CharlieBabe: Walk on Flames

CHAPTER 10: Kiss

As soon as Babe walks in, he was bombarded by a crowd wearing their respective racing tracksuits. He felt overwhelmed but not nervous. He was unusually calm right now.

He searched through the crowd where the X-Hunter members were stationed and was confused when he didn't saw a familiar face.

Alan and Way were talking when the older noticed Babe's lost state. He waved his hands in hopes he'll notice it and he did. Babe's face lit up and he only smiled reassuringly at him.

Although, he didn't go to them because he didn't want others to think that he cheated his way in.

After a few minutes of waiting, the audition process started. There were over a hundred plus who auditioned and only 3 of them gets to be picked. He was number 89 and he is already so far behind.

Of course, it's no wonder why so many are here–this X-Hunter we're talking about. One of the elite if not the most renowned team of car racing these past seasons.

There were about 5 rounds and Babe managed to pass the last 3 rounds. They were given a break and Babe was silently resting in the corner.

He's positive and happy alright, but something keeps occupying his mind. He's somehow distracted by the thought of Charlie not being here.

When he went to the bathroom, he met Alan.

"Babe! Congra–

"Where's Charlie?" Babe asks immediately.

Alan closed his mouth and smiled. "Weirdly enough, he's not here."

Babe's brows furrowed. "I know, it's weird. I thought he'd be here..." Babe mumbles as he wash his hands.

The other chuckles. "He probably just wants to not distract you today."

"I thought he'd support me." Babe pouts.

"You know well that he supports you. Maybe he's just late or he has something urgent to take care of, either way even I know he's supporting you." Alan reassures.

Deep down, Babe in knows too well how supportive Charlie is. It's just, it's weird not seeing him on the actual day of the thing they were training for.

"Oh, Charlie texted me!" Alan informs.

Babe's eyes widens. "What did he say?" Babe asks.

"Well... He said, 'I'm here. See me when you pass the audition, Pit Babe'."

After hearing that and reading the text. Babe couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He smiles widely as he shakes his head. This is so unusual of Charlie. There was no goodluck or any encouragement–it was only a condition. If he passes, he can see him but what if he doesn't? Will Charlie not see him again?

Babe didn't know why but somehow that encouraged him even more to ace the audition.

"Pit Babe? What's that?" Alan asks confusingly.

"My stage name. Charlie created it," Babe says rather fondly.

"And you're okay with it?" Alan asks.

Babe shrugs his shoulder. "Why not?"

Alan's mouth hanged open. "Wow... You've become weird–

"You're the one who has a weird look on your face–

"Uhm, the next round's starting," Way cuts them off.

The two turned to him and nodded.

"Well, goodluck, Babe." Alan taps his shoulder before going out.

"Goodluck!" Way exclaims.

He just nodded an smiled at them as a  response. He first looked at himself on the mirror and inhaled deeply then sighing. He collected himself first before walking out the door and walking towards the arena.

The actual racing match begins and only 10 of them remains. Babe was excited that his heart is beating rapidly. This is the thing Charlie trained him.

As he enter the car, he can only think of one thing and that is to be at least land on the second spot. The engines and his beating heart became too loud. He was overstimulated. He started breathing deeply, trying to relax himself and gain focus.

But it was futule.

At thus rate, he wanted to hit a smoke but he just can't at this moment. So, he thought of every possible things to calm him. He suddenly remembered that time when he calmed down because of Charlie's smell.

He thought that might work.

But he doesn't have anything that is Charlie's.

He sighs and just pictured Charlie's face. That stupid smiling face. That cocky smile of his and how those eyes disappear everytime he does.

He thought about it for a while. And when he noticed his mind and body calming down, he scoffs in disbelief.

"This is ridiculous," he states.

But unlike the last time he said this, he felt hatred and disgust towards Charlie.

Yet right now, he was smiling but he can't explain why.

Then, the round started and the cars sped off the tracks. It was intense and overwhelming. It was like that especially the next and final round of the audition where only 5 of them remains.

Yes, Babe managed to end up in 3rd place. That wasn't his goal but at least he still moved on to the finals.

The last round's atmosphere is heavier because the criteria for choosing the final 3 is not based on the rank but on their techniques, skills, and character on the pit.

All of which Babe is not confident about.

Yet, he tries. He trusts Charlie's training and he believes in his talent, just like Charlie said.

And after an intense fight, Babe placed 2nd. He was happy nonetheless despite not ranking first. He was confident and hopeful.

Now, the 5 nominees stood and waited for the results.

Alan, along with other official members of the team and other sponsors as well as partners of X-Hunter entered.

The alpha, Alan was holding a paper. The air was heavy and the anticipation is killing them.

"The new official members of X-Hunter are: Kim, Dean, and Pit Babe!" Alan announced.

Babe screams in joy. The members of X-Hunter were screaming along with him. They were as happy as him that they couldn't help but attack Babbe with a group hug.

Yet, amidst everything, Babe can only focus on one thing.

And that's going to Charlie.

He roamed his eyes hoping to see the enigma.

And there he was.

Standing beside his car, plastering a proud smile.

The alpha forcefully released himself from their hold and ran.

He runs happily towards his soulmate.

Charlie was actually stunned by his actions. Babe was running too fast, his immediate reaction was to open his arms to catch him.

He was surprised when he Babe jumps and hugged his neck, he wrapped his arms on his waist out of instinct.

But before he could process anything, Babe closed their distance and then he felt soft lips kissing his own.

Then he realized.

Babe was kissing him.