Pointdexter: A Swooning Over Stan-fiction

Chapter Forty-Five: The Bee and the Dove

The Stan O' War made landfall on a cloudy February evening, the small town was dark, with only a few lights on in the buildings near the shore.

Alice stepped down the creaking wooden dock, slipping her hands into her pockets and watching as a cloud of steam escaped her lips. It was nice to be on land again, despite the week and a half of getting used to the ocean again. She ran her hands up and down her arms, trying to will warmth into her body as she carefully stepped over icy patches on the dock.

"Looks like a tourist town," Alice whispered, glancing up and down the snowy streets. "Where are we again?"

"This is called Bayport," Ford answered, his voice low as he followed behind her. "It's a small seaside town known for its scenic pier and... Apparently, its paranormal activity."

"I'd like to avoid that," Alice commented, slipping her hand into Ford's pocket. "After we got that teen ghost out of my apartment, I don't think I'd have it in me to find more."

"Agreed," Ford nodded, glancing down at her hand in his pocket. His fingers entwined with hers and she leaned into his side. "I think we've had enough ghost encounters for a lifetime."

"There are a lot of encounters I've had enough of," Alice chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "But I have a feeling I'll get more whether I want to or not."

"Probably," Ford agreed, a soft huff escaping him as rest his head against hers. "We have a habit of stumbling into trouble, don't we?"

"We do," Alice agreed, gently leading Ford down the streets of the sea town. She glanced into the few windows with lights, diners scattered with regulars, and the occasional off-brand dollar store as they strolled down the streets. She paused in front of a small cafe, glancing up at the coffee cup on the sign.

"Tea?" She asked, glancing up at Ford.

"Tea sounds great," He nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Lead the way, dove."

Alice pushed into the shop, glancing around the space as a breath of warm air hit her face. She shivered, shaking snow from her hair and tapping her boots against the floor. The fragrant smells of tea and coffee filled her nose, and Alice realized how much she'd missed society. 

She ordered quickly, eyes scanning the menu and picking the first thing she'd never tried before 'sencha'.

"Sencha, huh?" Ford asked, lifting his brow. "I've never had that one."

"Neither have I," Alice confessed with a laugh, digging in her pocket for her wallet. "Order what you'd like, it's on me."

"You don't need to pay, dove," Ford insisted a note of chivalry in his voice. "I can get it."

"Let me spoil you," Alice insisted, pressing her card against the counter as the weary barista glanced between the pair. Ford let out a soft huff, a mix of protest and fondness in the air.

"You're quite stubborn, you know that?" Ford teased, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Stubborn and woefully wealthy," Alice mused as he ordered. She passed the card to the barista. "The perks of divorced life."

"Ah yes, that sweet alimony money," Ford teased, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I think I could get used to this."

Alice snorted, turning to the vast extent of empty seats and choosing a seat near the windows. She sighed as she settled in crossing her legs in front of her. Ford followed her to the window, sitting across from her and resting his hands on the table.

"Can I ask you something, dove?" Ford asked suddenly, his voice a bit quieter than before.

Alice glanced at him, tipping her head and sending him a small smile.