A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Thirty-Two

As we sat with Annabelle, I looked up at Tom. "Can we have an MCU Spider-Man marathon today?"

"Really?" He looked at me with a perked brow, and I shrugged.

"I need something that'll cheer me up, and Peter Parker's nerdiness with do the trick."

"Weren't you the one who told me that Peter Parker is so pure that he needs to be protected at all costs?" He chuckled gently.

"Tom, literally every Marvel fan thinks that." He rolled his eyes, and I smiled gently. "Please?"

"Okay." He grinned, and I smiled. "We can probably find a way to set it up so Annabelle can watch her first movie with us."

"You know you're an actor when the first movie you show your child is one you're in." I teased, and he rolled his eyes as I chuckled gently.

After we managed to create a set up with the laptop we brought, we started Spider-Man: Homecoming and snuggled into each other. A blanket draped our shoulders, and I could see Annabelle looking at the screen intently. "I was so young back then," he whispered, and I smiled gently.

"You only got sexier as you aged." I grinned up at him, and he winked softly. I chuckled gently as he pressed a kiss to my head, turning my attention back to the movie.

The films definitely made me feel better, and I was laughing more and more as we went on. I stayed wrapped in Tom's arms, and I smiled as I yawned quietly. "Get some sleep, darling." He whispered,  and I looked up at him. "It's okay. I understand that you're tired."

"But I'm the one who suggested the movie marathon. I'd feel bad if I didn't finish it."

"Grace, we've been through hell. It's okay to need some sleep during the day." His voice was soft, and he pressed another kiss to my forehead. "I'll be here. I promise." 

"Okay, fine," I whispered, smiling as I kissed his cheek and laid my head on his shoulder.

As I fell asleep, I could feel Tom rubbing my side calmingly. He knew that a calm rubbing motion could always put me to sleep, and it put a smile on my face as I fell asleep.

Damn, I really was in love with this man.

About a week later, we were sitting with Annabelle still. She had definitely grown bigger, but her lungs still weren't strong enough. 

As we sat, we were told that we had a visitor--Ryan had come to visit a few times, so we weren't surprised to learn that he was coming again.

He did bring a surprise, though. "Hi, guys."

"Oh my God!" I stood, hugging my little tightly. 

"I had to come and meet my baby sibling." Beth chuckled, and I smiled softly.

"We really are sorry we couldn't make your graduation, love. But we're both so, so proud of you." Tom smiled as he hugged her, and she shook her head. 

"Don't worry about that. Being with Annabelle is way more important." She gave us a smile. "Can I meet her?"

"Of course, love." I smiled. Soon, the four of us were with our daughter, Tom and I holding each other as we looked at the other young couple.

"She's beautiful." Beth grinned, looking up at the two of us. 

"Thank you." I grinned, and Ryan smiled at us.

"I remember how scared you were when you went into labor."

"Ryan, you looked like you were going to pass out." Beth chuckled at that, turning her head and pressing a kiss to his cheek as he blushed. 

"Fair. But now look at her. She's so happy already."

"I know." Tom held me close as I sighed, and they looked at me gently. "I just hate how she's suffering like this."

"It's hard, seriously," Tom said gently, and they looked at each other softly.

"You're almost done, guys. She's over halfway there." Beth gave us a sad smile, and I nodded. She had still been improving, but it still wasn't enough.

"I just feel so bad that our apartment has been so empty. My parents have been watching Tessa because we're never there." Tom bit his lip after he spoke, and I pressed a kiss to his cheek as I pulled him close.

"Would you guys like me to talk to the show again? We could bring some more food, or any other supplies you need." Ryan looked at us gently, and I smiled.

"That was so sweet of everyone, really, but you don't have to." I grinned, and he smiled softly. "Are they mad we had to stop production?"

"Not at all. They would have had to stop for your maternity leave anyway, and we all know how hard this is on you. We want you to focus on your family first. Work comes after all of this is finished." He smiled at me, and I nodded softly with a gentle grin.

"Thank them for us, okay?" I grinned gently, and he nodded.

"Of course, Grace." He smiled, and Tom pulled me close.

"I can't believe my parents had a baby." Beth smiled, and I chuckled gently. "She's the best sibling ever already."

"I'm sure she loves you already, little one." Tom smiled, and I grinned as I rolled my eyes.

"It's never gotten weird that you call me that, Tom." She smiled at him, and he shrugged. "I'm so happy for you guys, really. Even though you've had a shitty month and a half, you have such a beautiful daughter and I'm sure you'll be great parents."

"Thank you, little one," I said softly, and she nodded. "I'm so proud of you for graduating. I know you worked your ass off."

"Thank you." She smiled softly. "We should grab some dinner tonight and catch up. We can get your mind off of the negativity again."

"But what if someone sees us?" I whispered, and she shook her head. 

"They won't. I was hoping to just get some takeout and enjoy it in privacy." I smiled at that.

"Okay, little one. We'll enjoy dinner tonight." She grinned, and Tom smiled as he kissed my head as Beth looked back down at Annabelle. 

As we stood, it brought a smile to my face. I was starting to see a light at the end of this long, winding tunnel.

Let me know your thoughts! :-)