WHAT IF

CHAPTER SIX

After one more day, Babe was discharged from the hospital. Although he still couldn't speak, the doctors were optimistic about his recovery, provided he had a calm and supportive environment. As Charlie helped Babe into the car, he remembered the doctor's advice: to avoid crowded places to prevent any potential anxiety attacks that could hinder his healing process.

"Let's get you home, Babe," Charlie said gently, fastening Babe's seatbelt.

The drive home was quiet, with Charlie occasionally glancing over at Babe, who stared out the window, lost in his thoughts. His face was completely hidden because he wore a cap and a mask. Once they arrived, Babe trailed behind Charlie as if unsure whether to go in. Charlie, seeing this, went and held his hand.

"Let's go in, Babe," he said softly. Babe looked back one more time before going in with Charlie.

Charlie helped Babe get comfortable in the house before going to fix them something to eat. While in the kitchen, he received a video call from Alan. He looked towards Babe, who was now staring blankly at the TV, before answering the call.

"P'Alan, what's up," he greeted. Alan wasn't alone. Jeff, Sonic, and North were with him. Everyone waved at the screen, and Charlie just smiled.

"Hi guys."

"Where's P'Babe? Is he okay?" North asked, and everyone looked at Charlie in anticipation.

"Yep, he's okay. We just arrived about 30 minutes ago," Charlie answered while chopping ingredients.

"Is he still not...?" Sonic asked, referring to Babe's voice.

"Yeah, the doctor said it'll take some time...he just needs to be away from a lot of people or crowded places." He paused cutting to explain to the team. As he looked towards Babe, he found that the latter was already looking at him. His stare did not carry any expression, so Charlie didn't know what it meant.

"Uh, guys...talk to you later. I need to finish this. I think he's hungry." He waved at them before hanging up and pushing the phone in his pocket. Babe then turned back to the TV, and Charlie just smiled. Turns out he read it right; Babe was hungry. So without wasting any more time, he went back to cooking.

When the food was done, he called Babe, and he immediately came and sat.

He took the first bite while Charlie watched, waiting to ask how the food was, but he didn't because he knew he wouldn't get a response. Seeing how Babe chewed the food told him it was okay because he didn't stop. Charlie also went and sat beside him to have his, but when he pulled the chair a little closer to Babe's, the latter stopped eating. He leaned in the other direction as if he wanted to be away from Charlie.

Seeing this, Charlie paused a little and watched him. So he moved away to give him space, and when he did, Babe sat back straight on his chair and went back to eating. 'Is he scared of me?' Charlie questioned himself but chose not to dwell on it further as he also started eating his food. He was starving.

The rest of the day went by in silence. Babe put his headphones on as he cleaned his little car collection. Charlie could only watch him, hoping that he would regain his speech soon. He's not used to seeing his boyfriend in this state. Babe is always a talkative person. The house is always vibrant and a little noisy.

They normally spend most of their time in each other's space, either cuddling or doing other things, but right now, Babe does not want him close. His boyfriend now sees him as a stranger, but he has to stay strong for him and help him through it.

As the day turned into evening, Charlie found himself sitting on the couch, watching Babe as he meticulously cleaned his car collection. The silence in the house felt oppressive, a stark contrast to the usual lively atmosphere Babe brought with his chatter and laughter. Charlie couldn't bear the thought of Babe feeling so isolated, so he decided to try and lighten the mood with some conversation.

"Babe," Charlie began softly, making sure his voice was gentle, "you know, I was thinking about the first time we went to the beach together." He smiled, hoping the memory would bring some comfort. "Do you remember that day? It was so windy that your hat kept flying off, and we spent half the time chasing it down the shore."

Babe glanced up briefly, his eyes meeting Charlie's before returning to his task. Encouraged, Charlie continued.

"I think that was one of the best days we've ever had," he said, his tone nostalgic. "We laughed so much, and you kept trying to build that sandcastle even though the waves kept washing it away. It was perfect, just you and me, having fun."

Charlie paused, watching for any sign of a reaction. Babe's hands stilled for a moment, and Charlie took it as a good sign.

"You know," Charlie went on, "I've been thinking about planning another trip, once you're feeling better. Maybe we could go somewhere quiet, just the two of us. I think it would be good for both of us to get away for a bit, don't you?"

He knew Babe couldn't respond, but he hoped his words were offering some comfort. "I miss hearing your voice, Babe. I miss your stories, your jokes, the way you always have something interesting to say about the most random things."

Charlie leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he tried to catch Babe's eye. "But more than anything, I just miss you. And I know you're still here, and I'm grateful for that. But I want you to know that it's okay to take your time. There's no rush. We'll get through this together, one step at a time."

Babe looked up again, and this time there was a glimmer of something in his eyes-perhaps a trace of the man he knew, fighting to come back to the surface. Charlie's heart ached with both hope and sadness.

"We'll figure this out, I promise," Charlie said, his voice firm with determination. "You're the strongest person I know, and I believe in you. Even if it feels impossible right now, I know you'll find your way back to us."

He stood up and walked over to Babe, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Let's get some rest, okay? Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll face it together."

Babe nodded slowly, allowing Charlie to guide him to the bedroom. He help him settle in the bedroom and left for the guest room. He wanted to give babe the space he needed. He noticed how the latter reacted to his touch, he sometimes acts normal but sometimes he gets startled and moves away.