Work Text:
Rain splattered against my bedroom window as I yanked a brush through my tangled hair. If I had it my way the rainy Saturday day would be spent curled up inside with a mug of tea - but I was in a relationship with Alice Cullen. With Alice, ‘my way’ somehow always ended up with us doing whatever she wanted. I didn’t mind.
Dating Alice was usually a dream come true. My life felt more fantasy than reality since her arrival but sometimes the terrifying reality of the situation of the situation I had gotten myself into would make itself salient.
Vampirism wasn’t the problem. I already planned to join the Cullen family in three months once I had finished high school. I also wasn’t bothered that Alice was a thousand times more extroverted than I would ever be. The real horror of dating the tiny vampire was her obsession with shopping and irreverent spending.
On my first day at Forks High I had worn a green work shirt and jeans. Alice claims my atrocious fashion was made her talk to me, she refused to be a “silent bystander to such a travesty.” Following future trends and keeping the Cullen family a step ahead of the latest styles coming out of New York and Paris was a matter of artistic expression for Alice. Of course I admired the Cullen’s style - Alice dressed each member of the family in a way that perfectly suited their personalities. Despite her talents I’d clung to my worn jeans, bulky sweaters and khaki skirts ferociously, refusing to be influenced by Alice’s charm.
Today that was coming to an end. After a year of whining, begging and pleading Alice had managed to convince me to let her restock my closet.
We’d been holed up in my room for eight hours yesterday sorting through my scanty closet. Alice would have just taken it all to good will but I’d fought her tooth and nail over every article of clothing. In the end she had only conceded two items for me to hold onto - my favourite white eyelet lace shirt and the deep blue blouse I had worn on my first visit to the Cullen house.
It was nearly impossible to refuse Alice in anything, with her lovely wide eyes, adorable spiky hair and just how endearing she looked while pouting. If her pleading face didn’t get me to capitulate a soft kiss and roaming hands always did the trick. I shook my head, exasperated as I considered what I’d signed up for today. Frustrating though she could be I had never loved anyone more than the persistent little pixie, there was no one in the world quite like Alice.
Once my hair was smooth I grabbed my ratty purse and bounded down the stairs. Alice and Charlie were playing a game of cribbage while they waited for me to make myself presentable. At the station Charlie was the reigning cribbage champion but he to his supreme annoyance hadn’t managed to beat Alice once. Alice was delighted that Charlie found her company charming enough to continue playing various card games despite her unbroken win streak - no one else indulged her. Being unaware of Alice’s prescience left Charlie clinging to the hope that one day he might win.
I entered the kitchen as Alice played a two of hearts and marked three more points on the board before turning to me with a dazzling smile.
“You ready to go now, love?”
Alice never failed to take my breath away. I walked to her side and ran a hand through her choppy black hair.
“We can wait until you two finish the game if you’d like?” I tried not to sound too eager to procrastinate shopping.
“No, no, please take her away Bella,” Charlie groaned looking chagrined. “I don’t think I can take much more of the ass whopping Alice is handing out!”
“We can leave the game here, Charlie, but only if you agree to count it as my win.” Alice declared with a sly grin.
“Anything to end the torture, your win kid. There’s a game on soon anyways.”
I frowned after Charlie as he lumbered into the kitchen to grab a beer. I’d hoped to buy a few extra minutes before the shopping begun.
“Oh don’t worry, sweets, it’s going to be fun! Besides, I have a special present to reward you with so long as you concentrate.”
Alice winked and stretched onto her toes to give me a soft but teasing kiss. She nibbled on my lower lip as my fingers hooked into the belt loops of her jeans, pulling her closer so our foreheads pressed together.
“Alice,” I whined.
I dipped my head and pressed my lips to her cheek, the tip of her pointed nose, the sharp angle of her jaw. I was just about to connect our lips once more when Alice danced out of my grasp. My complaint was cut short by Charlie.
“You girls have fun in Seattle now. Alice, drive safe and Bella, don’t be too difficult. Okay?”
“Yes, Charlie!” We chorused.
Alice closed the passenger door for me before skipping around the car. Despite her infectious good mood I worked to hide my smile, determined to hold on to my shallow irritation for a while longer to prove my point.
As we turned onto the highway Alice got a gleam in her eye that made me regret not demanding we take my old rusted Chevy.
“Now then, the first part of any fun day is not spending all of it in the car soooo,” Alice drew out the word as her grin grew wider, “you’re not going to get upset when I speed, right?”
I pressed my body against the seat and gripped the arm rests in panic as Alice began accelerating. Trees turned into a hazy green blur along the road and cars going the other direction flew by us like bullets.
“Wrong, wrong, so wrong!” I chanted, my voice tight with fear. “Remember we talked about this, Alice? I can’t walk away from a Volvo - or Porsche - pretzel.”
“Ye of little faith, we talked about this!” Alice chided, taking one hand from the wheel to tap on my forehead. “Fortune teller, remember? I’d see an accident coming from at least a mile away, that’s plenty of time to change course.”
“Nope, still don’t like it.”
“Silly girl,” Alice crooned, “I’ll hold your hand the whole way there if it makes you feel better?” Alice pried my hand from the arm rest nearest her and locked our fingers together.
“I think I’d prefer you kept two hands on the steering wheel thank you very much.” I grumbled, though I tightened my fingers around Alice’s deceptively dainty hand, giving in to her absurd driving.
All in all the drive wasn’t that bad. I stayed focused on Alice as she detailed her plan to create a cohesive look for my wardrobe. It was easier then I thought it would be to forget how fast we were moving. The goal was for each item in my closet to match well with any other item I could pair it with that way no matter what items I chose I would still look put together. Much to my chagrin Alice referred to this as “Bella proofing” and made sure to tell me Rosalie didn’t need nearly as much guidance.
Though I wasn’t particularly interested in the contents of my new wardrobe it was endearing to watch Alice’s excitement grow as they approached the mall. Once we were out of the car I kept her hand clasped tightly in mine to keep Alice from bouncing away at inhuman speeds.I briefly contemplated getting one of those backpack leashes people used to keep toddlers from running off which earned a scoff and eye roll from Alice as she had a vision of that suggestion being made.
“If anyone needs a leash it’s you, darling. How else could I get you into the shops without a tantrum?” Alice said in her characteristic lilting tone while batting her eyelashes with faux concern.
I smirked, “You can get a leash for me if you want Alice, but you already know I’d follow you anywhere.”
Just saying the words had a warm blush blooming across my cheeks but watching Alice’s mouth pop open in surprise was worth it. I couldn’t often catch Alice off guard so I nearly always took the chance when the opportunity presented itself, even if it meant embarrassing myself.
“Well come on then,” I tugged Alice’s hand, “you wanted to shop didn’t you?”
Mention of shopping broke Alice out of her surprised stillness. A dazzling grin broke across her face as she stretched onto her toes and kissed me with a passion that left me stunned. I staggered along behind Alice as she easily towed me towards her first target, Chanel.
“First things first, we are getting rid of that atrocious bag!” Alice shuddered as she glared accusingly at my ratty brown purse.
“Aw Alice, not my bag too!” I whined. I’d had this purse for ten years - sure the stitching was frayed but it was the perfect size and I had a system for where to keep everything.
Alice was unwavering.
“The only reason I didn’t make you throw it out yesterday is because you needed something to carry your wallet in today. Besides, in five minutes and fifteen seconds you will be the proud new owner of a quilted leather Chanel handbag and that unfortunate monstrosity will no longer be necessary.”
I drug my feet in an effort to slow our approach, earning a glare from Alice.
“Remember love, we can do this the easy way or the hard way but you already agreed so whatever way we go about this it is happening!”
Alice had a maniacal gleam in her eye and for a moment I feared she would pick me up and carry me into Chanel. Desperate to avoid a scene I gave up my fussing, trailing along behind Alice as she skipped into the store.
Four hours later Alice finally allowed for a break. We were in the food court so I could have a diet coke and cinnamon roll. Alice had promised me there was only one store left on the list before we could head home but since then Alice had been lost in her thoughts.
Though the day had been long I had to admit I had enjoyed myself. Every item of my clothing, save the undergarments, was different then what I had been wearing when I walked into the mall. As we shopped Alice had me switch from my “sorely outdated” clothes into our recent purchases.
She kept me in the nature themed palate I was comfortable with but elevated the style in a way I’d never been able to do for myself. Browns and cremes were used as base colours with deep blue, olive, and forest green accents. To my surprise I loved everything Alice picked out for me.
As we got rid of the clothes I had come to the mall in, switching to the perfectly fitting designer items Alice chose, I’d begun to feel more confident and more like myself. Alice had even called ahead to get some items tailored specifically to my measurements. I had no idea how much time my wonderful whirlwind of a girlfriend had spent considering each individual piece but I was sure it must have taken months of planning to put together such a perfect wardrobe.
“Hey Alice?” I started, breaking into her reverie.
“Yeah, love?” Alice smiled softly, already seeing what I was going to say.
“I just wanted to thank you for all this.” I gestured to the mountain of bags that sat beside us. “I know it must have taken a lot of time and consideration for you to plan everything this perfectly and, well, I’ve actually had fun with you today. I know I wasn’t keen at first but I really do like the clothes you’ve picked out. All of this is so kind of you.”
I blushed to be saying this out loud. No matter how much time I spent with Alice who had no problem voicing her emotions I remained Charlie-ish, awkward and unsure when it came to expressing my feelings.
Alice skipped around the table and sat in my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck before pressing a tender kiss to my cheek.
“Thank you for tolerating it,” she grinned up at me. “I knew that you’d like it eventually but there was a possibility that you wouldn’t appreciate the new clothes until a week from now. It means a lot that you’re indulging me like this - I know shopping isn’t your favourite way to spend a Saturday.”
“My favourite way to spend a Saturday is with you.” I tightened my arms around Alice’s waist and pressed my forehead to hers. Alice hummed happily and snuggled herself closer against me.
We sat like that for a long moment before Alice broke the silence.
“Of course, some ways to spend time together are extra fun…” she looked up at me from under her lashes, “and speaking of extra fun, I still have to give you your surprise.”
“Oh?” I could feel my cheeks warming under her seductive gaze.
“Trust me, you’ll love it.” Alice purred in a way that made my stomach tighten with anticipation.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!”
Alice laughed as she let me scoot her off my lap. “My, my, aren’t you eager?” She teased, causing my blush to deepen.
Despite her teasing Alice seemed just excited as me for whatever surprise she had waiting. She collected all their bags far faster than any human could and was dancing away with a coy “follow me” called over her shoulder.
“Um, Alice, shouldn’t we be going the other way?” I asked, confused when I realized we were headed in the opposite direction of our car.
“Don’t you trust me? I promise you’ll love this and if not I’ll be sure to make it up to you.”
Alice looked back at me with a smile so seductive I nearly melted right there. Then she took off through the mall, leaving me blushing and running to catch up.
I hesitated slightly before following Alice into an unmarked store. There was a single counter in the center of a small waiting room. Behind it, a tall woman with perfect black ringlets and warm smile glanced up from her computer.
“Welcome to Sensations by Arielle Dejour. Did you have an appointment?”
I glanced at Alice, nervous and unsure.
“Yes, thank you. We’re booked under the name ‘Cullen’.”
It never failed to amaze me how Alice could be at ease in every situation. I didn’t know whether it was part of being a vampire or if it was because Alice always knew what was coming. Either way, I desperately hoped that once I was immortal I would be able to carry myself with Alice’s casual confidence.
The receptionist got us checked in for whatever mystery appointment Alice had planned and began leading us down a hallway to a door marked by a golden number three.
“You will be in room three today. Everything is waiting inside ready for your viewing. At the back you will find a small dressing room, in the main area we have set up mirrors to provide a three hundred and sixty degree view of each item. Don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything I can to do assist. I hope our selections are to your satisfaction.”
The receptionist beamed at us before opening the door a sliver then heading back to her desk.
“Um, Alice?” I shot her a questioning look once the receptionist was out of hearing range.
“Don’t worry my love!” Alice opened the door with a flourish, “After you.”
After a moments hesitation I stepped into the room, setting my shopping bags down just inside the door. There was a small entryway with coat hooks and a mat for shoes. Confused, but trusting Alice’s judgment, I unlaced my new combat boots and hug up the wool blazer Alice had picked out an hour earlier. The click of the lock as Alice closed the door sent a strange shiver of anticipation down my spine.
Alice clasped my hand and led me through a curtain and into a small square room. The space was empty save for a plush leather ottoman in the center and floor to ceiling mirrors which were placed in a circle around the ottoman. I gasped, understanding flooding through me the second I saw the mirrors.
A few months ago I had, blushing and stammering, confided in Alice about my fantasy of having sex while surrounded by mirrors so I could see every angle of it unfolding. I had envisioned a few mirrors placed strategically around the pixie’s bedroom in the Cullen’s house, never dreaming that Alice would aim to fulfill my fantasy in such an extravagant way. I should have known better.
“Well?” Alice asked, winding her thin arms around my waist as she stretched up to nibble on my ear. “What do you think?”
I turned in Alice’s embrace so I could see her expression of nervous anticipation. Alice seemed genuinely uncertain how this surprise would be received.
“I- I don’t… I don’t think, Alice. I…” I trailed off, unable to find the right words.
Alice frowned slightly, but before she could get the wrong idea I dipped my head to catch her mouth in a searing kiss, opting to show Alice what I thought of her surprise. Alice gasped, tightening her arms around me until it was impossible for us to get closer together as she pressed up onto her toes to deepen the kiss. I took the opportunity to brush my tongue against hers as I tangled my fingers in her spiky hair.
When I pulled back slightly to breathe Alice shook her head back and forth a few times, as if to clear her head.
“There is one other part to your surprise,” Alice grinned suggestively.
“I’m not sure this could get any better, though I am a little confused about how this is legal and in a mall.” I gestured to the room around us.
“Well technically this is a store, love. Go into the dressing room in the back and you’ll see what I mean.” She shooed me towards a curtain in the back corner of the room which I hadn’t noticed in my earlier preoccupation.
I pulled the tick velvet curtain aside to reveal a tiny dressing room with dozens of bra and panty sets hanging on the wall.
“Sensations is a designer lingerie company. They’re all your size, specially made for you… or us that is.” Alice said from behind me.
I could hear the smile in her voice and knew she would be able to taste the scent of my arousal in the air. I promised myself I would never turn down another shopping trip with Alice as long as we lived. Without another word I pulled the curtain closed behind me then stared shedding my clothes as quickly as possible, for once eager to let Alice dress me up and do whatever she pleased.