Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 9:

The soft hum of the car's engine filled the quiet as Billy drove along the coastal highway, the sea stretching out in a brilliant shade of blue to their right. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow on everything it touched, and the salty breeze flowed in through the open windows, tousling Babe's hair as he leaned back in his seat.

"I can't believe you're taking me back here," Babe said, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched the familiar beach come into view. "It's been so long."

Billy glanced over at him with a grin. "I know how much you love this place. Figured it was time for a return visit."

Babe's eyes sparkled with excitement. The beach had always been his sanctuary, a place where he could let go of the world's worries and just be. It was where he felt most at peace, and Billy knew that.

As they pulled up to the small beach house they'd rented, Babe could barely wait to step out of the car. The house was tucked away from the busier areas of the coastline, offering them a perfect slice of privacy with its panoramic view of the ocean. Babe hopped out, his sandals sinking into the warm sand, and inhaled deeply, the scent of the sea filling his senses.

"This is perfect," Babe murmured, his voice soft but filled with awe.

Billy joined him, standing beside him as they gazed out at the endless horizon. "I thought you'd like it," he said, sliding his arm around Babe's waist and pulling him close. "Now, come on. I want to see you in the water."

Babe shot him a playful look. "You're just saying that because you like watching me swim."

Billy chuckled, unabashed. "And I don't deny it."

With a laugh, Babe ran toward the beach house to grab his swimwear. Moments later, he was at the shore, the water lapping at his feet as he gazed out at the shimmering waves. Without hesitation, he waded in, the cool water a refreshing contrast to the sun's heat. He swam out a little further, feeling the pull of the ocean, the familiar embrace of the water calming his mind.

Billy stood back for a while, watching Babe move effortlessly through the waves. He admired the way Babe looked—so at home in the sea, his smile wide, his eyes alight with joy. It was a side of Babe that made Billy's heart swell with affection every time he saw it.

After a while, Billy decided to join him. He wasn't as much of a swimmer as Babe, but the sight of Babe in his element was too tempting to resist. He waded into the water, the coolness enveloping him as he made his way over.

Babe turned and smiled when he saw Billy approaching. "Took you long enough," he teased, splashing a little water his way.

Billy chuckled, shaking his head. "I was just enjoying the view."

They spent the afternoon playing in the waves, laughing and teasing each other like carefree kids. At one point, Babe challenged Billy to a swimming race, but Billy, already knowing he'd lose, playfully gave up halfway through, claiming he was too tired to compete.

After a while, they returned to the shore, breathless and happy. They laid down on the soft sand, side by side, letting the sun dry their skin as they stared up at the sky.

"I've missed this," Babe said quietly, his voice full of contentment. "Being here, with you."

Billy turned his head to look at him, a smile tugging at his lips. "I've missed it too. You always light up when you're near the ocean."

Babe chuckled softly, glancing over at Billy. "Maybe I'm part fish."

Billy laughed, rolling onto his side so he could face Babe properly. "Maybe. But I think you're more like a mermaid."

Babe raised an eyebrow, amused. "A mermaid?"

"Mm-hmm." Billy nodded, his grin widening. "Beautiful, a little mysterious, and completely irresistible."

Babe's laughter filled the air, and he playfully pushed Billy's shoulder. "You're such a sap."

"I'm just being honest," Billy replied, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Babe's lips. The kiss was tender, filled with the easy affection they'd built between them.

When they finally pulled apart, Babe looked out at the ocean again, his expression soft. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of this view."

Billy hummed in agreement, his hand finding Babe's in the sand. "Me neither. Especially with you here."

They spent the rest of the afternoon lounging on the beach, enjoying the quiet, their fingers intertwined as they shared the peacefulness of the moment. Eventually, as the sun began to set, casting shades of orange and pink across the sky, they made their way back to the beach house.

After showering and changing into comfortable clothes, they sat on the porch, a bottle of wine between them, watching the last of the sun's light fade over the horizon.

"You know," Babe said after a moment of silence, his voice thoughtful, "I used to think that I'd never find peace. That all the things from the past, all the pain, would follow us forever."

Billy looked at him, his expression serious but tender. "And now?"

Babe smiled softly, turning to meet his gaze. "Now I know that we can leave the past where it belongs. We've both grown, and we've both healed."

Billy's hand found Babe's again, squeezing gently. "Yeah. We've come a long way."

Babe nodded, his smile widening. "And I'm glad it's with you, Mumu."

Billy leaned in, brushing his lips softly against Babe's. "Always with you, Tofu."

As they sat together, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the sky, they both knew that the future—whatever it held—was something they would face together. Their past was behind them, and the love they shared now, in this moment, was what mattered most.