Between Us

Chapter 16: Lightening the Load

The next morning, Babe felt an unfamiliar lightness in his chest as he walked through campus. It was the first time in what felt like weeks that he didn't have a knot of anxiety weighing him down. He had done it. He had told Billy the truth. And while things were still uncertain, the simple act of getting it off his chest brought him a sense of relief he hadn't expected.

He smiled to himself as he made his way to the campus cafe, the warm sunlight hitting his face. He wasn't sure what would happen next, but for now, he was content with the fact that the worst part was over. Billy knew how he felt, and the world hadn't fallen apart. In fact, Billy had been more understanding than Babe could've hoped for.

I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere. Billy's words played in his mind, soothing the small remnants of worry that still lingered. Maybe things would be okay after all.

Babe pushed open the door to the cafe, the familiar smell of coffee and pastries filling the air. He scanned the room for a quiet corner when a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Well, look who it is! Mr. Confession himself!"

Babe turned to see Pete grinning from a nearby table, waving him over. His heart jumped—he hadn't realized Pete was here. Trying to keep his cool, Babe approached the table with a smile. "Hey, Pete."

Pete raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated smirk. "You look different today. What's going on? Did you win the lottery or something?"

Babe chuckled, sliding into the chair across from him. "Not quite. Just... had a good night, that's all."

Pete's eyes narrowed, a teasing glint in them. "A good night, huh? Does this have anything to do with a certain someone whose name starts with B?"

Babe froze for a split second before forcing a casual smile. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, please." Pete waved a hand dismissively, leaning forward with an almost mischievous grin. "You think I don't know what's going on? You've been acting weird for weeks, and now you show up all smiley and relaxed? Spill."

Babe hesitated, unsure how much to say. Pete was good at reading people—especially when something juicy was involved. But at the same time, he couldn't deny that it felt good to talk to someone who wasn't in the middle of it all.

"Well," Babe began, leaning back in his chair with a small smile, "I finally told Billy how I feel."

Pete's eyes widened, his grin growing even more. "No way. Seriously?"

"Seriously."

Pete let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Damn. I didn't think you'd actually do it. So... how'd it go? Did he freak out?"

Babe shook his head, feeling that warmth in his chest again. "No, he didn't freak out. He was... really cool about it, actually."

Pete stared at him for a moment, clearly processing the information. Then, without warning, he burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" Babe asked, frowning.

"Because," Pete said between laughs, "you've been stressing over this for how long? And it turns out Billy was totally fine with it the whole time. You could've saved yourself a ton of stress."

Babe rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But it wasn't that simple."

Pete wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, finally calming down. "Okay, okay. But seriously, dude, I'm happy for you. So, what happens next?"

That was the question, wasn't it? Babe hadn't really thought that far ahead. He had been so focused on the confession that he hadn't considered what would come after. Now that Billy knew, where did they go from here?

"I don't know," Babe admitted, taking a sip of his coffee. "We didn't really talk about that. I guess we'll figure it out."

Pete nodded, his expression growing more thoughtful. "Makes sense. Just take it one step at a time. You guys have been friends forever, so whatever happens, I'm sure you'll work it out."

Babe smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Yeah, I hope so."

Pete's grin returned, though this time it was less teasing and more genuine. "Hey, look at you. You're actually being optimistic for once. I'm proud."

Babe laughed, shaking his head. "Don't get used to it."

They spent the next few minutes chatting and joking around, Pete's playful energy helping to ease the last bit of tension Babe had been holding onto. By the time they finished their coffee, Babe felt lighter than he had in weeks.

As they got up to leave, Pete clapped him on the back with a wink. "Whatever happens, just don't stress about it too much. You've already done the hard part."

Babe smiled, nodding. "Thanks, Pete."

"Anytime," Pete said with a smirk. "Now go get yourself together before you run into Billy again. Wouldn't want you to start blushing every time he looks at you."

Babe shot him a playful glare. "Shut up."

Pete laughed as they left the cafe, and for the first time in a long while, Babe felt like everything might actually turn out okay.