Pointdexter: A Swooning Over Stan-fiction

Chapter Thirty-Five: Northwest Christmas

There was a particular level of confidence that swelled in Alice's chest as she applied a layer of lipstick.

The Northwest Christmas party was in less than an hour, and she didn't feel like she was going to fall over her feet or mess up her makeup. Despite the initial anxiety she'd felt when the invite had landed at her door, Alice felt a wave of peace flow over her. 

She observes herself in the mirror and smiles, satisfied with her work. Alice had taken the time to curl her hair and match the shadowy makeup with a floor-length green ballgown she'd ordered for the event, intending to make an impression. 

"Alice? Are you almost ready, Dove?"

Ford's voice called out to her from the other side of the door. She straightened.

"Just a moment, Bee," She called back, teasing her hair once more before pushing out the door. Her dress flowed behind her in a billowing mass as she trailed to the living room, her hand flickering to her ears. "Did you happen to get my diamonds from the dressed?"

Hands busy straightening his tie, Ford turned to her, his jaw slackening as he took her in.

"Good lord," She heard him mutter under his breath as she bustled into the living room. Ford shook his head, his gaze still locked on her dress. "T-the diamonds, right. Yes. In my pocket."

Alice smiled, reaching out gloved hands to help him with his tie, her fingers straightening and tightening the could around his neck as he dug in his pockets for the case.

"You look handsome," Alice beamed, smoothing out the white undershirt of his suit once she'd adjusted his tie. Ford held out the velvet box that held her diamonds, and she took it, flipping it open and quickly fastening them to her ears.

"You look... Incredible," Ford muttered, taking her in as she worked.

"I'll look better with the diamonds," She chuckled, lifting a diamond choker from the box and holding it out to him. "Do you mind?"

Ford nodded, taking the choker and lifting it over her head. Alice held up her hair as his fingers fumbled with the clasp. But eventually, he managed to fasten the choker, his fingers lingering against the soft skin at the nape of her neck. Alice let her hair fall over her shoulders once more, turning back to him and taking his hands in hers.

"Don't be nervous," She told him with a smile, her eyes warm despite the shadows of her makeup. "We only have to stay for a couple hours, then we can come home and do anything else."

She brought his hands to her face, neglecting to place a kiss there due to her lipstick, but holding his fingers close to her nose as if in prayer.

"Right," Ford muttered, squeezing her hands. "Just a few hours. We can handle that, right?"

"Of course, we can," Alice said confidently, twisting her gloved fingers in his and letting them fall between their bodies. "I've done this a thousand times."

"A thousand times, huh?" He quipped, trying to keep the conversation light. "Any last-minute tips that could help me survive the night?"

"Smile," She beamed back at him, squeezing his hands and letting go. "Even if you don't want to."

She turned to the door and grabbed her keys and clutch before turning back to Ford. He offered her a smile, the grin tight but still somewhat genuine.

"Like this?" He asked, arching a brow at her. Alice couldn't help but giggle as she flicked off the lights and opened the door.

"Perfect," She chuckled. "They won't care if it's real or not."

Ford's grin melted into a real smile as he stepped forward and offered his arm to her. Alice slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, shutting the door behind her and pressing her keys into his hand.