WHAT IF

Chapter 23

Following Jeff's advice, Babe and Charlie decided it was time to visit the OB-GYN to get more information about the pregnancy and learn how to properly care for Babe moving forward.

They sat in the waiting room, the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional sound of a baby crying filling the air. Charlie sat next to Babe, tapping his foot anxiously, though he tried to keep his face calm for Babe's sake.

"You okay?" Charlie asked, squeezing Babe's hand gently.

Babe nodded but didn't say anything. His mind was racing, thinking about the many unknowns ahead. How would their lives change? How would his body change? He wasn't ready to think about labor or parenting yet. For now, he just wanted to understand the basics.

The nurse called Babe's name, and they both stood up, following her into the examination room. The doctor greeted them warmly and quickly got to work, asking about Babe's symptoms and how he'd been feeling since the pregnancy was confirmed.

"It's a good thing you're here today," the doctor said as she looked over the initial tests. "Given your recent history, it's important to monitor everything closely. Every pregnancy is different, but as an Omega, your body will go through significant changes. You'll need to pay attention to things like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, especially in the first trimester."

Babe listened carefully, nodding along but feeling a little overwhelmed. Charlie, always the attentive one, asked, "Is there anything specific he should avoid? You know, like training or physical stuff?"

The doctor smiled. "Light exercise is fine, but nothing too strenuous."

Babe's heart sank a little, but he knew it made sense. "Got it," he said quietly.

"As for diet," the doctor continued, "we'll work with you to create a balanced plan. You'll need more nutrients, but nothing too drastic. We'll also monitor your hormone levels throughout, especially since your transition to Omega was recent. Your body might respond differently to the pregnancy."

"How often will we need to come in for check-ups?" Charlie asked.

"Once a month for now, unless something comes up," the doctor explained. "And as we get closer to the due date, those appointments will become more frequent. We'll also do regular ultrasounds to monitor the baby's development."

Babe exhaled slowly. This was really happening. He glanced at Charlie, who looked equally serious but determined.

After finishing up with the doctor, they scheduled their next appointment and left the clinic. Once they were outside, Charlie turned to Babe with a reassuring smile.

"See? We've got a plan now. We can do this."

Babe gave a small smile in return. "Yeah. We can."

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Shit! This was worse than Babe thought. Three months into the pregnancy, and the morning sickness hit him like a ton of bricks. Every morning, without fail, he'd stumble out of bed, making rushed trips to the bathroom to throw up. The nausea seemed relentless, leaving him drained and barely able to function afterward.

Charlie was always there, rubbing his back, offering water, holding him close when he needed it most. But some days, Babe didn't want comfort. He wanted to scream, to push Charlie away and blame him for everything. For making him like this, for the fatigue, the nausea, the mood swings that had him on the brink of losing it.

One minute, he'd be sulking, stewing in his frustration, feeling like the world was against him, and the next he'd burst into laughter at something Charlie said or did. His emotions were a mess, a whirlwind that he couldn't control, and it was driving him crazy.

"I hate this," he muttered one morning after another round of vomiting. He slumped against the bathroom wall, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Charlie crouched beside him, concern etched on his face.

"I know, babe," Charlie said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of Babe's face. "But you're doing great. We'll get through this."

Babe glared at him for a moment, feeling irrationally angry. "You don't get it! You're not the one throwing up every damn day!"

Charlie just sighed, his hand resting on Babe's knee. "I'm sorry. I wish I could take it away. But I'm here for whatever you need."

The sincerity in Charlie's voice made Babe feel guilty, even though he couldn't help the way he felt. He let out a long breath, his anger softening just a little.

"I just... I didn't expect it to be this hard," Babe admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Charlie nodded, squeezing his knee gently. "Neither did I. But you're strong, Babe. Stronger than you know. And I'm here every step of the way."

Despite the exhaustion and frustration, hearing Charlie say that eased some of the tension inside Babe.

While Babe took a shower, Charlie headed to the kitchen to prepare something that would, under normal circumstances, be considered... unusual. Pregnancy cravings had thrown Babe's taste buds completely out of balance. What used to seem like the weirdest food combinations now made perfect sense to him.

Charlie stared at the ingredients laid out on the counter. Pickles, peanut butter, and spicy ramen. Seriously? He thought to himself, but he had learned not to question it anymore. Babe's cravings were unpredictable, and if this bizarre combo made him happy, then Charlie was all in.

He set the water to boil for the ramen while spreading peanut butter on the pickles with a sigh. "I guess this is what love looks like," he muttered to himself.

As the spicy ramen cooked, filling the kitchen with its aroma, Charlie plated everything together-peanut butter-covered pickles on the side, the spicy noodles right in the middle, and a dash of chocolate syrup that Babe insisted was "the perfect finishing touch."

By the time Babe came downstairs, fresh from his shower, Charlie had the meal ready. He set the plate down in front of Babe with a grin. "Here you go. Your gourmet masterpiece."

Babe looked at the plate and smiled brightly, his mood already lifted by the sight. "You're the best, Charlie."

Charlie chuckled, sitting down across from him. "I don't know about that, but I'll take it."

Babe eagerly dug in, happily munching on his unusual creation, while Charlie watched with disbelief.

"Mn... by the way, Charlie, I'm going out today," Babe said between bites, suddenly remembering their plans.

Charlie raised an eyebrow, his expression half-amused, half-concerned. "Oh yeah? Where are you going?"

"Jeff, Sonic, and I made plans to hang out. You know, just the three of us," Babe replied, taking another bite of his culinary mess, seemingly unbothered.

Charlie leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Are you...."

Babe waved his hand dismissively. "I'll be fine. It's just a casual hangout. Besides, I could use the distraction. I'm going to lose my mind if I stay cooped up here any longer."

Charlie sighed but smiled at the same time. "Alright, alright. Just don't overdo it, okay? And if you need anything, call me."

Babe grinned. "Sure thing. You worry too much."

"I wonder why," Charlie replied dryly, giving Babe a teasing smile.