Time went by, and despite Babe initially refusing to see a doctor, they still ended up going. He had to learn how to navigate his new reality
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"Mama," Charlie called softly as they cuddled in bed. Since Babe had returned home, Charlie hadn't addressed him by his name. He assumed that after what had happened, Babe would resent being called that. And now, given his new circumstances, Charlie still wasn't sure how he'd react.
"What?" Babe responded, his eyes still closed as he lay in Charlie's arms.
"I... are you okay?" Charlie asked, gently playing with Babe's hair. Babe shot him a confused look.
"Why..."
"I mean, the doctor said that..." Charlie trailed off, unsure of how to continue. The doctor had explained that Babe's first heat was supposed to have occurred already, given that it had been over a month since his secondary gender had changed. Omegas typically experience heat once a month, lasting for about three days. The doctor emphasized that Babe needed to be careful and prepared, as his heat could start at any time. To help manage the situation, the doctor provided suppressants and a few pain relievers, warning that the first heat would be especially painful.
"Come on, Charlie, I'm sure the pain won't be that bad," That's all Babe said before he closed his eyes to sleep.
Their life was getting back on track. With all threats out of the way, Babe could now go outside without fear of being watched. The people who had been causing trouble for him, Tony and his minions, were no longer a threat and none of them were walking freely.
After Way was arrested, the police began their investigation. The evidence against him was overwhelming, and he couldn't deny the accusations. However, the investigation didn't stop there. When questioned about his motives, Way revealed that he was merely following orders from Tony. This revelation prompted the police to investigate Tony as well. Way had also divulged the nature of Tony's operations.
Upon looking into it, the police found sufficient evidence to arrest Tony. Unaware that the police were onto him, Tony had no time to start his manipulation, and he was caught along with his minions.The police then released the children that Tony had trafficked, reuniting those with parents and placing those without in orphanages. Through the records they found, the police were also able to locate children who had already been sold. These children were freed, and the buyers were taken into custody.
With this being a major case, it was set to go to court to uncover any additional details the police might have missed.
It had been a long time since Babe had been on the track. Today, he and Charlie decided to visit the pit. Babe told Charlie that he felt like he was starting to lose his skills, and he wanted to hit the track to recapture the feeling he missed so much.
As they stood by the edge of the pit, Babe felt a rush of nostalgia wash over him. The smell of burning rubber and the sound of engines roaring brought back a flood of memories—of adrenaline-fueled races and the thrill of competition. Despite his recent challenges, being back here reminded him of who he was before everything changed.
"I really miss this," Babe said, his voice tinged with a mixture of longing and determination. "I feel like I need to get back on the track, even if it's just for a few laps."
Charlie nodded understandingly, placing a reassuring hand on Babe's shoulder. "I think it's a great idea, Babe. It might just be what you need to feel like yourself again."
Babe gave a faint smile, grateful for Charlie's support. With a deep breath, he stepped closer to the edge of the track, feeling the familiar rush of excitement building within him. Despite his initial worries about losing his edge, being here felt right—like he was reclaiming a part of himself that he feared was lost.
They spent the next hour at the pit, Babe gradually easing back into the rhythm of driving. Each lap brought back more confidence and joy, reminding him that despite the hardships, some things remained unchanged. The track welcomed him back with open arms, offering a sense of freedom and exhilaration he hadn't felt in a long time.
As they prepared to leave, Babe felt lighter than he had in ages, basking in a happiness he hadn't felt in a long time. Charlie beamed with pride, seeing Babe so genuinely happy.
After their track session, Babe went to change back into his clothes while Charlie waited for him in the garage. Just then, Alan and Jeff arrived, both visibly surprised to see Charlie there.
"Charlie, what brings you here?" Alan asked, approaching him with Jeff.
"Why are you acting like you've seen a ghost?" Charlie replied casually.
"Wait, where's Babe? Did you leave him alone..." Alan started, but before he could finish, Babe emerged from the back, still adjusting his sweater as he approached them. Alan and Jeff exchanged puzzled glances, clearly caught off guard.
"Why are you two looking at me like that?" Babe asked, noticing their expressions.
"Sorry, I... I didn't expect you to be back so soon," Alan finally managed, recovering his composure.Babe shrugged, unperturbed. "It's all good."
"You know what?" Alan said, pulling out his phone that Jeff was holding. "Let me call North and Sonic. This calls for a celebration."
Alan dialed North and Sonic, urging them to come over quickly for a celebration. Before they could inquire about the reason, the call abruptly ended. In just ten minutes, North and Sonic arrived, equally astonished to see Babe there. They hurried over and were quickly filled in on the day's events.
Excited about the good news, they all decided to head to their favorite spot for drinks. Initially, Charlie was uncertain if it was suitable for Babe to drink, but Babe reassured him he could, mentioning how much he missed it.
At the bar, they found a cozy corner and ordered their drinks. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and animated conversation as they celebrated. They toasted to Babe's return to the track and the progress he had made, grateful for the support and presence of their friends.
Charlie opted not to drink alcohol as he was driving, so he settled for a glass of milk while he watched his friends gradually become tipsy. North was the first to reach the point of blackout, followed closely by Alan. Sonic and Jeff managed to hold out a bit longer, but they were clearly intoxicated. Babe, too, had indulged, though he remained conscious, babbling incoherently.
As the evening progressed, Charlie sighed and decided it was time to take charge. He stood up and, with the assistance of the bar's security, arranged for two cabs—one for North and Sonic, and the other for Jeff and Alan. Once they were safely on their way, Charlie returned to Babe's side. Babe was beginning to drift off to sleep, so Charlie gently lifted him up and carried him out to the car. Despite Babe's intoxicated state, he murmured soft words that Charlie couldn't quite understand. Charlie settled him carefully into the passenger seat, making sure he was comfortable before getting behind the wheel himself.
Driving home, Charlie glanced at Babe, who had finally fallen asleep. He couldn't help but smile.
