Cheers roared from the opposing team’s stands as another pointed ticked for their team, securing their position in the lead. It was the last inning, consequently, the last chance of redemption to beat their rivaling school.

A chorus of ridiculing criticism and mixed shouts of encouragement rose from the bleachers behind him. A line of teammates dreaded their pitch, unrelenting pressure battering down from students watching, leaving blemishes resulting in incoordination and ultimately, two outs for their team.

Punishing shouts turned to chants as Derek stepped up to bat, crowd erupting in cheers as he hit the ball across the field, sliding straight into first base, cause who was Morgan to not be annoyingly superior at every menial task?

Two players followed suit, managing to each stand their place on a base. Spencer’s hands fidgeted ceaselessly with the peeling tape on his baseball bat, staring at the home plate as though approaching would poison him. Part of him hoped it would and spare him from humiliating himself and unfortunately costing the game, as previously done.

Morgan’s eye caught his own from third base, offering a subtle nod of encouragement almost as though such a meaningless motion could somehow perfect his form into saving the game. He shook his head dismissively, his heart slamming against his sternum as he stepped up.

Anxious sweat dripped from his furrowed brows, breaths ragged as he attempted to still the trembling in his limbs. Defeated sighs came from his school, boasting celebratory coming from the opposing, parading around each other in yet another victory. Two strikes offered the promise of his school’s demise, as his swings often did.

He glanced back at the stands, looking over the reluctantly accepting faces, others furious and sending daggers to his already threatened confidence. His eyes shifted to yours, perched in the first row of bleachers surrounded Savannah, Penelope, JJ, Will, and Emily, all giving sympathetic looks. You were wrapped in the jersey he wore for away games, the sight sending his already malfunctioning heart into ruthless overheating. He took a steadying breath and returned his focus to the game, readjusting his form and easing the nerves rattling his bones.

As the ball hurled towards him, he, as did everyone else, expected another pathetic attempt, the ball missing far past his bat. But as the smack of his bat hitting the ball rang through the air, he froze in blind surprise, watching it hit far across the field. It wasn’t until Morgan shouted at him to run as he slid himself to home base that he registered it, sprinting across the field as the opposing team futilely tried to retrieve the ball.

He’d just hit the winning home run.

As the game rounded out, flushed and panting, Spencer darted to the bleachers, nearly tripping over the steps as he ran straight for you. As you rose from your seat, he crashed into you, arms tight around your waist as he lifted you from the ground, spinning you around with adrenaline fused strength.

"I did it," he cheered breathlessly, setting you back on your feet before capturing your lips in a kiss that earned loud whoops from Savannah and Derek, who were now behind Spencer, clapping him on the back, causing a stunned laugh to fall from his lips against yours. The click of Penelope’s camera fell on deaf ears as Spencer looked down at you, grinning proudly, baseball hat crooked atop his head, cheeks flushed and skin damp with sweat.

"I think you might be my good luck charm," he laughed softly, heated palm pressing against your cheek. The boyish grin stayed adorning his lips as the others surrounded him, cheering and applauding his victory.