Sparkling Festivities

A Christmas Tale featuring Princess Invidia by AMI MEITSU

A/N: This takes place in the winter of 2221 and spans the timeline from late December to early January

Light cloud cover and a passing flurry set the scene as Invidia stood in front of her mother's memorial site with a bouquet of red roses.

"Happy birthday, Mama," Invidia said as she knelt down and gently set the flowers on the gravestone. Then, she took a lighter out of her coat pocket and lit the incense in front of her.

"I would tell you how old you're supposed to be, but I know it'd probably shock you. I guess that's one good part about leaving when you did, you're forever twenty-five," Invidia said, trying to lighten the mood around her. "I know it's not right to say, but, it's so dull around here…I just…never mind." She sighed. "I said that I got a job, and that's been going well. My family is fine too, and Father said that he'd be by later. Monica hasn't grown much, but the vet said that she was going to be small, so that's no surprise…Anyway, I hope you're enjoying your time up there and that you like what you see of me. I really miss you, especially around this time. Oh, Mama I wish you could be here. I've always wished you could experience Christmas like Father and I have…or maybe you have…" She said as she put her hands to her heart, where, right above it she wore Sabera's heart locket. "You are forever with me…I love you…" She whispered the last part, and then chanted a small prayer in Cometine, one of endless love and happiness, before she stood up, bowed and walked off. She was freezing, but she figured it was the price she paid for being outside in a skirted suit at six AM.

'I hate being cold…Stupid Ariana, not giving me off, saying that I missed too many days last month. I was sick for two weeks! Does she think I asked for that?' Invidia thought as she headed back to her car. Once she got it started she immediately turned the heat on and took off, hoping to get to work before the morning traffic really started up. However, that became a fallen dream when Nova called. Invidia put her phone on speaker and threw it on the passenger seat.

"This better be good," She said. "I'm driving."

"Good, because I was wondering if you could stop by and drive me to work?" Nova said.

"Why?"

"My car's in the shop for its annual service and Derek left early this morning."

"Can't Setsuna take you?"

"She took off and went to help my mother with some volunteer work at the Children's Academy. They have to be there early to set up for a breakfast event."

Invidia sighed. "Fine, I'll be there in about thirty minutes."

Nova breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"You owe me," Invidia said. "I want you to have hot chocolate ready when I show up, I've been out since five thirty and I'm cold."

"Alright," Nova agreed, then she hung up.

Invidia sighed, and turned around the first chance she got. She arrived at Nova's thirty minutes later, and, while waiting for her to come out, she called Ariana.

"Invidia, what?" Ariana asked.

"I'm going to be late this morning; I have to drop Nova off at the hospital."

"Alright, I'll make note of it."

"Thank you, bye," Invidia said, then she hung up. She waited another five minutes before Nova came out with a red travel mug in hand.

"Here," Nova said as she handed the cup to Invidia and then got in the car.

"Thanks," Invidia smiled at her and took a sip. "How many marshmallows did you put in here?"

"None. We were out, so I used whipped cream."

Invidia nodded and set the cup in a holder before backing out of the Wildstars' driveway and heading in the direction of the Central Hospital.

"You know, I'm already in trouble for missing two weeks last month, you're making it worse," Invidia said.

"You were sick, it couldn't be helped. And, I went in and talked to Ariana for you, remember? So you wouldn't lose all of your sick leave."

"I know, and I thank you. But, because of it she wouldn't give me off today, and I just wanted to spend some time alone. It is Mama's birthday."

Nova nodded, knowing how Invidia felt about her mother's birthday. She then looked at her attire and said, "You didn't go out like that, did you?

"Yes, why?" Invidia said, not finding anything wrong with her black skirt suit, white blouse and red tie, which she had paired with her black winter fashion boots and a long, black fleece coat Zordar had purchased for her last Christmas.

"Aren't you cold?"

"A little, but I got used to it."

"You need to dress better. Do you want to get sick again?"

"No, but what choice do I have? I have to dress like this for work."

"Can't you…? Nova started.

"No!" Invidia interrupted. "I refuse to wear pants or stockings, so don't try it!"

"Alright, alright," Nova said as she held her hands up in defeat. They sat in silence for a few minutes before she spoke again, saying, "So, how are your holiday preparations going?"

"Not very far. Arty and I have been busy, so we haven't even gotten the tree up. But, I'm going shopping after work."

"Ours weren't going very far either until Derek and I came home yesterday evening and found that Setsuna had set the tree up and started decorating the inside of the house."

"That's nice of her," Invidia said. "By the way, how are her studies going?"

"Just fine, she says that she really likes being a student teacher and helping new cadets."

"Interesting that she took a job at the training school while not on active duty."

"She's always been a natural teacher, at least I think so. She says that they only downside is the flirting and the twenty phone numbers she receives a day."

Invidia laughed. "Doesn't she have a boyfriend?"

"Yes, but since when do men understand, "back off"?"

"They don't."

"Exactly."

"Well that would explain the stuffed animal I received last week," Invidia said as she pulled into the Hospital parking lot.

"From who?"

"Our new hire who has a crush on me."

"Have you told him you're married?"

"Not yet. I thought the wedding picture on my desk was enough, but next time he gives me a gift I'll tell him. Arty doesn't mind though, he finds it hilarious."

Nova rolled her eyes. "He would," she said as she got out of the car. "Thanks for the ride."

"No problem. You have one for this afternoon, right?"

Nova nodded. "Setsuna's coming by to pick me up, Derek said he was busy."

Invidia nodded and Nova closed the door and walked off. As soon as she was gone, Invidia sighed, took a few sips of her cocoa and headed off.

She arrived twenty minutes later and found Ariana waiting for her with a piece of paper in hand.

"What's this?" She asked.

"Your assignment for Friday's Christmas party," Ariana explained.

"Decorations? Are you serious?"

"We picked assignments this morning, but you were late, so you get what's left."

"I hate you."

"I know," Ariana smirked and walked off.

As soon as Ariana had her back turned Invidia stuck her tongue out at her and headed to her desk. She looked at it and sighed as she shrugged off her coat.

'I'm having a hard enough time getting my own decorations up, and now I have to get the office ones up too?' She sighed. 'This is all Nova's fault, she's the one who made me late…I should make her help me…' Invidia thought as she set up her laptop and sat down to work on one of her three holiday articles. She got so into it, that she didn't notice when their new hire, Jared, approached her.

"Invidia?" He said.

"Hm?" Invidia quickly sat up and turned toward him.

"I saw these on the way to work…and I thought they…suited you," Jared said as he handed her a bouquet of bright, red poinsettias.

"They're beautiful, but I can't accept them," Invidia said.

"Why not?"

"Look I like you and the flowers, but you have to stop this. I'm married!" Invidia held out her left hand to show him her wedding ring.

"Oh, I know that."

"Then why do you insist on pursuing me?"

"Because, you're hot.And, I like women who are hard to get, it makes the chase… interesting."

Invidia looked at him for a minute, and then stood up and slapped him across the face.

Everyone in the area turned to look at her as she said, "It's not interesting, it's rude! You don't pursue a taken woman! Especially one who is fully devoted to her husband! So get out of my face and take your stupid flowers with you!" Invidia picked up the vase and shoved it at him, then, she turned, smoothed out her skirt and sat back down.

Jared stood looking dumbfounded as he watched her type.

She turned her head and said, "What are you looking at? I told you to go away!"

Jared stepped back, startled by her harsh tone and then slowly walked away.

Invidia smiled, pleased with herself for then and the rest of the day due to the good amount of work she got done before she left.

"You're coming in tomorrow, right?" Ariana asked as she and Invidia walked through the parking lot.

"Of course. I'm scheduled up to the twentieth, remember?"

"Good, because the last time we had you up for three weeks in a row you bailed out on two," Ariana teased.

"I was sick!" Invidia retorted.

"I know."

Invidia just shook her head and continued on to her car. After she got in she checked her phone, and found that she had two texts from Arty and a voicemail from her father, which she immediately returned before heading off to do some shopping. She decided to stop at the mall and do some shopping for the kids first. And, after spending twenty minutes looking for a parking space, she stepped into a model shop with Ryou's Christmas list.

'Alright, an astro-fighter fourteen, no, twenty, no…Oh I don't know!' She thought as she looked at all of the unfamiliar planes around her. She then picked up a box and gave it a good, hard look before she set it down and sighed. "This is hopeless…" She muttered as she walked up and aisle, stopped and reached for a box on a shelf. But, instead of touching the box, she ended up touching another person's hand.

"I'm sorry," She said as she pulled back and turned towards… "Derek!" She said.

"Invidia? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in a shoe store?" He teased.

Invidia slapped his peacoat-clad shoulder and said, "Ha, ha very funny. If you must know, I'm Christmas shopping and I'm confused!"

"About what?"

"All of this!" Invidia handed him Ryou's Christmas list and sighed.

Derek smiled as he read the list and then asked, "Do you want me to help you?"

"Would you?" Invidia asked with a cute-eye look.

Derek nodded. "First off, you're in the wrong section. These are models for younger kids, see?" He pointed to the age level sticker and Invidia blushed a little.

"Well…I…what are you doing here then?"

"Buying some items for the children's academy so that they can have a good Christmas. Anyway, what you want is over this way." He grabbed Invidia's wrist and led her to another section. "The list specifies these two models, but I think you should buy them blank, meaning, no paint job."

"Why?" Invidia asked.

"Because painting them will give Ryou a challenge and allow him to get creative," Derek explained as he picked up two un-painted models. "You need something like this."

"Okay," Invidia nodded and they continued shopping until Invidia had everything on the list and more and Derek had what he felt was enough for his contribution.

"Thank you," Invidia said as they left. "I owe you."

"Yes, you do. I think a tin of Christmas cookies should cover it."

Invidia laughed. "Alright. You'll have them by the end of the week."

Derek nodded and walked off as Invidia headed up to the second floor and into a small boutique for some of Akira's gifts.

'This is cute…' She thought as she picked up an off-the shoulder violet top she had found on a shelf. 'And it'll look great with that black skirt…' Invidia smiled and walked over to the skirt display, where, she picked up two of them, one for her and one for Akira. Then, she picked out two more tops and a dress before checking out and heading to her favorite jewelry store. Once there, she picked up bracelets for both Akira and Nova, a new, silver watch for her father, and a beautiful ruby necklace for Arty's mother, Nina. She smiled when she left the store and was ready to head out when she spotted something in the boutique across the hall.

'Wow…' She thought. 'It's beautiful, it' sexy, it's…me! I want it! No, I need it! And besides, Arty won't be able to yell at me about money once he sees it.' She pondered for another moment before heading inside and returning with the item she had been admiring and three more that had been on sale. She then left the mall and headed to four more stores before finally heading home for dinner, a dinner that Arty was preparing when she walked in.

"I smell pasta," She said.

"Hi, Princess," Arty greeted her as he stepped out of the kitchen, hugged her and then gave her a quick kiss.

"Hi, Arty," She said back.

"I'm making one of your favorites."

"Which one?"

"It's a surprise."

"Alright then. Where are the kids? And where's Monica?"

"Akira took Monica to the vet and Ryou went down the street to the bookstore. He's picking up something for my mother."

Invidia nodded. "Good, now help me hide their presents."

"Will do," Arty said as he took the bags Invidia held out to him.

Invidia smiled and then headed into the bedroom with the remaining bags. She locked the door and quickly hid the items she had, even going as far as to stash two in her mother's memory trunk.

"Sorry Mama," She whispered. "I'll make it up to you, I promise." She then stood back up, stripped off her work clothes and exchanged them for her red gown and black house slippers before heading back out into the kitchen.

"I hid them all," Arty said.

Invidia nodded. "Thank you," She said just as Akira walked in with a meowing Monica.

"Alright, alright," She said as she set down the cat carrier and opened it. As soon as she did Monica ran into the kitchen, and stopped in front of Invidia.

"Hello, Monica," Invidia said as she picked the small cat up. Though she was at least seven months old, Monica was rather small for a cat. "How was the appointment?"

"Just fine, here's your credit card," Akira said as she came in and set the card on the counter. "I hope you don't mind that I borrowed it to pay the vet bill."

Invidia shook her head and asked, "What did the vet say about her size?"

"He said that nothing is wrong with her and that she's just small and isn't going to get much bigger."

Invidia nodded and Monica meowed at her.

"What?" she asked.

Monica meowed again and looked at her.

"You're hungry, aren't you?" Invidia said, then, she put her down and began to prepare her dinner. She set it down just as Ryou walked in with two other people. Invidia looked up and immediately ran over.

"Nina!" She said as she hugged Arty's mother.

"And what about me?" Takachi, Arty's father, teased.

Invidia smiled and hugged him, then she stepped back and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"We just thought we'd drop by," Nina said.

"And we have some news for you," Takachi said.

"What kind of news?"Akira asked.

"We'll tell you over dinner."

"Which is just about done," Arty said as he stepped out and hugged his parents.

"What is for dinner, anyway?" Ryou asked.

"It's a surprise," Invidia replied.

Arty nodded to her with a smile and then said, "And while we're waiting for this surprise you can set the table."

"Me?" Invidia pointed to herself.

Arty nodded again and she groaned, but, despite her complaints, she did as she was told and set the table.

Shortly afterwards Arty pulled a large, homemade lasagna and six breadsticks from the oven and set them on the counter while Invidia got down glasses for their drinks.

"What do you want?" She asked Arty's parents. "Water? Wine? Some kind of juice, maybe?"

"Surprise us," Nina said. "We'll take anything but wine."

"Alright," Invidia nodded, then she took a pitcher of raspberry juice out of the fridge and filled all of the glasses with it while Arty portioned out the plates. After he was done she helped him carry the plates and drinks to the table, and, within five minutes, everyone was at the table. They started to eat but Invidia stopped them.

"Are we forgetting what day it is?" she asked as she tapped her foot under the table.

"She's right," Arty put down his fork.

Invidia smiled and grabbed his hand. Then, she led everyone in a short, Cometine prayer to her mother before allowing them to eat. And, unlike most dinners this one was full of conversation thanks to Arty's parents, who presented them with a surprise halfway through the meal.

"Arty," Nina started. "Everyone, we have a proposal for you."

"What kind of proposal?" Invidia asked as she broke a breadstick in half.

"Well, we were thinking about spending the holidays in our cabin," Takachi said.

"But, it would be awfully lonely with just the two of us, so…" Nina continued.

"We were wondering if you would be interested in coming along," Takachi finished.

"But, we normally spend the holidays here!" Invidia said.

"So? A little change is always good."

"No."

"Invidia," Arty said in a stern voice. "You can't speak for all of us. I personally think it's a great idea, and will be glad to think about it."

"Fine," Invidia pouted. "When are you planning to go? I'm scheduled to go in to work up until the twentieth."

"We were actually thinking of leaving a couple days before that, but it might be better that way so we can get the place set up."

"Who said we were even going?"

"Well…we just thought that…"

"We'll think about it," Arty promised.

Nina smiled at him and they continued eating. Afterwards the kids were left to clean up the kitchen while the adults talked over tea and cookies, courtesy of Invidia, in the living room.

"You haven't done a thing with this place," Takachi pointed out. "Which is surprising considering your love of decorating," he said to Invidia.

"I've been busy, that's all. But I'm hoping to get the tree up this weekend, after I decorate the office for their Christmas party," Invidia said.

"Why?" Nina asked.

"I had to drive Nova to work this morning which made me late, so I missed out on picking party contributions and got stuck with decorating."

"Aww…" Nina patted her hand.

Invidia smiled at her, and then turned to Arty. "Will you help me?" She asked.

"Invidia, you know I can't. We're really busy this time of year, especially with the end of the year dinner coming up."

Invidia groaned. "I don't want to do this by myself!"

"Sorry, Princess," Arty gently patted her head.

Invidia pouted, and then sighed and gently laid her head on Arty's shoulder.

Arty smiled and moved a piece of hair out of her face before he hugged her. He held her in a gentle, protective manner, similar to the one he used later that night once they were settled into bed.

"So, have you been thinking?" He whispered.

"Thinking about what?" Invidia turned her head.

"My mother's offer."

"A little. While I want to spend Christmas at home, this sounds like a pretty good idea and I like it."

"So, you're considering it?" Arty asked as he gently fingered the lace around Invidia's breasts.

"Yes, and stop that!" She slapped his hand away.

"You're the one who wanted to wear the silky nightgown," He teased.

Invidia just rolled her eyes, pulled her black blanket up and turned so that she could face Arty. "Good night," She whispered.

"Night, Princess," Arty whispered back then, they kissed and settled down for sleep.

Invidia fell asleep within five minutes and ended up being roped into a very strange and disturbing nightmare. For the first half she found herself in a dark room, in an uncharacteristic, sexy, Santa-style outfit. She heard men's voices, and then a few clinks, which signaled the exchange of money before she was picked up and thrown at a man she did not recognize.

"Merry Christmas, Darling," he teased in a less-than appealing voice.

"No!" Invidia screamed, then she turned to run but ended up being pulled back to the man, she then turned her head and saw Arty, bloody and beaten up, in a corner.

"I'm sorry…Princess," He said.

"Arty! No!" She said as she closed her eyes and began to cry. When she opened them again she was in her bed back on the original Gatlantis, in nothing but a black slip. She sat up, hearing footsteps in the distance, then, the door burst open and an angry Zordar stepped in.

"So…It was you who was destroying this empire, not Desslok…" He said.

"Listen, Father…I…" She tried to explain.

"Too late, you are disowned and disinherited! Guys? You can have her," He waved his hand and two royal guards walked in.

"It's about time," one said as he rubbed his hands.

"This…should be fun…,” the other said as they stepped forward.

"No!" Invidia screamed. "Father! Don't do this! I…I'm sorry! Father!" She screamed again as she began to cry and their hands grabbed and…shook her…

"Princess? Princess wake up!" Arty said as he shook Invidia by the shoulder.

Invidia sat up and screamed, then, she looked at herself, the room, and finally, Arty while breathing hard. She turned toward him with a tear-stained face.

"Oh, Princess, what happened?" Arty asked as he gently hugged her and turned on their bedside lamp.

Not bothering to give an answer, Invidia buried her face into his shoulder and cried.

"Shush, it's okay now," Arty soothed as he rubbed her back. "It's not real and will never be, I promise…"

"Arty…you…you would never sell me for sex, would you? Not even if you hit rock bottom?"

"What? Invidia…" Arty looked at her for a brief moment and then pulled her closer. "No, of course not. I could never do that to you. Now, tell me what happened."

Invidia nodded and recited what she could remember of her dream to him before she burst into tears again.

"Oh, shush, there's no need to cry. I'm here," Arty whispered as he gently ran his hand through her hair, but, after only a minute he stopped and pushed her back. "Stay here; I know just what you need."

"But…Arty…"

"I'll be back," he promised. Then, he left and soon came back with a glass of herbal tea. "Here, drink this."

Invidia took the navy blue teacup he offered and gently blew on it. Then, after some consideration she took a small sip.

"There's honey in this," she said. "You know I don't like honey in my tea."

"It'll help," Arty reassured. "My mother recently told me that when a person has bitter dreams, they should counter it with something sweet."

"She's right you know, it does help," Invidia admitted as she sipped at her tea.

Arty smiled and sat with her until she finished, then, he took the cup to the sink, came back, and gently tucked Invidia back into bed. "Good night," he whispered while he thought, 'Well, more like good morning, since it's two AM, but whatever…'

Invidia said nothing and snuggled back into the blankets and Arty's arms as he cuddled her. And, after only four more hours of sleep she got up again, this time for work.

"Are you sure you want to go in on time today?" Arty asked when she came into the kitchen. "You could call and go in late."

Invidia shook her head sleepily. "I can't. I was out so much last month and don't have a good reason for being late, so I have to go in. And, on top of that I have to start the third floor conference room for our Christmas party."

"Why today? I thought the party was Friday."

"It is. But you know I like to stay on top of things, and you know decorating takes awhile for me."

Arty nodded, and then turned his head and watched her make her tea. "Do you want me to make you something for breakfast? An omelet maybe?"

"That would be nice," Invidia smiled at him.

Arty smiled at her, stood up, and headed to the fridge. "What do you want in it?" he asked.

"The usual."

"Green peppers, ham and cheese?"

Invidia nodded, picked up the steaming kettle and poured it over a teabag in an elegant, clear teacup. Then, she put in two, small spoonfuls of sugar and went into the living room to sit for a while. She started flipping through a fashion catalogue, only looking up when the kids came out of their rooms and then when Monica meowed at her.

"What?" Invidia asked her.

Monica meowed again.

"Alright, I'm going." Invidia got up and went into the kitchen to make her food just as Arty set her breakfast on the table. "Thank you," she said with a smile.

"You're welcome. And now, you owe me breakfast."

"You suck," Invidia teased as she mixed a combination of wet and dry cat food.

"I know," Arty replied.

Invidia stuck her tongue out at him and then set the bowl down, washed her hands and settled down to eat. She took one bite and gave the omelet a weird look. "There's onion in this," She said.

"Just a few pieces, I thought you'd like it," Arty told her.

"It's okay," Invidia shrugged. "But next time, keep to the usual, alright?"

"Alright," Arty nodded and walked off to collect his things for work. "See you later, Princess," He said when he came back out.

"Bye," Invidia said. Then, they hugged and Arty gave her a light kiss on the head before heading out the door.

As soon as he left, Akira asked, "Where's our breakfast?"

"You didn't wake up early enough," Invidia teased.

"You know, you could make breakfast," Ryou pointed out.

"No chance! I have to leave in a half hour and don't have time for that," Invidia said as she stood up and headed to the sink to wash her plate. Then, she headed off to brush her teeth and gather her things together for work before heading back into the kitchen to get her lunch, which consisted of a small salad and some leftover lasagna that she put in a purple lunchbox with two water bottles-one for during-day use and one that she filled with juice for lunch.

'I can't believe I'm early for once,' Invidia thought. 'Now, all I need is my shoes and I can go…wait, where are my shoes?' She thought as she frantically looked for her boots. "Akira!" She called. "Where are my boots? You know, the ones I wear for work?"

"How do you get away with that anyway?"

"I change my shoes when I get to the office, now where are they?"

"Shouldn't they be in the shoe closet?"

"Oh, right…" Invidia blushed, and, feeling stupid, she opened the closet and found them sitting on the floor. She then pulled them and her coat on before heading off.

She arrive within thirty minutes, counting traffic, and, immediately after she entered Ariana said, "Aren't you a half hour early?"

Invidia rolled her eyes. "No I'm on time today."

"First time in four days."

"Shut up."

Ariana gave her a smirk that said "you know I'm kidding."

Invidia ignored her and went to put her lunch in the break room before starting on her writing. She worked up until her lunch break, ate quickly and then made her way to the third floor conference room to check out their decorations. Once inside, she found that the custodian, per her request, had taken the boxes out of storage and set them on the floor. She walked over to one just as he came in with another.

"Thank you," she said. "You saved me a lot of trouble, how can I repay you?"

"You don't have to do anything," he said. "It's part of the job."

"But I want to…do you like brownies?"

"Who doesn't?"

"Communists."

The custodian, George, laughed. "I like you," he said. "You're definitely better than some of the other tightwads that work here."

Invidia smiled. "Anyway, if you want I could make you some brownies. I have this amazing recipe and have yet to meet anyone who hates them."

"I'd be a fool to turn you down, so I accept."

"I'll have them tomorrow, I promise." Invidia nodded and he nodded back before leaving her alone.

'Alright, let's see what we have here,' Invidia thought as she opened one box and pulled out some strands of garland, a few red bows and a box of red ornaments. 'These must be for the tree…' She set the box down and went around opening bins and sorting decorations. Once they were all laid out, she sighed. "These are lame," she said to no one. 'And about ten years old, they need some help now. How much time do I have?' Invidia glanced at her watch and noted that she had twenty minutes of her hour lunch break left. 'That should work, I'm leaving…' She thought. Then, without hesitation she headed back to her desk, exchanged her navy blue pumps for her boots, threw on her jacket and approached Ariana.

"I'm going out for a bit, and should be back within thirty minutes."

"Your lunch ends in twenty, what's it for?"

"The holiday decorations, I just need to get some things."

"Alright, but you better come back."

"I promise," Invidia held her hand up. "And thank you."

Ariana nodded and Invidia left. She headed downtown and went into her favorite craft store, where she often got fabric for the outfits she made. Her intention was to head immediately to the Christmas decoration section, but a tree in the front of the store caught her eye. It was covered with golden stars, each holding the wish of a child. Invidia leaned closer and picked up one from a girl named Yuki. 'My one wish is a Princess doll, it doesn't have to be a nice one, just one that I can play with, a friend that will never leave…' She read and smiled. 'I know it's not me, but I think I can do this. A young girl without a doll, is kind of sad, I don't know what I would have done without mine when I was young…' She then stuck it in her purse and headed off.

The first thing she noticed were some felt poinsettias on sale. 'These are pretty, and would really help brighten up the tree and garland…and since they're only fifty cents each I can get several of them…' She thought before throwing at least twenty in her basket, then she moved on to some scented pinecones that had fake snow on them. 'Cute, and perfect for wreaths…'

The rest of the trip went as such, and she found a fairly decent amount of items in ten minutes, items that she immediately took to check out. Then she went on to two more stores and then a department store where she headed not to crafts, but to toys. 'Princess, Princess, Princess…' She thought as she walked. After five minutes she came to a section with the ancient, old-style, Disney Princesses. 'I've always liked these, they're very pretty and of excellent quality…' She thought as she picked one up. 'Where's the mermaid? I always liked her best…' Invidia thought as she moved several dolls around before she found two, beautiful Ariel dolls with removable, fabric tails. "These are pretty, but she needs another outfit…" Invidia muttered before she decided to buy both and headed to checkout, before going back to work.

"You said thirty minutes, it's been over forty-five," Ariana said when she came back in.

"Sorry, but I'm staying after work, will that make up for it?"

"I guess," Ariana shrugged. "But you lost your extra ten minute break for the next two days.

"Alright," Invidia nodded and went back to her desk where she worked for the remaining time, and then, immediately after work she headed back to the conference room to begin her decorating. She started with the tree, which took a half hour to set up and fluff, and then another hour and a half decorating because of her additions. Along with the ornaments, which were carefully arranged in a tasteful pattern, she also added a few bows and the felt poinsettias before topping it with a light-up star and sprinkling some fake snow on it.

'Perfect…' She thought as she backed up. She then moved on to the conference table where she started her revamp on the garland and wreaths, making them more colorful and stylish. She hummed to herself and thought about Nina's offer as she worked on sewing in poinsettias and hot-gluing pinecones. Invidia got so into it that she lost track of time until Arty called her.

"Hello?" She said when she answered.

"Princess? It's seven fifteen, where are you?"

"What?!" Invidia looked at her watch and gasped.

"Oh my goddess, I must have lost track of the time. I'll be home soon, I promise."

"I hope so, it's your turn to make dinner."

"Can Akira do it tonight? I'll wash the dishes and make dinner tomorrow, I promise."

"Alright, I'll ask her, see you soon Princess."

"Love you, bye," Invidia said, then she hung up, gathered her things and left.

She arrived home to a dinner of beef curry and rice which she cleaned up before heading out again to Nova and Derek's.

"Invidia?" Derek said when he answered the door. "You know we're eating, right?"

"I just need to borrow the room upstairs for an hour or so, is that alright?"

"I guess…" Derek shrugged and let her in.

Invidia stepped in, replaced her boots with black house slippers and headed upstairs to the second guestroom, which Nova had set up with a sewing machine and several fashion design tools for Invidia, since she did not have an extra room for the items in her apartment. She immediately sat down and took out one of the Ariel she had bought and kept for herself. She gently took it out of the box, brushed out her hair and then started taking measurements to make an extra outfit for the one she bought for Yuki. She carefully looked through her scraps before choosing two pieces of fabric, one a dark purple and one a light lavender. With that in mind she began sketching and then went to work for the next two hours.

"Invidia?" Nova asked as she entered.

"Hm?" Invidia looked up at her.

"It's late, you should probably get home."

"I'm almost done, just give me twenty more minutes."

"Alright," Nova closed to door and left Invidia to her work, which she did finish, then she gently put the outfit on her doll and smiled at the result. 'It's perfect, and I'm sure any young girl would be grateful for it…' She then put it away, redressed her doll and yawned. 'I'm tired, maybe if I laid down for just a second…' She thought as she put her head down, and slowly fell asleep.

Derek came in two minutes later and smiled. "What are we going to do with you?" He whispered as he moved a strand of hair out of her face.

"She can't go home like this," Nova said. "I'll call Arty and tell him that she's staying here, wake her up, will you?"

"Why?"

"She needs to take a bath and get changed."

Derek nodded and gently shook Invidia's shoulder. "Princess? Princess, wake up." He whispered.

She lifter her head up and looked at him. "What time is it? I have to get home…I…" she stood up and Derek grabbed her wrist.

"No you don't. You're staying here tonight."

"I have to go to work tomorrow!"

"I know. We'll work something out. But we're not letting you go home like this, sit."

Invidia pouted, but she sat until Nova came in with a long, light, pink nightgown.

"You can wear this, and I set you a bath in the master bathroom."

"I am not wearing this! It's pink for Arishna's sake!"

"Invidia, it's just a nightgown, no one is going to see it, and it's all you're getting. So either wear it or go naked."

Invidia grumbled and headed off to the bathroom, where she took a twenty minute bath before she combed out her hair, changed and headed to bed. Only to be woken up the next morning by Derek, who gave her Nova's burgundy skirt suit to wear for work.

"Will this fit?" She asked.

"It should, and Nova washed your dress shirt and underwear last night so you don't have to worry about that. She's waiting for you in the kitchen, oh, and good morning," He said, then he gave her a light kiss on the head and left.

Invidia met Nova downstairs to collect her laundry, which consisted of a white, silk blouse, her bra and panties and a short, white slip she wore so that her blouse wasn't see-trough. She thanked Nova, took a shower, and then got ready before making them a small 'thank you' breakfast and heading off to work, where she spent all day at her desk, except for her lunch break where she finished the decorating, which Ariana tried to check on. As soon as the door cracked open Invidia kicked her out.

"No!" She said. "You can't see it until it's done!"

"Alright, understood. I just came to tell you that there's a short meeting going on now."

"Give me two minutes," Invidia said, then she went back into the room, cleaned up her mess and then hung a "do not enter" sign on the door and locked it. After all of that she followed Ariana, running into George on the way.

"Savela! I believe you promised me brownies."

'oh, shit…' Invidia thought. "I did, but a lot went on last night, and I wasn't even home, so…"

"It's fine, take your time. Even I know that good food takes time and love."

Invidia smiled and walked the rest of the way to the first floor conference room A, where both Ariana and the editor of sector five, Julia, waited with their staff.

"Alright," Julia started. "As you know, our holiday party is tomorrow."

Half the room cheered, earning them a glare from Julia.

"But, we have a problem, Ariana?"

"As you know, Saki from our department was supposed to make the cake, but her sister went into labor and she had to leave town last night," Ariana explained to her crew.

"So, we called you all here to see if we can work out a solution, since it's been confirmed that the best bakers are among Ariana and I," Julia explained.

Everyone began talking at once offering suggestions that ranged from buying the cake to just not having one. Invidia stood off to the side, and after five minutes of commotion she finally stepped forward.

"I'll do it," She said.

Everyone looked at her.

"Are you sure?" Ariana asked.

"I'm sure, I like baking, and it should be a nice challenge."

"What do you all think?" Julia asked.

The crowd talked for a few minutes before they nodded.

"Let her do it," One man said. "She's good at it."

The woman next to him nodded. "Agreed."

The rest of the crowd nodded and Ariana looked to Invidia.

"Well, I guess you've got the job."

Invidia smiled, and the meeting broke apart, after which she asked Ariana for permission to leave early so that she could go shopping for baking supplies. Ariana granted it to her and at three o'clock Invidia headed to her favorite bake shop to pick up some items.

"Hey Invidia," Noel said when she came to checkout. "What's all this for?"

"The office's Christmas cake, the original baker had to go out of town to tend to her sister, who's having her first child."

Noel nodded. "Sixty even," she said.

Invidia handed her the cash and Noel gave her a cookie from a basket next to the register. "Here," she said.

"What's this for?"

"It's a holiday tradition here. We give free cookies with purchases thirty dollars or more."

"Oh, thank you," Invidia took it and headed home, only to find Arty watching a movie. "What are you doing here?" She said.

"I took a half day, you?"

"I have to make a cake. By the way, I thought about your mother's offer."

"And?"

"I want to go. It sounds like a lot of fun, but we have to decorate the house first," Invidia ordered as she set the ingredients on the counter.

"Invidia, if we're going up there why do we need to decorate?"

"Because it's tradition and I like decorating. Please?" Invidia went over and climbed into his lap. "I'll do anything…"

"Anything, you say? Alright, I want you to…" Arty thought. "Bring me a shrubbery."

Invidia gave him a look. "Do what now?"

"Bring a shrubbery. You know, a bush? Then cut down a tree with a hearing."

"I'm not doing that."

"Then how about you just promise me a romantic Christmas night?"

"I can do that," Invidia nodded and then hit him on the shoulder.

"What was that for?"

"Your bad humor, now if you excuse me, I have a cake to bake," Invidia said, then, she got up, left to change into a skirt and top that she did not mind messing up and worked for the next three hours baking a half-chocolate, half-vanilla cake from scratch.

"Why don't you just use mix?" Arty said an hour in.

"That's lazy, and where are you off to?" She asked, looking at his attire.

"I'm going to go pick up the Christmas decorations from my parents. And while I'm out, do you want me to pick up something for dinner?"

Invidia shook her head. "No, I'll take care of it like I promised."

"Alright then, see you soon."

"Bye," Invidia said, then they shared a light kiss and he headed off.

While baking Invidia thought about what she had on hand for dinner and then, after she decided, she called her Father.

"Father?" She said when he answered. "Do you and Dyre want to come over for dinner tonight? I'm making a traditional Cometine meal."

"I'd love to come, but Dyre's busy, so…"

"That's fine, be here around seven."

"Alright," Zordar said. Then, he hung up the phone and Invidia got to work on dinner, surprising Arty when he came home.

"What's this?" He asked. "And why so much food?"

"Father is coming over for dinner, and this way we can all have some leftovers."

Arty nodded. "I got everything we need from my parents; you just have to get the little things like your special ornaments and the balcony lights."

"I hate those lights. They're a pain in the ass."

"They are, but at least they're pretty."

Invidia nodded. "True," she said just as a knock came at the door. She answered and let Zordar in.

After he settled in he looked at her and said, "What's with the flour?"

"Oh," Invidia blushed as she glanced at her outfit. "I was making a cake."

Zordar nodded. "I see, and how are you today?"

"Fine. Dinner's ready," Invidia said as she led him into the kitchen.

Arty called the kids out and within ten minutes they were all settle in and eating. But Invidia stopped them halfway through by tapping her glass with a spoon.

"I have made a decision," she said. "As you all know we're going to the mountains for the holidays," She looked at Arty. "And I'd like to invite you to come with us, Father."

"Me?" Zordar asked.

Invidia nodded. "There's more than enough room, and they like you, so it shouldn't be an issue. Besides, Christmas is family time and you always spend it with us, so I would like you to be there."

"I like the idea," Arty said. "And I know my parents won't mind."

"Alright then, I'd love to go."

"Yay!" Invidia ran over and hugged him, making everyone laugh. "We're leaving on the twentieth, right?" Invidia looked at Arty.

He nodded. "My parents will go up on the eighteenth and start setting everything up. But they promised to wait for us to decorate."

"Great, and it's settled, we depart on the twentieth," Invidia said. 'But first, I have a party to attend…' She thought. And, the next afternoon that was exactly what she did. The rules of the company party were that it was never a huge thing, it was employee-exclusive, and work ended two hours early for it.

That day Invidia had come in a professional-yet elegant ensemble that included a medium-length black skirt, a red off-the-shoulder top with elbow-length sleeves and a pair of black sandals that she changed into as soon as she sat down that morning, then she carried the cake into the custodial office, where George had offered to hide it until the party.

"Thanks," she said when she picked it up.

"No problem and I love your brownies. Mind sharing the recipe?"

Invidia shook her head. "Family secret," She said.

"Understandable. Now go have fun."

"You're not coming?"

"My daughter's doing a play at school, I can't."

Invidia smiled. "Have fun then."

"I will," he nodded and Invidia headed up to the conference room where, she set up the snack table and placed the cake in the middle. Then, and three o'clock sharp she finally opened the door and let everyone see her work.

"Invidia…" Ariana said as she walked in. "It's beautiful…how did you…?"

"A visit to the craft store and some hot glue works well, no?"

Ariana continued to stare as someone said, "Who made this cake?"

"I did." Invidia stepped up.

"It's beautiful," The woman complimented.

"Thank you," Invidia nodded and looked at it. She had chosen to decorate the cake with a white, homemade vanilla frosting that had a green "garland" border with red "berries" made out of little, red, frosting dots. It was completed with a "Happy Holidays" inscription in red cursive next to a medium-sized holly leaf, complete with red "berries."

"When do we cut it?" Julia asked.

"In a half hour when Ariana brings me the serving set."

The woman nodded and walked off, Invidia followed and spent the next half hour mingling until she returned to cut and serve the cake, which got several compliments.

"That cake was amazing, I don't know why we didn't come to you first," Ariana said two hours later.

"Because I was late on assignment day. And I'm going home."

"Why?"

"I want to see my husband, and besides, it's decorating day.

"Okay then, see you on Monday."

Invidia nodded and quickly left the conference room, from there she made her way back to her desk, exchanged her sandals for boots and gathered up her things so that she could leave, but, she didn't go home. She first stopped by the craft store and immediately went to the checkout counter.

"Hey, I was wondering when I'd see you," The woman at the counter, Momoka, said.

"Oh, I'm not here to buy anything, I just wanted to drop this off," Invidia said as she placed a neat, red-wrapped box on the counter with Yuki's star attached.

"Wow…I didn't think you were into this."

"I wasn't until I read it, and thought it'd be nice."

Momoka smiled. "Well, I'll make sure she gets it."

Invidia smiled back. "Thank you," she said before she left.

When she arrived home she immediately got to work on the decorations with Arty and the kids. Then, they went to work on packing for their trip which started on the twentieth at five AM.

"Arty do we have to be out here?" Invidia whined. "I'm cold and so is Monica!" She then pointed to the blue cat carrier that would be Monica's home for the next five hours until they arrived at Nina and Takachi's mountain cabin.

"Yes, and if you're that cold, wait in the car," Arty said.

Invidia did as she was told and sat in the car until her Father arrived so that they could drive off. She attempted to take a nap but was constantly interrupted by Monica's whining. 'Shut up cat…' She thought before her tiredness got the best of her and she slowly drifted to sleep.

When Invidia got up again all she could see was snow, and lots of it. "Are we here?" She asked.

"Almost, we only have another ten minutes to go."

"Thank goodness," Invidia said as she leaned back and watched the sights go by until they pulled up to the cabin exactly ten minutes later.

"Arty!" Nina said as she ran out and hugged him. "You're here!"

"Yes we are," Invidia said coolly as she walked by them with Monica and a bag in hand.

Once in the cabin she immediately set up Monica's supplies before letting her out and showing her where everything was.

"This will be your home until after New Year's so get used to it," she said as Monica sauntered into the second floor bathroom where her litter box was kept.

Invidia rolled her eyes, turned around and nearly ran into Arty.

"I was looking for you," he said. "We have to put our room together."

"Alright" Invidia nodded and allowed Arty to grab her wrist and lead her down the end of the hallway and into a bedroom.

"Arty…this is your parents' room, we can't stay here," Invidia said as she looked around the master bedroom, furnished with a nice, cedar dresser, mirror and nightstand set that matched the large, queen-sized canopy bed in the middle of the room.

"Yes we can. I convinced them to let us have the master bedroom for this vacation."

"Oh, Arty…I love you!" Invidia said as she hugged him.

"I know you do, now, let's start unpacking before we move onto the decorating."

Invidia nodded and picked up a suitcase, which she promptly sat on the dresser. She then pulled out a set of dark, wine-red sheets, a comforter and of course, her black blanket. As soon as she set the items down Arty put them on the bed and made it, leaving her free to unpack. Afterwards she took a long, hot shower and laid down for a half-hour power nap before reawakening and going downstairs to decorate.

It started with Takachi brining in a large, eight-foot, pre-lit tree, which was given to the kids for fluffing.

"Dad, where'd you get this tree?" Arty asked.

"Our neighbors let us borrow it. They went to the Caribbean for the holidays and decided not to decorate, so they let us have it until after New Years."

Invidia nodded and began to un-box ornaments as Monica came over and sniffed them.

"Hi, Monica," Invidia said.

Monica looked at her, jumped off the coffee table and wandered to the open door just as Nina came in with another bin. She stepped out, put one paw in the snow and immediately picked it back up and shook it. She took another step, and then another, doing the same thing each time, then, she looked at Invidia, who was standing in the doorway, and meowed.

"It's your fault," Invidia said as she came out and picked her up, then she headed back in, closed the door and set Monica down.

Monica gave her a look and wandered off, leaving Invidia alone to start on the tree and house décor. She started with setting up the mantle with garland and stocking unique to each person, and each embroidered with a name, including the newest addition which was dark red with a black paw print and had "Monica" embroidered at the top.

"What do you think?" Invidia asked as she replaced the painting above the mantle with a wreath she had modified.

"I love it, where'd you want these?" Nina asked as she held up a box of "special" ornaments that Invidia and Arty brought from home.

"I'll take care of that," Invidia took the box and helped the family go through three hours of decorating before they packed everything away and later settled down to an nice, grilled chicken dinner made by Nina and Invidia, who excused herself to take a long, hot bath while then men headed into the rec room to play billiards. She came downstairs forty-five minutes later, dressed in a long, long-sleeved, black nightgown with matching black robe and house slippers. She settled down and read for at least three hours before she decided that she was going to bed and was met with a surprise. When she entered the room Arty was already sound asleep in the middle of the bed.

"Arty…" Invidia whined as she threw her robe off. She placed it over a chair and went to move Arty only to find that he wouldn't move. "Arty, come on," Invidia said as she pushed him.

Arty groaned and turned on his side, but not over.

Invidia huffed and continued for the next five minutes before she gave up. 'Great…now what…' She thought as she sighed. She pondered for a minute and then thought, 'I know, I'll just sleep with Father…' Invidia then stood up, grabbed her blanket, gave Arty a look and headed across the hallway to her Father's bedroom.

"Father? Father, wake up," She whispered as she gently shook him.

"Invidia? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your husband?"

"Arty's being a bed hog," Invidia whined with a pout.

"Aw, come here," Zordar said as he patted the spot next to him.

Invidia smiled and cuddled up next to him after covering herself with both his bed covers and her blanket.

Zordar smiled back and kissed her head. "Good night." He said.

"Night…Father?"

"Hm?" "I love you."

"I love you too…" Zordar whispered as he pulled her close and they slowly drifted off to sleep.

Arty woke up sometime later just as the sun was coming up, and, as he came to he noticed something.

'Invidia…?' He thought as he felt what was supposed to be her side of the bed. "Invidia?" He sat up and looked over. 'Princess? Where are you?' He asked himself, and, remembering how he had found her last time she was not in bed, he immediately got up and headed into the bathroom, which was empty. 'Where could she be?'

He then checked the kitchen, living room, and the rec room before going upstairs to ask Zordar. "Zordar, have you seen…" he stopped in the middle of opening the door and smiled. Aw, she's so cute, but, why is she here? Oh well, it makes for a really nice picture in my head…' It was then that Arty got an idea, a rather sneaky idea…He headed back into the master bedroom, grabbed his digital camera and returned to take an adorable shot of Invidia cuddling with her father. He then went downstairs and on the way down, decided to make breakfast for everyone.

'I wonder what Mom and Dad have on hand…' He thought as he routed through the fridge and pulled out ingredients for pancakes. He happily went to work, not noticing when Zordar stepped in ten minutes later.

"Arty?" Zordar said finally.

"What?" Arty turned to him.

"What are you doing?"

"Making breakfast, and if you're going to stay here make yourself useful and turn those oranges into juice." Arty pointed to the oranges on the counter and Zordar did as he was told until Invidia came down ten minutes later in her nightgown, robe and slippers.

"Father, why'd you leave?" She whined. "And what's that smell?"

"Good morning Princess," Arty greeted her. He then immediately stopped mixing batter and gave her a light kiss.

"Morning, Arty…" Invidia said back. She stepped away and took a seat at the breakfast nook with her father.

"Here Princess," Zordar pushed a glass of juice her way. "Try it."

Invidia picked it up and took a small sip. "I like it, no added sugar."

Zordar smiled at her and Arty said, "how come you didn't sleep with me last night, Invidia?"

"You were being a bed hog. I tried to move you but you wouldn't budge so I went to sleep with Father."

Arty nodded and continued cooking, only to finish a half hour later and send Invidia upstairs to tell everyone and, within then minutes everyone sat around the dining table for breakfast.

"So, what are everyone's plans?" Nina asked.

"Ryou and I are going snowboarding," Akira said.

Ryou nodded in agreement as Invidia said, "Arty and I are going skating."

"We're what?" Arty said.

"Going ice skating."

"I never agreed to that!"

"Too bad, I want to go skating with you!" Invidia gave him her 'cute eyes' and continued with, "Please?"

"Invidia…"

"Please," She begged.

"Well…I…" Arty said as everyone looked at him. "Fine, we'll go skating."

Invidia smiled at him. "Then I guess I better get ready," she said as she stood up.

Arty watched her as she left to go take a shower and get ready for the day and pondered as he sat and waited for her to come downstairs, just as he did later at the skating rink.

'Come on Princess…hurry up…' He thought as he waited for her to come out of the locker room. She eventually did and his jaw dropped when he saw her in a dark, wine-red, satin skating dress.

"Sorry it took so long, I was waiting for it to clear out. Now, shall we get started?" Invidia held out her hand and they stepped onto the rink together. They spent sometime circling it and giving each other loving looks before Invidia broke off into a figure skating routine that Arty clapped for.

"Thank you," Invidia said as she came back over.

"That was…cute…" Arty said as he gently took her hand and kissed it, and then led her in a small dance before they began making their rounds again.

The next three days followed the same fashion of relaxation, including Christmas Eve, when, even dinner was done in a relaxed fashion.

"Nina? What is this?" Invidia asked as a plate of pizza was placed in front of her.

"Our old tradition. Ever since Arty was six, Christmas Eve dinner has been pizza and salad."

"But I don't eat pizza, you know that," Invidia said, then she picked up the plate and slid the piece onto Zordar's plate. "Here Father, you eat," She said.

Zordar just rolled his eyes as he watched Invidia stand up, wash her plate and then return to turn it into a chef's salad plate with just a bit of ham and cheese added in with the vegetables.

Everyone looked at her for a brief moment and shrugged as they continued eating and Nina thought, 'Oh well, it was worth a try…'

Invidia finished first, excused herself, and headed straight for the rec room, which she locked.

"Where's she going?" Arty asked. "I wanted to finish that game of pool."

"Why can't you just admit you lost?" Zordar asked.

"Because I don't give up."

"She said she had something to do," Nina informed Arty. "Now, if you excuse us, we're going to bed," she grabbed Takachi's hand and they headed upstairs.

Arty just shrugged, grabbed the TV remote and turned the television to a movie that seemed interesting. He zoned out after ten minutes, after which Zordar and the kids headed upstairs and he heard his name.

"Arty?" Invidia called. "I need your help!"

"I'm coming," Arty said as he stood up and shut the TV off. He then made his way downstairs to the rec room. "Invidia, what exactly do you…?" Arty stopped when he hit the floor and nearly passed out. Granted it was for a very good and sexy reason.

Invidia stood before him in candlelight and surrounded by rose petals in front of the newly-replaced hot tub in nothing but a short, black, silk robe.

"Princess…wha…what is this?"

"I promised you a romantic date, didn't I?" She said in a low, sexy voice as she untied and slipped off the robe.

"Yes, but I didn't think…I mean I…."

Invidia walked over and put her finger to his lips, "Shush," she said. "Come," she whispered as she beckoned him towards the hot tub.

Arty, utterly hypnotized, followed her, stripping off his clothes as he went. Once he reached her Invidia gently took his hand and led him into the water. The first thing Arty noticed was the table next to him. It was a wooden end table that Invidia had set with a vase of roses, two full flutes of champagne and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries.

"Is that why you banned everyone from the kitchen this afternoon?" He asked.

Invidia nodded. "I didn't want anyone to ruin the surprise," she said, then she moved in as close as she could, threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hot, deep kiss.

It startled him at first, but it wasn't long before he fell into and returned it. "I thought we were saving the romantic stuff for Christmas day," He said.

"Not all of it. Besides, this is just a date, I have more planned for tomorrow," Invidia replied as she gently picked up a strawberry.

Arty immediately took it from her. "Have we forgotten how this is supposed to work?" he teased.

"Perhaps you should show me."

"I can do that," He said, then, he started to hold it out to her, but moved it down at the last minute and used the end of it to draw a small, chocolate heart directly above her breasts.

"Arty…" Invidia blushed.

"What?" He said in a teasing voice as he pulled her close and gently licked the chocolate off of her.

"Arty, stop it…" Invidia giggled. "I didn't intend to do this sort of thing until tomorrow."

"I figured that, but there's nothing wrong with a little teasing, is there?" Arty asked as he once again presented the strawberry to her.

"I guess not…" Invidia said, then she took a gentle, delicate bite of it before smiling at Arty and reaching for her champagne glass.

"Oh no, not until you finish this," Arty teased as he offered her the rest of the strawberry.

"Fine," Invidia rolled her eyes and took it from him. She quickly ate the rest of it and picked up her and Arty's champagne glasses, she handed his over and said, "To us."

Arty nodded and they clinked glasses and then spent the next two hours eating, drinking, talking and teasing each other before Arty decided that it was time for bed after a glance at the clock.

They were in the middle of a deep, passionate kiss when he noticed and suddenly broke it.

"Arty! What was that for?" Invidia asked. "Am I that bad of a kisser?"

"No, your kiss was amazing Princess, but it's getting late."

"It's only ten thirty," Invidia protested.

"I know, but we have been here for two hours."

"So? It's romantic…" She said as she moved over and cuddled up to him.

"Invidia, get up."

Invidia pouted but she did get up and wrap a towel around her body so that she could get out.

"Princess, your hair is wet," Arty said as he approached her, a towel around his waist.

"Only part of it," Invidia shrugged. "I'll dry it in a few minutes."

Arty nodded as he watched her blow out all of the candles and pick up the petals and their dishes. Invidia then made her way to the kitchen, rinsed out the dishes and put them in the sink before collecting all the rose petals in a bowl. After she finished, Arty picked her up and carried her upstairs.

"You know I love you, right?" Invidia said.

"I think so…You've said it at least twenty times tonight."

"Arty!" She whined. "You're supposed to say, "I love you too," remember?"

"Fine, I love you too," Arty sighed.

Invidia laughed and gently laid her head on his shoulder as he approached the bedroom. He gently set her on the floor and she looked at him.

"I have to get ready for bed, so I'll be out in a few minutes."

Arty nodded and watched her gently take a garment from the dresser and carry it into the bathroom. After she was gone he put on his own pajamas, which consisted of a pair of black, flannel pants and a white shirt, then he waited by the bathroom door so that he could brush his teeth.

Inside the bathroom Invidia brushed her own teeth, washed her face and blow dried the end of her hair before she slipped on her nightgown, a satin, spaghetti strap, navy blue piece with a single strand of white lace around her breasts and along the bottom. She did a quick twirl in front of the dressing mirror, and, feeling satisfied with it, came back out.

"Finally," Arty teased.

Invidia just rolled her eyes and got settled into bed. And, when Arty came back out he did the same as he held her close and they fell asleep together.

They were awoken the next morning by Zordar, who came in at eight and started by gently running his hand along Invidia's cheek. "Princess," He whispered. "Princess, wake up."

"Hm?" Invidia slowly opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Merry Christmas, Princess," Zordar said. "Nina has breakfast ready downstairs."

"Alright," Invidia said sleepily.

Zordar gave a small smile and gently patted her shoulder before getting up and heading back downstairs.

Invidia laid in bed for another minute before she sat up and gently shook Arty. "Arty? Darling, wake up."

"Hmm? What?" Arty looked at her.

"Merry Christmas," Invidia said, then she leaned down and gently kissed his forehead.

"It's Christmas?" Arty sat up.

"Yes, and your mother has breakfast downstairs."

"Alright then…" Arty muttered as he sat up and then got out of bed and stretched.

Invidia got up, put on her slippers and robe and followed him downstairs.

"Hey, there you are," Takachi said. "Coffee's ready."

"Thanks," Arty said and headed over to the pot while Invidia sat at the table next to Zordar.

"Here, Princess." Zordar handed her a teacup.

"Thanks." Invidia smiled and took a small sip of it.

"Merry Christmas, Honey," Nina said as she placed a plate in front of her.

"Thanks." Invidia gave her a small smile and picked up her fork. She started by picking at her eggs sleepily before actually eating.

"Are you okay?" Arty asked.

"Yeah, just a little tired," Invidia replied, then she took another sip of her tea and continued to eat with everyone else. She then helped Nina with the dishes before moving into the living room for presents. She sat on the couch and cuddled up to Arty while Akira and Ryou picked up their first presents.

"Invidia-Mama, I love it!" Akira said as she looked at the black skirt she had received.

"Don't hate me, but I bought one for myself too."

Akira laughed. "You would."

Invidia smiled at her and then Ryou as he looked at a paint set with a questionable expression.

"You'll see what that's for later," Invidia reassured.

"Here. You open one," Zordar handed her a gift box.

Invidia looked at him and gently opened it, revealing a dark, navy blue, strapless dress with a thin layer of silver sparkles and matching, silver tiara with sapphire gems. "Father…It's wonderful!"

"Nothing's too good for my Little Princess," Zordar said, then he kissed her head, making her blush.

"What about you, Arty?" Invidia looked at him.

"Yes Arty, here," Nina handed him a box.

Arty gave it a look before carefully opening and pulling out a dark, black suit jacket.

"You said your old one was getting a bit worn out, so we thought we'd save you some trouble and buy one for you," Takachi said.

"It's fine, I like it. Thank you." Arty smiled and put it down just as Monica sauntered over and jumped into Invidia's lap.

"What?" Invidia asked. "Do you want your gifts too? Akira, be a dear and get Monica's stocking, would you?"

"Why can't you do it?" Akira asked.

"We're cuddling," Invidia said as she leaned her head on Arty's shoulder.

Akira sighed but she did get up and retrieve Monica's stocking from the mantel.

"Thank you," Invidia nodded and turned to Monica. "Let's see what Santa brought you," she teased, knowing very well that the cat could care less about some Christmas myth. "Look…" Invidia took out a small can of treats. "It's your favorite."

Monica tilted her head and then moved closer and stuck her head in the stocking.

"Monica!"Invidia laughed. "You're ruining the surprise," She fake-scolded.

Monica ignored her and pulled out a blue, catnip mouse, jumped down and began playing with it.

"I think she likes her gift," Arty teased, then he kissed Invidia's head and handed her another gift.

Invidia read the tag and opened it. "Nina…this is beautiful…" She gasped as she looked at the clear, elegant vase in front of her.

"I saw it in a florist's window and thought it suited you."

"I love you," Invidia said as she got up and hugged Nina.

"I love you too," Nina said.

Then, they both laughed and Zordar presented Invidia with her stocking and gave her another hug. And, the rest of the morning went along in the same manner. It was a happy, calm, family time that started to break when Invidia excused herself for a shower and then helped Nina with dinner in the kitchen.

"Looks good." Invidia nodded at the ham as she mixed brownie batter.

"Thank you, your stuff looks great too," Nina replied.

Invidia smiled at her and got out a pan to spread the brownie mix in.

As she was working, Arty entered the kitchen and said, "I feel kind of bad for leaving you two in here, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes," Invidia said, then, she walked over to the counter by the sink, picked up a bag and handed it to him. "You can peel these potatoes."

"Yes Ma'am," Arty said with a half-hearted salute.

Invidia giggled and slid her brownies into the over below Nina's ham.

Nina laughed with her and then excused herself for a few moments, leaving Arty and Invidia in charge of dinner, which all came together within a reasonable amount of time, allowing them to sit down at six to a wonderful meal of honey-baked ham, vegetables and three different side dishes along with dinner rolls, Invidia's brownies and wine for the adults.

Upon sitting down everyone joined hands to say grace. Out of respect for the majority of the family's Christian religion both Invidia and Zordar bowed their heads, but said nothing. Then, after it was over they all started to eat, being careful not to ruin their dress clothes, which was extremely easy due to nearly everyone being of adult age with the exception of Monica, who sat, eating a small piece of non-coated ham, courtesy of Invidia, who smiled at her before continuing to eat, and then being asked by Zordar:

"Hey, Princess? How come you didn't wear the dress I gave you to dinner?"

"I'm saving it for the next reception in January, it's to beautiful for this sort of thing."

Zordar nodded and topped off her wine glass.

Invidia drank a few sips before pushing it away. "No more, I don't want to end up drunk."

"I'll take it," Arty offered.

"No, it's sick to drink after people, I'll just dump it," Invidia said as she got up and did just that.

"Princess, why do you always say that? We kiss all the time, and I'm pretty sure that's a lot more germy than drinking out of your glass."

"I don't care, it's not right," Invidia retorted as she then filled the now clean glass with ice water.

Arty shrugged and the pleasant evening went on until all of the dished had been washed and everyone excused themselves to bed. Everyone except Arty and Invidia.

Invidia had ordered Arty to stay downstairs while she got the room ready for bed and called him up after twenty minutes of his waiting.

Arty headed upstairs and stopped in front of the candle-lit doorway of the master bedroom. In front of him stood Invidia in a gorgeous lingerie set that consisted of only a dark, red bra outlined with white lace around her breasts that had sheer, red hang-offs that stopped just before a pair of matching dark red panties.

"Arty…" She whispered as she approached him. "Look up."

Arty casted his gaze towards the top on the doorway and noticed that directly above him was a small sprig of mistletoe. He smiled at her and quickly pulled her in for a hot, deep kiss before he closed the door and backed her up against it. He quickly lifted her arms above her head and trapped her with one of his hands and then ran the other in between her legs. As a tease he stopped before he got too far and moved in to give her another hot kiss, making her moan as he then ran his kisses down her neck, to her shoulders and then her breasts and he gently slid one of her bra straps down, exposing her to him as he dropped his hold and she practically tore his shirt off, hypnotized by passion and pleasure as Arty continued to tease her with both his hands and his mouth.

She gasped as he slid down her other bra strap and then reached back to take it off of her. She gasped again as he got it off and then set his hands on his waist, lifted her up, and gently placed her on the bed. He climbed on top of her and leaned down to give her several more kisses as she worked on getting his pants off. Arty stopped her by grabbing her hands and then distracting her by kissing her breasts passionately, bouncing them around as he played with them making her moan and gasp.

"Arty…" She gasped.

He gently put his finger to her lips. "Don't talk," he said. "You don't need to talk…" He whispered, distracting her once again while he got her panties off.

Noticing this, she reached for him again and they both worked on stripping him. Arty then began to kiss her again, running his hands and his mouth all over her body as he made his way down her breasts, to her stomach and finally down there.

Invidia arched back, curled her toes into the silk sheets and moaned as he kissed her there and then lay beside her, giving her a chance to drive him mad.

They went on like this for quite awhile before Arty moved her onto her back, kissed her and then took her in a way that took both their breaths away. And, it wasn't long before they exploded into another world together as Invidia cried out his name, not caring who heard.

Then, they both lay there, spent, but still kissing each other as hot tears of joy ran down Invidia's cheeks while he held and kissed her.

"I love you, more than you'll ever know," Arty whispered before kissing her again.

"Yes, Darling, I know. I love you too," Invidia purred.

"You know, every year this is my favorite Christmas present."

"Well, I'm glad you like it, Merry Christmas, Darling," Invidia whispered.

"Oh, it's not over yet, we still have an hour and a half to go before midnight hits," Arty said as he began to run his hand up her leg once again.

"Then let's make some magic," Invidia teased.

"I plan on it," Arty purred, then, he pulled her in for another kiss and got right back down to the business of making her feel as if she had died and gone to heaven.

After that night the rest of the vacation went by pretty quickly with the New Year's planning. That year Arty's parents decided to throw a traditional, Japanese, New Year's party that included traditional food, activities and clothing.

"Arty, I'm sleepy," Invidia whined as she approached him in her purple yukata. "I don't think I can make it until midnight."

"I'm sure you can." Arty reassured as he looked at the clock, which read eleven-ten.

Invidia shook her head.

"Maybe it's the atmosphere; we've been celebrating New Years the same way for years. Wait until midnight, cheer and then head to bed…you just need something different," he said with a sly smile.

"Just what are you…?"

"Shush," Arty put a finger to her lips and then said to Nina, "It's getting late, so Invidia and I are going to bed."

"But it's not even close to midnight yet," Nina said.

"I know but she's really tired and it'll just be easier if I go with her. We have been up since five."

"Alright then," Nina nodded. "But you're going to regret it."

'Actually we won't…' Arty thought then he grabbed Invidia's hand and said, "Come on Princess, time for bed."

Invidia nodded sleepily and followed him upstairs, surprised when, halfway up he swept her up and carried her into the bedroom. Once they were inside he closed and locked the door, placed her on the bed and climbed on top of her.

"Arty…What is this?"

"This," He said as he untied her yukata sash. "Is how we're going to stay up 'till midnight," He finished, then he gave her a deep kiss and moved down, running his kisses down her neck as he gently untied the sash of the under robe.

"Arty…stop…I…I just want to sleep…" Invidia pleaded.

Arty ignored her and pushed away the under robe, then he continued on, running his kisses down her stomach, to her navel and then finally down there as he slid her panties down her thighs.

At that, she snapped and gave into him, and it wasn't long before they were both naked, and rolling and kissing and loving each other in a passionate love making session. They lost track of time and…everything else as they fell into a wonderful, pleasurable dream. It wasn't long before Arty kissed her and then gently took her. They spent a bit more time joined together in their act of love before they both reached a hot, fast climax that had Invidia crying as a chime went off, signaling that it was midnight of the New Year.

"Happy New Year, Princess," Arty gasped, then he kissed her again.

"Happy New Year indeed," Invidia purred.

"And now that it's the first, your birthday's only fourteen days away…" Arty reminded her, immediately wiping the smile off of her face as she turned on her side.

"What? Did I say something?"

"No," Invidia lied, feeling tears in her eyes.

"Princess, tell me what's wrong…"

"I hate my birthday. I'm getting old and only have two more years of doing this with you to go, I mean, who wants to make love with forty-year old woman?" Invidia cried.

"Invidia, Derek and Nova are both bordering on forty and their love life is just fine. And you're not old, you're as beautiful as you were the day I met you. I love you for who you are an always will, no matter how old you get," Arty said as he gently ran a hand through her hair. "I love you."

Invidia smiled and said, "I love you too." Then, she turned around and cuddled up to him as they both fell into a deep, sound sleep…