Alice and Bella go Shopping <3
Most of the time dating Alice Cullen was a dream come true, her life felt more fantasy than reality since the tiny vampire’s arrival, but sometimes the terrifying reality of the situation Bella had gotten herself into would make itself salient. Vampirism wasn’t the problem. Bella already planned to join the Cullen family after her graduation in 3 months, she was only waiting for Charlies sake. Nor was she bothered that Alice was a thousand times more bubbly and extraverted than Bella would ever be, this was a plus since Bella was never left trying to fill awkward gaps in conversation. Bella never would have imagined that the real horror of dating a vampire would be that vampire’s obsession with shopping and irreverent spending.
Alice was obsessed with clothes while Bella had literally worn an old green work shirt to her first day at Forks High last year. Following future trends and keeping the Cullen family one step ahead of the latest styles coming out of New York and Paris was a key point of Alice’s artistic expression. While Bella always admired Alice’s adorable yet somehow elegant style and the way it enhanced the vampires beauty she had stubbornly clung to her worn jeans, bulky sweaters and khaki skirts.
Today that was all changing. After a year of whining, begging, and pleading Alice had finally managed to convince Bella to let her restock her closet. Yesterday the two of them had spent all day holed up in Bella’s room sorting through her scanty closet. Alice would have just taken it all to good will but Bella fought her tooth and nail over every article of clothing. In the end Alice had only conceded 2 items for Bella to hold onto - her favourite white eyelet lace shirt and the blue blouse Bella had worn when Alice took her to the Cullen house for the first time.
It was nearly impossible for Bella to refuse Alice too long in anything, what with her lovely wide eyes, adorable hair and the endearing way she looked while pouting. If Alice’s pleading face didn’t get Bella to capitulate a soft kiss and roaming hands did the trick sure enough. As she thought of this Bella’s frown turned to a soft smile. Annoying though the pixie might be Bella had never loved anyone more. There was no one in the world quite like her Alice.
Once Bella’s hair was smooth, running down to her mid back in a chocolate waterfall, Bella grabbed her purse and bounded down the stairs. Alice and Charlie were playing a game of cribbage while they waited for Bella to make herself presentable. At the station Charlie was the reigning champion but he hadn’t managed to beat Alice once which baffled and annoyed him. To Alice’s delight Charlie found her company charming enough that he continued to play various card games with her, no one else indulged her anymore since she won every time. Charlie, unaware as he was, still had hope that one day he might win.
Alice played a two of hearts and marked three more points on the board for her run then turned to Bella with a dazzling smile.
“You ready to go now love?”
Bella could never get used to Alice’s beauty. She was unable to answer for a moment as she walked to her side and ran a hand through Alice’s choppy black hair.
“Uhm… we can wait until you two finish the game if you’d like?” Alice was just across the skunk line while Charlie trailed pitifully behind.
“No, no. Please take her away Bella,” Charlie groaned looking chagrinned, “I don’t think I can take much more of the beating I’m getting!”
“We can leave the game here, but only if Charlie agrees to count it as my win!” Alice declared with a sly grin in Bella’s direction.
“Anything to end the torture! There’s a game starting soon anyways.” Charlie agreed with a chuckle as he got up from his chair and lumbered into the kitchen to grab a beer.
Bella frowned after him. She’d hoped to buy herself at least a few more minutes before the shopping begun.
“Oh don’t worry love,” Alice chirped seeing Bella’s expression, “it’s going to be fun! Besides, I have a special present waiting to reward you so long as you cooperate.”
Alice winked and stretched onto her toes to give Bella a soft but teasing kiss before gently nibbling the taller girls lower lip. Bella’s fingers hooked in the belt loops of Alice’s jeans as she pulled her closer and so their foreheads were pressed together.
“Alice,” she whined. Bella kissed Alice’s cheek, her pointed nose, the sharp angle of her jaw. She was just about to connect their lips once more when Alice suddenly danced out of her grasp and adjusted Bella’s hold on her so now only their fingers were linked. Bella’s broken complaint was cut short by Charlie.
“Okay, you girls have fun in Seattle now. Alice, drive safe and Bella, don’t be too difficult, okay?”
“Yes Charlie!” They chorused, though Bella sounded significantly more disgruntled.
Then they were out the door and in Alice’s bright yellow Porsche. As they turned onto the highway Alice got a gleam in her eye and turned to Bella with a smile that made her regret not demanding they take her old rusted truck.
“Now then, the first part of any fun day is not spending all of it in the car sooooo,” Alice drew out the word as her grin grew wider, “you’re not going to get upset when I spend correct?”
Bella pressed her body against the seat and gripped the arm rests in panic as they began accelerating. She glanced over just to see the speed creep past 100mph. The trees were a hazy green blur alongside the road. Cars going the other direction flew by them like bullets.
“Wrong! Wronng! So wrong!” Bella chanted, her voice tight with fear. “Remember Alice we talked about this? I can’t walk away from a Volvo - or Porsche - pretzel.”
“Ye of little faith! We talked about this,” Alice took one hand from the wheel to tap Bella’s 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.”
“Listen love, I’ll hold your hand the whole way and the sooner we get there the sooner shopping will be over.” Alice encouraged, prying Bella’s hand from the arm rest nearest her and lashing their fingers together.
“I think I’d prefer you kept two hands on the steering wheel.” Bella grumbled though she tightened her fingers around Alice’s deceptively dainty hand. At this point Bella didn’t know why she even bothered protesting, captivating as Alice was she would always get her way.
All in all the drive hadn’t been that bad. Bella focused on Alice’s face as Alice detailed the plans she had to create a cohesive look for Bella’s wardrobe, in an attempt to forget about how fast they were moving. Alice’s goal was for Bella’s entire closet to go with each other well enough that no matter what items of clothing Bella chose on any given day she would still look put together. This was referred to this as “Bella proofing” much to her chagrin.
Bella could just imagine all the Cullens laughing at her, next time she saw Emmett she was sure she’d never hear the end of it. At least she’d be strong enough to take his pride down a few pegs soon. Alice had told her she’d win every arm wrestle or fight for at least the first three months of her being a newborn. Bella couldn’t wait to take full advantage of that.
Though the contents of her wardrobe weren’t of much interest to Bella she adored watching Alice’s excitement grow as they approached the massive mall. Seeing someone Bella loved so clearly in her element was always heartwarming even when the subject of their interest was entirely foreign to Bella herself. She had to hold onto Alice’s hand as tightly as possible to keep her from bouncing away at inhuman speeds once they had parked. Bella 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 when she had a vision of that suggestion being made.
“If anyone needs a leash it’s you, darling.” Alice said in her characteristic lilting way. “How else while I get you into the stores without a tantrum?” She batted her eyelashes at Bella with faux concern.
Bella 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 Bella’s cheeks but the way Alice’s mouth popped open in surprise at her response was worth it. It wasn’t often that Bella could catch Alice off guard so she nearly always took the chance when she had it, even if it meant embarrassing herself.
“Well come on then,” Bella tugged the hand of a still stunned Alice, “you wanted to shop didn’t you?”
Mention of shopping broke Alice out of her surprised stillness. A dazzling grin appeared on her face before she gave Bella a kiss then she set off through the mall. Now it was Bella’s turn to be stunned but Alice was much stronger and easily towed her along towards her first target, Chanel.
“First things first, we’re getting rid of that horrible bag!” Alice pointed accusingly at the brown leather purse Bella had slung over her shoulder.
“Aw Alice, not the bag too.” Bella whined, but 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. In approximately five minutes and fifteen seconds you will be the proud new owner of a quilted leather Chanel handbag and that…” Alice paused as if deliberating which word to use, “unfortunate bag of yours will no longer be necessary. Remember love, we can do this the easy way or the hard way but you already agreed so either way it is happening!”
She sounded maniacal, Bella thought to herself, but she gave up fussing about it. This would be a long day.
Four hours later the girls stopped for a break in the food court so Bella could have something to drink while Alice considered how best to tell Bella about the surprise she had planned to reward her for making it through a full day of shopping. There was only one store left on the list and though it was the most exciting Bella was more bashful then Alice so she had to be sure to bring it up in the correct way.
Bella sat across from Alice, caught in her own thoughts. Every item of Bella’s clothing, save the undergarments, was different than what she had walked into the mall wearing. As they shopped Alice had her switch from what she referred to as “sorely outdated” clothes into their most recent purchases. Alice had kept Bella in the nature themed palate she was already accustomed to but elevated the style in a way Bella hadn’t known possible. Browns and cremes were used as base colours with deep blue, olive green and forest green accents. Bella was rather surprised to find she loved everything Alice picked out for her.
As she got rid of the clothes she had come in and switched to wearing the perfectly fitting designer items she began to feel more confident and more like herself. It has shocked her to find out that at a couple stores Alice had even called to get items made specifically to Bella’s measurements for them to pick up. Bella realized she had no idea how much time her wonderful whirlwind of a girlfriend had spend considering each individual piece, though she was sure it must have been months for everything to work this well together.
“Hey Alice?” Bella asked, breaking into the other girls reverie.
“Yeah, love?” Alice beamed, already seeing what Bella was going to say.
“I just wanted to say thank you for all this.” Bella gestured towards the mountain of bags beside where they sat. “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. Also, I know I wasn’t keen at first but I really do like the clothes you’ve picked out. It’s all so kind of you.”
Bella blushed, embarrassed to be saying her feelings out loud but it was well worth it to see Alice’s delight. She hopped up from her chair and walked around the table to sit in Bella’s lap and wrap her arms around the taller girls neck.
“Thank you for tolerating it,” she grinned up at Bella. “I saw that you’d like it but there was a possibility that you wouldn’t enjoy the new clothes until a week from now. It means a lot that you’d indulge me with this when I know it’s not your favourite way to spend a Saturday.”
“My favourite way to spend a Saturday is with you, what we’re doing doesn’t matter much. Though, I suppose some things are extra fun…” Bella blushed as she trailed off with a suggestive smile.
“Speaking of that, I still have to give you your surprise.”
“Speaking of ‘extra fun’ you mean?” Bella asked intrigued.
“Mhmm but it’s a surprise!”
“Aw really Alice?” Bella whined.
“Trust me, you’ll love it.” Alice emphasized the word love in a way that made Bella’s stomach tighten with anticipation.
Alice laughed as she let Bella scoot her off her lap. “My, my, isn’t someone eager now?” She teased causing Bella’s blush to deepen.
Despite her teasing Alice could smell Bella’s arousal which sent her hurrying to grab their bags just as quickly as her partner.
“Okay, follow me!” Alice chirped as she took off in what Bella realized was the opposite direction of their car.
“Um Alice, shouldn’t we be going the other way?” Bella hesitated, maybe she had misunderstood what Alice meant by extra fun.
“Trust me, I’ve already seen that you’ll love this.” Alice turned back to her with a smile so seductive Bella nearly melted right there. Then she danced off through the mall leaving Bella blushing and rushing to catch up.
Bella stomach was tight with anticipation as she followed Alice into an unmarked store. There was a single counter in the centre of what looked like a small waiting room. Behind it a tall woman with perfect black ringlets and an inviting smile glanced up from her computer.
“Hello, welcome to Sensations by Arielle Dejour. Did you have an appointment?” She asked in a remarkably alluring voice.
Bella blushed nervously, unsure how to answer and glanced at Alice.
“Yes, thank you. We have an appointment for a viewing under ‘Cullen’.” The smaller girl responded confidently.
It never failed to amaze Bella how Alice seemed at ease in every situation. Perhaps it had something to do with almost always knowing what was coming, or maybe it was the vampirism. Either way, Bella desperately hoped that once she was an immortal she too would be able to carry herself with Alice’s casual confidence. At least she wouldn’t be able to blush. As Bella mulled this over the receptionist had gotten the two girls checked in for the mystery appointment Alice had planned.
“Okay, everything is set. You will be in room three today, everything is waiting inside ready for you to try. If you need any assistance don’t hesitate to ask.” She talked while leading Alice and Bella down a hallway to a door marked with the number ‘3’ in gold paint. “At the back of the room you will find a small changing room then in the main area there are surrounding mirrors which provide a 360 degree view of each item. Enjoy your time.” She beamed while opening the door a sliver. Then without another word she clasped her hands, nodded, and headed off back to her desk.
“Uhm Alice?” Bella shot her a questioning stare once the receptionist was gone.
“Don’t worry my love!” Alice opened the door with a grin and flourish, “After you.”
After a moments hesitation Bella stepped into the room, setting her shopping bags down just inside the door. There was a sort of entry way with coat hooks and a mat for shoes. Confused but trusting Alice’s judgement, Bella unlaced her new combat boots and hung up the wool blazer Alice had put her in. The click of Alice locking the door sent a strange shiver of anticipation down Bella’s spine. After Alice had removed her own shoes and the cropped motorcycle jacket she had been wearing she took her girlfriend’s hand and led her forward so she could see the rest of the space.
It was a relatively small square room, empty save for a plush leather ottoman in the centre and full body mirrors which had been placed near the walls in a circle surrounding the ottoman. In the back left corner there was a little dressing room with a thick black curtain that could be pulled across for privacy. Bella gaped, understanding filling her the second she caught sight of the mirrors.
She had told Alice a few months ago that she had always fantasizing about having sex while she could see every angle of it unfolding in mirrors. But she had never dreamed Alice would aim to fulfill that fantasy in a setting like this, she had envisioned a few mirrors placed around the pixies bedroom in the Cullen house, not something as extravagant as the room they were in now. Besides, the setting felt so public - but maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing Bella conceded as she felt her arousal grow at what would be happening now.
”Well?” Alice asked as she wound her thin arms around Bella’s waist from behind and stood on her toes to nibble her ear. “What do you think?”
Bella turned in Alice’s embrace so the shorter girl could see the nervous anticipation of her expression as she shook her head, slightly dazed.
“I- I don’t… I don’t think, Alice. I…” She trailed off unable to find the words to express her desire.
Alice frowned slightly as if worried but before she could get the wrong idea Bella ducked her head to catch Alice’s mouth in a searing kiss, opting to show Alice what she thought of all this rather then trying to find the words. Alice gasped, tightening her arms around Bella until it was impossible to pull her closer as she pressed up on her toes to deepen the kiss.
For a moment Alice almost entirely forgot her mission, Bella’s scent was a thick haze in the air around her and it turned her usually iron will to jello. But then Bella pulled back slightly, needing to breathe, and Alice was able to refocus on the plan. She peppered a few kisses into the flushed curve of Bella’s neck and across her collar bones, trying to keep Bella open to experimentation while she calmed herself enough to speak.
”There’s one other part to your surprise,” Alice smiled suggestively.
”Oh?” Bella wondered aloud, “I’m not sure this could get any better. Though I am confused about how all this is legal and in a mall.” She gestured to the mirrored room around them.
“Well technically this is a store, love. Go into the dressing room in the back and you’ll see what I mean.” Alice shooed Bella towards the curtained corner.
Hesitating only slightly Bella pulled the velvet curtain aside to reveal a tiny dressing room with dozens of bra and panty sets hanging on the wall. Alice heard the gasp that escaped her and chimed in “They’re all in your side, specially made for you… or us that is.”
Bella could feel her cheeks turning pink and knew Alice would be able to taste the scent of her arousal in the air. Without another word she pulled the curtain closed behind her and began shedding her clothes as quickly as possible, for once eager to let Alice dress her up and do whatever she pleased. From this day forward Bella knew she would never turn down another shopping trip with Alice for as long as they lived.
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