Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 8:

The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the golf resort, casting long shadows across the manicured greens. Babe, dressed in a relaxed but stylish outfit, leaned against the golf cart, watching Billy with a mixture of curiosity and amusement as he prepared to take his next swing.

"This is your happy place, isn't it?" Babe asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

Billy grinned, adjusting his stance as he glanced over at Babe. "Oh, absolutely. There's nothing quite like the peace and quiet of a golf course."

Babe tilted his head, the light breeze tousling his hair. "I'm still trying to see the appeal. Isn't it just hitting a ball into a hole?"

Billy chuckled, shaking his head. "You make it sound so simple. There's strategy, precision, skill involved. It's all about focus and patience."

Babe gave him a teasing look. "Patience, huh? Not exactly your strongest suit."

Billy raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. "Hey, I'll have you know I'm very patient. Especially when it comes to you."

Babe's smile softened at that, and he walked over to where Billy stood, wrapping his arms around Billy's waist from behind. "I'm just kidding, Mumu. I know you love this."

Billy chuckled, leaning back into Babe's embrace. "You know, Tofu, if you're going to be out here with me, I should teach you how to play."

Babe's eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head. "Oh no, that's okay. I'm perfectly fine watching from the sidelines."

Billy turned around in Babe's arms, giving him a playful smirk. "Come on, don't be a chicken. It's not that hard."

Babe narrowed his eyes at him, though there was no real annoyance behind the look. "I'm not a chicken. I just prefer watching you do your thing."

Billy laughed softly, clearly not convinced. "You might surprise yourself. Come on, just one swing."

Babe sighed dramatically, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Fine. One swing. But if I embarrass myself, it's on you."

Billy grinned, clearly pleased with the victory, and handed Babe the golf club. "Alright, I'll guide you through it. It's all about the stance and the follow-through."

Babe took the club a little awkwardly, glancing up at Billy for instruction. Billy, ever the patient teacher, positioned himself behind Babe, wrapping his arms around him to guide his movements. His hands covered Babe's as he adjusted Babe's stance, their bodies close, and the familiar warmth of Billy's presence made Babe feel more at ease.

"Okay, now just relax your grip a bit," Billy said softly, his breath warm against Babe's ear. "Keep your eye on the ball, and when you swing, follow through smoothly."

Babe bit his lip, trying to focus, though it was hard to concentrate with Billy so close, his strong arms guiding every movement. He took a deep breath, narrowed his gaze at the ball, and swung the club.

To his surprise, the ball sailed through the air in a perfect arc, landing just a few feet from the hole.

Babe's eyes widened in shock. "Did I... did I just do that?"

Billy laughed, stepping back as he clapped his hands. "Look at that! First try, and you nailed it!"

Babe turned to Billy, still in disbelief. "Was that just beginner's luck?"

Billy grinned, shaking his head. "Nah, that was pure skill. You've got a natural talent, Tofu."

Babe smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "Maybe I'm better at this than I thought."

"See?" Billy said, giving him a playful nudge. "Told you."

They spent the rest of the afternoon on the course, with Billy patiently teaching Babe the basics of golf. Despite Babe's initial reluctance, he found himself enjoying it more than he expected, especially with Billy by his side, offering gentle encouragement and playful teasing.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the sprawling greens, they returned to the golf cart. Babe leaned back in his seat, a content smile on his face as he watched the sky change colors.

"This was fun," Babe admitted, glancing over at Billy. "I get why you like it now."

Billy smiled, looking genuinely pleased. "I'm glad you had fun. We should make this a regular thing."

Babe chuckled softly. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Mumu. One step at a time."

Billy leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to Babe's temple. "I'll take what I can get."

They drove back to the resort, the evening air cooling down as the day came to a close. Once they reached their suite, Babe flopped onto the plush couch, stretching his arms above his head. "Golfing is exhausting," he groaned playfully.

Billy laughed, sitting down beside him and pulling him close. "You did great today. You're a natural."

Babe snuggled into Billy's side, feeling the comfortable warmth between them. "Maybe next time we can balance it out. A little golf for you, and maybe some art for me."

Billy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Art?"

Babe smiled up at him. "Yeah. I could teach you how to paint. It's only fair."

Billy chuckled, nodding. "Alright, deal. But don't get upset if my painting skills aren't as good as your golfing skills."

Babe laughed softly, resting his head on Billy's shoulder. "I'll try to be patient with you."

They sat there in the comfortable silence, the world outside their suite feeling far away. The weight of their past was behind them, and for the first time in a long time, their future felt like it was theirs to shape.

"You know," Babe said after a while, his voice quiet, "I'm really happy, Billy."

Billy smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Babe's head. "Me too, Babe. Me too."