Pointdexter: A Swooning Over Stan-fiction

Chapter Thirty-One: Lake Walk

Alice wasn't sure how she let Ford drag her to Gravity Falls Lake in the middle of the night.

She wasn't complaining about spending quality time with Ford before he set sail with Stan, but she was nervous. The darkness, the lake, nobody out in case they got in trouble. Not only that, but Alice still wasn't the strongest swimmer, opting to sit on the beach while the twins, Ford, and Stan splashed or fished in the water.

It was a recipe for disaster.

But Ford's smile and words had spun her out of the safety of her newly ghost-free apartment, and down the road to the lake, arm in arm with Ford. It was warm, despite the upcoming fall weather, so Alice had neglected to bring a coat. Instead, opting for towels and blankets for the lakeside.

"Why are we going to the lake at midnight, again?" Alice asked, her hand swinging with Ford's as the lake shimmered in front of them, the moon gleaming over the surface.

"I thought it would be nice to spend some time out here," He replied with a chuckle, looping her arm through the crook of his elbow as they walked. "A little stargazing, a little fishing... Nothing major."

Alice raised a brow at him as he glanced at her, "You're not scared, are you?"

"Scared? No." Alice confirmed, shaking her head with a small smile. "Nervous about being in a lake in the middle of the night when you know I can't swim? Yes."

"You don't have to worry," Ford chuckled, his thumb rubbing circles on her arm. "I promise I won't let you down."

Alice snorted as they reached the beach, Ford's eyes scanning the surface of the lake, the water reflecting the stars overhead and glittering like diamonds.

"Besides," Ford added, shooting her a grin in the darkness. "A little bit of nervousness can be exciting, right? Adds a bit of spice to the night."

Alice laughed, shifting her arm from his and laying the towels on the beach.

"A little spice?" She asked, turning away from him to peel off her blouse and folding it. "Who are you and what have you done to Ford?"

"What can I say?" Ford said with a clearing of his throat. "Guess I just feel a little... Adventurous tonight."

Alice smiled, turning back to him and crossing her arms over her chest, her swimsuit smooth against her arms.

"As long as I don't drown-" She pointed a finger at him in mock accusation. He raised his hands in mock surrender, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"I'll make sure you stay afloat," He promised, grinning. "But can you make me a promise in return?"

Alice playfully narrowed her eyes at him, "It depends."

She slid her jean shorts down her waist, folding and settling them on top of her blouse. Her hands fumbled to tie the folded wrap around her waist, shaking from either the cold or the nerves about the water. Alice was sure it was the ladder.

A small hum sounded next to her ears, Ford stepping closer and gently taking the fabric from her hands and tying it himself, cinching it just enough to stay in place. His fingers brushed over her skin as he worked, leaving trails of fire burning along Alice's waist. She sucked in a breath, hoping her face wasn't as red as she felt.

Despite the weeks Alice and Ford had officially been an 'item', there were rarely moments like this. There were kisses, but they were small and quick. Alice was quick to slip her hand into Ford's, and he was quick to return the gesture. Ford took her into the forest and gave her things to wonder about.

But that was it.

"Thank you," She murmured under her breath, averting her gaze. His fingers lingered on the edges of the fabric, his hands tracing small, lazy circles on her hips.