Things had settled into a comfortable routine again. School, back to the house with Charlie, sleeping in Edward's arms, going to the Cullen's every chance she had. She and Edward kept to themselves that next week, but when Friday rolled around and Bella was there for a 'sleepover', Alice pulled her into - of all places - a closet. Bella stood there among brooms and mops, most of which hadn't even been taken out of the packaging yet, wondering what it was all about.

"Okay, so we've got a week now until Esme's party. And I have it from Jasper that the guys have been practicing - I promised to keep my nose out of it, so I haven't even been peeking."

"That's great! So they've gotten the hang of it?"

"Jazz says yes, but I prefer to reserve judgement until I see for myself." The look on her face was truly devious, and Bella giggled. "At any rate, it's up to you, me, and Rosalie to go get their costumes...and not show them or tell them until that morning. I've already taken the liberty of asking Charlie if he's cool with you ditching next Friday so you can come with us to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. Apparently, an old friend of Carlisle's from college is having a benefit for their new conservation fund and we've all been invited. And then of course you're spending the weekend here for a movie fest and hiking." Bella shook her head in amusement.

"You are one dangerous person - I love it!" They chuckled together for a moment. "So...why did you have to tell me all this in a closet?"

"I didn't. I just wanted to get you alone before anyone else managed to." The next thing Bella knew she was being soundly kissed - and not minding in the least.

"So, how is he?" Alice murmured as she moved her lips over Bella's now-bared shoulder. It took the brunette a moment to gather her thoughts.

"Edward? You mean you haven't-"

"Nope, not yet. That's coming tonight, and that's as far as I want to look. Esme, Emmett, Rose, and Jasper are all taking off to hunt...none of them have fed in a while, what with all the confusion lately. So it'll just be me, you, Ed, and Carlisle for movie night." She backed off for a moment, lips curving in a smile that made Bella shiver.

"I hope you're okay with this, because I don't plan on returning your man until I'm done with him." Bella grinned.

"That's fine with me. Boy needs to get out more anyway." She decided it was time for her to turn the tables. Even though Alice was much stronger, Bella's gentle push flustered her enough to where she backed off, confusion in her eyes.

"Bella? I...if you don't want-"

"Shhh. Of course I want. But this time, I get to run the show." Alice's chuckle didn't last long before it turned into moans and whimpers as Bella showed her exactly what she'd learned over the past few months.

Outside the closet door, Rosalie and Carlisle stood listening, smiling at one another before heading off in different directions.

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"This is perfect!" Bella laughed at Rose. Seeing the blonde so enthusiastic about shopping was new, but then, she herself was looking forward to this trip. It wasn't every day one got to dress the four most beautiful men in their acquaintence up as toys. And she had to admit, the black studded collar would definitely look nice on Emmett. ~Especially when that's all he's wearing,~ her mind supplied happily.

"Oh, absolutely! Good choice, Rose!" Alice tossed the collar into the cart on top of a pile of shimmery fabrics that were to be used as set decoration. "Now, we just need to find clothes."

"Aww, why does he need clothes? Not like he'll be in them long anyway." Rosalie sounded almost petulant.

"Because, silly, how is he supposed to tease and strip if he starts off naked to begin with?" With a sigh Rose conceded the point, and the trio went down another aisle. They'd already picked out an individual color scheme for each of the guys - well, Alice did and Bella and Rose knew better than to argue. Bella knew the tingling she felt was half anticipation, half arousal, and she wondered idly how she'd be able to make it to Friday.

"What about this?"

"Eep! Rose, you can't be serious!" Alice yanked the offending shirt out of her sister's hands and thrust it back on the rack. "I mean, come on...sequins? And I thought we'd agreed on no red except for the ribbon and bow." She reached over the cart, stretching to grab a shirt off a different rack, and Bella all but laughed as she watched a nearby worker drop his armful of clothing and pause to watch Alice's rounded ass and amazing legs, highlighted by the short skirt she was wearing. Rose noticed too, and chuckled.

"Well, Alice, you seem to have an admirer." Alice spun gracefully and flashed a megawatt smile at the salesman.

"I think I have a question," she murmured before gliding over to the stunned young man. Rose just shook her head, turning to Bella.

"We'd better get her laid when we get home. She's only ever this bad when she's horny." A knowing smile curved her lips. "Then again, if you hadn't spent so long teasing her in the closet this morning, she might not be so frustrated."

"Hey, it's not my fault your husband barged in and wanted to play. Nor is it my fault that said interruption made Alice remember what time it was."

"True, true." They were still watching with amusement. By this time, Alice was apparently asking the boy to help her pick out some shoes, as he was kneeling down with her foot on his leg, obviously flustered and totally turned on.

"Wow. He can't be more than - what, fifteen? Sixteen at the most? Although he is kind of cute..." Bella laughed at Rose's comment.

"Come on. Not like you have the right to talk about ages," she said with a wink. "Unless you'd like me to stay out of your room until I turn eighteen..." She was distracted by the sight of Alice bending down to pick up her shoe, her foot still on the kid's leg and her shirt opened just enough for him to get an eyeful of her rounded breasts. Bella knew for a fact that Alice wasn't wearing a bra today, so she figured the guy's wide-eyed, stammering stare was fully justified.

"Oh, you're different, Bella. You're family." That simple statement triggered what could only be described as a warm, fuzzy feeling in Bella's heart. She sighed happily.

"Well, we'd better go rescue the poor boy from her clutches or he's liable to have to buy himself a pair of pants to change into when we leave." They walked over to where Alice was still tormenting the sandy-haired boy. Bella heard Rose chuckle under her breath and shook her head.

"Come on, sis. Dad's waiting. And you know how he is when he's...anxious." ~Oh my god. Is Rose seriously going to...yes. Yes she is.~ Bella had to work hard to keep the grin off her face. Alice stood slowly, shifting just a little as she lowered her foot - now re-shod, compliments of the red-faced teen - to the ground.

"This is your...sister?" the boy all but stammered.

"Yes, they both are. Rose, Bella, meet Kevin. Kevin, this is Rose," she gestured behind her, careful to leave her foot steady as he attempted to refasten the buckle with shaking hands, "and this is Bella."

"Pleased to meet you," murmured Bella. "But Rose is right, we should be off."

"Yes, I know. Besides, we've got two more stores to hit, and I know Rose is eager to see that collar on Emmett."

"Is Emmett...your dog?" asked the boy, startled by his own question. Bella just shook her head, knowing what was coming.

"No. He's my husband," said Rose blithely. Without warning, she leaned over and kissed Alice soundly, making quite a show of dueling with her tongue before breaking off and leaning back on her six inch heels. "Come on. We can't keep them all waiting." One arm looped around Alice's waist, the other snaked around Bella's, the supermodel blonde led them towards the register. A quick backward glance showed the boy still standing there, a stunned expression on his face and a sizeable hardon straining at his zipper.

"You guys are so mean," chuckled Bella, honestly amused. She'd never pegged either of them for a flirt, but having seen them in action, she understood now why they usually made sure that at least Alice had gotten some fulfillment before leaving the house.

"Oh, come on. That boy is going to have some prime wanking material for the rest of his life. He's not minding at all." Rose turned, smiling smugly as they watched him come to his senses and dart towards the nearest bathroom. "Starting in about fifteen seconds, I'd say." Bella just shook her head and wondered what other hijinks her two beautiful companions would get up to today. To her surprise, she found that she was eager to shop some more.

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Author's note: Shopping is such fun, isn't it?