"Stop squirming."
"Jess, is this really..."
"I said, stop squirming." Jessica firmly caught his jaw in her left hand, turning his face toward the light and holding him still while she brushed color onto his lips. Kohl already outlined his eyes and darkened his lashes, rouge highlighted his cheeks, while his hair had - over his protests - been caught up in an elaborate net of silver wire and rubies.
"You're prettier than I am," she complained, finishing and stepping back.
"Impossible." He rose, somewhat hindered by the gown he wore, and pulled her close for a kiss. "Besides, there's every chance I'll smother before the evening is over and get rid of the competition."
"This party was your idea."
"And as I recall, our costumes were yours."
Jessica smiled and ran one hand over the copy of Angelo's old uniform, remade for the occasion in richer fabrics and a slightly darker red that didn't clash with her hair. "I didn't hear you complaining."
"Because I rather like the way that fits you," he said with an answering smile. "And I didn't realize how damned annoying this gown was going to be."
It was Jessica's turn to steal a kiss. "Don't worry. If you show any signs of smothering I'll have you out of that before you know it."
Written for 101 Kisses. Theme: #59 - Cosplay, Fancy Dress; #62 - Kohl
