffed it, then, she smiled and set it down. "I love it, thank you," She said, then she yawned.

"I think it's time for you to go to bed."

"But it's only six!" Invidia protested.

"So? You're sick and need your rest, so how about we get you cleaned up and settled into bed?"

"Alright," Invidia said as she got up. Nina then waited while she brushed her teeth and washed her face before helping her into another slip then, they both climbed onto the bed, where, Invidia allowed Nina to brush her hair.

"Why'd you pick this slip?" Invidia asked as she looked down at the dark, red slip she wore. While she looked it over she fiddled with the two layers of black lace that lined the bottom and matched the double-layer that curved around her breasts.

"Because it's cute, why? You don't like it?"

"No…It's just…It's one of my sexier outfits, it was made for Valentine's Day two years ago," Invidia explained.

"I see," Nina said as gently lifted another section on Invidia's hair. "Well, I'll tell you one thing. If my son even tries sleeping with you he'll be in for a rude awakening. One sick person in this house is more than enough."

Invidia gave a soft laugh.

Nina smiled and then said, "I think we're done."

"Thank you," Invidia said, then she coughed again.

Nina smiled sympathetically and handed her the half-filled water glass. "Here, drink this," she said.

Invidia took a small sip before she handed it back and got settled into bed.

Nina smiled and pulled up the blankets on the bed.

"Don't forget my blanket…" Invidia said.

"Alright," Nina said as she picked up a black blanket that had fallen on the floor. "Better?"

Invidia nodded and yawned.

"Good night," Nina said as she picked up the tray and then turned out the light.

Invidia responded by turning the opposite way and settling into a deep sleep.

"How's she doing?" Arty asked as soon as Nina set foot in the kitchen.

"She's still not feeling well, but that's to be expected. Her appetite is pretty good, she ate all of what I gave her."

"That's good," Arty nodded. "Just set the dishes in the sink."

Nina did so and said, "I should probably be going now."

"Would you like to stay for dinner? There's plenty to go around."

"I don't think I can stay, but would you mind if I took some home? I'm sure your father would like some too."

"No problem," Arty said as he got a container out of the cabinet and filled it.

"Thank you," Nina said as she took it. "I'll bring the bowl back as soon as I can."

"I know, see you later, Mom. I would hug you, but I'm kind of busy…" He said as he filled bowls for dinner.

"It's fine, love you."

"Love you too, bye."

At that, Nina left and Arty called the kids for dinner.

After picking up their plates, the kids got settled at the table and waited for Arty to sit before they ate. Most of the meal was eaten in silence with breaks for occasional small talk, and, after dinner, Ryou was left to do the dishes in Invidia's place while Arty checked on her.

'So, Mom put her to bed too…' Arty thought as he looked at her. 'That's just like her, always looking out for the family…' He thought while he closed the door to just a crack. He sighed just as Monica meowed behind him.

"What?" He said. "Do you want your dinner?" He asked as he picked the cat up. He set her on the kitchen floor, got out the wet and dry food and mixed it together while thinking, 'One part wet, two parts dry, just as Invidia says…'

Monica watched him from the ground, delighted when he finally set the bowl down so she could eat.

"Geez, cat, you act like you never eat…" He muttered, then he moved into the living room to finish some work until he got to tired to do anymore, took a shower and went to sleep. A sleep that lasted until seven AM, when the phone rang.

Arty groaned and got up to answer it. "Hello?" He asked.

"Arty?" Hardy said. "Where are you?"

"I'm at home, remember? I emailed you and said I wasn't coming in."

Hardy shook his head. "I know, but you have to, we have that meeting with the high command today, remember?"

"I thought that was tomorrow," Arty said.

"No, it's in an hour and a half, so you better get down here."

"Alright," Arty sighed. "I'll see you soon." He hung up, thinking, 'Now what? Someone has to be here for Invidia…speaking of her…' Arty dialed the number for her magazine's office and told Ariana that Invidia would be out again before he decided on calling Zordar, who was, luckily, at home.

"Hello?" He said.

"Zordar? It's Arty, and I was wondering if you could come by and look after Invidia today?"

"Why? What's wrong with her?"

"She's got a bad case of the flu and Nova wants her to stay in bed for a few days, meaning someone has to be here to take care of her. I would, but I have a meeting that I can't miss."

"all right. I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Thank you, I owe you one," Arty said, then he hung up and walked off to take a shower and get dressed. He finished just as Zordar came in the door.

"Thank you," Arty said. "Now, she hasn't eaten breakfast yet, so start from there, but make sure it's something light that she can keep down. You don't have to make her a full lunch either, and Nova prescribed some medicine, it's on the counter. Make sure she takes it with food and…"

Zordar help up his hand. "I think I know how to take care of my daughter," He said. "Go to your meeting and don't worry about anything here."

"Right…I should be back by lunch…" He said as he left.

As soon as he was gone Zordar headed to the kitchen, thinking about what to make Invidia for breakfast. After a quick look through the cabinet he pulled out a box of her favorite cereal with strawberries. He then made up his mind and set up a tray with the cereal and half a banana cut into small slices, as, Invidia refused to eat a banana right out of the peel. 'She claims it looks "wrong" when people eat them…but it's even more ridiculous to have to cut up a banana for a woman in her thirties,' Zordar thought, then he set the plate on the tray and finished off the set up with a glass of orange juice and one of her pills.

"Princess?" He said as he came into the bedroom and turned on the light.

Invidia whimpered and turned opposite him.

Zordar shifted the tray so that it could be held with one hand and gently shook Invidia awake.

"Father?" She muttered as she sat up.

"Yes, it's me," Zordar replied as he sat the tray down.

"Where's Arty?"

"He had a meeting, so he went into work, but I'm here."

"I see," Invidia said as she picked up the spoon and quickly ate her first spoonful of cereal before it got soggy.

"You have some fruit too."

"You cut my banana for me?"

Zordar nodded. "I know how awkward you feel eating it normally."

"Thank you," Invidia said, then she continued to eat, finishing off every bit of the little food she had.

"Good girl, now settle down," Zordar said as he handed her the book from the nightstand.

Invidia smiled and opened the book while Zordar left and washed the dishes. He returned a few minutes later, headed into the master bathroom and turned on the warm water.

'This should make her feel better…' He thought as he poured a small amount of cherry-scented bubble soap in the tub.

"Invidia!" He called a few minutes later. "Can you come here for a minute?"

"What?" Invidia whined as she made her way to the bathroom.

"I have something for you," Zordar said, gesturing to the tub.

"Father…you…"

"I set you a bubble bath to make you feel better."

"Thank you," Invidia said as she hugged him. "Now get out, and while I'm here, could you pick out some new pajamas? Arty picks out my new pajamas."

"Sure, Princess," Zordar said as he closed the door. He then headed over to the dresser and opened the top one which held her both her underwear and pajamas. Zordar quickly looked through her pajama selection, looking for the tamest outfit her could find, as, he didn't wish to see his daughter in some short, lacy piece. Eventually he pulled out a long, short-sleeved lavender nightgown made of a light, cotton fabric that he knew she liked to wear in the springtime. 'Well, it's not spring, but the tamest, cool item I can find…' He thought as he sat it on the bed and left Invidia to her thoughts.

'I really hate being sick…' She thought. 'But at least I get taken care of…' She coughed as she picked up a handful of bubbles and blew them all around the bathroom with a girlish giggle.

She then cupped her hands with the intention to pick up another handful, but went into a fit of coughing instead. 'I hate this!' She thought.

"Princess, are you okay?" Zordar asked, tapping on the door.

"Yes, I'm all right," Invidia said, the, she sneezed and groaned again. "I hate being sick!" She said.

"I have yet to meet a person who actually likes it," Zordar replied.

"You're not funny," Invidia said.

Zordar just shrugged and headed into the living room while Invidia got started on washing up. She spent only fifteen minutes washing her body and hair, but stayed in the tub for another thirty before she decided to get out and get dressed.

'Father would choose this outfit…' Invidia thought as she pulled on the nightgown. 'Well, at least I like it…' She looked down at herself and sat on the bed with a sigh.

"Princess?" Zordar asked as he tapped on the door.

"Come in," She said. "It's unlocked."

"You look cute," He said as he set a glass of water on the desk.

"But I feel like crap."

"It'll get better, you know that. Would you like me to help with your hair?" He asked.

"Sure," Invidia nodded and Zordar headed into the bathroom, coming back with her blow-dryer, a pick, and a brush.

Invidia sat up on her knees as Zordar got behind her and began to dry and pick through her hair. After it was completely dry, he gently brushed it out until it was silky-smooth and shining, as Invidia liked to say, then, he handed her the water glass.

"Drink this," He said. "And you know how to use this, right?" He handed her a thermometer.

Invidia nodded and gently took it as she watched him put the items back, She sipped at her water and, when it was gone, took her temperature.

Zordar took the thermometer when it beeped and read it, 'One-hundred and one point four…At least it's an improvement from yesterday…' He thought, remembering the notes Arty had left on the counter about her temperature. 'I guess the fever-reducer is doing it's job…' He glanced at Invidia and found an empty spot.

"Invidia?" He asked.

"In here!" She said from the bathroom.

"Princess, what's…?" Zordar stopped when he saw that she was only picking up her laundry. "I'll take those," Zordar offered.

"No!" Invidia snapped as she pushed past him and made her way to the laundry room. A room that was not part of most apartments in the building, but, since Invidia had the biggest one, she had turned the small, back, storage room into a laundry room so that she wouldn't have to wash her clothes with other people. Just the thought of doing so sickened her.

"Invidia, you really need to lie down," Zordar said.

"I know but…" She attempted to reach for one of the knobs on the washing machine, but, Zordar grabbed her hand.

"No." He said. "You need to rest, doctor's orders, remember?" And, with that he picked her up and carried her back into her bedroom. He gently set her on the bed and covered her up. "I know you feel as if you have chores to do, but Arty will take care of them, all you have to do is relax, all right?"

Invidia nodded and snuggled down into the blankets. She quickly fell into a sound sleep, one that she woke up from two hours later.

'I'm bored…' She thought. "Father!" She called as she picked up and rang her bell.

"Yes, Princess?"

"I'm bored," She whined.

"Well, you have been stuck in here…I know, would you like to come out and watch a movie?"

"What kind of movie?"

"Any one you want," Zordar said as he approached her and then gently picked her up.

Invidia leaned her head on his shoulder and allowed him to carry her out into the living room, where, he set her down on the second couch. He then left and returned with her black blanket and a pillow. He draped the blanket over her and set the pillow down so that she could rest her head.

As soon as Invidia was settled, he searched through their movies and pulled out her favorite one. It was an old Cometine film that, coincidentally, had been Sabera's favorite movie as well. Zordar had always hated it and said it was just a "stupid love story," but figured it was alright as long as Invidia was happy with it.

Invidia got comfortable and watched as Zordar put the film in and started it.

"Thank you, Father," She said.

"No problem," He nodded and headed to the kitchen table, where, his laptop sat so that he could work.

As he worked, Invidia settled down to watch the film and, as usual, became absorbed in it. She watched the feature with bright, attentive eyes, and, even though she had already seen it a hundred times before, she still watched it like new. Luckily, Zordar had kept a copy in Sabera's memory trunk, so Invidia had one on hand until Arty managed to track down a copy of it for her years ago on an online auction for sixty dollars before it was released to the international market with a subtitle track that she didn't need.

She stayed alert until the credits, which she slept through.

Zordar came back out at the very end of the movie and found Invidia sound asleep. He smiled and moved a strand of hair out of her face, thinking, 'without her hair pin she looks exactly like her mother…it's pretty but a little scary sometimes…' He then stood up and began to prepare her a small snack rather than lunch, he got her up and gave it to her on the couch.

She was halfway through when Arty walked in.

"Hello Zordar, Hi Princess…Princess?!"

Invidia gave a shy wave.

"What are you doing out of bed?"

Invidia coughed and then said, "I was watching a movie, and then Father made me this sandwich," She pointed to the tray, which held half a crustless, peanut butter and sugar free, blackberry jelly sandwich and a small glass of ginger ale.

"She said she was bored so I suggested a movie," Zordar explained. "You can't keep her in that bedroom all the time, you know."

Invidia nodded as she picked up the half of the sandwich and took a small bite.

"I know…Anyway, how are you feeling, Princess?"

"Physically or mentally?" She asked."Because physically I feel like crap, but I'm okay emotionally."

"Is that because your Daddy's taking care of you?" Arty teased.

"Shut up," Invidia snapped, not in a mood to put up with Arty's teasing.

"Alright…" He said, backing off. "I just hope you get better soon."

"So do I…" Invidia admitted.

Unfortunately, both of them were disappointed when, after a week, Invidia was still sick. However, she was becoming less bed-ridden every day, but, despite the good news, Arty still had to figure out how to deal with Ariana. He picked up the phone on Monday, after his sixth call with her and dialed Nova.

"Yes?" Nova said when she answered.

"Sorry about this Nova, but could write Invidia a doctor's note? She's still not feeling well and needs one for work, it's company policy."

"Actually, I'm off today, except for a visit to the hospital to do a lecture on Gamilon diseases later, so I'll do you one better."

"How?"

"It's a secret," Nova said, then, she hung up. 'Alright,' She thought. 'All I need to do is get dressed and I'll be set…' She then headed off to make herself look ultra-presentable and took off for Invidia's office. When she arrived she got the correct directions and went straight to Ariana's office. Nova's tasteful yet subdued outfit of a black just-above the-knee skirt, white blouse, subdued gold and black pinstriped tie with anchor tie tack, and fitted burgundy business blazer with matching burgundy sandals turned heads in a nice way as she walked towards Ariana's office.

"Mrs. Sakamoto?" she asked.

"Yes?" Ariana said, not looking up from the article she was editing.

"I'm Nova Wildstar, Invidia Savela's doctor and…"

Ariana's head shot up. "You're…!"

"Yes, I'm her doctor and I was wondering if I could talk to you about her sick leave and the fact that she's been out for awhile?"

"Very well then, sit. Though, most people send in a doctor's note, not the doctor."

"I was off, and Invidia's my friend, so I thought I'd do her a favor. And, I should probably start by saying that she is legitimately sick, it started off as a bad flu but is slowly digressing into a cold. I know it may not be normal for someone to be out so long, but Invidia has been known to go through horrid periods of sickness."

"I see," Ariana nodded.

"If you want, I have some observations and notes here for you to look at that confirm my statement," Nova said as she opened her briefcase, which also held her lecture notes for the symposium and directions to a French restaurant downtown where she would meet Derek for lunch before going to the symposium at 1400 to give her lecture to a group of doctors, medical students, and nurses.

"There's no need, I believe you."

"You do?"

"Nova, may I call you that?"

Nova nodded.

"I, as well as several other people around the world know who you are and the many things you've done, and I know very well that someone of such high standing has no reason to lie about something so small. Now, how much longer do you think she'll be out for?"

"A week a most, but with some luck she should be ready to come back next Monday. I prefer her to be fully recovered before she goes anywhere."

Ariana nodded. "Alright, but if she is out, I should tell you that she'll only have a week of sick leave remaining."

"What?"

"We only give three week's sick leave, after that some personal leave may be carried over, but she's lost a week of that due to her vacation back in August."

"And if she does lose it all?" Nova said as she fiddled with one of the curls near her cheekbones.

"Then we'll talk again, but for now she should be all right."

"Okay, I'll trust you to take care of it, thank you," Nova said as she stood up and turned to leave after closing her briefcase.

Ariana nodded. "No problem, oh, and could you give this to her?" She held out an envelope.

"Sure," Nova took it and left. She then headed to Invidia and Arty's place to do a check-up and was greeted, surprisingly, by Invidia who was wearing casual clothes for the first time in days.

"Where's Arty?" Nova asked.

"Out shopping, since I'm still not well enough to go out, come in," Invidia moved and Nova stepped in.

"You look much better."

"I feel better, I still have a cold, but it's slowly going away. And I've started on my work again."

"Great. Anyway, I went to talk to Ariana, who implied that she'd excuse you for being sick because it's legitimate."

"That's good," Invidia nodded.

"And she told me to give you this," Nova held out the envelope and Invidia took it.

"Why are you here?" She asked. "I know it's more than a report and an envelope."

"I came to do a check-up, but you're looking alright. Did Arty check your temperature this morning?"

"One-hundred point two," Invidia said. "Still a fever, but at least it's a low one."

"Do you think you'll be better by next Monday?"

"I hope so, I'm ready to go back to work after falling so far behind," Invidia said as she opened the envelope and pulled out a fancy invitation trimmed in gold.

"What is it?" Nova asked.

"A invitation to a dinner party hosted by Ariana this Friday. I hope I'll be well enough to go."

"If you keep up with what you've been doing, you should be fine," Nova said.

"Thank you," Invidia said. "For looking out for me."

"No problem, now, if you'll excuse me, I have to meet Derek for lunch....then I have to do a lecture and I'm free for the rest of the day. See you later!"

"All right, bye," Invidia gave a small wave and watched her leave, then she glanced down at the invitation and silently prayed, 'Please, please let me be well by Friday!'

Luckily, her prayer was answered, and, Friday evening at six she and Arty pulled up to an elegant, two-story home, Invidia in a simple, black halter-top dress and black sandals, and Arty in a semi-formal black suit with a dark blue tie.

"Invidia!" Ariana said when she set foot in the door. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine, I'll be back on Monday with all of my assignments completed."

"Great, and hello to you Mr. Jefferson, I haven't seen you in awhile."

"Just call me Arty," Arty said.

"Very well then. You're both just in time, dinner will be officially served in ten minutes."

"Thank you," Invidia nodded and walked off to hang her coat up.

"Let me get that," A man said.

"Thanks," Invidia said. "And you would be…?"

"Takeshi Sakamoto, Ariana's husband. And you must be Mrs. Savela."

"How did you…?"

"Ariana described you once, said your hair and accent would be dead give-aways."

"I see," Invidia said, then she turned and headed over to Ariana. "And, what exactly is wrong with the way I talk?" she demanded.

"What?"

"You told your husband my accents was dead giveaway to who I was, what's wrong with it? Arty thinks it's kind of cute."

"Nothing is wrong with it, it's just…distinctive, that's all."

"Uh-huh…" Invidia said. She opened her mouth to say something else, but Arty placed a glass of cherry-flavored, sparkling water in her hand. "What's this? They have wine, don't they?"

"They do, but you're still taking medication, and it's not wise to mix it with alcohol."

“Alright"," Invidia said as she allowed Arty to lead her over to a huge, glass door in the back.

"Thank you for helping me get better," Invidia said.

"Princess, you don't need to thank me and you know it."

"I know, I wanted to," Invidia said as she moved closer and gently laid her head on his shoulder.

Arty smiled, turned his attention to the clear, moonlight sky and thought,'This is perfect…Invidia's cured and the night looks promising…And, for the first time in two weeks, everything is just fine…'