Chapter Text
Babe was back on the track. The Portuguese Cup race was coming up soon and he didn't have time to stay home and eat Charlie's delicious food, he couldn't waste any more time. Every day was getting harder and harder. In the evenings he only went home to sleep, but even then he didn't always sleep. He was either searching the internet for new possible improvements or having sex with Charlie and then searching the internet again. The driving techniques invented by the artificial intelligence didn't sound very reliable, but even if they were, it still took real skill to implement them. Babe knew he was one of those people, he knew what he could do and he wanted to prove to the world and everyone around him what it was like to be the best driver of an X Hunter. The technique of reacting quickly and intertwining your arms in a figure eight was risky and had to be heard at the higher speeds of the car.
Babe was driving again, he knew he was tired, he could feel it in his muscles, but he always said to himself: "Just one more time" and that's how his whole day went. It was already past eight and he was still in the car. The sun was almost down and Base wanted to use it. The car entered between the containers and somehow his brain decided to use the technique in this place. It was wrong, he knew it, but his inner self was saying how good this moment was. Babe entered the big bend and turned his arms sharply, something made a strange sound and trying to hold the steering wheel in this uncomfortable position was almost impossible, because it hurt so much. His face twisted, but he knew that only with hard training, his dream would come true. He gripped the steering wheel and those seconds seemed like a year. The pain ran down his arms, all the way to his shoulder, and yet it was still bearable. This was the first time he had managed to hold on for so long. But then he started to feel like the seatbelt was tightening, something in his stomach rose, his vision blurred, everything started spinning uncontrollably and he barely managed to press the brake to let go of his hands and for a second unbuckle the seatbelt with hands that hurt like hell. The second he managed to free himself, he almost fell out of the car and held on to his hands before he started vomiting, there was mostly secretions everywhere because he hadn't eaten all day, he had actually forgotten. Charlie had been reminding him lately, but today things in the lab must have kept him busy because he didn't feel a vibration from the watch on his wrist.
When he returned to the others, Uncle was the first to reach him, worried, looking at the entire Alpha in front of him. He didn't look injured, but he looked worrying enough.
-Babe, are you okay? -Uncle looked at him while Babe tried to control himself, it was so annoying. –Why are you late? You look pale.
-I'm fine, but there's some vomit in the containers at turn three. Someone needs to clean it up. –Babe walked past him and as he was going to the locker room he called out – I'm going home early today.
-I'm glad, that way we don't have to stay up late either. –Jeff winked at Alan and the two of them started to sort out their things, putting away the laptop, locking the garage and the rest, it was a really long and complicated job.
+++++++
When Babe got home, he saw that it was still light. He hadn't been home in a light house for a while, Charlie slept most of the time, but now he was still awake and smelled delicious. When he got to the kitchen, he saw the other Alpha dancing while cooking, with headphones in his ears, he was only in boxers and an apron, he was so cute. Babe left his jacket on the counter, a smile spreading across his face.
-Oh, Babe... -Charlie quickly threw the mixer down and took off his headphones on the counter as he walked around to hug the happily arrived Alpha. -You're here so early, I made you eggs, you'll finally eat them warm. -He gave Babe a quick kiss as he sat down on the chair, and Charlie quickly went and poured him the cooked food on a plate. He placed it in front of the Alpha and waited, satisfied with his creation.
-This is... it looks great, but I don't know if I'll be able to eat it, my stomach has been sick for a few days. -Babe rubbed his stomach.
-Since you don't eat regularly, I'll make you some tea to calm you down. -Charlie started rummaging in the cupboard. -I don't want to be the annoying boyfriend, but if you don't eat, I'll get mad. -Charlie was now serious. He rummaged in the cupboard for a while until he pulled out an open package, removed the clip from the top, took a cup and patiently, measuring the dose, put in what he thought he would. He pressed the button on the kettle and waited. –It may taste a little nasty, but it will ease your stomach. –Charlie fell silent and when he saw Babe's discomfort, he assumed that he would try to refuse the tea. –You have to drink it, I'll make sure of that. – he leaned on the counter and leaned towards Babe, who was smiling very slightly, as if forced. –Why are you pale, do you have anything else?
-I'm fine. –Babe said very lightly and looked down at the plate. The eggs were scrambled, half-raw the way he liked them, next to them the tomatoes smelled strongly, and the cucumber had small drops of juice that she had let out, so appetizing, and he felt nauseous and still hungry.
Maybe Charlie's tea was a good idea. Better than revealing that his lack of time had caused him to lose weight and vomit during a competition. He had promised him so many times that maybe another one would cause them to fight. -How was the lab? What have you been up to lately?
-Don't worry, I'm not sitting on the chair, if that's what you're asking me, I promised you anyway. -Charlie smiled contentedly. After the incident a few months ago, Charlie had promised Babe not to sit on the chair for experiments and he had kept it. He had no intention of upsetting him, knowing what he had done to Babe, with that hemorrhage. -Alpha came to the lab, wanting to remove her powers. He's big and not worried that the same thing could happen to him as it did to me.
-Okay. - Babe was happy that Charlie was listening to him, but he couldn't help but feel guilty about not keeping his promises.
-Well, the tea is ready. - Charlie held the liquid under the Alpha's nose and watched his reaction, which was expected. -I know it doesn't smell good, but it really helps. -Charlie pushed it a little more, and Babe felt the smell strongly seep into his nose, and then, as if into his brain. Disgusting. -Please, at least try it.
Babe couldn't say no to those puppy eyes, so as much as he hated it, he smiled and sipped the tea. It was a mistake, everything was so strong, so bitter and starting to spill into his throat, it was as if his whole body tightened and tensed, his stomach began to push everything back, a spasm took hold of him and Babe ran to the toilet, trying not to throw up the tea before it got there.
-Babe... - Charlie ran to him, over the toilet and rubbed his back soothingly. -Sorry, I knew it was terrible and I gave it to you anyway. Are you okay?
-Yes. -Babe nodded and relaxed, sitting next to the toilet. Charlie's pitying look was killing him. -Calm down, everything is fine.
-I'll only make you what you want to eat. What do you want to eat?
-I'm okay, maybe... I just want a tomato and nothing else. -Babe felt like he was drooling just thinking about a tomato.
-Okay. -Charlie helped him up and they both went back to the counter, with Charlie quickly removing the previous plate. Not long after, there was a plate full of tomatoes in different shapes in front of Babe.
-There is no need to be so special. -Babe smiled and looked at the different types of tomatoes with pleasure. He started with the ones that were like stars. So delicious. He hadn't eaten anything he liked in a while. -What powers does the new Alpha have? The one sitting on the chair right now.
-He has so many. -Charlie smiled. –That's why he wants to remove them, he's really special. –Babe felt hurt at these words, he only wanted to be called special.
-Is he very very special?
-Yes. – Charlie replied enthusiastically, without thinking. –I'm surprised Tony hasn't caught him yet.
-Charlie, be careful, he could have been sent by Tony, I don't want you to get hurt.
-Take it easy, Babe. –Charlie leaned over and kissed Babe on the nose. Then the Alpha's phone rang and Charlie traced the number. Babe quickly picked it up and immediately heard the voice of their new doctor, he sounded worried.
-Hi, Babe, I'm sorry I'm calling so late. –Babe and Charlie looked at the clock on the wall, it was already 10 pm and it was worrying. –Can you come to my office tomorrow? –Charlie heard the words through the receiver, it was loud enough.
-Why? Is there a problem? –Babe was already worried.
-No, but you know that 2 weeks ago we did the preventive examinations of everyone from ex-hunter, I just want to talk to each of you, will you come?
-Okay, i'll come. –Babe heard a sigh in the receiver and approval from the other side. Not long after, the connection was cut.
-I'll come with you. – Charlie said, visibly worried.
-Aren't you going to the lab? –Babe ate the last tomato, suddenly it seemed to him that he had eaten a lot.
-Yes, but later, tomorrow Pete said that we will go after 12. –Charlie sat down next to Babe and looked at his plate. –Good job, Babe, you deserve a reward. –then he kissed him and the other melted from the kiss, the slight smile made him shiver. –Soon... we didn't do anything. What do you say tonight to...
-Charlie, you know I'm always ready, but right now my stomach is sick, I don't want to throw up on you if I move too much. -Babe stroked his stomach, and Charlie nodded approvingly.
-Okay. Then I'll clean up and come to you. -The little man went behind the counter and picked up the empty plate. Babe went up to the second floor and took a shower before going to bed, Charlie was still gone. He turned around a few times trying to close his eyes and when he did, he couldn't make himself fall asleep, so many things were going through his head, he had to win the upcoming race in Portugal, the new way hurt his hands, would he get used to it, would the pain go away later? Babe rubbed his hands, the pain was there, he had just ignored it earlier. Charlie always made him forget about his worries. Finally he heard the door open and not long after, a body sat down next to him. Babe tried to pull him away, but Charlie beat him to it, he was finally in his arms, it was so good.
-I love you. -Babe said and heard the other say.
-I love you too, Babe, but now go to sleep, you need to rest... -followed by a kiss on the hair, and then he moved to kiss Babe on the lips.
+++++++++
-Babe... we're late for the doctor. -Charlie stood next to the Alpha, who had barely opened his eyes. -You're so tired that you didn't hear me call you how many times. Are you getting enough rest while I'm in the lab?
-Mmm... Charlie, please don't do this now... -Babe slowly got up and sat on the bed with his eyes half open.
-Here, get dressed, you'll eat on the way. -Charlie threw some clothes on the other Alpha and went downstairs. He put away the prepared sandwich, put his things in the sink, took his backpack with his laptop and waited for Babe, who was already getting off, still tired. His hands hurt, but he wasn't going to tell Charlie.
The car ride was normal. Babe didn't insist on driving because of the pain in his hands, and Charlie made him sit next to him and eat the sandwich, which he did without arguing, period for Charlie. The two of them arrived and saw Kim and Kenta, who were leaving the hospital.
-Babe, why do you look like you've been run over by a truck? - Kim grinned, and next to him Kenta smiled slightly.
-Thank you very much. -Babe said and passed them, Charlie quickly followed him with small steps. When they went inside, two more people were carrying white sheets. -How did it go? -Babe asked them, trying not to notice their looks.
-I think I'm sick... of love. – Alan grinned contentedly, and next to him Jeff gave him a light and shy slap. – And your diagnosis will be the same. – he lightly patted Charlie on the shoulder and they both left.
- Are we the last ones? – Charlie looked around and pressed the elevator button. Babe sighed restlessly. – What's wrong?
- Do I look that bad?
- No, don't worry, you just look tired. – Charlie put his hand on his waist and invited him in. Not long after, they came out, looking with their eyes for the office number written in the email. When they found it, Charlie knocked and they both greeted the sitting frowning doctor. – Hello, we're Charlie and Babe.
- Hello, sit down. – the man stared at the screen. His eyes darted everywhere and finally bent down to take two envelopes out of the drawer, handing them to them together. – Charlie? – his eyes moved between the two, he was still not sure which one was which. He nodded at the small man and the doctor looked at the screen again. – Your tests have improved significantly in recent years... your body has become stronger.
- Really? I thought i would lose weight, since I am undergoing tests for Alfie in the laboratory and...
- Yes, I am aware, I spoke to Pete. – this made Charlie fall silent awkwardly. – Everything is fine, the tests are good, later you can look in the envelope I gave you. Babe... – the man looked at the Alpha over his glasses. – I know you are a special Alpha. The tests are few... in fact you are on the verge of all indicators and that is worrying anyway. Over time, it will get worse if you do not take care of yourself, especially after the other thing I am going to tell you, if you do not already know...
- Doctor... what is it? –Babe had leaned forward slightly, tense. Charlie was also waiting to hear what was going on, he was already worried enough about Babe being on edge and not in good health.
-Well, you're pregnant... -the doctor saw how his face didn't move at all and continued. -...you're going to have a baby. -Babe blinked a few times and moved further forward in his chair.
-That's not possible. Only Enigma can...
-Check again. -Charlie intervened.
-No blood test has been wrong so far, but if you want, we can do an ultrasound. -the doctor quickly pointed to the place behind the curtain in the same office.
-Of course I want to, this could be some kind of mistake. -Babe headed to the place without being invited, lay down impatiently and quickly exposed his flat stomach. Charlie slowly moved after the doctor, as if he was not himself. The doctor was quick, he turned on the monitor, obviously unused this morning, and squeezed the cold gel on the Alpha's stomach. Babe flinched and looked at Charlie, who wasn't looking at him, staring at the monitor completely unaware of what he was seeing there.
-We're ready... -Babe touched the doctor, and the Alpha turned her gaze to the monitor. -There it is... the baby. -there was a brief silence.
-Nonsense! I can't see anything, that's not true. -Babe tried to rebel, but the doctor pointed with his finger.
-That's it. You can't see anything more, because it's very small, but in a few months everything will be there and we'll be able to determine the gender... - then the Alpha pushed his hands away from him and stood up abruptly, took a napkin and started rubbing the gel.
-It can't be true, unless... -Babe looked up and Charlie's eyes met his, he also looked angry.
-Look, Babe, you need to start taking care of yourself, because this will hurt both of you. -the doctor sat down in his chair, and the two patients were still standing. Charlie was still holding the envelopes with the results.
-I... I'm going. –Babe got out, followed by Charlie. The two got into the car, Babe sat behind the wheel and angrily started the engine. In less than half an hour, the two of them were home, without saying a word to each other. Babe was the first to enter the room and angrily threw his jacket. He turned to Charlie, who was still looking at him coldly and covertly. However, Babe could not contain his emotions.
-You were going to kill us on the way. – Charlie said with that cold look.
-You... why did you lie to me? When I asked you, you said you were an ordinary Alpha, but you were Enigma. Do you work for Tony? –Babe could not control himself. As he walked back and forth, his eyes were so red. –Did you betray me?
-Don't try to shift the blame on me, you're the one who cheated on me. Who the hell did you sleep with? –Charlie pushed Babe back and the Alpha stumbled, almost falling.
-I see what you're doing... making things up to cover yourself... Tony got away, you... did you help him? How many Enigmas does he have in his pocket? He managed to do what he wanted after all... now he'll keep quiet until he gets that baby, right?
-I don't know, ask the Enigma you slept with. And I, the fool, thought you were working for that competition, you idiot Charlie, right? I'm glad you got pregnant so I can find out the truth. –Charlie turned and went to the door. – I can't stay with a man who lies to me. I knew you were like that, but I thought you'd changed... send me my luggage.
-Go away... traitor. Stupid Enigma. –Babe picked up the nearest glass and threw it at Charlie, who was closing the door. The glass shattered into pieces.
It all happened so fast, each of them was saying something, not listening to the other, each absorbed in their own words. Each completely in the thoughts they let slip without stopping. Babe was angry, hurt, his tears started to fall, he kicked the first chair that came his way, then pushed everything on the counter, the fruit basket scattered, and he leaned back and started breathing heavily. How the hell did this happen? He knew he wouldn't have children the moment he asked Charlie if he was a regular Alpha and he had confirmed it. And that was fine, he didn't mind if that was the price he had to pay to be with Charlie for the rest of his life, because he loved him, he was ready for anything for him, Charlie had changed him and if this was Tony's game, then he wouldn't participate. Besides all that, Babe didn't think about children, he'd known since he was a child from his father that he could only have children with an Enigma, and Enigmas were so rare that the thought of not having children was accepted and forgotten in the past. But now he had a baby inside him and he didn't know what the hell had happened. He'd been with Charlie for two years and they'd never been careful because there was no reason. Was it because they were on the same team when he saw him with Tony years ago? When they'd become boyfriends, Charlie had asked him about children, told him he wanted a baby... and was that a pretense? He'd been right all along when he asked Charlie if he'd approached him because he was an Enigma. Another glass hit the wall. What was he supposed to do now? Hide? Run? If Tony found out about this somehow, he would do anything to have this child, maybe he was capable of killing him and then he would subject his child to what he'd been through. It was almost noon and Babe was sitting on the couch, his thoughts racing one after another, still confused. His phone rang, it was Uncle, he had completely forgotten about training. Babe grabbed his sweatshirt and quickly left.
++++++
He could barely remember how he had gotten to the track, his thoughts were a complete mess. When he got out of the car, Uncle was already staring at him from afar.
-Sorry, I forgot... –Babe started, but Uncle stopped him from passing him, like a fury, his eyebrows furrowed and he stared into his eyes.
-What's wrong with you? You look bad, your eyes are red. Did you fight with Charlie? –Uncle looked him over, he hadn't even changed his clothes since the hospital.
-Why does everything have to be related to Charlie? – Babe's jaw tightened.
-Because it is, you've said it yourself many times. Now tell me what's going on. –Uncle tried to read his face, but all he could see was how his tears were filling up again.
-It doesn't matter. I'm going to change, I came to train. –Babe tried to walk past Uncle, but with greater effort, the Alpha managed to stop him again.
-I didn't call you about this. I wanted to know how it went at the hospital, I called the others, only you and Charlie didn't pick up. Besides, you forgot the bag with the team, you have nothing to wear. – at that, he saw how Babe gave up, he pulled away from the Alpha and sat on the couch, lowered his gaze and not long after he looked up.
-I need some time... – his face was sad, his eyes were teary and he was looking at the surprised Uncle, who was looking around for no reason.
-I... why? You mean... until yesterday I couldn't kick you out of here, and now you want time before the competition? What's the reason?
- I should leave from here.
-Charlie will leave the lab? Are you sure? For how long?
-I'm speaking for myself, I'll go alone. Charlie and I are no longer together... -Babe said and they both turned to the door when they heard the voice.
-What?? - Charlie approached, he was angry, Uncle didn't know what was going on, he just looked at the two of them, thank God they were all at lunch. -Don't you think I should know if we're not together?
-How can I be with such a liar? If you play with Tony and give him what he wants? I won't let this happened. -Babe stood up, they were now face to face, and Uncle was ready to intervene at any time.
-Don't you think you're being impudent? You're the one who cheated on me and you keep blaming me to escape responsibility. You're the one who's lying. -Charlie pushed him back with a finger, but Babe didn't react, even though he had clenched his fists.
-What happened? Why are you arguing without listening to each other? –Uncle stood between them. –What’s wrong? Everything was fine yesterday.
-That man is Enigma! –Babe shouted, and Uncle turned to Charlie in shock and he immediately waved his hands defensively.
-It’s not true, I’m Alpha, he’s making it up to cover up his mistakes. –Charlie was also angry.
-What mistakes? Babe, did you do something? –Uncle saw the disappointed look on the Alpha’s face.
-Why the hell do I always have to do something? – Babe asked and stepped back slightly.
-Because if you hadn’t, you wouldn’t be pregnant now. Tell me, the only Enigma is Pete, is he the father? – Charlie asked behind Uncle and Babe saw his friend’s expression change. It was as if he was convinced of something he already knew.
-What? Babe, why did you do it? –Jeff appeared and jumped up, as if he was going to hit Babe, but Alan held him tightly as his boyfriend struggled in his arms. –I trusted you with my brother, and you... why the hell did you do that?
-Me? Your brother is the one who lied to me and keeps doing this. –Babe tried to explain, but Alan interrupted him. -Just tell if you are now ready, no need to lie, that you are not Enigma.
-Babe, this is serious. We all know Charlie is an Alpha...
-It says so in my medical record and the one in the lab, why don't you admit what you did? You cheated on me and I can't take it, I'm sorry... – Charlie's eyes filled with tears. There was a moment of silence.
Babe didn't know what else to say. Standing in front of him were the people closest to him, not only did they not support him, but they turned against him. This was another pain he had to endure. Charlie was lying to him, the others believed him and now he was alone. He felt vulnerable, he felt weak. So weak that if Tony came for him now, he wouldn't have the strength to defend himself. Inside, he felt like he was dying, like he was breaking and everything was tearing apart, the pain was strongest in his heart. He stepped back, his eyes darting, but he was doing it unconsciously. In a few seconds, he decided what to do. He had to get away, he had to save his life and the baby's. He wasn't sure how he felt about it, but now he knew. He wasn't alone, he had the baby. In fact, he only had it and he had to do everything he could to save him from Tony's hands. Fuck the competition, he had to get away quickly.
- I... I have to go. I'm sorry you think that about me... - Babe stepped back and stumbled as he fell to the floor, Charlie and the others started to help him, but he flinched at their touch.
–No, I don’t want your help. –The alpha quickly stood up, feeling dizzy and wobbly, but quickly grabbed the couch. He was holding it tightly, trying to stand up and not feel at the same time.
-Babe… –Charlie already had pity in his eyes, trying not to be too worried.
Babe found the door with one hand, without looking. With the other, he quickly grabbed his things and finally got out. When he got out, he took a deep breath. He had to react quickly, so he got back into his car and drove to his house. He had to leave, and quickly, before word got out.