Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 4:

Babe was standing at the entrance of a small gallery, a soft smile playing on his lips. The walls were lined with his paintings—each one holding a piece of his soul. It had been a long journey to this point, and now, seeing his work displayed under the soft glow of the gallery lights, he felt a sense of pride bubbling up within him.

"Mumu, stop hiding," Babe called out with a teasing tone, knowing Billy was lingering by the door. "I can feel you hovering."

Billy chuckled as he stepped into the gallery, a sheepish grin on his face. "Can you blame me? You're the star of the night."

Babe rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the warmth in his chest. "You're supposed to be supporting me, not hiding in the shadows."

Billy walked up to him, slipping his arm around Babe's waist as they stood together in front of one of the paintings. "I've been supporting you since day one, Tofu."

Babe smiled, leaning into him slightly. "I know, and I appreciate it. I just want you here, with me."

"Always," Billy said, squeezing him gently. "Tonight's your night, Tofu. I'm just lucky to be standing next to you."

As they moved through the gallery together, Billy noticed the small crowd that had gathered, each person admiring Babe's work. It wasn't a huge exhibition, but it was enough to feel intimate—like a glimpse into Babe's world. Billy was proud, not just of Babe's art, but of how far he had come. After everything they'd been through, this moment felt like a victory for them both.

"You know," Babe said softly, as they stopped in front of a painting of the beach, "I think this is my favorite."

Billy tilted his head, studying the soft blues and golds of the piece. "Why this one?"

Babe smiled, his eyes distant for a moment. "Because it reminds me of us. Calm, peaceful... but with a lot of depth underneath the surface. It's the kind of painting you can get lost in."

Billy's gaze softened, and he leaned in to kiss Babe's temple. "I think that's how I feel about you, Tofu."

Babe chuckled, but there was a touch of emotion in his eyes. "You're getting sappy on me, Mumu."

"Only for you," Billy replied, his tone serious but full of affection.

Later that evening, after the gallery had cleared out and the soft glow of the streetlights illuminated the quiet city, Babe and Billy walked hand-in-hand back to their apartment. It had been an overwhelming night, but in the best way possible.

"I still can't believe all those people came to see my work," Babe said, his voice laced with disbelief.

Billy squeezed his hand. "Believe it. You're amazing, Tofu. This is just the beginning."

Babe glanced up at him, his heart full. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"You would've gotten here with or without me," Billy said with a smile. "I'm just glad I got to be by your side."

Babe laughed softly, shaking his head. "You're really laying it on thick tonight, huh?"

Billy smirked. "I just want you to know how proud I am. You deserve all of this, and more."

They continued walking, their footsteps light against the pavement. The world around them seemed to fade away as they focused on each other, wrapped up in their own little bubble of contentment.

As they reached their apartment, Babe paused for a moment, his eyes reflecting the city lights. "Do you ever think about what's next, Mumu?"

Billy looked at him, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I do."

"And?" Babe prompted, his curiosity piqued.

Billy smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Babe's face. "I think we've got the rest of our lives ahead of us, Tofu. Whatever comes next, we'll figure it out together."

Babe smiled softly, his heart swelling with affection. "I like the sound of that."

They stepped inside their apartment, the warmth of home wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Babe took a deep breath, his mind drifting to all the moments that had led them here—each one a stepping stone to the life they were building together.

"Hey, Mumu," Babe said, his voice light.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for always believing in me," Babe said quietly, his eyes shining with sincerity.

Billy smiled, pulling Babe into his arms. "I always will."

As they stood there, wrapped up in each other's embrace, the weight of the past seemed like a distant memory—just another part of their story. Now, they had the future to look forward to, and the possibilities felt endless.