WHAT IF

CHAPTER 17

They went back home, feeling refreshed and ready to continue their lives. The trip had been a much-needed break, allowing them to reconnect and rejuvenate. Now, they were eager to face 

whatever came next.

Back in their familiar surroundings, Babe and Charlie settled into their routine. In the days that followed, they resumed their training sessions and team meetings. Things were normal in the X Hunter team, as they participated in tournaments and consistently emerged as winners. Often, both Charlie and Babe went on the track and secured the top two positions. The fans, aware of their relationship, always cheered and rooted for both of them. Hearing the fans call their names was exhilarating.

After one of their tournaments where they won again, Alan treated the whole team to a celebratory meal. "Bring the most expensive dish you have," North said to the waitress who was taking their orders. Before he could say more, he received a playful slap on the back of his head.

"Don't even think about it," Alan said.

"What? You said we can order what we want..."

"Yes, but not empty my pocket."

As they continued their banter, Sonic, who was yet to order, gave his own order and included something for North as well.
They just shook their heads, already used to North's shenanigans. The waitress, with a bemused smile, took the rest of their orders and left the table.

As the meal progressed, the team  shared stories, laughter echoing around the room. North, undeterred by the earlier reprimand, tried to convince Jeff to order an extra dessert. Jeff, however, saw through North's ploy and laughed it off, shaking his head.

"Nice try, North," Jeff said, amused. "But I'm not falling for that."

Despite the playful antics, the atmosphere was warm and celebratory.

After finishing their meal, the team decided to order some drinks, because what's a celebration without drinks. 

"Alright, let's see what they have on the drinks menu," North said, picking up a menu and scanning through the options. "I think we should start with something special."

"How about a round of their signature cocktails?" Sonic suggested, pointing to a section of the menu that boasted some intriguing concoctions.

"Sounds good to me," Charlie agreed. "Let's make it a celebration to remember."

They called the waitress over and placed their orders, choosing a variety of drinks to suit everyone's tastes. As the drinks arrived, they raised their glasses in a toast."To X Hunter, to victories, and to many more successful races," Alan said, his voice filled with 

pride.

"Cheers!" they all echoed, clinking their glasses together.As they sipped their drinks, the conversation flowed easily. North, always the entertainer, started telling jokes and making everyone laugh. Even Alan, who usually played the role of the responsible leader, couldn't help but join in the fun.

Babe and Charlie sat close together, enjoying the moment and the company of their friends. Babe felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite all the challenges he had faced, he knew he was surrounded by people who truly cared about him.

Babe couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. While everyone else was enjoying their drinks and having a great time, Jeff seemed out of sorts. He noticed Jeff wasn't drinking alcohol, only sipping water, and he was unusually quiet. Alan occasionally whispered something to him, and Jeff would only nod or shake his head in response.

"Jeff, are you okay?" Babe asked, his voice cutting through the laughter and conversation.

Jeff, still chuckling at a joke, turned to Babe with a puzzled expression. "What?"

"Are you okay?" Babe repeated, louder this time so everyone could hear. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Jeff.

Jeff looked around at the concerned faces, then back at Babe. "Yeah, why?" he replied, nodding his head in confusion. "I'm fine."

"Did you quit drinking?" Babe asked, and suddenly everyone else noticed too. Jeff looked at the glass of water in his hands and just smiled.

"Oh... no. Just for a while," he answered.

"What do you mean 'just for a while'?" North asked, his eyes widening as if expecting bad news. "Your eyes are going to pop out," he received the second slap of the night from Sonic. Jeff gave Alan a knowing look, and Alan nodded, getting the message.

"Well, I'm pregnant..." Jeff announced. A series of gasps followed. It looked like not only North's eyes would pop from their sockets, but everyone else's as well, except for Jeff and Alan.

The room fell silent for a moment, and then erupted into cheers and congratulations. North, Sonic, and the rest of the team swarmed Jeff and Alan, patting them on the back and offering their well-wishes.

"That's amazing news!" Babe exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. 

"Congratulations, Jeff!"

"Thanks, everyone," Jeff said, his smile broadening. "We found out a two weeks ago and wanted to wait until we were sure before telling everyone."
Sonic, unable to contain his excitement, jumped in, "You two are going to be great parents. I can already see it!"

North, still processing the news, finally managed to say, "Wow, this is huge. Congratulations, Jeff, Alan. And wait, I'm going to be an uncle..."

The room burst into laughter at North's realization. Jeff grinned, "Yes, North, you're going to be an uncle. All of you are."

"Uncle North," Sonic teased, "That has a nice ring to it."

North puffed out his chest playfully, "I'll be the coolest uncle ever. Just wait and see."Alan chuckled, "We have no doubt about that. Our kid is going to have an amazing extended family."
As the evening wound down, the team made their way back home, hearts full and spirits high. The news of Jeff and Alan's baby added a new layer of connection and happiness to their already strong bond.