#golf lessons in houston

[houstongolflesson1]

[houstongolf]

WOMEN'S GOLF LESSONS HOUSTON

Hello ladies, we know most of you are worried about learning golf and knowing about this problem, we have come up with ‘Women’s Golf Lessons Houston’ designed especially for women. We adhere that women are very much able to become experts at golf just like men.

Golf used to be an all men’s game back in the day, but now times have changed, and women from all around the globe are playing remarkably leaving men behind. Ladies, it’s time for you to reserve your spot and swing your way to success. Here, we are going to teach you to swing to perfection.

Visit: https://houstongolflesson.com/women-golf-lesson-houston

[portablerestroom]

Hole-in-One Happiness: Houston's Group Golf Lessons

Are you looking for a mobile rv pump out service near me? We at 505 Restrooms are pleased to assist you. With years of experience in the field, we deliver the best in class services for even your most challenging projects. Contact us right away to avail the awesome service of mobile rv pump out service near me at unbelievable prices!

[houstongolflesson]

Why start golf lessons early?

Starting golf classes in Houston early offers young players a unique advantage. Early exposure enhances muscle memory, refines technique, and instills a love for the game from a young age. It provides a solid foundation, promoting continuous improvement and increasing the likelihood of mastering golf skills for future success on the greens. Begin the journey early to unlock the full potential of your young golfer.

For more details visit our site: https://houstongolflesson.com or call us on:  281-755-6797

[pxgblog]

How to Escape the Rough When You’re Behind a Tree

Trees are a great addition to any golf course. They provide shade and a great aesthetic. But your feelings toward trees can quickly change when your shot lands behind one. Then, they become an obstacle that stands between you and par.

But all hope isn’t lost. There might be a birdie somewhere between those branches. Whether you pull out hybrid golf clubs or your favorite iron, here’s how you can escape the trees and get back on track.

Punch It Underneath the Branches

There are three different strategies for playing from behind the trees. If you decide to shoot underneath the branches to escape the rough, you can balance risk and reward as you shoot for the green.

With this strategy, the goal is to keep the ball flight low while still producing enough velocity to get out of the rough and near the green.

Start by picking a lower lofted club. If you’ve had a custom golf club fitting, you might have some mid-irons with a lower loft, or you can grab a hybrid.

Then, put the ball back in your stance and keep your hands forward at address. These will help you keep the ball low. Then, lean forward and make sure you don’t bring your follow-through all the way up. Put it all together, and you can keep the ball down enough to punch it underneath the branches.

If you need to swing with more power, whether that’s to increase distance or to break through some low-hanging branches, grip the club tight and lower down than normal so you maintain control while adding the extra swing speed you need.

Soar It Over the Tree

What if you want to go over the trees instead of under them? This is a much riskier shot—if you miss, you’ll hit the branches and fall well short of your target—but it can pay huge dividends if you’re successful. By clearing the tops of the trees, you could find yourself playing on the green with your next shot.

While playing it low was all about limiting loft, now you want to create a good amount of it—probably more than usual. But you still need distance, so instead of clubbing down, take the iron you’d normally play at this distance and get ready to make some adjustments.

First, you’ll want to widen your stance and play the ball further forward than usual. The goal is to swing down on the ball. Create a steep backswing by bringing the club outside of your hands and opening up the clubface. This leads to a faster downswing that gets under the ball and launches it up. Combine this with a follow-through that carries the clubhead up and open as long as possible, and you give yourself the best shot at letting the ball soar up and over those trees.

Play It Safe with Some Damage Control

The least risky option is to play it safe and find the shortest branch-free shot back to the fairway. This might mean shooting sideways or hitting a low roller, but it also means avoiding the risks that could set you back even further.

Getting stuck in the rough for three or four shots because you can’t clear a group of trees is much worse than cutting your losses and getting back on the fairway for a clear shot on your next swing. Take it as a life lesson from the game: sometimes, taking one step back might be necessary to take two steps forward.

About PXG

Ultimate performance. Superior forgiveness. A sweet spot the size of Texas. These are just a few of the things you can expect from PXG golf clubs. These high-tech, aesthetically pleasing clubs not only look great on the course but also help you perform to the best of your abilities. From hybrid golf clubs with a high-speed face to putters that feature a customizable weighting system, PXG makes sure every one of their clubs is ready to perform. They continue to refine their designs to be the best in the business. Plus, they offer custom golf clubs and golf apparel at the best golf store Houston, Chicago, and other cities have to offer. If you want to elevate your game on the course, there’s no better choice than PXG. 

Fill your bag with clubs that can help you clear every shot from behind the trees at https://www.pxg.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3SQniuk

[esoutherngolf]

Lake Charles Golf

Finding Your Golfing Joy In Lake Charles, Louisiana Long and widely recognized as “Louisiana's Playground,” Lake Charles, located in the southwest part of the state, is a very special place and should be on every golfer’s radar. It was so easy to get to.  In my case, flying in through Houston, then a short flight to find some joy. Lake Charles recently launched a new tourism campaign aptly named “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In,” and I could not be more in agreement. I’d been there before for professional bass fishing while working for ESPN. My memories of fresh and delicious seafood, nightlife, and great outdoor activities like kayaking were as quickly refreshed as I was. We stayed at L'Auberge Casino Resort, featuring a massive sportsbook and grill. My room was beautifully decorated, and while there, we took a short walk to The Contraband Bayou Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, which emphasizes the marsh and lowland features of a natural environment.  It’s a 7,000-yard, par-71 championship golf layout with ample tee boxes for golfers of any skill. The resort and golf club are a short walk to yet another, The Golden Nugget Casino, which features many shopping and dining options and a live poker room for those who enjoy some Texas Hold ‘Em. The Country Club at Golden Nugget is a masterpiece by designer Todd Eckenrode.  It, too is a 7,000-yard gem that is certain to please. My two takeaways are to stay out of the rough and then go enjoy a chef-crafted meal in the elegant, full-service clubhouse. Lake Charles is also known as "The Festival Capital of Louisiana" and hosts more than 75 of them annually. The most famous of which is the second-largest Mardi Gras in the state behind New Orleans. The home city of the NFL’s Saints is known for incredible cuisine, just as in Lake Charles. Located within L'Auberge Resort are Drago’s Seafood Restaurant and Mexican restaurant Johnny Sánchez, which originated in the Big Easy by award-winning chef Aarón Sánchez. At Drago’s, you can’t go wrong with the grilled oysters as an appetizer and the eggplant parmesan for your main course, or for that matter, any seafood specialty. The breakfast burrito at Johnny Sánchez is a winner as well if your evening plans are spoken for. The National Golf Club of Louisiana is a fun and challenging track for golfers of all levels. I was particularly inspired by the National Golf Club of Louisiana in nearby Westlake and how the terrific team of young golf professionals anticipated everything we might have wanted, including helping me adjust my grip on the range, which made for a better performance on the course.  Make time for a lesson, and you won’t regret it. “The Natty” was a fun and challenging layout, and I can’t wait to return.  I highly recommend the hamburger sliders if you stay for happy hour at The Max.  The Max is named in honor of a legendary local high school coach; the staff was as amazing as the cuisine. This was no typical 19th-hole menu as my playing partner for the day devoured every bite of The Surf N Turf – a burger that only Lake Charles could offer.  It’s a three-blend beef patty layered with jalapeno mayonnaise, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and blackened shrimp. It looked so good I named it as the “Big Max,” though I don’t see them changing it anytime soon. Golf in Lake Charles, located halfway between Houston and Baton Rouge via Interstate 10, features indigenous plants, picturesque backdrops with birds and other wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Even if you’ve been there before, you must make time to play Mallard Golf Club, a Scottish links-inspired design and the newest addition to the area. Legend has it that the head pro there carded a hole-in-one the day the course opened in 2021.  I learned this when I shared news about my birdie on the same hole. Yet another reason to return. At the risk of reading more like a food review, I highly recommend trying a couple of craft beers at Crying Eagle Brewing, and the crab cakes are a must at Pat’s of Henderson, both a short drive from the resort and well worth the effort. Learn even more by checking out the Visit Lake Charles website. Photos Courtesy of Visit Lake Charles Read the full article

[things-to-do-huntsville-tx]

Residents' Attractions in Huntsville 

Huntsville is a small-town getaway located 70 miles north of Houston, offering a variety of attractions for both locals and visitors. The town's historic downtown provides unique treasures and delicious food, while Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place of Texas legends, including Sam Houston. The Raven Nest Golf Club, carved through pine trees, offers a challenging 18-hole course that showcases the natural beauty of the Texas Piney Woods. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum offers historical buildings and a museum store, while the Texas Prison Museum houses the Texas State Penitentiary, which has housed generations of Texans. The Blue Lagoon, a Professional Association of Diving Instructors-certified facility, offers scuba diving lessons and a view of the surrounding pine trees. You can do a lot in Huntsville!

Excavating Services in Huntsville

Triple J Land Services is a highly reputable excavation and land-clearing company located in the bustling city of Huntsville, Texas. Its excavating services in Huntsville are the best choice for clients. With an exceptional history spanning over a decade, they pride themselves on providing their clients with top-notch land cleaning services, utilizing only the finest quality equipment available on the market. The team of trained professionals is passionate and committed to delivering tailored solutions that cater to your specific goals, budget, and lifestyle, ensuring that they meet your every need and expectation in a timely, cost-effective, and customer-oriented manner. You can trust them to get the job done safely and efficiently, leaving you with a stunning and functional outdoor area that you can enjoy for years to come. Get a free estimate now by calling (936) 668-2281. 

Sam Houston Memorial Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum in Huntsville, Texas, offers a fascinating experience for visitors to learn about General Sam Houston's life and legacy. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Houston's life and the history of Texas. Additionally, visitors can take guided tours given by knowledgeable staff and explore rare artifacts like furniture, clothing, weapons, and documents. The museum also hosts special events, such as lectures, concerts, and festivals, to better understand Houston's contributions to Texas history. The museum is also home to the world's tallest statue of an American hero, the Sam Houston Statue, making it a must-see attraction for any visitor to Huntsville.

The state of Texas executed an inmate

Texas has executed an inmate convicted of the drug-related killings of four people over 30 years ago, including a pregnant woman. Arthur Brown Jr., 52, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. Brown was part of a ring that shuttled drugs from Texas to Alabama and had bought drugs from Jose Tovar and his wife, Rachel Tovar. The June 1992 slayings occurred in a Houston home during a drug robbery. The four were tied up and shot in the head. Rachel Tovar and another person were also shot but survived. Brown was the fifth inmate put to death in Texas this year and the ninth in the U.S. Brown was executed as the second of two in Texas this week. Read more. 

Link to maps

Sam Houston Memorial Museum 1836 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340, United States Head south toward 19th St 33 ft Turn right onto 19th St 0.8 mi Turn right onto N Fwy Service Rd/I-45 Frontage Rd 102 ft Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-45 N 6.5 mi Take exit 123 for Farm to Market Rd 1696 0.2 mi Turn right onto Pinedale Rd 2.5 mi Triple J Land Services - Dirt Works 407 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, United States

[iboatedhere]

“You are not failing him.”

“We’ve gone to the science center, the botanical garden, we’ve played mini golf, and visited the library. I’ve taken swimming and to the aquarium. I even took him to the firehouse and my dad took him out on a call. They rescued baby ducks from a storm drain.”

Grace hums. “Judd showed me the photos.”

“Jonah acted like he wasn’t impressed.”

“Maybe he’s not a fan of birds.”

“Baby ducks, Grace,” TK says. “Baby ducks.”

“Okay, you’re right, baby ducks are a universally beloved thing.” She watches Jonah and Charlie work their way across the monkey bars. “Kids need to spend time with kids their own age. I’m sure Charlie would get sick of me, too.”

“So you agree,” TK says, “Jonah is sick of me.”

Grace rolls her eyes and pushes his face away with her hand while TK grins around the straw. 

“I’m saying that anytime he wants to hang with Charlie, I am good with it.”

“I appreciate that,” TK says, “but she goes to daycare.”

“You can watch her, save me and Judd some money,” Grace jokes and TK shakes his head. 

“Nothing against her, but I don’t think so. I don’t think I can handle disappointing two kids.”

“First, you are not a disappointment, and second, I can ask and see if there’s room in Charlie’s daycare for one more.”

“I appreciate that, too, but the point of Jonah staying with me this summer is that he’s with me.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t need to be with you twenty four-seven. Children and parents need breaks from each other, sometimes. Especially at this age.”

“I hope that goes for brothers too, because obviously I am not ready to be a parent.”

Grace pats his shoulder and TK looks out over the park. People are jogging or walking their dogs. A few fields over, a group of high school age kids have begun a disorganized game of baseball. 

Grace hums as she watches them. “Has Jonah ever shown an interest in baseball?”

“I’ve taken him to a few Yankee games when I’ve visited,” TK says with a shrug. “I guess he liked it, but I really think he was more interested in the nachos and cotton candy.”

“That’s valid,” Grace says with a laugh. 

“I could take him to a game in Round Rock. If he likes that we can go into Houston.”

“Actually,” Grace says, digging through her bag. “I was thinking something like this.”

She pulls a flyer out of the bag and TK unfolds it. 

Austin Intramural Little League Registration. 

“Little league?” TK asks, “I don’t know, that seems a little….intense.”

“Don’t let the name fool you,” Grace says, “it’s very relaxed and laid back. It’s more about teaching kids the basics. Half the time the lessons dissolve and it’s just a dozen six and seven year olds running around a baseball diamond or sitting in the outfield looking for four leaf clovers or dandelions.”

TK laughs. “That sounds like fun.”

“It is,” Grace tells him. “We signed Charlie up a few weeks ago, and while Judd thinks she’s the future starting pitcher of the Astros, I’m just happy she’s out in the fresh air, getting some exercise. It tires her right out. But who knows, maybe this is Jonah’s calling.” She nudges TK with her elbow. “From what I’ve heard you’re no slouch on the field.”

“I’m all right,” TK admits, and Grace grins. 

“Well if anyone can draw some talent out of him it’s Carlos. He’s the coach,” Grace explains. “He used to play for the Astros, actually. He was a rookie when they won the World Series. He was poised to be a real star, but he hurt his shoulder a few years ago. Now he works in the athletic department at UT. He gets some of the college players to help out with practice. He’s real patient and kind…the kids love him. So do the mothers.”

TK frowns. “What does that mean?”

“It means he is very, very handsome. There’s a reason the dads drop their kids off and the mothers stay, and isn’t to keep an eye on their children.”

“And what about you?” TK asks, “are you staying for Charlie or for the eye candy?”

“A little bit of both,” Grace admits with a laugh. “Seriously, though, he’s great with the kids. I really think Jonah will enjoy himself.”

“I’ll ask Jonah,” TK says. “I feel like I’m going to have a hard time convincing him, though.”

“Let him know that it’s no pressure, he can come and check it out. He doesn’t even have to play. If he decides that he hates it, make it up to him by taking him out for ice cream.”

“A full proof plan,” TK says, and Grace smiles. 

“We’ll turn this summer around, don’t worry.”

[moonwatchuniverse]

July 21, remembering Alan B. Shepard On July 21, 1998 Rear-admiral & veteran NASA astronaut Alan Shepard passed away aged 74. He was the second person and first American to travel into space on Mercury-Redstone 3 “Freedom 7″ in May 1971. Veteran-astronaut Alan Shepard was a keen golf player since the Mercury days and had the idea to play golf on the Moon ! On Apollo 14, Commander Shepard carried a make-shift Iron-6 attached to a geologic sample stick and hit two golf balls on the Moon. The make of the Golf balls was never revealed but the Golf stick sits in the U.S.G.A. museum in New Jersey - USA. Golf-pro Danny Lawler who gave lessons to most astronauts, was also a representative for the Alligator-logo Lacoste shirts and that’s how the Apollo astronauts ended up wearing Lacoste polo shirts. Anno 2022 Rolex remains a sponsor for major Golf tournaments. Note astronaut/Admiral Alan Shepard wore his personal Rolex GMT-master 1675 Pepsi GMT pilot watch in this May 1973 Houston Open tournament image. (Photo: UPI)

[houstongolflesson1]

Group golf lessons- Improve Your Game Affordably and Effectively!

Golf is one of the most popular sports all over the world! Its huge popularity is due to the fact, that is suitable for people from all walks of life. It has many physical as well as mental benefits for the players.

However, to reap the maximum benefits of this sport, it is important that you should know how to play it well. It might appear simple on the outside but just like any sport, it needs the right techniques to get your shot perfect.

Golf lessons are the best platform from where you can tee off your golfing journey. In this blog, we will discuss group golf lessons and how they are helping players of different levels to refine their skills.

Why group golf lessons?

These lessons are perfect for beginners. It’s because in these sessions you get to learn from qualified coaches but in a cost-effective manner. Also, these are equally important for seasoned players as they get to refine their skills, learn, and develop along with fellow players.

Prime features of golf group lessons!

Cost-saving- unlike private sessions, wherein the single player is to bear the cost of the lesson, group lessons are a more affordable alternative. Here the cost is divided among all players. So, you get the advantages of professional coaching but at pocket-friendly rates.

Feedback- It is the feedback of your coach that helps you improve. In group sessions, you not only get feedback from your instructor but also from fellow players. These multiple prospects help you understand your game better and become a better golfer.

Learning by seeing others play- group golf lessons for beginners near me provides you the opportunity to grow along with fellow players. You get to see various approaches and get a fresh outlook that fastens your progress.

Lifelong connections- in a group setting you get to meet people with the same interest and passion as yours. This way, you get an opportunity to make friends, build professional connections, and even find playing partners for future games.

Women’s golf lessons Houston- gone are the days when golf was considered the men’s game! Today, women are equally participating in this sport. For the same, many academies are providing women’s golf lessons. However, women can join the regular session but dedicated women’s golf lesson offers a more comfortable and encouraging environment.

How to choose the right group golf session?

To make the most of your learning experience, it is important to carefully select the sessions. For this, keep in mind the following factors-

Choose a session that aligns with your current skill level and meets your future goals.

Look for sessions that have qualified, certified, and experienced instructors.

Pay attention to class size

Search for the session that matches well with your schedule. So, you can be regular for the classes.

Ask for reviews and testimonials from past joiners. This helps you understand the insights of the session better.

Conclusion!

Now that you are aware of the benefits of group golf sessions and also know what points to consider when selecting the classes. Without any wait, search for suitable classes and tee off your golfing journey!

Source URL: https://medium.com/@houstongolflesson3/group-golf-lessons-improve-your-game-affordably-and-effectively-872fb57fc393

[houstongolf]

Master Your Swing with Golf Group Lessons in Houston

At Houston Golf Lesson, we offer expert golf group lessons in Houston, Texas, designed to help you master your swing and improve your game. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, our group lessons provide a supportive environment where you can learn from skilled instructors and fellow golfers. Join us to enhance your skills, meet new friends, and enjoy the game like never before.

[houstongolflesson]

How does video analysis help in golf lessons?

Video analysis is a key component of the best golf lessons in Houston, providing invaluable insights into a player's performance. By recording and reviewing swings, instructors can pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement with precision. This personalized feedback, coupled with a flexible learning approach, allows golfers to make real-time adjustments and enhance their skills effectively during their golf lessons in Houston.

For more details visit our site: https://houstongolflesson.com or call us on: 281-755-6797

[pxgblog]

4 Tips to Cut Down on Shanks in Your In-Between Game

Shanks—they’re a curse for golfers everywhere. You hit a perfect drive and feel like you have par in the bag but then you shank a shot with your iron, and it goes careening into the rough. Not only does it set you back, but if shanks are a common feature of your game, they could be costing you big time. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. With these tips and the right golf irons, you can make shanks a thing of the past.

What Causes Shanks?

At its most basic definition, a shank is when the ball hits the hosel of the iron instead of the clubface. It shoots off the club almost straight to the right (if you’re right-handed), and you end up way off track.

As far as the causes go, there are plenty of reasons it may be happening to you. You’ll have to record your swing or have an experienced golfer check it out to diagnose your problem. The cause could be:

• You’re standing too close to the ball, causing your swing path to falter and for the ball to strike the hosel.

• Your hands are moving away from your body on the downswing, moving the clubface away from the ball.

• A poor grip opens up your clubface too much and lags the hosel, causing it to make contact first.

• An uneven stance causes you to lean too far in one direction and shift your weight as you swing.

Now that you know some causes, it’s time to consider what you can do.

How to Fix a Shank

Every case of the shanks is different, but there are a few general solutions that you can try before you panic.

Stand Further From the Ball

Standing too close to the ball can result in the club being too far forward. When you swing through, the clubface naturally wants to go further away from you, so the ball hits the hosel at the point of the club closest to you.

Try standing further away from the ball and stick to your normal swing. If you hit the clubface more consistently, you know this was the cause.

Keep Your Hands Close to Your Body

If your feet are planted in the right spot, your hands might be the culprit. They might be extending out from your body on the downswing. As that happens, you’ll hit the ball closer to the club's hosel rather than the face.

To fix this, slow down your swing and practice keeping your hands tighter and closer to your body. Once it’s muscle memory to keep your hands close and you start hitting the ball square on the clubface, you can increase your swing speed.

Stand Tall and Center Your Weight

This might not seem like the time for a posture lesson, but these two points have enough power to change your whole swing.

First, centering your weight through the middle of your feet keeps your body stable, and you avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

Second, you shouldn’t be bending over the ball. Slightly bend your knees, but keep your shoulders square and back straight for your best swing.

Custom and Forgiving Irons Are a Must-Have

If you’re looking to eliminate shanks from your game completely, you need the most forgiving irons you can find. Clubs with a larger face provide a bigger target to hit and help you find consistency in your shot.

Combine forgiving clubs with a custom fitting appointment, and you have the recipe for consistency you’ve never experienced before. You know what they say: a custom-fit iron a day keeps the shanks away.

About PXG

The right golf clubs can take your game to a whole new level. They help you play to your strengths and give you the best experience possible, from the tee box to the green. PXG makes high-quality clubs with the most advanced technolog, and custom fitted to each player, so every time you step up to the ball, you can swing with confidence. Whether you need hybrid golf clubs with extra forgiveness to cut down on slices or putters that put the ball right where you want it, PXG has you covered. Their clubs offer unmatched distance, feel, and durability. Plus, with custom fittings at the best golf store Houston, Chicago, and cities across the country have to offer, you get one-of-a-kind clubs perfect for you. You’ll be shaving strokes off your handicap in no time.

Find the most forgiving irons in the game at https://www.pxg.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3NUKtzr

[moonwatchuniverse]

50 years ago... Apollo 14 returned from Fra Mauro... February 19, 1971 Apollo 14 commander Alan B Shepard in quarantine at the Lunar Receiving Laboratory of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston - Texas. The Apollo 14 Moonwalkers stayed 33.5 hours on the lunar surface and collected 42 kilograms Moonrocks during 19 hours of lunar EVA. As a keen golfer, Alan Shepard wore an alligator logo Lacoste shirt. During the early Apollo-program Deke Slayton asked former golf-pro & Lacoste PR-person Danny Lawler to initiate the astronauts with some golf lessons. This ultimately lead to golf being played on the Moon as Shepard carried an Iron-6 which could be attached to a geologic sample stick in order to make two lunar golf Moonshots. Note Shepard’s NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster 145.012 chronograph on steel mesh JB Champion bracelet. (Photo: NASA)

[royalbloodedbastards]

chatzy // germs & jocks, linguini & jacques

DATE: Friday, April 17, 2020 CHARACTERS: Jack and Parker ABOUT: Mini-golf? Hair pulling? Germs? Jocks? Gay clowns? Karen? Whitney Houston? 

Parker knocked on Jack’s cabin door and smoothed his shirt, which was decidedly not a polo. He stood back and tilted his head to look up at the cabin. He never really understood why the people who designed the cabin went with this fucked up idea rather than one with bedrooms and wifi like his old one. He’d never been inside the cabin, but he figured it would be disorienting to see everyone walking by from the outside. “Hey!” He smiled when Jack answered the door, trying not to sound overly excited.

Lil' Jack had already beaten Jack to the door by the time Parker knocked. The huge windows made it easy to tell when anybody was coming near—not that anybody did—and they had become Lil' Jack's favorite place to pass the time people-watching. "Hey," Jack smiled as he opened the door. "Lil' Jack, sit," he tried to instruct as the dog raced forward to sniff Parker's shoes. "Sit!"

Parker smiled down at the little dog at his feet. "Hey buddy." He crouched before realizing that maybe Jack wanted to give his dog a lesson in discipline and that he might be reinforcing bad behaviors. "Is it cool if I pet him?"

"Yeah," Jack nodded. "He likes it when you scratch under his chin. I mean—I think he does? Sometimes he'll fall over but I can't tell if that means he's in ecstasy or if he's just given up."

Parker pet the dog that was jumping and wiggling at his feet. He scratched under his chin and the dog took a seat. He laughed a bit, looking up at (apparent) Big Jack. “Is he coming with us?” He laughed.

"So everyone can see the white-haired cyclops has a dog equivalent with the same name? Absolutely not," Jack declared. "He can take care of himself for a few hours."

Parker laughed again and gave the dog another pat before he stood. “Got all your putters ready?”

Jack stood aside to let Lil' Jack run back into the living room. "My... Oh. Um. Are we supposed to bring our own? Because, I don't—" He looked back into his house, trying to think of something he could use.

Parker shook his head quickly. “Oh! No, that was a joke.” He laughed a bit. “I just meant, like, are you ready for mini golf?”

"Oh." Jack smiled in relief. "Yeah, I'm ready." He started to step outside to close the door but paused halfway. "Wait, is what I'm wearing fine? I mean—I know we joked about suits but now I'm not sure what people wear to mini golf." He held out his hands so that Parker could assess his black shirt, black jean outfit.

Parker snorted and shook his head. “There isn’t , like, a dress code for mini golf. You look fine.” He rocked back on his heels. “I parked just over...” He motioned vaguely. “Have you never done mini golf before?”

Jack stepped out onto his porch and shut the door behind him. "Jack is really sheltered, surprise, surprise," he jokingly confirmed. "It always looks fun on TV though. The windmills."

Parker exhaled hard in a laugh and led them to the car. "It is fun! I haven't been in a while, but I like it when the tubes lead to other holes." He tilted his head. "You'll see what I mean when I get there. How was work?" He raised his eyebrows a bit.

Jack couldn't imagine what Parker was trying to say, but just nodded along anyway. "Work was... Nice," Jack lied. "I'm learning how to milk animals. Which I did not realize was going to be part of it."

"Ew," Parker said without thinking. "Uh, I mean, like... how was that?" He shook his head and opened the passenger door for Jack before circling around to get into the driver's seat.

Jack's heartbeat did a little flutter when Parker opened the door for him. He laughed and shook his head. "'Ew' is honestly a great word for it." He climbed into the seat and shut the door, then waited for Parker to get in before continuing. "It feels like... I'm violating the cow? But also weirdly satisfying. I..." He shook his head and put his hands up. "Okay, but that makes it sound like I'm a farm predator and that's really not what I meant."

Parker laughed as he buckled himself in. "Oh my God. I... guess I get it?" He laughed again and pulled out from where he was parked. "Can't say I've milked many cows though, fortunately enough. So you're, like, full milkman then? Like, get the milk, bottle it, deliver it?"

Jack pressed his lips together. "Yeah. Seems like it." He looked out the window, trying to remember the last time he was in a car. "Oh, but I don't have to wear a milkman outfit. To answer your question from the other day."

"Shame." Parker smiled and glanced at Jack as he pulled onto the road. "Not sure that's really your style though."

"Not really," Jack laughed. He looked over to watch Parker's hands on the steering wheel, occasionally glancing down to see his feet on the pedals.

Parker glanced at the GPS. "Can you tell me when my turn is? I hate when it talks so I mute it but then I have to constantly look at it," he admitted with a bit of a laugh. "Hard to drive without a navigator because of it.”

"Oh, yeah." Jack felt strangely excited about stepping into the role of a navigator. "You've got a mile," he instructed. "Then it's a right." He leaned back in his seat and checked his reflection in the side mirror. He wiggled his eyepatch around, trying to adjust it to look right on his face, but couldn't quite get it to sit the way he wanted. He sighed and turned back to the GPS instead. "Quarter of a mile.”

Parker turned when he was supposed to. "Thanks." He gave a small nod. "Sorry for taking you somewhere where you have a lack of experience, but I'm not gonna hold back." He grinned. "I'm gonna absolutely destroy you at mini golf."

Jack smiled. "I'd be kinda disappointed if you didn't. Like, if you took me on a date to mini golf but you're actually shit at mini golf? I'd judge you."

Parker laughed, a small flutter in his stomach as Jack mentioned the word date. "Yeah. I gotta play to my strengths. Last person I did this with could control the wind, and so I had to get really good to compete with that."

"Wait, what?" Jack laughed. "Ugh, people with powers are wild. Imagine being the wind god and that's what your kid is doing with their divine skills."

Parker shook his head. "Yeah. She could also summon lightning, but that was only when I won," he joked. "I think I'm lucky I don't have any powers, honestly, they seem..." He stopped himself from saying more, given who he was talking to, then wondered why he said anything. "Um, do I have another turn soon?"

Jack muttered a knowing, "Hm." He glanced down at the GPS and nodded. "Sorry, yeah—half a mile it's gonna be a left." He looked over at Parker and just watched him drive for a moment before chuckling. "I'm sorry—uh... Do you mind if I just, like..." Jack shook his head. "Never mind."

Parker glanced at Jack and raised an eyebrow before looking back at the road. "Do I mind if you...?"

Jack started turning pink and just shook his head, laughing. "Ugh, nothing. You're gonna think I'm a total loser if I ask and I'm already about to humiliate myself playing a sport."

Parker shook his head. "I can go easy on you. I promise I'm not that good at mini golf, I haven't done it in years."

"Sure," Jack said, his tone dripping with disbelief. He eyed the radio on the dashboard for a moment but said nothing about it. "This is the turn."

Parker shrugged one shoulder and didn't notice Jack's look. He put on his blinker and turned. "Uh, how's the gym going?"

Jack laughed. "Um. Fine. I have no idea what I'm doing so I probably look ridiculous." Jack shrugged. "I went at like, 2pm and there was nobody there. Hopefully it stays that way." He propped his elbow up on the window ledge so he could rest his head on his hand. He grinned at Parker coyly. "Do you lift?"

Parker smiled at the thought of Jack working out. He couldn't really imagine it. He snorted. "Yeah, gotta get those gains. Never skip leg day and all that. That's why I'm so hot."

Jack turned his face into his hand and laughed. "If that's what it takes to look the way you did in that ice cream jumper, then yeah. Never skip leg day." Jack saw a huge light up sign flickering ahead and pointed at it. "Is that the one?"

Parker grinned. "I still have it, if you want to borrow it and track your progress." He bobbed his head and pulled into the parking lot. "Yep! You ready for windmills and weird clowns?" He unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

Jack paused. "Wait, what?" He climbed out of the passenger seat. "Weird clowns? What kind of place is this?"

Parker shut the door behind him and shook his head. "Like, they have a bunch of weird stuff like that, like you have to pass the ball through the mouth of a clown on one of them. Are you afraid of clowns? It's just one hole."

Jack laughed. "I'm not. I think they're kinda sad." Jack looked ahead at the entrance to the mini golf area and felt a shudder run down his back. "Um, hang on. Can I talk to you before we go in there?"

Parker tilted his head, confused. "Sad?" He raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Um, yeah, sure."

"Okay, sorry—I don't mean to be a huge drama queen all the time. I'm just..." Jack shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Just kinda nervous? It's been a while since I've been around people who aren't, like... Demigods. And I'm kinda just remembering now that normal people aren't, like... Used to me. What I do. Sorry—am I making sense?" Jack was bouncing up and down on his heels.

"Oh." Parker nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah. Um, we can just make sure that nobody touches you? Or, did you not want to go in anymore?"

"No, I definitely wanna go in," Jack quickly clarified. "Um. I'm just—I don't really know how my powers work on people people? Sorry." Jack shook his head. "I shouldn't have brought it up. Everything's probably gonna be okay and I'm... Let's just—" Jack made a shooping motion toward the entrance.

Parker nodded slowly. "Okay. Let me know if you feel uncomfortable at all." He started walking to the entrance and smiled at Jack. "Um, I brought gloves."

Jack smiled back. "Oh." He couldn't tell if his nerves were coming from a place of happiness or anxiety. Jack told himself they were happy. He held out his hands to take the gloves and added, "Thanks."

Parker pulled plastic gloves from his pocket and handed them to Jack. When they entered, Parker didn't seem to notice the uneasy glances in their direction. He paid for both of them and picked out a few putters, trying to figure out which one was good for his height. "I grabbed us some balls, but they might be the same colour." He held out a red ball and a green one.

Jack tried to keep his head down, ignoring the glances of strangers as he passed by. He slipped the gloves on as Parker paid then looked down at the golf balls he picked out. Jack laughed. "Um, do you wanna get another color?" He plucked the green one from Parker's hand. "This one is green."

Parker put away the red ball and picked out a yellow one. "What's this?"

"Yellow," Jack replied. "Uh, how many colors can you see?"

"I've never counted!" Parker put away the ball and picked out a purple one. "This is... blue?"

Jack smiled. "Purple."

"Hmm." Parker nodded. "Well, it's different than that one." He walked to the first hole and put his ball down. "You know how this works, right?"

Jack scoffed. "I'm not an idiot Parker." He looked down the green and pursed his lips. "But just for your sake, maybe you should explain how it works."

Parker's face fell when Jack scoffed, afraid that he'd offended him, but then grinned. "Um, well, you have to start on this end." He put his ball down. "And then you hit it with the putter and try to get it in the hole. And then we write down how many hits it takes to get it in, and whoever has the lowest score wins." He nodded. "Do you wanna go first, or should I?"

Jack followed along. He had known how the game worked, it turned out, but was glad that he wasn't just imagining it. "Uh, let me go first. Before you destroy my self-confidence with your skills," Jack joked. He set his ball down, looked toward the hole, and haphazardly swung his putter, sending the ball bouncing down the green. "Fuck," he laughed.

Parker smiled and watched Jack. "Okay, now just go until you get it in." He swung his putter back and forth. "You know, I just realized that I keep trying to make you do sporty things. Next time we can do something more to your strengths, I promise. We can, um... milk cows?" He joked.

Jack shoved Parker. "Ew, shut up!" He laughed and crossed his arms. "Ugh. If that becomes my thing, I'm gonna like... Walk into the sea."

Parker laughed and wasn't even moved by Jack's shove. "Fine, fine, what's your thing then? Being cute and moody?"

Jack felt his cheeks warming. "I mean, duh." He stepped aside so Parker could tee up. "I don't know... Like... Music? I'm not really good at anything, TBH. It's something I've actually been thinking about. Kinda why I wanted to get a job."

Parker put his ball down and shot. The ball went straight into the hole, then he looked back at Jack. "And a dog? Or was that just because you guys match?"

"Uh, no," Jack tried not to look too impressed that Parker scored a hole in one. "I don't really know why I did that." Jack shrugged. "I guess... It's nice to have someone around who doesn't see me for what I'm lacking, or for what I can't do. I'm just... A person." Jack's eyes flickered to Parker's. "But also because we match."

Jack shrugged, following Parker down the green. "I guess it's because he's an animal? I haven't had any issues with the cows either, so..." He looked at his ball sitting ten feet away from the hole. "Do I hit it again or am I out because you already got it in?"

Parker shook his head and stood back. "You just keep going, and then we track how many hits it takes you to get it in." He swung his putter back and forth again. "He's sweet. Does he like your music?"

"Oh cool, so we drag it out for maximum shame. I love that," Jack joked, putting the ball once more. The ball came to a stop about two feet from the hole. "I guess? He hasn't complained about it yet. We'll see if he runs away." Jack walked over to the hole and putted once again. The ball clattered as it fell into the plastic cup. Jack smiled over at Parker and pointed at himself. "Jock."

"It'd be cute if he howled along with it or something. You can put him on a track." Parker laughed. "Your French needs some improvement." He started off to the next obstacle.

Jack furrowed his brow at Parker's joke, not quite getting it. "I'll... Think about that." Jack looked around at the three greens surrounding them and pointed at the nearest one. "Um, I'm assuming this is the next one because of this sidewalk thing, but you're the golf expert."

Parker didn't process that Jack wouldn't get the joke, so he moved on. "Yeah, it's pretty straightforward, kinda leads you right around the course." He tapped Jack's leg with his club. "This one's got a little hill, and I think the next one has the windmill, so it'll actually get exciting." He put the ball down, tapped it, and ran to the top of the hill to meet it. "What's your favourite food?"

Jack watched Parker putt so that he could try to recreate the same shot. Once Parker left, Jack lined up his ball the same way and gave a good, hard hit. "Um, not sure," Jack thought out loud as the ball careened down the green. "Maybe açai bowls? I, like... Eat them sometimes," he shrugged.

Parker moved out of the way so that he wouldn't mess up the shot, then took his own, managing to just get the ball into the hole. "Okay." He nodded, pocketing that information. "Do you... dye your hair that colour?"

Jack laughed as he lined up his shot. "No. That's the natural color. My mom had white hair when she was young too." He putted the ball, once again coming within three feet of the hole. "What else do you wanna know?"

Parker hummed and rocked back and forth on his feet. "Um, I don't know," he admitted with a small smile. "Have you ever seen Ratatouille? I think you'd like it."

Jack walked over to the ball and putted it. Another miss. He furrowed his brow at Parker with a hint of a smile. "What makes you think I'd like it?"

"The hair pulling?" Parker laughed as soon as the words left his mouth. "Um, but, like, um, it's just funny. Like, the rat is really sarcastic in it. It's like, your sense of humor."

Jack's face got hot as soon as Parker answered the question. He bit his lip and nodded his head for a moment. "So if I'm Remy..." He grinned at Parker. "Is this you asking me to pull your hair?"

Parker flushed and wondered if he could have avoided this situation? There was nothing he could have said or done differently that would have prevented this, he thought. "Um, please don't ask me if I want you to pull my hair while saying you're Remy."

Jack almost doubled over from the laugh that came out of him. He used his putter as a support as he bent over laughing. "Oh my gods." Jack clutched his stomach. "Fuck," he cackled. "Oh my gods. Ow."

Parker flushed somehow hotter and pressed a hand into his cheek as he laughed, shaking his head. "Oh my God." He squeezed his eyes shut and ran a hand through his hair. "Wow, please just... ignore everything I say, ever. Thanks."

Jack shook his head. "I like the things you say." He tried to regain his composure and his breath so he could line up to take the shot. Still chuckling, Jack putted his ball into the hole and scooped it right back up into his hand. He looked at Parker, then up at his hair, then burst out laughing again.

Parker kept his hand pressed to his face as he smiled at Jack, and then groaned when he started laughing again, though he joined him soon. “Shut up! Just... ugh.”

"Sorry!" Jack tried to calm down. "Oh my gods... Wow." As Jack's breath slowed, he pulled up the bottom of his shirt to dab his eye dry and blot under the edges of his eye patch. "Sorry, wow. That was..." He smiled at Parker. "Okay. Hair pulling. Got it."

“Ugh.” Parker rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it as he grinned, leading them to the next hole. “Your much-awaited windmill. Do you want to go first?”

"Sure," Jack shrugged. "I think I get how it works now." Jack lined up his shot and gave a solid putt, sending the ball halfway down the grain. Jack stepped off the tee and gestured for Parker to take his turn. "Mr. Linguini."

Parker groaned dramatically. “You’re...” He shook his head. “I’m never gonna live that down, huh? And you’re the one who called himself a rat!”

"I think you'll live it right up until the next time you say something equally incredible," Jack speculated. "I still think about Yeast Man."

Parker rubbed his cheek and wondered how he could still speak with how far his foot was shoved into his mouth every time he opened it. “You’re... annoying.” He was still grinning. He put down the ball, shot, and frowned as it bounced back after hitting against the windmill. “You’re up, Bacteria Boy.”

Jack made his way over to his ball and gave it another putt towards the hole without really thinking about it. The ball clinked as it sunk into the hole. Jack threw an arm up. "Oh my gods! Plus two for Bacteria Boy!" He sauntered over to Parker with a huge grin on his face. "Eat my bacteria, bitch."

Parker leaned on his putter as Jack walked over, and bit his lip as he smiled at him. “You’re... Cute.” He tapped Jack’s shin with his putter. “Especially since you think this means you have a chance. I’m still gonna destroy you.”

"I'll believe it when I see it," Jack taunted, tapping Parker's butt with the handle end of his putter. "Good luck."

Parker’s eyes glinted, the competition taking priority over flirting. He watched the windmill turn a few times, tapped his ball, and timed it so that it streaked past the blades and into the hole. “Ha! You eat my bacteria. Bitch,” he added as an afterthought.

Jack rested his head in his hand, watching Parker sink his shot. He shook his head, smiling. "Eat your yeast?" Jack made his way to the next hole, eager to play now that he felt like he had some actual momentum going.

“Ew.” Parker snorted as he followed after Jack. “This is one of the tube ones,” he said excitedly. There were three holes this time, and each one led to a different place, one being straight into the end hole, the other two slightly further away. “I’ll start!” He put his ball down and shot. The ball bounced around the green, careening straight past the hole that led to the end, and into one of the other tubes. “Hm.”

Watching Parker's ball sail past one hole and into another—spitting out at a non ideal location—Jack just nodded his head. "Okay," he mumbled as he took his place on the tee. Jack made a line in the air with his putter from his ball to the desired hole before putting. Then, Jack watched as his ball sunk into the tube, spat back out further downhill, and roll straight into the cup. Jack turned to Parker, mouth agape. "Eat. My. Fucking. Germs. Parker."

Parker watched as Jack’s ball went exactly where it was supposed to and touched his tongue to his teeth as he shook his head, smiling. “Whatever. I’m still beating you.” He poked a finger into Jack’s chest before scampering down to where his ball was. He tapped it lightly and it stopped about an inch away from the hole. He let out a frustrated breath and tapped it again, then pulled it from the cup.

"Uh-huh," Jack taunted as he watched Parker miss his shot. "Um... I'm basing my decision to date you again entirely on your performance tonight. So..." Jack tapped his putter against Parker's shoe with a smile.

"You know, that's not the first time I've heard that." Parker laughed. "And I've always gotten a second date."

Somehow, Jack was the one turning pink. He nudged his shoulder against Parker's as he passed him and headed toward the next hole. "I like the confidence."

Parker followed Jack with a spring in his step. “Thanks. Does it add to the performance for you?” He raised his eyebrows before dropping his ball on the next green. “Ugh, this one is my least favorite. You have to make sure it doesn’t get in the water.” There was a narrow bridge leading straight for the hole, and then larger passes over the sides. Parker considered his options and what Jack had just said about liking his confidence. He lined up a shot and sent the ball halfway across the narrow pass before it tipped over and fell into the water. “Shoot.” He ran over and reached in to fish it out, then shook the water from his hand. “Well...” He shrugged.

"It helps," Jack remarked. He surveyed the course as Parker lined up for his shot. It looked promising up until the ball swerved off the edge of the bridge. "What does it mean if it falls in the water?"

Parker shook his head. “It counts as a hit, but I have to start from where I last hit it.”

Jack nodded and lined up his shot. "Okay." He wasn't sure whether to take it down the center or to the sides and didn't quite make up his mind before he hit the ball. Jack watched as it rolled across the green and straight into the water. "Well..." Jack grinned and looked over at Parker as he went to pick up the ball. "This feels right."

Parker smiled and tapped his golf ball to Jack’s. “Cheers.” He dropped the ball and nodded. “Well, middle or bust, right?” He hit the ball hard, sending it straight into the water. “Hmm.”

Jack laughed as Parker confidently sent his ball into the water. "Ugh, oh my gods, I might be here all night." Jack lined up his ball at the tee once more. This time, trying to be more aggressive with his swing, he wound the club back a bit further before taking his shot. Jack swung his putter with gusto, missing the ball entirely and then sending it flying backwards on the rebound. "Oh my fucking gods—" Jack cackled, watching his ball bounced onto a different green. 

Jack looked both ways before crossing the small boundary to retrieve his ball. "Sorry," Jack apologized to a small child as he reached around them to grab the ball. "I'm just—" As Jack picked up the ball, giving a little small to the kid, the kid gasped audibly. "Oh no—" Before Jack could get out another word, the child let out a wailing scream and sprinted in a different direction. Jack, dipping his head, walked back towards his hole without saying another word.

Parker laughed as Jack sent his ball backwards. “Right attitude, wrong direction!” He crouched to pluck his ball out of the water, but his head shot up as he heard a scream. He frowned and tilted his head as Jack returned. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Jack shrugged, trying to hold a smile. “Uh, yeah. Just, uh... Freaked a kid out, I guess.” He shook his head and put the ball back on the tee. “Not a big deal. I’ll just—or sorry, it’s your turn, right? Let’s just—“ Jack scratched his head and pointed at the tee with his putter. “Yeah.”

Parker ran a hand through his hair and nodded, not wanting to push anything. He dropped the ball to the ground and swung, finally managing to make it over the small bridge, just barely. "Ugh, finally. Acai bowls are gonna be your second favorite food after how many of my germs you eat."

Jack mustered up a smile. "Didn't know we were gonna be having dinner on this date," he joked feebly. Jack lined up to putt again. A swing. A miss. Jack watched as the ball, clipped by the corner of the putter, rolled an entire three inches away before slowing to a stop. He closed his eyes and exhaled a laugh. "I... Suck."

Parker pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. "At least you hit it forward this time?" He tapped his ball and get it into the cup with a satisfying noise. He held his putter out towards Jack. "If you want, I can do that cute thing where I wrap my arms around you and show you how to line up a shot and then you can gush about how sporty I am."

Jack smiled and sighed in relief. "I was afraid that I was gonna have to be the one to ask." Jack stepped forward a bit and gestured to the space beside him. "Please."

Parker grinned, happy that Jack agreed and didn't leave him feeling like a jerk. He walked around the water, put his putter down, and wrapped his arms around Jack easily. He was always somewhat surprised about how small Jack was when he was this close to him. His hands met the plastic of Jack's gloves and his heart raced as he lined up the shot. "Okay, we're still going for middle or bust, obviously." He helped Jack swing, sighing in relief when the ball rolled smoothly over the narrow path, stopping close to the cup. "Oh, thank God," he said under his breath. He pressed a kiss to Jack's shoulder before he pulled away, smiling. He pointed to himself. "Jock."

Jack hoped that Parker wasn't actually trying to teach him anything in earnest, because all he could focus on was how firm Parker's arms felt against his. Jack cheered quietly when the ball sank into the whole, but his voice quickly rose into a crack when he felt Parker plant a kiss on his shoulder. Face thoroughly flushed, Jack laughed at Parker's assertion. "Jacques," Jack responded, pointing to himself. "I finally got it a few minutes ago but didn't know how to bring it up again."

Parker tossed his head back as he laughed and moved to grab his golf club again. “Oh, I thought you didn’t find it funny.” He leaned back on his putter and smiled at Jack. “Now you can gush about how sporty I am.”

Jack snorted. "Oh my gods, you're so sporty," he droned. "Do me in the locker room." Jack smirked in Parker's direction as he went to grab his ball. "We can be that jock quarterback and depressed gay kid trope in all the indie movies."

Parker laughed more, but couldn’t help but bask in the compliments, even if they were delivered sarcastically and at his own request. “My dream come true. Better than...” He shook his head and put his putter over his shoulder. “Ready for the next hole? I won’t help you cheat on the next one.”

"Are you sure? Because I don't think I totally got that swing, you might have to show me again," Jack chided as he stood beside the next tee.

Parker snickered and tapped the back of Jack's leg with his club. "I don't trust you. You're pretending you're being flirty when you're really just trying to beat me."

Jack scoffed. "I can't believe you think that I'd have to pretend to flirt. I'm literally never not flirting with you, Parker. Do you know me at all?" Jack shook his head and teed his ball. "Disgusting." Jack took his shot and watched his ball land a respectable distance from the hole.

Parker rested his hand on his cheek. “Ugh, whatever.” He dipped his head and hit the ball, sending it just slightly ahead of Jack’s. “So you were being actually flirty while also trying to get me to win for you.”

"Yeah, duh," Jack explained as he walked over to take his next shot. "I mean, if you help me win, it's almost like you still won, so it's kind of a win-win." Jack took his shot and the ball fell into the hole. Jack shrugged. "Just saying."

Parker rolled his eyes, still smiling. He rubbed his jaw and took his shot, getting the ball in after Jack. "Fine." He tapped his putter against Jack's shoe. "You've convinced me. I'll win for the both of us and then do you in the locker room." Even using the words Jack had didn't stop Parker from flushing slightly, and he tipped his head back so he wouldn't have to see Jack laugh at him. He turned to walk to the next green. "I think we're almost through the course. We've been doing pretty well, actually," he said as he checked the sheet of paper he was keeping track of their scores on.

Jack's laughter was diluted with a rush of nerves (hope?) that Parker was being serious. He followed Parker to the next green and peeked over at the piece of paper. "Who's winning?"

Parker moved the paper so that Jack could see it as well. “You have sixteen, and I have thirteen, so me.”

Jack snatched the piece of paper away from Parker and replaced it with his hand. "Okay, but barely. I'm like, a very close runner up."

Parker let Jack take it and smirked. "Second place is also last place when there's only two people."

"I guess that puts you second to last." Jack lifted up their hands to kiss his own thumb before letting go so that he could make his putt. The ball rolled across the green straight into a carpeted 'sand' trap. "Ugh."

Parker laughed and ducked his head, rubbing his cheek. "I guess so." He snorted at Jack's attempt and stepped up as though to show him exactly how to execute the shot perfectly. He hit the ball in an almost identical way to Jack, ending up in the same trap, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Hm. This is a harder one."

Jack's knees gave way as he cackled. "Oh yeah?" He walked over to see where Parker's ball had landed and laughed again. "Wow. Look at this skill. I'm so turned on right now."

"Shut up." Parker laughed and shook his head as he walked over to meet Jack. "I haven't done this in a while. It's intentionally tricky."

"I can tell." Jack stood in the sand trap and chipped the ball out. The ball bounced onto the green and rolled two feet from the hole. "See that?" Jack smirked. "Jacques."

Parker rolled his eyes and sent the ball out of the trap and closer to Jack's. "I transferred all my skill to you when I showed you how to do it." He reached out to poke Jack's arm. "Are you sure you can't control the wind?"

"Does this answer your question?" Jack sidled up to his ball and gave it a firm putt toward the hole. The ball stopped short two inches away. "Ugh. It was cuter in my head when the ball actually went in.

Parker smiled. "It was still cute."

Jack just tapped the ball into the hole with his putter before picking it up and walking over to Parker so he could take his turn. As he passed Parker, Jack pecked a kiss onto Parker's shoulder. "Good luck." In the distance, Jack thought he saw somebody pointing in his direction, but he chose to ignore it.

Parker poked Jack’s side this time, grinning as he pressed his shoulder into his cheek. “Thanks, not that I need it.” He tapped the ball lightly and pumped his fist as he watched it drop into the cup. “It would’ve been pretty funny if I missed it there.”

Jack smiled anyway. As he walked over to the next hole, Jack got a clearer view of a family in the distance, definitely staring and pointing at him. Jack turned his head away and dropped his ball on the tee, grumbling quietly.

“Good thing I’m too good to.” Parker walked after Jack, and turned his head, frowning as he saw the people staring at them. He turned away and rubbed his cheek.

Jack took his shot without thinking too much about it. The ball stopped respectably close to the hole, but Jack didn't seem too excited, his mind preoccupied with something else. "You're up."

Parker shot and the ball looped around Jack’s, landing in the cup. He smiled and didn’t look behind him again as he tapped Jack’s wrist with the handle of his putter. “Did you ever play that game where you had to spell out a word and then the other person had to guess what word you were spelling?” Parker blinked, realizing he explained it wrong. “Like, you spell out the word by tracing it onto somebody. And then they have to guess what you’re writing on them.”

Jack shook his head. "Sounds like a tough game to play for a dyslexic person," he joked. "Is it fun?"

"Yeah, kinda. I typically would tap out after like, four letters." Parker shrugged. "It could depend on who you play with."

Jack made his way over to his ball. "Where do you draw the word? Like, where on the body?" He lined up to take his shot.

Parker quickly ran over when he remembered that he didn't already take his own ball out of the cup. "Um, could be anywhere? I think on the back mostly, so they can't watch you do it."

Jack waited until Parker was out of the way to make his shot. A narrow miss. "Ugh. That sounds like a cute game though. You could write little messages on someone's back." Jack scribbled in the air, "'You're cute.' 'I like you.' 'End my suffering.' Stuff like that." Jack tapped the ball into the hole with his putter then plucked it out of the cup.

Parker exhaled a laugh. “I think that’s the point of it. You can be like ‘hi’ or ‘eat my fucking germs’ or ‘pull my hair’.” He smirked and looked away from Jack. “I think the last the next one is the last one, and then we can figure out how badly I beat you,” he said as he walked them to the next green.

Jack smiled, resisting the urge to just reach out and spell out any of those things across Parker's back with his tongue. "Ugh, great." Jack looked ahead to the final hole. "Ah, the clown mouth." As they stepped up to the tee, Jack was greeted by an oversized clown head with a ramp leading up to the back of its throat. Jack frowned. "This is some gay shit."

Parker laughed, shaking his head at the clown. "What's gay about two guys trying to get balls into a clown's mouth?"

Jack snickered. "Just stand five feet away from me while we do it." Jack lined up his shot and putted the ball straight up the bridge into the clown's mouth. He walked over to pick it up and noticed that the back of the clown's mouth was some dark abyss. "Oh... Is that it? He just... Eats it?"

Parker grinned and brought his putter up as though to measure out the distance between himself and Jack, taking a step back. He nodded and stepped up, dropping his ball onto the tee. “Uh, yeah, I think it returns the balls to where they’re stored. But you got a hole in one! Finish strong.” He smiled and took the shot, but his face fell slightly as it just bounced off of the clown’s tongue. “Uh, unlike that.”

Jack laughed. "Uh, well you've got like, ten tries left before I catch up to you, so... Literally zero pressure." He stepped in toward Parker and leaned onto his putter like a cane.

“Well there’s some pressure. If I take ten tries you’ll never want to speak to me again because I suggested doing something I’m bad at.” Parker rested his hand on his cheek and stuck out his lip in a pout. “You might need to blow me a kiss, for luck.”

Jack laughed and dropped his head. He pulled off a glove, held it up to Parker's cheek, and planted a kiss right over it. Then, holding it by one end, Jack playfully smacked Parker's cheek with the plastic glove. "Good luck."

Parker waited patiently as Jack complied, and brought his fingers up to his cheek when Jack smacked him. "Hey!" He laughed and pressed his lips together as he took his shot and willed the ball to go where it was supposed to. As it disappeared into the mouth void, he turned to Jack, beaming. "I win."

Jack gave Parker an unimpressed smile. "Okay, but you were always going to beat me anyway." He slipped his glove back on and reached out for Parker's hand. "Sorry I don't have a prize for you."

Parker folded up the score sheet and put it in his pocket before he took Jack’s hand. He rested his putter on his shoulder and sighed, though he couldn’t bring himself to frown. “I’ll let it slide, for now.”

The smile on Jack's fell quickly when he turned toward the exit and saw a woman walking up toward them. "Fuck," he whispered under his breath, trying to avoid her gaze. "Excuse me," the stranger called out sternly. "Did one of you say something to my daughter?"

Parker put his putter down in the return basket and only glanced at the woman for a moment before he shook his head. He forced himself not to let go of Jack’s hand. “Um, sorry, no. We’re actually just leaving too so...”

Jack kept his head down as the woman continued on, her voice rising. "Okay, well she's not crying for nothing. So why don't—" "It was me," Jack piped up. He lifted his head to look at the woman straight on, noticing her whole body flinch when she took in his scar. "My ball rolled onto the other course and I went to go pick it up. I guess your daughter was afraid of my face."

Parker raised his eyebrows at the woman and took a moment to think about what Kieran might say in a situation like this. "I believe that your time might be better spent comforting your child or teaching them manners, rather than haranguing strangers before they leave the park," he said sternly, giving Jack's hand a quick squeeze before he tried to pull him away. "Let's go."

Jack followed Parker's lead and started toward the exit, but not without first seeing the woman's face turn completely red. "I'm—I am so sorry, I didn't know," she blubbered. Jack pressed his lips together to hide his smile. As they stepped off the greens, Jack heard a splash coming from behind them. He turned around to see that the woman had tripped and falling into the artificial river where they had sunk so many shots. Jack clutched Parker's arm with his free hand, trying his hardest not to bust out in laughter. "Oh my fucking gods," he exhaled.

Parker didn’t pay the woman any mind as she apologized, scowling to himself about the entire interaction. He clenched his jaw and turned when he heard a splash, then shook his head and pressed a hand to his forehead as he watched the woman flounder and pull herself out of the water. “Jesus,” he said under his breath as she wailed along with her child. He turned to Jack and shook his head again, smile slowly appearing on his face once more. He ran a hand through his hair. “Oh my... wow. That was...” He couldn’t help himself and started laughing.

Jack turned in toward Parker, unable to stop himself from laughing along. "Wow. She..." He trailed off, too caught up in his fit of giggles. Jack clasped both his hands around Parker's. He bit his lip and focused on Parker's smile for a moment before shaking his head. "Uh, thanks. For sticking up for me."

Parker took a moment to compose himself, and then laughed again before he caught his breath fully. He pressed his cheek into his shoulder and smiled up at Jack. "What else would I do?" He grinned, then started laughing again. "Wow, a book club is gonna get an earful about me shoving that woman into a pond on a mini golf course."

Jack shut his eyes and laughed, squeezing Parker's hand. He peeked over his shoulder to see the woman dripping wet in front of her howling children. "Um, we should probably go before she comes over here and accuses you of assault."

Parker let out another small laugh and brought his hand up to kiss Jack through his glove. "Yeah, let's go." He turned fully now and started back to the car.

Jack followed Parker back to the car in a dreamlike state. He tried his hardest not to stare at Parker the whole time, but failed a few times along the way. Jack didn't realize how alluring it was to have his crush stand up for him against a bully, but he could definitely get used to it. Once they got back to the car, Jack leaned over and kissed Parker's shoulder before letting go to climb in.

Parker had to resist the urge to kiss Jack’s head while it was right there, but grinned at him as he get into the car. He tapped out a happy tune into the roof of the car before getting in himself. He buckled in and pulled out of where they were parked. “Do you like mini golf now?”

Jack clicked his seatbelt in and tipped his head back to smile at Parker. "I like you," he joked. "But I guess the mini golf was pretty fun too."

Parker smiled back at Jack before moving his eyes back to the road. "I think mini golf was more fun with you."

Flushing pink, Jack reached across to squeeze Parker's shoulder. He bit his lip for a moment then looked away. "Uh, remember how there was I thing I was gonna ask you earlier?" Jack asked meekly, his smile audible in his voice.

Parker glanced at Jack for half a second. "Yeah?"

"Ugh," Jack ran a hand over his face, turning an even deeper red. "I can't believe I'm telling you this but I don't know when I'll get the chance again, so..." He looked over at Parker. "I've always wanted to do that cheesy movie thing where you roll down your windows and blast some 80's anthem and just like... Drive away from the camera."

Parker laughed and fumbled around to see if there was anything for Jack to plug his phone into. "Um, go ahead!" He grinned. "Who are you putting on?"

Jack fished around for a cord for a bit then plugged his phone in once he found one. "Um... I only really know the Breakfast Club song," Jack confessed. "Or like... So Emotional."

Parker tapped the steering wheel with one hand. "Play So Emotional! I love Whitney Houston."

Jack wasn't sure why he found Parker's enthusiasm so funny, but he laughed anyway. "Sure," he replied, tapping on the song. Jack turned up the volume dial until the intro percussion was vibrating in his seat, then rolled down his window. Right on time with the music, Jack called out, "I don't know why I like it... I just do!"

Parker rolled his window down as well, grinning widely as he glanced at the GPS and turned. "I think this is great! I... This is great!"

Jack laughed along, still bopping to the music. He turned to watch Parker drive as Whitney nailed the verse. Jack couldn’t resist reaching over and brushing his fingers over Parker’s cheek before resting his hand on Parker’s shoulder. “See I remember the way we touched,” Jack sang along. “I wish I didn’t like it so muuuch!”

Parker struggled to focus on the road. "I get so emotional baby!" He laughed as he sang along. "Every time I think of you!" He didn't point at Jack because he was driving and regretted every moment of it.

Jack kept on singing, his gaze switching back and forth between Parker and the road. There were several things that Jack wanted to do in the moment but all of them carried the risk of crashing, and so Jack just sat back and let the moment wash over every inch of his being.

[houstongolflesson1]

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