A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Forty-Eight

As we walked with our fingers laced through the aquarium, Tom looked like a kid who was at Disney World for the first time. "Darling, look at these!" I smiled as he rushed over to a tank, following along. "These jellyfish are so cool."

"They definitely are, baby." As he looked around in awe, my attention wasn't on any of the fish--it was on him. Just seeing how much fun he was having and how excited he was about every single tank there made me happy. At one point, he was admiring one of the tanks, and I was admiring him.

"Magnificent, isn't it darling?"

"Oh, absolutely." I smiled gently, squeezing his hand. I knew he was referring to the fish, but I was referring to him.

He looked back at me, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "How much longer until we have to be at the field?"

"Hmm..." I looked down at my watch, and I smiled. "About an hour."

"And how long is the walk?"

"Like fifteen minutes." He nodded at that, grinning and pulling our hands up so he could press a kiss to mine.

"We can head over in like half an hour if that's okay with you."

"Sounds perfect." I smiled as I squeezed his hand. "Are there any other fish you wanna see while we're here?"

"Is there a shark tank?" I smiled at that, guiding him to the sharks.

If he was a kid in a candy store before, it was like he had stepped foot into Willy Wonka's factory now. The shark exhibit in the National Aquarium completely encircles visitors with the tank, so sharks can get right up in your face. He looked around in pure amazement, and it made me smile widely.

As we made our way to Camden Yards, we were stopped for a few pictures here and there. It was something that happened frequently whenever we were out and about (either alone or together), but it was something I still wasn't quite used to yet. I still got just as excited as the fans did whenever they asked for pictures, and it always brought a genuine smile to my face.

Once we arrived at the stadium, we were led to a private skybox where we could enjoy the game after I threw the pitch. They left us alone for a moment, and I sighed softly as I looked at the jersey they had made for my first pitch. "I don't know if I can do this."

"Grace..." Tom sighed, pulling me into his arms and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "It's okay."

"I mean, this has been something I always thought would be a great opportunity, but now that I have it..."

"You're nervous and scared you'll mess up." I nodded as I looked up at him. It was as if he had the ability to read my mind. "I'm sure if you asked, they'd let you throw a few practice pitches on the sidelines."

"Really?" He nodded, smiling down at me.

"Sure. I know you can do this." He pressed his lips to mine, and I smiled as I pulled away. "I love you, darling."

"I love you too." I grinned as he held my waist, resting my hands on his shoulder. 

"Now, I don't know if you think so, but I believe that you're going to look absolutely adorable in that jersey." He tilted his head toward it, and I smiled.

"You do?"

"I mean, you look adorable in anything." He smiled, letting go to pick it up and slip it over my shoulders. Once it was on, the manager for the first pitch came back in. 

"You ready to go?"

"Am I allowed to get a few practice pitches in?"

"Of course." We smiled and nodded at that, and soon we were being led down to the field. Once there, Tom and I kissed briefly before the catcher handed me a ball. He stepped away and crouched, and my eyes widened.

"That's pretty far. Are you sure this is where it'll be?"

"Yes, Grace. Whenever you're ready." I looked back at Tom, who gave me a reassuring smile.

I took a deep breath as I looked at the ball in my hand, rubbing my fingers over the seam gently. As I stepped and released my pitch, I watched it soar before the satisfying sound of the ball making contact with the catcher's mitt. I smiled widely as I looked over at Tom, who had an equally wide grin on his face.

I threw a few more practice pitches before it was time for the opening ceremonies to begin, where I stood off to the side with Tom. He was in awe of everything, and I chuckled at his surprise when the entire stadium joined in with the "Oh!" of the National Anthem.

"And now, to throw out the first pitch for today's game, Marvel Superstar, esteemed actress, and lifelong Orioles fan, Grace Holland-Chance!" I smiled and waved as everyone cheered and I made my way to the pitcher's mound. As I got into place, I took a deep breath as I saw the catcher nod from his position.

As I heard yet another thud of the ball connecting with the catcher's mitt, the whole stadium erupted into cheers. I ran and hugged Tom, and we smiled as we made our way back to the sky box.

As we sat and watched the game, I leaned my head on his shoulder. "I'm proud of you, darling."

"Thank you, baby."

"Quick question." I looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "What's the difference between the top of an inning and the bottom?" I chuckled as I explained the rules of baseball, and he nodded along. Soon enough, he was cheering right along with the rest of us baseball fans.

"Look alive, love birds, it's time for the Kiss Cam!" I chuckled as we turned our attention to the big screen, grinning as we watched the segment.

The next thing I knew, the two of us were shown for the whole world. Tom chuckled as I smiled, lifting my head and pressing my lips to his. After a moment, I pulled away and rested my forehead against his. "I love you."

"I love you too."

:-) Let me know what you guys think!