Pairing: Max Verstappen x Isabelle Leclerc (Original Character)
Summary:
Max Verstappen is a World Champion. Isabelle Leclerc is invisible.
She watched her family give up everything for Charles’ career—Arthur’s karting, their father’s savings, even her childhood horse. She understood. She never asked for more.
But Max does. He notices the things no one else does, listens when no one else will, and puts her first in ways she never imagined. With him, she isn’t an afterthought—she’s a choice. And for the first time, she realizes she doesn’t have to be invisible.
Warnings and Notes:
....Do not expect particular quick updates on this, because it's a beast of a story. Also: kinda Charles bashing, but not really? You'll see.
As always big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble
A Bar in Montecarlo:
Max had come to the bar for a quiet drink, not to get his world flipped upside down. But then he spotted her.
She was standing at the counter, waiting for her drink, all soft confidence and effortless elegance. The kind of woman who didn’t need to try to turn heads—she just did. And Max, never one to let an opportunity pass him by, slid up beside her with his most charming smirk and opened his mouth.
And because apparently, he had actually listened the last time Lando told him all about the absolutely horrible Pick-Up-Lines that he had tried with middling success…that was what came out of his mouth.
“Excuse me,” he said smoothly, “but do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?”
She turned, amused—
And Max nearly choked.
Because he knew her.
His brain scrambled for a second before his mouth caught up. “Oh, shit. You’re Charles’ little sister.”
Her entire expression changed. The amusement faded, her jaw tightening. “Wow,” she deadpanned. “That’s one way to ruin a moment.”
Max grimaced. “That’s not what I—”
She picked up her drink and turned fully toward him, raising a brow. “I do have a name, you know.”
He nodded quickly, recovering. “Right. Isabelle.”
“Good job,” she said dryly. “Want a gold star?”
Max huffed out a laugh. “Look, I just wasn’t expecting you. I see a beautiful woman at a bar, and my instinct is to flirt. Then I realize she’s my colleague’s little sister, and I panic.”
Her lips twitched. “And?”
“And… I’m still going to flirt with you,” he admitted, grinning. “But properly this time.”
She tilted her head, intrigued. “Oh?”
Max leaned in slightly. “Can I buy you a drink, Isabelle?”
She pretended to consider. “That depends. Are you going to keep calling me Charles’ little sister?”
He placed a hand over his heart. “I solemnly swear never to utter those words again.”
Her lips curled in the slightest smirk. “In that case, sure. Let’s see if you can impress me, Verstappen.”
Max had never been one to back down from a challenge. And something told him this was a challenge he’d never want to walk away from.
Max flagged down the bartender, ordering another round for both of them. Isabelle took a slow sip of her drink, watching him over the rim of her glass like she was trying to decide if he was worth her time.
He liked that. Liked that she wasn’t falling over herself just because he was Max Verstappen.
“So,” he said, leaning against the bar, “what exactly would impress you?”
She hummed, tapping a finger against her glass. “A conversation that doesn’t involve my brothers.”
Max smirked. “That easy?”
“You’d be surprised how many people fail that test.”
He could imagine. Charles was everywhere in the racing world, and by extension, so was Isabelle. It must be exhausting, always being seen as an extension of someone else.
Max took the challenge seriously. “Alright,” he said, shifting toward her. “Tell me something about you that has nothing to do with your family.”
She studied him for a moment, like she was assessing if he was genuine. Then, after a beat, she said, “I work in architecture.”
Max blinked. “Really?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Why do you sound surprised?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I guess I never thought about what you do.”
She smirked. “That’s because you’ve only ever seen me as Charles’ little sister.”
Max winced. “Okay, fair. But I’m interested now.”
“Are you?” She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. “I have heard your name at work before.”
Max frowned. “You have?”
“Oh, yeah,” Isabelle said, taking another sip of her drink. “Apparently, you’ve been house hunting. One of my colleagues nearly had a meltdown over the idea of designing a place for Max Verstappen.”
Max narrowed his eyes. “Wait… which project?”
She bit back a smile. “A penthouse. You toured it a few weeks ago.”
Max suddenly knew exactly which one she was talking about. He had liked the place, but something had held him back from committing.
Now, though?
Now, he was very seriously considering signing the papers just for an excuse to see her again.
He leaned in, watching her reaction closely. “And if I were to, say, buy that penthouse?”
She didn’t miss a beat. “Then I’d know you had good taste.”
Max grinned. “That’s it?”
She shrugged. “That, and I’d probably have to endure my colleagues freaking out for at least a week.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, then. Guess I have some decisions to make.”
Isabelle rolled her eyes, but he caught the way her lips twitched like she was fighting a smile.
Yeah. He was definitely buying that penthouse.
Max drummed his fingers against the bar, pretending to think. "Alright, so let’s say I do buy that penthouse. Hypothetically."
Isabelle gave him a knowing look. "Hypothetically."
"Would I get a personal consultation?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "That’s not how it works."
"But if I had, I don’t know, questions about the design, or maybe some concerns about the layout, I’d need someone to talk to, wouldn’t I?"
Isabelle swirled the last of her drink in her glass, watching him with an amused glint in her eyes. "Max, are you trying to say you need my number for professional reasons?"
He grinned, tilting his head. "I mean, what if I need an expert opinion? You are the only architect I know."
She sighed in mock exasperation, but he could tell she was entertained. "I really shouldn’t encourage this."
"But you want to," Max countered, smirking.
Her lips twitched, and after a moment’s pause, she reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. "Fine. Give me yours, I’ll text you."
Max typed in his number so fast that she actually laughed. She typed something in her phone.
A second later, his phone buzzed with a new message.
Unknown Number: Congratulations on your completely unbiased, definitely not suspicious real estate decision.
Max chuckled. "So, what happens if I text you about things that aren’t penthouse-related?"
Isabelle lifted her glass to her lips and said, before taking the last sip, "Guess we’ll find out."
And just like that, Max Verstappen knew he was completely screwed.
***
(Unknown Number): Hey, it’s Max.
(Unknown Number): Verstappen.
(Unknown Number): Just in case you know a lot of Maxes.
Isabelle: I don’t.
Max: Good. Would hate to have competition already.
Isabelle: Already?
Max: What can I say? I like you.
Isabelle: You barely know me.
Max: That’s true. But I’d like to change that.
Isabelle: …That was smooth.
Max: Was it?
Isabelle: Surprisingly, yes.
Max: Noted. I’ll add it to my very short list of smooth moments.
Isabelle: Very short?
Max: Tragically short.
Isabelle: I don’t know if I believe that.
Max: I promise, my sister would confirm it.
Isabelle: You have a sister?
Max: Victoria.
Isabelle: Right, I think I’ve seen her before.
Max: Probably. She’d probably like you, by the way.
Isabelle: Oh?
Max: Yeah. She has a good instinct about people.
Isabelle: And what does your instinct say?
Max: That I really, really want to see you again.
Isabelle: You’re very direct, aren’t you?
Max: Is that a bad thing?
Isabelle: No. Just… unexpected.
Max: Well, I can be subtle too.
Isabelle: Can you?
Max: Definitely. For example, I could subtly ask what you’re doing tomorrow night.
Isabelle: …Very subtle.
Max: Thank you. So?
Isabelle: I might be free.
Max: Good. Then I’ll subtly ask if you’d like to have dinner with me.
Isabelle: Are you always like this?
Max: Only when I really like someone.
Isabelle: …Dinner sounds nice.
Max: Perfect. I’ll send you the details.
Isabelle: Looking forward to it.
Max: Me too.
***
Max: I met someone.
Victoria: …Okay?
Max: And I think I’m in love.
Victoria: MAX.
Victoria: You literally just met her??
Max: Yes.
Victoria: And you think you’re in love?
Max: Yes.
Victoria: Oh my god.
Victoria: Max.
Victoria: WHAT.
Victoria: HOW.
Victoria: WHY.
Max: I don’t know, Vic. I just know. I met her tonight and I just…I just know.
Victoria: You’ve known her for one night.
Max: Yes.
Victoria: Max.
Max: Vic.
Victoria: Oh my god, you’re serious.
Max: Very.
Victoria: You’re actually gone for her already.
Max: Completely.
Victoria: …Okay.
Max: Okay?
Victoria: Yeah.
Victoria: I mean, I think you’re insane, but if anyone deserves to fall stupidly, recklessly in love, it’s you.
Max: …Thanks, Vic.
Victoria: You deserve to be loved, Max.
Victoria: For who you are. Not because you’re Max Verstappen, two-time world champion, but just because you’re you.
Max: …
Max: I think she sees me that way.
Victoria: Then hold onto her.
Max: I plan to.
Victoria: Is that why you’re texting me at midnight like a lunatic?
Max: …I may have also just bought that penthouse.
Victoria: MAX.
Victoria: YOU HAVE BEEN UNDECIDED ABOUT THAT PENTHOUSE FOR MONTHS.
Victoria: AND NOW YOU MEET A GIRL AND SUDDENLY YOU’RE BUYING IT???
Max: Her architecture firm is working on it.
Victoria: This is why people say Libras are intense.
Max: That’s astrology nonsense.
Victoria: SAYS THE MAN PLANNING A WHOLE FUTURE AFTER ONE CONVERSATION.
Max: I have a good feeling about it.
Victoria: MAX.
Max: What? You just said I deserve to be loved.
Victoria: YES, BUT I DIDN’T THINK YOU’D LOSE YOUR ENTIRE MIND OVER IT.
Max: Too late.
Victoria: Oh my god.
Victoria: You are actually the most ridiculous person alive.
Victoria: But if she makes you happy… then I’m happy for you.
Max: She does.
Victoria: Then that’s all that matters.
***
Isabelle: Emergency. Crisis. Disaster.
Emilie: That’s a lot of words. What happened?
Isabelle: I have a date.
Emilie: And that’s a disaster because…?
Isabelle: Because it’s with Max Verstappen.
Emilie: …
Emilie: I’m going to need a second.
Emilie:
Emilie:
Emilie:
Emilie: Okay, I’m back. WHAT???
Isabelle: We met at a bar. He asked me out. I said yes. And now I don’t know what to wear. Focus. Help.
Emilie: We met at a bar, he asked me out, I said yes—DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF???
Isabelle: EMILIE. FOCUS. OUTFIT.
Emilie: Right. Okay. Where is he taking you?
Isabelle: Some fancy restaurant. Not too fancy, but still expensive.
Emilie: God, of course. Okay. Simple but elegant. A dress that makes it look like you didn’t try too hard, even though you absolutely did.
Isabelle: Black dress?
Emilie: Obviously. And heels. You own some ridiculous ones. Wear those.
Isabelle: You are suspiciously good at this.
Emilie: Because I have taste. Now, more importantly—DO YOUR BROTHERS KNOW??
Isabelle: …
Emilie: Isabelle.
Isabelle: No, they do not.
Emilie: WHY NOT???
Isabelle: Because I don’t want to deal with it.
Emilie: You are dating CHARLES LECLERC’S BIGGEST RIVAL. YOU DON’T THINK THAT’S WORTH MENTIONING???
Isabelle: One date does not mean I’m dating him.
Emilie: YET.
Isabelle: I don’t think Charles would care.
Emilie: …That is the saddest sentence I have ever read.
Emilie: You don’t think Charles would care.
Isabelle: No.
Emilie: Are we talking about the same man??? The one who holds grudges against people for bad karting races from 15 years ago??
Isabelle: I am saying that I am basically invisible in my family, and therefore, he will not care.
Emilie: THAT IS SO DEPRESSING.
Isabelle: It’s just reality.
Emilie: No, it’s tragic. And when Charles inevitably does care, I am going to be so smug about it.
Isabelle: He won’t.
Emilie: He will. And when he finds out from Twitter instead of you, I am going to remind you forever that I was right.
Isabelle: Fine. If he does, I will buy you dinner.
Emilie: And?
Isabelle: And I will admit you were right.
Emilie: Good girl. But first, we need to make sure Max Verstappen is absolutely floored when he sees you tonight. Let’s pick out your dress.
***
Max: HELP.
Max: I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR.
Victoria: Oh my god.
Max: I’m serious, Vic. This is important.
Victoria: It’s one date.
Max: Exactly! First impressions matter. What if I wear something stupid?
Victoria: You wear team merch 90% of the time, so that’s a real possibility.
Max: NOT HELPING.
Victoria: Okay, okay. Where are you taking her?
Max: Nice restaurant. Fancy-ish but not too fancy.
Victoria: Alright. Dark jeans, nice shirt, jacket. Clean shoes.
Max: That’s it???
Victoria: Yes, you’re not walking a red carpet, Max.
Max: What if she thinks it’s boring?
Victoria: If she’s going out with you, she probably already knows you’re a little fashion-challenged.
Max: Wow.
Victoria: I’m just saying, if she agreed to a date, she clearly likes you. Just wear something that fits and isn’t Red Bull merch.
Max: I feel like you’re underestimating the stress of this situation.
Victoria: I feel like you’re underestimating the fact that she already said yes.
Max: …Good point.
Victoria: Obviously. Now go find a shirt that isn’t a team polo and try not to overthink it.
Max: No promises.
Victoria: You’re impossible.
Max: And yet, you still love me.
Victoria: Unfortunately. Now go. And don’t text me from the restaurant freaking out.
Max: No guarantees.
***
Emilie: Well????
Isabelle: Well, what?
Emilie: Isabelle. Do not play dumb with me. How did the date go??
Isabelle: …It was really nice.
Emilie: THAT’S ALL YOU’RE GIVING ME?
Emilie: I want DETAILS. Did he show up looking stupidly handsome? Was he nice? Did he make you laugh? Did you kiss him??
Isabelle: Yes, yes, yes, and Yes.
Emilie: YES??
Isabelle: I kissed him.
Emilie: !!!!!
Emilie: Details. Now.
Isabelle: It was after our date. He walked me to my door, and I just… kissed him.
Emilie: You just kissed him?? Who are you and what have you done with my overthinking best friend??
Isabelle: Shut up. I didn’t even think about it. I just did it.
Emilie: And???
Isabelle: And then he kissed me back.
Emilie: …That better not be the end of the story.
Isabelle: It was soft. And slow. And he cupped my face like I was something precious.
Emilie: Isabelle.
Emilie: Isabelle, my love. My dearest best friend.
Emilie: You’re done for.
Isabelle: … I know.
Emilie: And how did he look after?
Isabelle: Like he was trying very hard not to kiss me again.
Emilie: Oh, you’re so doomed.
Isabelle: I know.
Emilie: Tell me everything.
Isabelle: He was already at the restaurant when I got there, which was sweet. He pulled out my chair for me. He was nervous, which was insane to me because, you know, he’s Max Verstappen.
Emilie: Boy has driven through Eau Rouge at full speed, but a girl makes him nervous. I love this.
Isabelle: He kept looking at me like I was the most interesting person in the world. Like he actually wanted to hear everything I had to say.
Emilie: I love him already.
Isabelle: You love him?? Emilie, I might actually be in trouble here.
Emilie: Uh oh.
Isabelle: …He sent me flowers.
Emilie: WHAT.
Emilie: When???
Isabelle: They just got delivered.
Emilie: EXCUSE ME.
Emilie: You go on ONE date with Max Verstappen and wake up to FLOWERS???
Isabelle: Apparently.
Emilie: What kind?
Isabelle: Peonies.
Emilie: Belle.
Emilie: He is so in love with you.
Isabelle: It was one date.
Emilie: AND???
Emilie: The man sent you flowers the morning after like he’s starring in a romance novel.
Isabelle: Maybe he just does that?
Emilie: Girl. Be serious.
Emilie: Did he say anything with them?
Isabelle: There was a note.
Emilie: AND???
Isabelle: It just says ‘Last night was perfect. Can’t wait to see you again. – Max’
Emilie: I’M GONNA SCREAM.
Emilie: Max Verstappen is courting you.
Isabelle: Courting is a strong word.
Emilie: He sent you flowers. He is so gone for you.
Isabelle: …Maybe.
Emilie: So… second date?
Isabelle: Saturday.
Emilie: GIRL.
Isabelle: I know.
***
Comments:
@/emilie_abadie: 👀👀👀
@/F1GossipQueen: That’s a very ‘I have a thoughtful boyfriend’ kind of flower arrangement.
↳@/paddockprincessx: Soft launch era????
@/leclercsiblingtea: If Charles doesn’t know who sent these, I need his live reaction immediately.
↳@/monacogossip: Why do I feel like this is someone wildly unexpected?
↳@/redbullsimpclub: Place your bets now, I’m saying it’s a paddock guy.
↳@/f1shenanigans: If this is from an F1 driver, I am losing my mind.
***
Isabelle: Thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful.
Isabelle: And for yesterday. I had a really nice time.
Max: I’m glad you liked them.
Max: What’s your favorite flower? For next time.
Isabelle: Snowdrops.
Max: Snowdrops?
Isabelle: Yes?
Max: I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone whose favorite flower is snowdrops.
Isabelle: That’s a shame. They’re beautiful. And they bloom in the cold, when nothing else does.
Max : Like you, then.
Isabelle: …Are you trying to be charming, Max Verstappen?
Max: Is it working?
Isabelle: Maybe.
Max: Good.
***
Sophie: So… Victoria told me something interesting.
Max: She needs a new hobby.
Sophie: Max.
Max: What?
Sophie: Are you in love?
Max: …Maybe.
Sophie: After one conversation?
Max: No! After two conversations.
Sophie: Oh, well, that’s much more reasonable.
Max: Mom.
Sophie: Max.
Max: Look, I just know that it’s different. I’ve never felt like this before.
Sophie: That’s a big thing to say.
Max: I know. But I can’t explain it. It just makes sense.
Sophie: So how did the date go?
Max: …It was perfect.
Sophie: Now we’re getting somewhere.
Max: She’s funny, she’s smart, she actually listens when I talk about racing—like, really listens. And she doesn’t care about the other stuff. The money, the fame. None of it. She just likes me.
Sophie: That’s important.
Max: I know.
Sophie: So when do I get to meet her?
Max: When she doesn’t think I’m a crazy person for how fast I’m falling for her.
Sophie: I hate to break it to you, Max, but you bought a penthouse because her firm is working on it.
Max: …
Sophie: That’s what I thought.
Max: It’s a very nice penthouse.
Sophie: Of course it is.
Max: So you’re not going to say I’m insane?
Sophie: Oh, you are insane. But you’re also my son. And if this makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.
Max: Thanks, Mom.
Sophie: Now tell me, do I need to start planning a wedding?
Max: Goodbye.
***
(Members: Arthur, Isabelle, Charles, Lorenzo and Pascale)
Arthur: Dinner at Maman’s, Saturday, usual time?
Charles: Yeah, I’ll be there.
Lorenzo: Me too.
Isabelle: I can’t make it, I’m busy.
Arthur: What’s Maman making?
Charles: Probably something with pasta.
Lorenzo: Didn’t she say something about lamb last time?
Arthur: Oh yeah, I think so.
Isabelle: Have fun!
Charles: See you all Saturday.
***
Max: Hey, if I were to ask for date advice, purely hypothetically…
Victoria: Oh my God.
Max: What?
Victoria: You NEVER ask for advice. This must be serious.
Max: It’s not that serious.
Victoria: You literally bought an apartment because of this girl.
Max: …That’s unrelated.
Victoria: Sure it is.
Max: So… hypothetically… if I needed some guidance, what would you suggest?
Victoria: Are you actually asking for advice, or are you just hoping I’ll make it easier for you by giving you a list of things not to do?
Max: ...
Victoria: That’s what I thought. Give me a second.
Victoria: Okay, here’s your DO NOT list:
Do not talk about tire degradation.
Do not mention iRacing, no matter how good your last stint was.
Do not wear a Red Bull hoodie.
Do not check F1 news during the date.
Do not turn the date into a competition.
Do not text me mid-date if you panic. Figure it out.
Do not propose.
Max: …That last one was unnecessary.
Victoria: I’m just covering all bases.
Max: I wasn’t going to propose.
Victoria: Good. Then this should be easy for you.
Max: The Red Bull hoodie rule feels unfair.
Victoria: Max.
Max: Fine. No Red Bull hoodie.
Victoria: Thank you.
Max: …Can I at least wear the cap?
Victoria: Max.
Max: Alright, alright. No cap.
Victoria: Proud of you. Now, go be normal.
Max: No promises.
***
Max: Hypothetically. If you were taking someone on a second date. What would you do?
GP: …Why are you asking me?
Max: Because you’re married!
GP: And?
Max: That means you’ve successfully dated someone.
GP: That does not make me a dating expert.
GP: Also, since when do you ask me for relationship advice?
GP: Who is she?
Max: …
GP: Max.
Max:
GP: MAX.
GP: WHO IS IT.
Max: Isabelle.
GP: Isabelle who?
Max: …Leclerc.
GP:
GP: MAX.
GP: CHARLES LECLERC’S SISTER?!?!?!?!?
Max: Yeah, she doesn’t really like being called that.
GP: MAX.
GP: DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH?
Max: Not particularly.
GP: HOW DID THIS HAPPEN.
Max: I met her.
GP: OBVIOUSLY.
GP: Where?! When?! How long has this been going on?!
Max: A few days.
GP: And Charles doesn’t know???
Max: I don’t think he notices much about her.
GP: Okay, that’s a whole other issue, but back to you.
GP: Do you have any self-preservation instincts?
Max: She’s nice. I like her.
GP: THAT IS NOT THE POINT.
GP: Do you realize the incident this could cause?
Max: If I wanted overreactions, I’d have texted Victoria.
GP: I AM REACTING APPROPRIATELY.
GP: What does Victoria think?
Max: She said, "You deserve to be loved."
GP: …Well, that’s suspiciously sentimental.
GP: But also, Charles is still going to kill you.
Max: You’re being dramatic.
GP: AM I?
Max: Are you helping or not?
GP: I AM TOO BUSY PROCESSING YOUR TERRIBLE LIFE CHOICES.
GP: Okay. Okay. Deep breaths. Let’s focus.
GP: You need a second date idea.
GP: That does not result in Charles Leclerc murdering you.
Max: I think you’re overestimating how much he pays attention to her.
GP: That’s between them. I am concerned for you.
Max: You’re being dramatic again.
GP: No, I’m being realistic.
Max: …I’ll deal with that when it happens.
GP: Unbelievable.
GP: Alright. Date ideas.
GP: What did you do for the first one?
Max: Dinner. Talked a lot.
GP: What does she like?
Max: Horses.
GP: Horses.
GP: You’re dating someone who likes horses.
Max: Yes?
GP: I feel like that’s relevant information I should’ve had sooner.
GP: Have you ever been near a horse, Max?
Max: Not really.
GP: Okay, no horse-related dates yet. You will get yourself killed trying to impress her.
Max: She’d find that funny.
GP: I wouldn’t.
GP: Let’s keep it simple. Somewhere quiet. Private. Where you can talk.
Max: I was thinking that too.
GP: What about a picnic?
Max: A picnic.
GP: Yeah. You get some good food, go somewhere nice, and just relax. No stress.
Max: Where am I supposed to find a picnic spot?
GP: You have a balcony, Max.
GP: You literally have a balcony with a view.
GP: Just set something up there.
Max: …That’s actually not a bad idea.
GP: Wow. Praise from the great Max Verstappen. I’m honored.
Max: Don’t get used to it.
GP: Okay, what kind of food does she like?
Max: She ordered pasta on our first date.
GP: That’s a start. You could order from the same place.
Max: Or I could cook.
GP: You could what?
Max: I can cook, GP.
GP: Since when?
Max: Since I lived alone?
GP: Okay, sure. But can you cook something that won’t poison her?
Max: Wow. Faith in me is at an all-time low.
GP: Just making sure she survives the night.
Max: I’ll make pasta. It’s simple.
GP: Fine. But don’t experiment. Stick to what you know.
Max: What do you think I’m going to do? Try molecular gastronomy?
GP: I wouldn’t put it past you.
GP: Okay, what else… You need drinks. Dessert.
Max: She likes red wine.
GP: Get a good wine, then. And dessert?
Max: She mentioned liking raspberries once.
GP: So get her something with raspberries.
Max: Got it.
GP: And what about ambiance?
Max: …
GP: Max.
Max: What?
GP: Do you even own candles?
Max: …Victoria gave me some once.
GP: Use them.
GP: And put some effort into setting the table.
GP: You know, for someone who acts like they don’t care about romance, you’re actually putting effort into this.
Max: …She’s worth the effort.
GP:
GP: Damn.
GP: Okay.
GP: You have to survive Charles finding out.
Max: I told you. I’ll handle it.
GP: Yeah, yeah. Just keep me updated.
Max: Sure.
GP: And if you need actual advice, ask Victoria.
Max: I did ask Victoria. She just sent me a list of things not to do.
GP: What was on the list?
Max: "Don’t talk about tire degradation. Don’t mention iRacing. Don’t wear a Red Bull hoodie."
GP: Solid advice.
Max: She also said, "Act normal."
GP: That one might be harder for you.
Max: Wow.
GP: Just being honest.
GP: So, do you have everything planned?
Max: Yeah. I think so.
GP: Good. Now all you have to do is not mess it up.
Max: Thanks for the vote of confidence.
GP: Any time.
***
Emilie: Soooooo... how was the date?
Isabelle: Good.
Emilie: …That’s it? "Good"? You had dinner with Max Verstappen, a man who has clearly lost his mind over you, and all you have to say is "good"???
Isabelle: Fine. Great. Amazing.
Isabelle: Happy?
Emilie: Better. But I’m gonna need DETAILS.
Isabelle: We had dinner, talked a lot, and then I stayed over.
Emilie:
Emilie: EXCUSE ME???
Emilie: YOU STAYED OVER????
Isabelle: Yes.
Emilie: As in "I fell asleep on the couch watching a movie and went home in the morning" stayed over, or "I am now intimately familiar with Max Verstappen's bedsheets" stayed over???
Isabelle: …
Emilie: ISABELLE.
Isabelle: Nothing happened.
Emilie: Oh my god.
Emilie: OH MY GOD.
Isabelle: I swear, nothing happened. It just got late and…
Emilie: This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Isabelle: I’m so glad MY love life is giving you entertainment.
Emilie: You don’t understand. I’ve been waiting for you to have an actual romance for YEARS. YEARS, ISABELLE.
Isabelle: You make it sound like I was living in a cave.
Emilie: Emotionally? Maybe a little.
Isabelle: Rude.
Emilie: True.
Emilie: But seriously. How do you feel?
Isabelle: …I don’t know. It’s weird.
Isabelle: He likes me. Like, really likes me. And I’m not used to that.
Emilie: Then get used to it, babe. Because that man? He’s already gone for you.
Isabelle: You think so?
Emilie: I KNOW so.
Emilie: Now tell me: does he have nice bedsheets, or do I need to stage an intervention?
***
GP: Well???
Max: Well, what?
GP: Don’t play dumb. How did it go?
Max: …
GP: MAX.
Max: It went well.
GP: That’s it? That’s all I get after coaching you through this?
Max: What do you want me to say?
GP: I want details. Did she like the food? Did you talk about tire degradation anyway? Did she laugh about your terrible jokes?
Max: She liked the food. No, I did not mention tire degradation. Rude.
GP: Growth. I’m proud of you.
Max: Thanks.
Max: The cats love her.
GP: …THE CATS?! MAX. That is NOT the update I was looking for.
Max: No, but it’s important. They don’t just like people.
GP: I was expecting romance, maybe a ‘we stayed up talking all night’ or ‘she laughed at all my jokes’—and you’re giving me ‘the cats love her’??!
Max: It means a lot! Jimmy and Sassy were literally fighting for her attention. She was just sitting on the couch, and they both climbed into her lap like she was their owner.
GP: …Okay, I’ll admit, that’s kind of a big deal. You’re in love, aren’t you?
Max: I mean… yeah.
GP: I knew it. The cats knew it. Everyone knew it. Charles is gonna lose his mind.
Max: That’s a problem for future Max.
***
WARNING: Fluff, pregnancy?
Min Yoongi x wife! Pregnant! Reader
Female! Reader
SCENARIO: y/n is spending a day with Yoongi in the studio.
Word count : 812
its my first time writing a fic. so if there is any mistakes please forgive me. borahae
It was a cold autumn evening. Cold wind was blowing and leaves were falling.
Y/n entered the genius lab by pressing the pass code. As she entered she saw Yoongi who was sitting near the desk working on his new track. Yoongi heard the shuffling and angrily turned to look who was interrupting his peace. But all his anger melted away as he saw her, his wife, walking into his studio wearing a long coat and his sweater which was too big for her to cover herself and her 6 month old baby bump from the harsh winds outside. Usually when he was working on songs he wouldn’t get out the studio other than going home at midnight and coming back at dawn and sometimes not going home at all. She had taken it to herself to bring him food and change of clothes all those days he spent in the studio.
But all of it changed, him overworking himself, spending weeks in his studio without a break, after she announced that they were going to have a mini ‘Min’. He would text her every hour inquiring about her and the baby. If she had mentioned about her craving something even if it was weird he would rush to get her whatever she wants even when he was in an important meeting or at midnight. He would come home every night to have dinner and cuddle the soon to be mother of his kids either in complete silence or while watching some random shows.
Today she had came to the studio with food for him and her, because she knew he would forget about having food if she didn’t bring him some or reminded him. Yoongi welcomed his wife by trapping her in a big hug, and then taking the food and helping her remove her coat. He was very caring about her even when they had just started dating, but his caring nature only increased by tenth folds when she became pregnant with his child.
They both happily had their dinner by the small table in the studio, feeding each other, content with each other’s presence, telling their significant other about how their day went. Soon Yoongi got back to his work and y/n was sitting in the couch reading a book she had borrowed from Namjoon earlier that week.
Soon Yoongi was immersed in his work with the new waves of inspiration hitting him by having his wife by his side. He was so into his work that he didn’t even realize how much time had passed. When he came back to his senses he turned to look at his wife , who he didn't give any attention to for a long period of time. He saw her half lying on the couch with the long forgotten book on top of her eyes, and her cute 6 month bump protruding outwards. He could swear that he was falling in love with her all over again. After clicking a few pictures in his phone he went near her to make her lie down properly because he knew she would be regret sleeping there when wakes up.
He brought a table and his equipments to the couch so that he could work and be with her at the same time. He took the book from her hands and placed it on a nearby table. And then slowly woke her up with his soft voice and his even softer kisses. He could feel his heart skipping a beat because of how adorable she looked. The both settled down again, Yoongi sitting half up comfortably with her head snuggling into his torso and a soft blanket covering them from the cold. While combing his fingers though her hair he couldn't believe how he could have such a perfect life, him living his dreams as a successful artist, his supportive and beautiful wife and a baby on the way, correction his baby on the way. His hands slowly moved down towards her bump, where lies his child whom he couldn’t wait to meet. He could feel his child moving even though it was very light. Yoongi's face was adorned with a sweet smile filled with love for his wife and his child.
If someone had said all this to the past struggling version of him he wouldn't believe that and would've said that they were joking. But now his heart was full of love.
A few hours later Namjoon was going to the genius lab to ask Yoongi whether the demo was completed or not. But instead of a working Yoongi what he saw was an adorable Yoongi and y/n cuddling on the couch. It was so adorable that he couldn’t resist taking a picture and sending it to the group chat even though he knew Yoongi was going to kill him once he sees this when he wakes up.
A TALE OF FAME
pairing ꪆৎ charles leclerc x ahaana patel ᥫ᭡. f1 driver x bollywood actress au
summary ꪆৎ when the paths of a girl who has stopped believing in love, and a guy who does everything in his power to show his love, cross, it's bound to be a dynamic meet. A collision of two worlds that couldn't be further apart, yet fit like pieces of a puzzle.
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charles leclerc ferrari f1 driver
MONEGASQUE ⭑.ᐟ 16th October 1997
her C ʚɞ
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ahaana patel bollywood actress
INDIAN ⭑.ᐟ 15th March 1997
his Ahi ʚɞ
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ᝰ.ᐟ she’s everything, and he just drives.
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note ꪆৎ comment to be added to taglist
next
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coming soon © weekendlusting
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Charles Leclerc x Wife!Reader
Summary... What should’ve been a simple twenty-minute press conference turns into full-blown chaos when Charles brings the kids along—and then the kids get their own turn behind the mic.
Warnings: Pure fluff, kid chaos, dad!Charles, teasing, swearing mentioned by children (in French), banter, major secondhand embarrassment
A/N: you guys... the way I had too much fun writing this! I hope you guys enjoy this little story. I would love to actually see a moment like this in the future maybe. That would be iconic. I hope you guys enjoy it. Please let me know what you guys wanna see next!!
If you loved this story and want to support more F1 fics and soft chaos like this, feel free to buy me a matcha 🍵 or reblog/comment to share the love!
As always—happy reading, and have a beautiful day today
Like, comment, reblog, enjoy :)
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The press conference was supposed to last twenty minutes. Just a few pre-weekend questions before FP1, some sponsor shoutouts, and a bit of media fluff. Charles had done this a hundred times. Easy.
What he hadn’t done a hundred times was a press conference with all three of his children clinging to him like magnets to a fridge.
“Mila, baby, don’t twist that,” Charles says quietly into his mic, gently removing his daughter’s hand from the cord running down his chest. She’s seated sideways on his lap, twirling the cable like it’s spaghetti. His twin boys, Luca and Jules, are squished on either side of him on the small bench Ferrari provided — all three with messy chestnut curls identical to their father’s.
“Charles, you’ve had a strong start to the season. What would you attribute that to?” a reporter asks.
Charles smiles, glancing down quickly at Luca, who’s trying to sneakily remove one of his shoes.
“Uh—consistency, for sure. And a lot of work with the team during the off-season,” he answers, his voice smooth despite the circus unfolding around him.
“I want to talk!” Jules blurts out, grabbing at the microphone in front of his dad. “I’m fast too!”
“You are very fast,” Charles replies automatically, pressing a quick kiss to his son’s temple as reporters chuckle.
“I beat Mila in the hallway!” Jules announces proudly.
“You cheated!” Mila screeches.
Charles coughs to cover his laugh. “Okay, okay, let’s not yell, we are live on camera, darlings.”
Another journalist attempts to move things along. “Charles, what’s your mindset going into qualifying tomorrow?”
Before he can answer, Luca pipes up: “Papa said the car was ‘a pain in the—’”
Charles snaps his fingers in front of him. “Luca! What did we say about telling secrets?”
Jules leans toward the mic. “Mummy says we can’t say ‘merde’ either.”
Charles hides his face with his hand for a beat as the media room loses it with laughter.
From the wings, you — Y/N — shake your head, arms crossed but clearly amused. Charles glances over at you like please come rescue me, but you're already motioning for the boys to come to you.
“Alright, boys, go with Maman,” Charles says, ushering them off the bench.
“Can we get snacks now?” Mila asks, hopping down and walking backwards toward you.
“Only if you stop tattletelling,” Charles replies sternly.
Jules makes a face as you crouch and hold their hands on either side of you, whispering something that makes them all go quiet and pouty at the same time.
Charles watches for a second longer than he means to—how you always manage to calm them down like magic—before turning back to the mic.
“Apologies. Where were we?”
“Honestly?” one of the reporters grins. “This is better than Drive to Survive.”
Charles laughs. “Welcome to my real full-time job.”
As he tries to finish the final question, he feels a small tug at his pants. Mila has snuck back on stage with her stuffed bunny.
“I forgot Bun-Bun,” she whispers.
He grabs it quickly and hands it to her with a gentle ruffle to her hair. “Okay, allez, go sit with Maman now.”
She nods seriously, then skips off.
Charles clears his throat. “Anyway—thank you all. I think I’m going to go find a quiet corner to cry in now.”
The media room erupts into chuckles again as Charles walks off, applesauce pouch tucked in one hand, baby wipes in the other, and you waiting with a knowing smirk and two giggling little boys tugging at your sleeves.
Charles barely made it three meters off the stage before Mila tugged on his sleeve and declared, “It’s our turn now.” He blinked, confused, until he spotted the row of miniature chairs being set up at the front of the room—and the Ferrari PR team, looking far too pleased with themselves as they waved the kids forward like VIP guests. Jules had already climbed onto one of the seats, Luca was dragging a juice box across the floor like it was part of his media kit, and Mila marched toward the microphone like she’d been waiting her whole life for this moment. Charles stared for a beat, caught between horror and awe.
This was not on the schedule, he thought, eyes narrowing. Whose idea was this? Did Y/N sign off on this? Is this revenge for the broken espresso machine?
He looked toward you for backup, but you were already leaning against the wall, arms crossed and smirking like you’d known this was coming all along. When you caught his eye, you shrugged playfully and whispered, “You survived your press conference. Good luck surviving theirs.”
Charles let out a breath, resigned, and folded his arms across his chest. “Mon Dieu,” he muttered under his breath, watching his children take the stage with terrifying confidence.
Ferrari may build the fastest cars in the world, but nothing moves quicker than my own kids when there’s a microphone involved.
The Ferrari media tent is buzzing with cameras, press badges, and a surprising amount of juice boxes.
——
A journalist clears their throat. “Alright… first question for Mila. What’s it like having a Formula One driver as a papa?”
Mila: “Loud.” Jules: “Fast.” Luca: “Sweaty.”
Everyone bursts into laughter. Mila shrugs. “He yells a lot on the radio. I don’t think he knows we can hear it sometimes.”
Charles covers his face with both hands.
Another reporter tries to keep a straight face. “Jules, if you were in charge of Ferrari, what would you change first?”
Jules (serious): “Make the cars green.”
Luca: “And add rocket launchers!”
Charles chokes.
Mila (disapproving): “That’s not safe. I’d make the suits pink and add glitter so they sparkle on TV.”
Reporter: “What do you think Papa says the most on race day?”
Jules: “Merde.”
Mila: “No! He says ‘focus.’ And ‘where’s my drink?’” Luca: “And ‘WHY ARE THE TYRES GONE?!’”
The room is losing it. Charles is whispering something to Y/N, who is fully crying from laughter.
A hand goes up from a British reporter. “Luca, if you won a race, what would be the first thing you'd do?”
Luca (without hesitation): “Call my mumma.”
Everyone collectively awws—until he adds:
Luca: “And then eat a chocolate croissant the size of my head.”
Mila (muttering): “That already happened.”
Reporter: “Jules, do you like watching the races?”
Jules: “Only the start. Then I get bored and play Hot Wheels.”
Mila: “I watch the whole thing. I have a clipboard and give Papa scores.”
Luca: “She gave him a 6 last time and he almost won.”
Mila: “He messed up the overtake.”
Charles looks wounded.
Final question from a German journalist: “Mila, what advice would you give your Papa before his next race?”
Mila leans into the mic like a pro.
Mila: “Be brave. Go fast. And don’t cuss if the tires fall off.”
Everyone in the room breaks into applause as Charles walks forward, scooping Luca into his arms while Mila and Jules are immediately surrounded by press taking photos and asking for high fives.
Y/N slips a hand into Charles’, her smile wide. “They handled that better than you did.”
Charles grins, eyes still on his little trio. “They’re natural born media drivers.”
——
Back at the hotel that evening, Charles was flat on his back on the couch, eyes closed, two juice box wrappers on his chest. You were sitting cross-legged beside him, flicking through the photos already going viral online—Mila adjusting her mic like a pro, Jules midair off the chair, Luca holding up fingers like he was flashing a gang sign.
“Next time,” Charles murmured, eyes still shut, “we tell them I only have one child. Maybe two, max.”
You smiled, brushing curls from his forehead. “Sure, baby. But admit it… they kind of stole the show.”
He cracked an eye open, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I’m not even mad.”
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Hey could you do fic for Kimi Raikkonen with wife reader during his time at Ferrari? She was stealing his sunglasses like she crash his interviews just for it and he's not doing anything about it. Even when he's wearing it at night like at Singapore GP. So he's got a matching one for her. And they rocked together. Just something fluff and cute. Add something else to it if it's not right. Tag me later!! Thanks :))
Pairing; Kimi Räikkönen x Wife!reader
Summary; In which you’re constantly stealing your husband’s sunglasses so he gets you your own matching ones.
Warnings; none.
Author’s note; take a shot everytime the word sunglasses is mentioned.
F1 Master List
Kimi was constantly wearing sunglasses, it was his signature look and it wasn’t very often you’d find him without them, even if he wasn’t wearing them, they’d be there resting on his cap or hanging from his collar.
Even now, as the two of you stood at the entrance of the garage, watching as the rain fell down into the track, wrapped up in his arms as he wrapped the edges of the coat he was wearing around you to keep you warm, he had his sunglasses on.
Not bothering to fight your temptations you pulled back causing his grip on you to loosen and you reached up, taking the sunglasses from his face and putting them on your own.
He looked at you with a raised eyebrow but you simply smiled and posed for him. "How do I look?"
Kimi smiled and shook his head at your silliness. "Beautiful." He replied.
Your smile brightened at his words, stomach fluttering from his compliment as you leaned back into his embrace.
You couldn’t see a thing from the darkness of the sky and the sunglasses mixed together, you didn’t know how he walked about like this but that was a question for another day.
Kimi was out unwillingly doing some interviews so you made the decision to go and roam around the track with absolutely no destination in mind when you saw him in the middle of the track doing a sit down interview with Jenson for Sky Sports.
You smirked as you walked closer. Approaching him from behind, you stepped into frame and wrapped your arms around him to remove the sunglasses from his face, catching him by surprise but as soon as he noticed it was you he relaxed.
Watching as you placed them on your own face, giving him a smile and a cheeky wave before walking away, leaving him shaking his head at you.
"What was that all about?" Jenson asked, laughing.
"Bwoah, i don’t know." Kimi shrugged.
You were in Singapore and the sky was pitch black but the track was lit up reading for the race to begin, Kimi was standing in the pit lane and even though the sun went down long ago, his sunglasses remained on his face as he spoke to his race engineer.
Walking to to him, you didn’t hesitate to reach up and take them from him, the man not even flinching as he continued with his conversation as though nothing had even happened.
You smiled as you placed them on your own face, the dark shades blocking everything but the lights on the track.
When he was finished talking he turned to you with a pointed look. "Those are mine."
You shook your head. "Not yours. Ours."
Kimi hummed. "This is becoming a habit now."
"I like them." You simply told him.
You were in Qatar and the sun was glaring down on you causing you to scowl in annoyance, looking around with your hand raised above your eyes, you spotted your husband.
He was dressed as he always was, red cap, red shirt, black shorts, black sunglasses. You walked towards him with a spring in your step.
Just when you were close enough to reach up and grab his sunglasses from his face, Kimi grabbed your hand to stop you.
As a pout began to form on your face, your husband simply shook his head and reached into his pocket. In his hand was a pair of sunglasses, an exact replica of the ones that were currently resting on his nose and under them to you.
“You have no reason to steal mine now,” he huffed but there was the slightest hint of a smile growing on his lips.
You took the sunglasses from him and placed them on, not acknowledging his slight dig at your antics.
“How do I look?” You asked him the same question you did a couple races ago.
“Perfect, as always,” he responded simply.
pairing: yoongi x reader
wordcount: 19k
glimpse: when the general public hears the name min yoongi, they know him as the world-famous model who’s beyond talented in his craft. when the modeling industry hears the name min yoongi, they remember you: his resolute, firm, and sometimes rude manager who always puts yoongi’s best interests at heart — no matter what.
alternatively, you’re yoongi’s manager and for the first time ever, you take a break away from him.
[ a lot of angst (not all the way thru i promise!!!), love is mutual but unrealized at first, wholesome heartwarming moments, emotional constipation + hint of codependency, yoongi does some rlly stupid things, so much yearning, mentions of sex tape + intercourse (not between the main pairing), jealousy, swearing, redemption arc (i swear!!!) ]
notes: first fic of 2022 <3 thank you so much for waiting patiently for this piece!! i have to say that although this is one of my angst-heavy pieces, this is perhaps the warmest fic out of all of them (take five, heartburn, hlwwf, lyiaik) !! this is my new favorite since you could see more of the emotional growth and development from the characters <33
as always, lmk what you think <3 send in feedback n love to my askbox anytime!! even replying to this post sends me over the moon :)
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hiya, i have no idea if you do requests but i have a very brief and simple idea, which you can do your own take on - overly sensitive reader is dating oscar piastri & people are bothering her online but she doesn't tell oscar, instead she hides it and acts like she's fine but one night, she's in bed with him but then moves out to the living room & she's reading people's posts and messages about her not deserving him and she just sobs her eyes out, very quietly, thinking he's asleep - but he's not and he hears her, he walks out to the sight of her crying,,, then you can do whatever you want! just basically a hurt/comfort fic idea :) thank you!
𝒏ote , hi nonnie! thank you so much for requesting this. im convinced he is the sweetest sweetest bf and this thought goes so well with him . . .
fem!reader x oscar piastri. established relationship. hurt -> comfort. fluff. insecure!reader. mean online comments.
you knew better.
you knew better than to look. you knew better than to click on the notifications, the comments, the threads where strangers, bold and faceless, tore you apart like it cost them nothing.
you know it’s not true. these people don’t you. they don’t really know oscar. they don’t know anything about your relationship. and you knew better than to give them so much power over you, but you did it anyway.
it felt like a constant in your night routine at this point. after the steady rise and fall of oscar’s chest tells you he’s surrendered to sleep, you slip quietly from the bed.
you try to convince yourself you’re just stretching your legs, grabbing some water, anything to justify the gnawing pull toward your phone, toward the weight you tuck away during the day but can’t seem to ignore when it’s dark and that inner voice manages to convince you to look.
you curl up on the couch, wrapped in one of his hoodies that still smells faintly like him, like the smell of your safe space can wrap around you and stop the words from piercing as deep as they always do.
“he could have anyone and he settles for that?”
“you can’t convince me she’s there for anything but the money”
“he could do way better”
“why do the best guys always tend to settle for the most basic, gold digging girls”
one after another they appear on the screen. picking apart your body, your intelligence, your motives.
you don’t even realize you’re crying until the drops fall on the screen. little blots of water smearing and obstructing the words that had already twisted like knives in your chest.
you know you should turn it off. climb into bed and let oscar cuddle away all the insecurities gnawing at your chest. but it feels like you’re stuck. like if you just read one more comment, maybe you’ll find one that makes it all make sense, one that explains why you feel like you’ll never be enough for him.
you flinch when a familiar hand gently closes over yours, steady and warm, taking the phone from you. you hadn’t even heard him come in.
you don’t move, don’t blink, don’t breathe as he scrolls through the comments himself, brow furrowing more and more the further he goes.
after a few minutes he locks the phone and discards it on the table, settling next to you and pulling you onto his lap.
“you know none of it is true right?” he mumbles against your head, pressing a kiss to your temple and you sniffle
“osc—” you go to argue but he interrupts
“no” he says, the word so blunt and direct it catches you so off guard for a second that you pull your head away from his chest to look at him
“i’m not gonna sit here and listen to you justify what they’re saying. they don’t know you. they don’t know me. and they sure as shit don’t know anything about our relationship” he says, shaking his head slightly at the utter ridiculousness of what he just read.
“but it’s true. i’m not perfect and you could do so much bet—“ you mumble but he interrupts you again before you get the chance to finish, this time with his lips on yours, kissing you until those thoughts float away and the only thing you can focus on is the way his hand is running through your hair
“you’re perfect with me, to me, and for me. hell perfect doesn’t even begin to describe you baby. you’re everything. you’re all I want. the only way these people have any power over you is if you actually believe there’s some truth to what they’re saying. do you?” oscar asks, holding your jaw so you can’t look away from him.
“are you only with me for the money? the attention?” oscar asks, raising his eyebrows dramatically in a way that makes you wanna laugh and by the slight tilt in his lips, he knows.
“no” you say softly and he gasps in mock surprise
“really? I for sure thought you were” he teases and laughs when you hit him playfully.
“i’m just kidding baby. you hate attention even more than I do and you practically tackle me every time I try to pay for anything. and if you think for even one second that I don’t believe you’re the sexiest woman in the world, you come tell me and I’ll prove you wrong, yeah?” he says, pressing kiss after kiss against your temple, your cheek, your nose, your jaw, your lips. every inch he can reach.
“I love you” you say softly, hoping your gratitude for him shines through in your tone.
“I love you the most,” he murmurs back, no hesitation, no doubt. just the pure, simple truth.
his hands gently frame your face, thumbs brushing away the last of your tears with a tenderness that makes your chest ache all over again, but in a different way this time. a softer way.
“let’s go to bed,” he says, voice thick with exhaustion and affection as he picks you up and carries you to the bedroom, leaving your phone and all the negativity on it right there on the table.
Genre: Fluffy asf, slight angst
Warnings: self-harm scars, and that's really it lovelies.
Word count: 2K
Request: can you write one where yoongi is y/n’s neighbor (either he recently moved there or she did, doesn’t matter) and y/n is pretty introverted and has had a tough life. she deals w self-harm (if ur not comfortable writing this part its totally fine, you can skip it or u can just make it so that it was in the past and she doesn’t currently do it anymore) and depression. she’s a painter but is always self conscious of her paintings/drawings but he sees them and appreciates them, they become good friends, and both open up to eachother, their windows are next to eachother in a way so they always meet up on the roof that’s connected to their window(idk if i’m making sense lol) and they lay there talk and stare at the stars. you can end it however u want but this is the gist of what i was thinking (also, if you do decide to write the SH part, u don’t have to write the act of it, just him maybe seeing them and her talking about it and him comforting her about it) and ofc if u can make it fluffy lol
Ofc!! I hope you don't mind the direction I took it :)))
These small moments of peace are what keep you sane.
A good book, a new favorite song, rainy days spent on your sofa watching movies.
The small moments in between are what really matter – between the chaos and excitement, where nothing really matters more than how warm you are bundled up under your favorite blanket or how the breeze moves through you perfectly on an evening walk.
This moment was one of those moments.
Sat on the small chair you had on the fire-escape you’d turned into a nice enough little balcony. A warm cup of coffee clutched by your cold fingers as the autumn morning breeze chilled them.
The apartment across from yours had been empty for some time, not that you minded at all. Their fire escape was no more than 10 feet away from yours, the buildings almost hugging in this gridlocked city you moved to.
But today it seemed your peace was over, as you could see through the window that someone was moving in. You sighed briefly as you stood, empty mug in hand as you stepped back into your apartment through the small window before closing it behind you, catching a glimpse of who you presume would be your new neighbor.
He peered at you through his own window, a small curious smile playing on his lips as he gave you a small wave.
You returned it, giving a small smile of your own before you turned away.
One of the thing’s you found yourself grateful for was the size of your apartment. It wasn’t large or glamorous by any stretch of the imagination, but you had enough room for a small art studio in one of the bedrooms.
You smiled to yourself almost unconsciously as you eyed down a blank canvas, the gentle features of your new neighbor flooding your mind, and you wondered for a moment how often you’d have to run into him.
-
You leaned against the front door to your apartment as it shut, a deep wave of relief washing over you to finally be home. The late-night shifts at your job always had been the most draining, and today was no different.
You slid off your jacket after you finally managed to push yourself from the door and hung it on the rack. As you reached up to hang it, the sleeve of your sweater raised up slightly, revealing the scars you’d long-since stopped collecting. They served as reminder as to why you stopped, but from time-to-time, they seemed more to be egging you on rather than reminding you why you stopped.
Another small sigh left your lips as you gently rubbed over your wrist, before pulling your sleeve back down.
After making yourself a cup of tea and grabbing your sketchbook, you headed over to the window and climbed out onto the fire escape. You sat down and brought your knees up, resting your sketchbook on them as you opened up to a fresh page. Your new neighbor had decorated his own fire escape with plants and fairy lights, a very nice sight in comparison to the empty one it’d been days before.
You began to sketch the scene in front of you, looking up every so often to refresh your memory, but this time when you looked up, the man that’d waved at you a few days prior was standing in front of you, a cup of coffee in his hands as he stood out on his fire escape; looking at you with another one of his small smiles.
“Hope you don’t mind, I used yours as inspiration,” You sat confused for a second before realizing he was referring to your own “balcony”.
“Not at all, gives me something new to look at,” You smiled, going back down to your drawing, copying down the way the vines of one of his plants wrapped around the railing.
“What are you doing up so late, anyways?” He asked, now leaning over an un-occupied portion of the railing.
“I could ask you the same thing,” you responded, not looking up from your paper.
“I just got off work,” you smiled, looking up briefly with the intention of getting another look at how the lights were hanging, but instead just looked at him and back down again.
“Me too.”
-
As weeks passed, you’d gotten to know the man with the pretty fire escape, Yoongi, pretty well. You both got off work around the same time and made your way out so you could talk to one another, and tonight was no different.
“You can’t just tell me that you paint and then refuse to show me anything you’ve painted, that’s just cruel!” You giggled, pulling your jacket closer to your body as the cool air nipped at your skin.
“I wouldn’t say cruel, I was just making conversation! How was I supposed to know that you’d want to see it?” You smiled lightly, a blush creeping on your cheeks as you looked up at the night sky, Something Yoongi and you had started doing so you could point out different constellations to one another, and now continue doing so you can talk for more time without having to sit up.
“Who hears about someone doing any form of art and doesn’t immediately want to experience it? That’s like going up to someone and telling them you have fresh-baked brownies but and not letting them have any,”
“What if I made the brownies for myself? I didn’t go through all the trouble of baking a whole pan of brownies just to hand them out to people, I made the brownies so I could eat them.”
“Ah, an artist who creates for themselves, keeping the beauty of their creations to themselves while the rest of the world remains blissfully unaware of what it could be experiencing. Truly the most cruel act I can imagine,” His voice was more serious than his previous digs at you, but even without looking at him, you knew he was smiling as he spoke.
“That’s a lot easier to say when you don’t have art to hide. When it’s just yours you can appreciate it, the work you put into it and the flaws that make it yours. But when showing it to others, they might not have the same appreciation for it,”
While it was true that there was a point in time where you desperately wanted the world to see what you’d spent so much time creating, that time has long since passed; the words of the ones you’d shown your art to etched into your brain and no matter how much you tried to shake them away, they still cling in your memory.
There was a silence, not an uncomfortable or long one, but one where you both sat and thought about what was said, still staring up at the stars that twinkled softly.
“I make music, you know,” You looked over at him, suddenly less engulfed in the way the stars shone and more interested in whatever Yoongi had to say; yet his gaze remained fixed up at the sky. “I never wanted to show anyone until one day I did, and now…” he was silent, but you could see his lips begin to curve upward before you decided to turn your attention back to the sky.
“Well now I let the world listen, and in return, it thanks me.”
-
You were honestly half-asleep on your sofa when a gentle knock on your door startled you back to the land of the living. You stood up and paused the show and threw your blanket over your couch, having no idea who could possibly be here and how judgmental they would be about blanket-placement.
You opened your door to see Yoongi, smiling somewhat nervously. You turned and peered at the time on your stove, surprised that it was already nearly 3 in the morning.
“Sorry, I hope you don’t mind, I just thought we could like actually hang out, instead of just sitting on the fire escape,” he noticed your hesitation and quickly spoke again. “I meant like out for a coffee or something, you don’t have to invite me in-”
“Yeah sure, sorry, I’m still half asleep. You can come in while I change,” You stepped aside and opened your door a little further to allow him in. “Make yourself at home, I’ll be right back,”
You smiled as you closed the door and swiftly moved back to your room to but on something more inappropriate than sweatpants and the oversized t-shirts of one of your ex’s.
You walked back out to the living room, but he wasn’t there. You furrowed your brow briefly before you realized that there was only one other room he could possibly be in. You ran to your studio, the lights now on with Yoongi staring at all the paintings you had propped up against the wall.
“These are…” He trailed off, never taking his eyes away from your work to acknowledge you were even in the room.
“Not really that great, I know, but they weren’t really meant to be seen-”
“Y/n, these are amazing,” He looked at you now, his smile shining brightly before he looked back at them, almost in disbelief at how good they were, at how good you were. “How have you never shown these to anyone?”
You silently leaned up against the wall, thinking back to the last time you had shown someone. “The last person that saw anything I made had a very different reaction than you,” He tore his eyes away from them and moved them to you, confusion strewn about his features, as if he couldn’t fathom anyone seeing your art any differently than he had.
“It was a long time ago, anyway,” You looked down at your feet, shifting awkwardly as you tried to move on from the tense moment. “He just didn’t really like anything that wasn’t perfect, and everything I make is full of flaws.”
“But that’s what makes it beautiful, isn’t it?” He asks, taking a few steps closer to you. “Like with most things, the more flawed; the more human that they are, the more beautiful they are,” He was right in front of you now, taking in your features as you did his, much different now in decent lighting and not from completely different buildings.
He was much softer than he seemed from the fire escape. His eyes warmer and cheeks fuller, he almost seemed ethereal standing in front of you, praising the art you poured your heart and soul into.
He reached out for your hands, pulling your sleeve up slightly where he feels the healed-over ridges of what once was the worst pain you’ve ever felt, and your heart jumped; someone seeing both your art and your scars within the same 3-minute window of time being much too vulnerable for you.
He looked down at your arm, wanting to fully see what he was feeling, not fully believing his first thought when he felt them.
Your arm pulled out flat in front of him as he gently pushed your sleeve up further to reveal more of the scars that littered your body.
“More of that flawed, human stuff,” You spoke softly, trying to make a joke that came out sounding a lot more depressing than you had intended it to be.
He brushed his thumb over it softly, realizing he’d stumbled into much more than an art studio when he came over for an innocent cup of coffee.
Moving almost as if he had no control over his actions, his hands moved to your cheeks and his lips to yours, engulfing you in a kiss that portrayed so much more than words ever could.
The voices in your head telling you all the negative things about yourself fell away as he filled you with positivity; filled you with reassurance and understanding that no one else had been able to offer you with all the words that they knew.
He softly pulled away, your foreheads connected and his hands still cupping your face as you opened your eyes to see him already looking back at you with his warm dark eyes.
“And all the more beautiful it makes you.”
charles leclerc x fem!reader
warn: angst, bit fluff, grief & loss
summary: When Y/N’s cancer worsens despite treatment, the doctor says there’s no cure—only time. She begins to lose hope, but Charles refuses to let her give up, promising they’ll fight together, no matter what.
The world around Y/N blurred, the sterile white walls of the hospital room closing in as the doctor’s words settled into her bones like ice.
“The treatments aren’t working as we hoped. Instead of slowing it down, the cancer is progressing faster than expected.”
She couldn’t breathe. Her hands trembled on her lap, fingers curling into the fabric of her sweater as she forced herself to listen. To understand. But the words felt foreign, like they belonged to someone else’s story, not hers.
“At this stage, aggressive treatments will only prolong your life. There is no definitive cure.”
No cure.
Y/N’s heart clenched so tightly it physically hurt. She wanted to scream, to ask how this was even possible. They had caught it early. They had started treatment immediately. Everything should have been fine.
She turned her head, eyes searching for the one person she needed most.
Charles sat beside her, unnervingly still. His lips were slightly parted, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. His green eyes—usually filled with warmth and love—were wide, blank with shock.
She had never seen him like this before. Charles was always the strong one, the one who could make her feel safe even in the worst situations. But now, he looked just as lost as she felt.
“I’ll give you both some time.” The doctor’s voice was distant, muffled, before footsteps faded away.
Silence filled the room.
Y/N exhaled shakily, her throat burning. “Charles…” Her voice cracked, and the sound of it made something snap inside him.
Charles reached for her hands instantly, gripping them so tightly it almost hurt. His warmth, his presence—it was the only thing tethering her to reality.
“Baby,” he finally spoke, his voice low, hoarse, barely above a whisper. “We’ll fight this. Together.”
Her heart ached. “Charles, you heard what the doctor said. There’s no—”
“No.” His voice was firm this time, and he shook his head sharply. “Don’t say that. Don’t say it like it’s over.”
Y/N looked at him, really looked at him. His jaw was clenched, his eyes glassy, and his entire body was tense as if he was holding himself together by sheer force of will.
“Charles,” she whispered, her voice breaking, “I don’t want to die.”
A sharp inhale.
Charles closed his eyes for a brief second before shifting forward, pulling her into his arms. “You won’t,” he murmured into her hair, his voice trembling. “You won’t, because I won’t let you. We’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll be here every step of the way, Y/N. I swear it.”
His arms were wrapped around her so tightly, as if he could hold her together when everything else was falling apart.
A sob tore from her throat. She didn’t even realize she was crying until Charles pulled back slightly, cupping her cheeks with the gentlest touch, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.
“You’re not alone,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ll carry this with you, no matter how heavy it gets. We’ll fight this. Every single day, we’ll fight.”
Y/N swallowed the lump in her throat, her fingers gripping onto the fabric of his shirt as if letting go would mean losing everything.
And in that moment, even with fear consuming her whole, she believed him. Because Charles had never broken a promise to her before.
And she prayed he never would.
—
One day, the first time Y/N noticed her hair falling out, it was just a few strands on her pillow. Nothing alarming. Nothing too serious. But then it started happening more often—on her sheets, in the shower, tangled between Charles’ fingers when he stroked her head absentmindedly.
She tried not to care. She tried to tell herself it was just hair, that it would grow back. But when she looked in the mirror and saw how thin it had become, how the once-full locks that Charles used to run his hands through now barely framed her face, she couldn’t help it—she broke down.
That night, she sat on the edge of the bed, clutching the strands that had fallen onto her lap, eyes burning as she stared at the evidence of her body deteriorating. She heard Charles come in, but she didn’t move.
“Mon amour?” His voice was soft, hesitant.
She didn’t respond.
Instead, she whispered, “I look awful.”
Charles knelt before her, hands resting gently on her knees. “No, you don’t.”
“Charles, please,” she choked out, her grip tightening around the hair in her hands. “Look at me. My hair is falling out. Soon, I’ll be—” She stopped, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I’ll be bald. I’ll look sick. I’ll look—”
“Beautiful,” he interrupted, his voice trembling. “You’ll look beautiful.”
She let out a broken laugh, shaking her head. “You’re just saying that.”
Charles reached out, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “I have never lied to you about this. Since the moment I met you, you have been the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And nothing—nothing—will ever change that.”
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, but Charles wasn’t done. He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You think your hair makes you beautiful? It’s not just your hair, mon amour. It’s you. It’s the way you smile. It’s the way you talk. It’s the way you exist.” His voice cracked, but he didn’t stop. “And even if—no, when—you lose all of it, I will still look at you like I did the first time I saw you. Because you are you. And you are mine.”
She broke. A sob tore through her chest, and Charles pulled her into his arms, holding her as she cried into his shoulder. He pressed his lips against her temple, whispering, “You are beautiful. You are beautiful. You will always be beautiful.”
But no matter how much he reassured her, no matter how many times he told her she was still the most breathtaking person he had ever seen, it didn’t change the truth of her condition. It didn’t stop the way her body was failing her.
And Charles saw it.
Every single day.
Every single moment.
Every time she winced in pain but tried to smile for him. Every time she grew too tired to even sit up properly. Every time she held his hand during treatment, her grip weak and trembling.
He cried often.
Silently.
When she was asleep, when she wasn’t looking, when he excused himself to the bathroom just to let out a sob. He wasn’t strong enough to watch the love of his life suffer like this.
And then—then came the news that shattered what little hope he had left.
The doctor sat across from him in the dimly lit office, the air thick with unspoken grief. “Charles,” the doctor began carefully, “we’ve done everything we can.”
Charles’ hands clenched into fists. “No.”
“The treatments—”
“Try something else.” His voice was tight, desperate.
The doctor sighed. “At this point, they’re only prolonging her life. They’re not helping anymore.”
Charles felt like he had been punched in the chest. “So, what? You’re telling me to just sit back and watch her die?”
The doctor remained quiet.
Charles shot up from his chair, slamming his hands against the desk. “I am paying you to save her!” His voice shook with barely contained rage. “You’re supposed to help her! Do your job!”
“Charles,” the doctor said firmly, “I understand this is difficult, but we have reached a point where—”
"NO!" He was breathing heavily now, his entire body trembling. “I refuse to accept that. I will do anything—I don’t care how much it costs, I don’t care what I have to do—fix her!” His voice cracked on the last two words.
The doctor’s expression softened, but his next words were like a dagger to Charles’ heart.
“All we can do now is make her comfortable.”
Charles felt his knees buckle. His hands slid off the desk, his breath coming out in short, painful gasps. “No,” he whispered. “Please. Please, no.”
“She doesn’t know,” the doctor continued gently. “I wanted to tell you first.”
Charles squeezed his eyes shut, his chest aching with the weight of it all. He wanted to scream, to cry, to fight against the reality of the situation. But all he could do was stand there, shattered and broken.
Because no matter how much he loved her—no matter how much he was willing to give up, to sacrifice, to suffer for her—love alone wasn’t enough to save her.
—
The words left Charles’ lips in a trembling whisper, his forehead pressed against Y/N’s. His fingers gently cradled the back of her head, careful, as if she were made of the most fragile glass. He kissed her forehead, lingering, as if he could seal his love into her skin—so deep that it would anchor her here, in this world, with him.
She had been quiet for a long time. Too long.
The hospital room was bathed in a soft glow from the evening sun filtering through the half-closed blinds, but it did nothing to warm the cold fear seeping into Charles’ bones. Y/N had always been his light, but now, she was dimming right in front of him, slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Then, in a voice so quiet, so fragile that it shattered him, she spoke.
“If I go early, it’s okay… We’ll meet again there, I’ll still be the same. I’m sorry for the imperfect journey”
Charles' breath caught in his throat.
His heart slammed against his ribs.
"No," he whispered, his voice breaking instantly. "No, don’t say that. You will survive. You will stay here with me. You’re not going anywhere, do you hear me? You’re not going anywhere without my permission."
His hands tightened around hers, desperate, as if holding her tightly enough would keep her grounded to this world. His eyes burned, but he couldn't stop the tears that spilled freely, tracking down his face as he pressed kiss after kiss to her forehead, her cheeks, her nose—wherever he could reach.
"You’re not leaving me," he repeated, his voice unsteady. "Not now, not ever. I won’t allow it."
Y/N only smiled softly, tired, weak, but filled with the kind of love that made it hurt even more. She raised a shaky hand, brushing her fingertips against his damp cheek, wiping away his tears even though she was the one who needed comforting. That was always who she was—selfless, too good, too kind.
And it only made it harder to watch her suffer.
The pain was unbearable.
Y/N clenched the sheets beneath her, her knuckles white, her entire body trembling. Every inch of her ached, burned, screamed. It felt like she was being torn apart from the inside out, and she couldn’t take it anymore.
“Charles,” she whimpered, her breath hitching.
He was by her side in an instant.
“I’m here, my love. I’m right here,” he murmured, his fingers immediately finding hers, threading them together, grounding her.
Tears gathered in Y/N’s eyes as she gasped for breath, her body convulsing under the agony that never seemed to stop. She had been strong for so long, had fought for so long—but right now, she just wanted it to end. She wanted the pain to go away.
“Charles…” she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. “It hurts. It hurts so much. I— I can’t—”
Charles swallowed thickly, his own pain reflected in the way his lips quivered. His chest tightened as he watched her struggle, completely helpless to take away her suffering. It was the most agonizing thing he had ever experienced.
“Please,” she begged, her voice breaking. “I want to stop. I can’t do this anymore. Please, let me stop.”
Charles felt like his entire world was crumbling.
His breath came in sharp, uneven gasps as he fought against the sob threatening to choke him. He cupped her face, his thumbs brushing over her damp cheeks, his own tears falling freely.
His strong, beautiful girl. His Y/N.
He wanted to give her the world, but all he could do now was hold her through the pain.
“Shh, it’s okay, Mon Amour,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s okay. The pain will go away soon, I promise. Just hold on a little longer, alright?”
Y/N whimpered, her fingers tightening around his as another wave of pain wracked through her body.
Charles felt utterly powerless.
“You can do this,” he murmured, pressing a shaky kiss to her forehead. “You’re strong. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known.”
Another broken sob escaped his lips as he kissed her again, over and over, desperate and full of love.
“You’re not alone,” he whispered. “I’m here. I’ll always be here. We’ll get through this together, I promise.”
But the truth was—he didn’t know how much longer they had left.
And it was killing him.
—
“I want to see Lord Perceval become World Champion this year.”
Charles paused, his hand tightening around the spoon he was holding. He had been feeding Y/N carefully, making sure she ate properly despite how weak she had become. But her words made his heart sink. He didn’t answer immediately, staring at her as if hoping he had misheard.
“When are you leaving for the circuit?” she asked softly, looking up at him with tired but expectant eyes.
Charles swallowed hard, his jaw clenching. He set the spoon down gently on the tray and reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear—what was left of it, at least. His fingers lingered against her cheek, tracing the curve of her face as if memorizing her. His voice was quiet but firm when he finally spoke.
“I'm not going this year.” His eyes find hers, his expression unwavering. “I'm staying here with you.”
Y/N blinked in surprise. “Charles—”
“I already made up my mind.” His voice was laced with finality. “I don’t care about racing right now. Nothing matters more than you.”
A lump formed in her throat as she saw the raw emotion in his eyes. She had always known how much she meant to him, but this—this was different. This was Charles giving up everything he had worked for, his lifelong dream, just to stay by her side.
She hated it.
She loved him for it, but she hated it too.
“Charles…” Her voice wavered as she reached for his hand, holding it between her frail fingers. “You can't do that. You can't just give up everything for me.”
“It's not giving up,” he countered, squeezing her hand gently. “It's choosing you.”
Her breath hitched, and for a second, she felt like crying. But she couldn't let him do this. She wouldn't.
“Please,” she whispered, her fingers tightening around his. “I never ask you for anything, do I?”
Charles inhaled sharply.
“I always do what you want,” she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “I always support you, I always cheer for you. But just this once… please grant me this wish.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and Charles felt his resolve cracking.
“I want to see you win,” she said, her lips trembling. “I want to see Lord Perceval become World Champion this year.”
His heart shattered.
Her eyes—God, her eyes were still shining, still full of so much hope. Despite everything, despite the pain, the exhaustion, the way sickness had drained the color from her face… she still had that fire in her. And it was burning for him.
Charles exhaled shakily, running a hand down his face. “Y/N…”
“Please.”
It was that word that broke him completely.
He could never say no to her, not when she looked at him like that. Not when she was still trying to give him hope, even when she was the one suffering.
With a heavy heart, he nodded.
“Okay,” he whispered. “I'll do it. I'll race for you.”
A small, weak smile appeared on her lips, and Charles immediately leaned in, cupping her face gently. His forehead pressed against hers as he closed his eyes, breathing her in.
“You have to promise me you'll watch every race,” he murmured.
She giggled softly. “Of course, I will.”
He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze again, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “And you have to wait for me. I'll win for you, but you have to be here when I do.”
Y/N swallowed hard, nodding. “I'll be here.”
Charles didn't hesitate. He leaned in, pressing his lips against hers with so much love it made her breath hitch. It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a promise, a desperate plea for her to hold on just a little longer.
“I love you,” he whispered against her lips. “More than anything.”
She smiled against his mouth. “I love you more, Lord Perceval.”
And in that moment, he knew—no matter what happened, he would give her the championship she dreamed of. For her. For them.
—
Charles had always made time for Y/N. No matter how hectic his schedule was, no matter how exhausted he felt after a race, he would call her. Even when she was too weak to talk, even when her responses were nothing more than soft hums or whispered words, he still called. He would tell her about his day, about the track, about the weather—anything, just to keep her company. And when she couldn’t talk anymore, he would simply admire her.
"You’re so beautiful, mon amour," he would say, voice thick with emotion. Even when her body had grown frail, even when her hair was gone, even when her skin had lost its color, to him, she was still the most breathtaking woman in the world.
The night before the final race of the season, he called her again. She was barely awake, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Are you tired, mon amour?" he asked softly.
"A little,"she admitted.
"Then sleep, my love. Dream of something nice. I’ll call you after the race, okay?"
There was silence for a moment before she murmured, "I love you, Charles."
His chest tightened. It wasn’t often that she had the energy to say it lately. He closed his eyes, swallowing the lump in his throat before whispering back, "Je t’aime, mon amour. Always."
That was the last time he ever heard her voice.
—
Race day arrived, and Charles felt… calm. Confident. As if something greater than himself was pushing him forward. He had promised Y/N he would win this for her, and he wasn’t going to let her down.
Before the race, as always, he called her. But this time, she didn’t pick up.
Charles frowned, but quickly reassured himself. She must be sleeping. She needs rest. I’ll talk to her later.
And so, he raced.
And he won.
He did it. Charles Leclerc was the World Champion.
He climbed out of his car, heart pounding, overwhelmed with emotions. He had dreamed of this moment for years, and yet, the only thing he wanted was to share it with her.
As soon as he had the chance, he grabbed his phone. He called her. Ring. Ring. Ring.
No answer.
"Come on, Y/N, pick up," he murmured under his breath, bouncing his knee anxiously.
Then, he saw his brother approaching him. Lorenzo’s face was pale, his eyes red. Behind him, Arthur looked like he was struggling to hold himself together.
"Charles…" Lorenzo’s voice was hoarse. "It’s Y/N."
Charles felt his entire body go cold.
"No." His voice barely came out. "Don’t say it. Don’t—"
"She’s gone, Charles."
Something inside him shattered.
A strangled sob ripped from his throat as he dropped his phone. His legs gave out, and suddenly he was on his knees, hands gripping his face as a raw, broken wail tore through him.
The cameras were still rolling, the interviewers waiting for him, the entire world watching—but he didn’t care.
"No, no, no, please—" He gasped between sobs, rocking back and forth, his chest heaving as if the weight of the entire world was crushing him.
When they finally pulled him up for his WDC interview, he looked like a ghost. His eyes were hollow, filled with endless grief, and yet, tears wouldn’t stop falling.
"Charles, congratulations on winning your first World Championship."
He opened his mouth, but no words came out. His lips trembled, his hands clenched into fists. When he finally spoke, his voice cracked.
"This… this was for her." He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to steady his breathing. "The love of my life."
He tried to say more, but his throat closed up. His face crumpled as more tears fell, and suddenly, Carlos was beside him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Then the other drivers, his friends placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
The world had just watched him win everything, only to lose the one person he wanted to share it with.
—
When Charles returned to Monaco, he went straight to see her.
She looked so peaceful. Almost as if she was just sleeping.
Charles knelt beside her, his fingers brushing against her cold hand.
"Mon amour… I won." His voice trembled. "You kept your promise. You watched me become champion, didn’t you?"
Silence.
A choked sob escaped his lips as he leaned down, pressing soft kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, her hands.
"It’s okay now, my love. No more pain. No more suffering." He cupped her face gently, his thumbs tracing the curve of her lips. “You’re so beautiful today. Just like always.”
Tears dripped onto her skin as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
“Wait for me, mon amour. We’ll meet again. I promise.”
He stayed with her for as long as they would let him, whispering sweet words, kissing her gently, holding onto her as if he could keep her there a little longer.
Even as they finally took her away, even as he watched her disappear into the ground, he couldn’t let go.
Because how do you say goodbye to the love of your life?
END
Warnings: abuse, trauma, lost of parents. very sensitive topics here in this story.
Wordcount; 1k652
Summary: a nice dinner and a little back story
Story inspired by @sunsoothed, credits to her for some the scenes and inspiration. Please read her fic ‘after the rain’ which has inspired this story
Chapters: 1 - 2
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