Painted in Fate

Extra Chapter 12:

The following morning, the soft rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Billy stirred awake, his arms still wrapped around Babe, who was nestled comfortably against him. For a moment, neither of them moved, both too content to break the peacefulness of the morning.

It was their last day at the resort, and as much as they had enjoyed their time away, there was a sense of calm that came with knowing they would soon return to the life they had built together.

Babe slowly blinked his eyes open, stretching slightly as he turned to look up at Billy. "Morning, Mumu," he mumbled, his voice still soft with sleep.

Billy smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Babe's face. "Morning, Tofu. Did you sleep well?"

Babe nodded, leaning into Billy's touch. "Yeah, I did. I've been thinking... after we get home, maybe we should do something we've never done before."

Billy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"

"I don't know yet," Babe admitted with a playful smile. "Something new, something fun. I feel like after everything we've been through, it's time we start making some new memories."

Billy chuckled, rolling onto his back and pulling Babe with him. "I'm all for that. Whatever you want to do, we'll do it."

Babe rested his chin on Billy's chest, his eyes thoughtful. "Maybe we could take up a hobby together? Something we both enjoy. We've been through a lot of serious stuff... I think we deserve to have some fun."

Billy hummed, his fingers running gently through Babe's hair. "That sounds like a good idea. What kind of hobby?"

Babe shrugged. "Maybe something creative? Or something outdoorsy? What do you think?"

Billy thought for a moment before a grin spread across his face. "How about we try pottery?"

Babe blinked, then laughed, a soft, melodic sound that made Billy's heart swell. "Pottery? Really?"

"Why not? We've got all this creative energy," Billy said with a smirk. "Might as well put it into something new. Plus, it'll be messy and fun."

Babe grinned, nodding in agreement. "Okay, I'm in. But only if you promise not to make fun of my skills."

"I would never," Billy teased, kissing Babe's forehead. "It's a deal."

They spent the rest of the morning lounging in bed, talking about the future and all the little things they wanted to do together. It felt easy, natural, like they had finally reached a point in their lives where they could just enjoy being with each other without the weight of the past bearing down on them.

Later in the day, they decided to take a walk around the resort one last time, soaking in the beauty of the place before they left. The beach was calm, the water a shimmering expanse of blue that stretched out as far as the eye could see. They walked hand in hand, their fingers intertwined as they made their way down the shoreline.

"I think I'm going to miss this place," Babe said, glancing over at Billy. "It's been nice to just... be here, with no worries."

Billy nodded, his expression soft. "Yeah, me too. But we can always come back. Maybe next time, we'll stay a little longer."

Babe smiled, his heart feeling light as they continued their walk. "I'd like that."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, orange glow over everything, they found a quiet spot on the beach and sat down together, watching the waves roll in and out.

Babe leaned his head against Billy's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "It's crazy to think about how much has changed."

Billy wrapped an arm around Babe, pulling him closer. "Yeah. But we made it through, Tofu. And now, it's just us. No more looking back."

Babe closed his eyes, letting the sound of the ocean and the warmth of Billy's embrace wash over him. "No more looking back," he repeated softly. "Only forward."

They sat there for a long time, neither of them feeling the need to speak. It was a peaceful silence, one that spoke of comfort and understanding, of a love that had grown stronger with time and trials.

Eventually, as the last rays of the sun disappeared below the horizon, they stood up and made their way back to the resort, hand in hand.

That night, as they lay in bed, their limbs tangled together, Babe whispered into the darkness, "I'm glad we're here, Mumu. I'm glad we're together."

Billy kissed the top of Babe's head, his voice a low murmur as he replied, "I am too, Tofu. Always."

And with that, they fell asleep, the gentle sound of the waves lulling them into a peaceful, dreamless slumber, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it together—stronger and more in love than ever.