6 - hand in hand

                                    

                                          
"They're so beautiful." You gazed at the colorful fish with amazement.

                          
You and Chris, being the animal lovers you both are, decided to visit an aquarium.

                          
"They seem so peaceful, right?" He asked, turning to look at you.

                          
He knew how much you loved animals and seeing you in such an environment made him happy. He loved seeing that sparkle in your eyes as you gazed at the fish.

                          
"They do." You chuckled.

                          
Gaining some confidence, Chris got closer to you and held your hand. You looked down and smiled at your entwined hands. Looking back up, you looked at Chris's side profile and blushed. 

                          
You gripped his hand a bit tighter and he noticed, instantly smiling.

                          
Hand in hand, you walked around the aquarium together. Every fish tank had beautiful sea creatures swimming and exposing their beauty. 

                          
One of the reasons why you became quick friends with Chris was because of the love you both shared for nature. You spent hours talking about animals and exotic places around earth. And don't even get started with space. You spent hours, HOURS, talking about every new space discovery.

                          
Hand in hand, you walked out of the aquarium.

                          
"Where to now?" You asked.

                          
Chris fixed his cap, "Hm. Why don't we get some ice cream?"

                          
"Yes, please! I've been dying to get some ice cream. It's really hot here. Nothing like back in Boston." You softly laughed.
                          
~~~
                          
You sat down on a bench outside the ice cream parlor and enjoyed the presence of each other.

                          
Chris got cookies and cream ice cream, which was his favorite, and you got chocolate.

                          
"You weren't lying. You do kick in your sleep." Chris spoke.

                          
You gasped jokingly, "Excuse me?'

                          
He rubbed his hand in his back, "I actually think I have a few bruises in my back." 

                          
You looked at him shockingly, "Well... I guess you're gonna have to sleep on the floor for the rest of the trip, then."

                          
Once you finished speaking, you went back to eating your ice cream.

                          
"You wouldn't!" Chris gasped and you just shrugged.

                          
"Maybe it will help me hear you snore less if you sleep on the floor." You tried your best not to laugh.

                          
Chris gasped and stared at you. You just gave him a "diva look" and looked away.

                          
Catching you by surprise, he started tickling your stomach.

                          
"Stop! My ice cream," You spoke in between laughter, "You're going to make me drop my ice cream!"

                          
He pulled back and started laughing. People that walked past you probably thought you two were crazy.

                          
Calming down, Chris spoke, "You look beautiful today."

                          
"Today? So yesterday I looked gross?" You teased.

                          
"Wha-"

                          
You softly laughed, "I'm kidding, dork. Thanks."

                          
You blushed profusely and Chris smirked at your reaction. 

                          
"So... two days for the wedding."

                          
"Yep." He popped the 'p'.

                          
"I love going to weddings. It's so sweet to see people find the love of their lives and marry them, ya know?"

                          
"Yeah."

                          
You licked your ice cream as Chris asked you, "Do you think you'll find someone to marry someday?"

                          
You thought for a few seconds before answering.

                          
"I mean. I hope so," You chucked, "I want to get married to someone I love passionately, not just any guy. And hopefully, he'll love me just as much as I'll love him."

                          
He smiled at you. Please let me be that guy, he thought.

                          
"Yeah, I think the same." 

                          
You smiled at each other and looked away, finishing your ice creams. 

                          
"Are you going to the Bachelor thing with the guys tonight?"

                          
He chuckled, "Yeah. Are you going to have fun with the ladies?"

                          
You softly laughed, "Yep. Tara is basically forcing me to go."

                          
Chris laughed, "She wants you to have fun."

                          
"I know. I'd just rather stay in the hotel room watching movies but I guess I have to go part-ay or whatever." Chris laughed and you laughed with him.

                          
"Well, munchkin. What do you say if we go back to the hotel so we can rest a little before the part-ay."

                          
"Are you mocking me, Christopher Rose Evans?"

                          
"Rose?" He answered, faking hurt.

                          
You hummed in response and stood up from the bench.

                          
"How many nicknames do you have for me, eh?" He asked.

                          
You giggled and he stood up from the bench. Once again he held your free hand with his and started walking you to the hotel. Which you found out was just a few blocks from the ice cream parlor.

                          
"A couple," You responded, "But if you don't like them, tell me." 

                          
"Nah. I love 'em. Munchkin." 











                          
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! ;)