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arlana-likes-to-write · 2 years ago

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Letters to a Goodbye

Part 2 of It's Okay. Let me Go

Summary: You gave Natasha an important mission to delivery the letters you've written before the time heist. These are those letters.

Warning: character death, guilt, good-bye letters, Natasha needs a hug in this one.

Word Count: 7.6

Natasha kept the letters with her till after the funeral. They felt heavy in her pocket but there was so much grief, it felt wrong to add more to it. But as the funeral died down, she was uncertain about the future, unsure of what the next move for the Avengers was. Wanda was the first letter. She found the Sokovian by the water’s edge, lost in her thoughts. The Black Widow walked over to her. “Hi,” she softly said, not wanting to disrupt the calm moment.

“Hi,” Wanda said, not looking away from the water. “I’m sorry about Y/n,” Natasha hated how much it hurt to hear your name. It felt like there was a snake wrapped around her heart and lungs, squeezing so tight. Wanda looked over her shoulder, her eyes were glossy with tears. “She was good.”

“Yeah, she was,” Natasha said, sitting down next to her. “I’m sorry about Vision.” Wanda looked down at her hands at the mention of his name. A few tears left her eyes. “I wish we could have done more.” Wanda nodded, wiping the tears away.

“Me too,” they sat in silence, watching the water and the wind blow through the trees. Finally, Wanda’s letter became too heavy. She took it out of her pocket.

“Here,” she said, handing it to her. “I don’t know if this letter will help or hurt more. But knowing my sister, it will probably help.” Wanda took it with shaky hands.

“She wrote me a letter,” Wanda said in disbelief. Natasha nodded.

“Her backup plan as she called it,” the Russian picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. “It seems like she knew she wasn’t going to come home.” Wanda smiled, tapping the letter against her hand.

“That sounds like her,” Natasha nodded.

“I have more letters to give out,” she said, standing up. “But I’m here for you, Wanda. You aren’t alone in this.” She walked back towards the cabin.

“You aren’t either,” Wanda’s voice stopped the Black Widow. “I know a thing or two about grieving a sibling.” Natasha sighed.

“I feel like I’ve grieved her too many times,” she admitted not turning around to face her. “When I defected to SHIELD I never thought I’d see her again, I didn’t want to see her. So, I grieved for a sister I never wanted. But then Yelena and I reunited with her and a piece of me that I didn’t know was missing was found. We were going to be a family again. But now,” Natasha looked back at the witch. “She won’t be coming back this time. I wish there was a way to tell her we did it. We won.” Wanda smiled.

“She knows. They both do,” Natasha nodded, looking back at the cabin. Yelena was sitting on the steps of Tony’s cabin, watching Morgan play with Nathaniel and Lila. The blonde had barely said two words to her or anyone. “She’ll come around, Nat. Just give her time.” The redhead nodded.

“If you need someone. I’m here.”

Wanda watched Natasha walk back to the cabin. Her shoulders were hunched in grief. She was holding onto so much guilt but Wanda didn’t want to go through her mind to see what happened, it wasn’t her place. She looked at the letter in her hand, she felt undeserving of one. Her fingers traced over her name. Letting out a shaky breath, she opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

Wanda -

I wish I could offer my condolence in person but like we talked about all those years life is so uncertain. I am deeply sorry about Vision and I wish there was more we could have done. I remember you asking me if I have ever found love and I said no. But I was wrong. Indeed, I never had a chance to find love like you and Vision but I found love in other things; my sister, my parents, and how beautiful the world is when you are free to live it. I have to admit I envy the love you and Vision got to share but I am also grateful. I can’t put into words the pain you must be feeling.

You have been through a lot, Wanda Maximoff. You’ve lost and gained and lost again. No, I didn’t ask Natasha for your story, it would be wrong of me. That being said, it would be unfair of me to ask you to keep an eye on Natasha and Yelena when you’ve gone through so much. That shouldn’t stop you from asking them for help. Natasha can be a little rough around the edges and be compared to a feisty cat but her heart is good. Our mother told us to never let the Red Room take our hearts and she kept hers. Now Yelena is probably quiet right now, her emotions all over the place. But I call her little sun for a reason. She provides a light to the world that no one else can. So let them be there for you, little witch.

I wish we could have had that girl’s night we talked about when the world wasn’t ending but it had to be me. I think you’d understand that. We’ll see each other in the next life but I hope not too soon. Live for me. Live for Vision. But most importantly live for yourself.

Wanda refolded the letter and placed it against her chest. She cried. Life was so unfair.

Natasha walked over to Steve. He changed out of his suit and tie and into his Captain America suit. A briefcase was in one hand and Mjolnir was in the other as he talked with Sam. Steve was preparing to return the stones to their correct spot. Sam saw her approaching and smiled at her. “All set soldier?” Natasha asked. Steve nodded.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Natasha smiled.

“Can I borrow you for a second?” She asked the super soldier. Sam patted Steve on the shoulder and walked over to Bucky. She found a picnic table, away from everyone, and she knew Steve was following her. She jumped on the top with her feet on the bench and Steve set everything down and sat next to her.

“Do you need a hug?” Steve asked. Natasha nodded, not trusting her voice. The super soldier put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him. Natasha let out a shaky breath, enjoying the warmth he gave off. Steve was always naturally warm, it had to do with the serum running through his veins.

“I don’t know how to do this,” she said. Her words were muffled as her face was buried in his chest. But she knew Steve could hear her. “She was my constant for 5 years. For 5 years, I knew she had my back.” Natasha ended the hug and put her arms on her lap, looking down. “How did you deal with it?” Steve looked at Bucky who was shaking his head at something Sam said, who was laughing. He must have told Bucky a joke.

“It was hard,” he finally said, looking back at Natasha. “But I had you and Sam. You helped a lot.” Natasha smiled. “You and Yelena will get through this. You guys are some of the strongest people I know,” Natasha cleared her throat. She pulled out his letter and handed it to him.

“She wrote you something,” Steve took it. “Before the time heist,” she stood up. “Be safe and come back to us.”

“I will.”

Natasha smiled, kissed his cheek, and walked over to the platform where Bruce was working. Steve was transported back to when they stood in front of Fury’s grave and she kissed him on the cheek, telling him to ask Sharon out. He looked at the letter in his hand, a little surprised you had the time to write to him. The super soldier opened the letter

Steve -

I knew you through stories before I met you. My father, the Red Guardian, told stories of how you and he fought. What he failed to tell me was that you were on ice long before he had a chance to meet you. But the man he made you seem like couldn’t compare to the man you are. You're courageous and you hold the weight of the world on your shoulders with a grace I envy. But I think that weight became too much.

I hate to admit but over the past 5 years, I grew to resent you and the other Avengers. You moved on, dealing with the guilt of the Battle of Wakanda in a way that was best for you. Because of that, you didn’t see the guilt that ate at Natasha. You didn’t see the late nights that nightmares kept her up or days I had to force her to eat something because she didn’t deserve food. I’m not telling you this to fill you with guilt. I envied you and the others because you could move on. In the end, you all came back together to rewrite a wrong.

The Avengers are a beautiful family. As families go they have their ups and downs, they fight and forgive, and love each other to the very end. I am glad my sister had you when they needed a family. Your family taught them how to love, laugh, smile, and be free.

You are a good man, Steve Rogers. I hope the best for you and the rest of the team. Thank them for me for being there for Natasha and Yelena when I wasn’t. Thank you.

Steve reread the letter and folded it, placing it in his pocket. He looked up and saw Natasha talking with Sam. He said something that made her laugh. It was good to see her laugh.

Natasha waited with bated breath as she listened to Burce's countdown to bringing Steve back. The doctor right before sending Steve back told her that he tried to bring you back, Vision too. Bruce said one and Steve appeared, a little disoriented when his helmet came off. Natasha noticed he had tears in his eyes. “I tried,” he said. “I tried.” Natasha knew what he meant.

Bucky was saying goodbye to T’Challa. Natasha was surprised to see his name among your letters but the man trained you at one point. He turned around and was surprised to see her. “Natalia,” he said as he walked over.

“Bucky, how are you?” The man looked tired.

“I’m ready for the fighting to be done,” Natasha nodded. She understood that feeling too well.

“I have something for you,” she handed him the letter. “Y/n wrote to you before -” she couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. Bucky took the letter with his flesh hand.

“Thank you,” he said. “I’m still getting my memories back, some things are clearer than others. But you sister I remember. She wouldn’t stop talking about you and Yelena,” Natasha fought tears that swelled in her eyes. “It was rather annoying at times.” He said it with a smile and it made Natasha laugh as she whipped away a few tears. “She helped me a lot during that time.”

“Yeah,” Natasha whispered. “I’ll see you around Bucky.”

“Nat,” the Black Widow stopped and faced him. “I’m here for you. Just let me know what I can do.” She didn’t respond but nodded her head. Buck found a quiet place to sit, away from prying eyes, and opened the envelope.

Bucky-

I bet you are surprised that I wrote you a letter but as you’ve come to know I do everything for a reason. I researched what HYDRA did to you and who you were before the man who trained me and so many other girls. I hope you don’t mind but I’m sorry that they put you through that. We had more in common than we thought. So I’m not sure how you remember me but I remember everything; every mission we went on, every minute we trained together, and every time they forced me to watch you get strapped to that chair.

On our last mission, we wrote a list together of things we wanted to do once we were free. Do you remember what we wrote? I found the list not too long ago. So now that you are free, finish this list for me.

Watch a sunset on a beach

Eat ice cream

Go dancing

See the Grand Canyon

Ride a rollercoaster

Go to the movies

Go on a date

Swim in a pool

Dance in the rain

Smile more

Be Happy

Enjoy the freedom, Bucky. You’ve earned it.

Bucky remembered that mission and the list you created. It was a stake and they had time as they sat and waited for the target. He was going to finish this list for you as you were a bright light during his time, it only seemed right.

Finally, Natasha sat down with a sigh. Her body ached down to her bones. She knew it was from everything that had happened. “Is this seat taken?” Clint asked, pointing to the empty spot next to her. Natasha shook her head. The archer sat down next to her, releasing a sigh of his own. “Where are you and Yelena headed to after this?” It took Natasha a second to reply.

“St. Petersburg,” she whispered. “We are going to visit Melina and Alexei,” She called them. It was a short call, a moment of peace amongst the chaos to tell them what happened.

“After that, you are welcome at the farm,” Clint said. “You aren’t alone in this.” It was the sentiment that everyone was giving her. You aren’t alone. I’m here for you. And Natasha was thankful for it but she didn’t want kind words, she just wanted her sister back.

“We may take you up on that,” she had to go find Yelena. “For you,” she handed him the letter. Clint hesitated but took it from her. “Safe travels back home. I’ll call you when we get to Melina’s.”

Clint grabbed Natasha’s hand and pulled her into a hug. The Black Widow tensed up not expecting the hug but soon relaxed in his arms. He felt her tears on his shirt. He understood. It could have been either of them, taking that leap to bring everyone back. But they were alive and they had to deal with you being gone.

He waited to read his letter, keeping it in his pocket on the flight home and the drive up to the house he hadn’t seen in 5 years. It was still there for family dinner and movie night, putting his kids to bed, and laying next to his wife. When Laura fell asleep, he crept down to the kitchen and sat at the dining room table with a bottle of scotch and the letter open.

Clint -

You were sent to kill my sister. You were given a mission to eliminate one of the Red Room’s best agents. But you didn’t. You ignored a direct order and gave her a chance to walk away. In doing so, you gave them freedom and I can’t thank you enough for that.

In those 5 years, you dealt with the Blip in a way you understood. You grieved for a family that was taken away from you, not by your choice. I understand that feeling far too well. You are not a monster or a bad person, who isn’t deserving of this chance to be with your family. You are human. Humans have complicated and messy emotions. So hug your family tight and tell them you love them.

I was in Budapest when you, Natasha, and Yelena destroyed half the city to try to kill Dreykov. As they and you know now it didn’t work. But I don’t want to dwell on that. I want to focus on the good and that is the unbreakable relationship you forged with my sisters. You put yourself in danger to help them defect to a better life. That takes a special (or stupid) type of person to do that.

You, your wife, and your kids invited Yelena and Natasha into your family. I saw how much it hurt Nat that she couldn’t bring you home like she was failing you. But you are home now. Continue to look after them for me. I wish we had more time to get to know each other and that I got to meet Nathaniel. You're a good brother to them, Clint. So thank you.

“Clint?” He looked up through his blurry eyes and saw Laura. She was wearing a robe and a small smile on her face. Without saying anything, she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. The archer rested his head on her chest and cried.

“I love you,” he whispered. “I love you so much.”

Pepper got a hotel room for those who didn’t feel like traveling, the woman was a saint. Natasha opened the door to her and Yelena’s room with food from a nearby burger place. Yelena was sitting on the balcony, her feet on the metal railing. She hadn’t said anything to Natasha but her eyes were red and blotchy from her tears. “I got your favorite,” she said, placing the food on the small table. “Well, I tried to get your favorite.” Natasha pulled out two burgers and a large fry. She got Yelena a chocolate and peanut butter milkshake. But the blonde made no move to grab the food. “Please eat,” Natasha said. “For me.” She added. The words left her mouth so effortlessly that they caused her throat to close up. When the guilt got too much, those 2 simple words got her to eat. But Yelena didn’t. She stood up and walked back into the hotel room. “Yelena,” She called after her. “Talk to me please.” Yelena stopped.

“What is there to say?” She asked. Her Russian accent laced the words. It only happened when she was drunk or she was emotional.

“Anything. Just don’t shut me out.” Yelena slowly turned around to face her.

“How did she die?” She asked. Natasha felt her heart skip. Deep down she knew Yelena had every right to know the truth but Natasha wasn’t ready for that conversation.

“What?”

“How. Did. Our sister. Die?” She asked, taking steps to close the distance between them. “I’ve tried to get someone to tell me. I asked Steve, Rhodney, Clint, and even Rocket but no one would tell me. So tell me,” Natasha couldn’t. How could she look in her baby sister’s eye and tell her she was going to lose someone she cared about no matter who came home from Vormir.

“She died to bring everyone back,” Yelena scuffed, throwing her arms to the side. The answer wasn’t what she was looking for. Natasha went to her nightstand and pulled out Yelena’s letter. “Here, she wrote this. It's for you.” Yelena took it. She stared at it, an unclear expression on her face. Soon it morphed into anger.

“I don’t want this,” she threw the letter to the ground. “I want her back.”

“I know-”

“You don’t know!” Yelena yelled. “You don’t know anything. I wanted more time with her. You got 5 extra years with her. That’s not fair!” Natasha let Yelena yell at her. She let her words bounce off of her. At least she was talking even though her words were laced with venom. “We should have gone back for her.” The sudden conversation switch gave Natasha whiplash.

“What are you talking about?” Natasha asked.

“We should have known that the Red Room was still active and that she was trapped. She would have come looking for us if she could have. But you didn’t care about her,” Yelena pointed at Natasha. “You didn’t want to face her and share what we found. You were being selfish. Why didn’t we go back for her?” Natasha was shocked into silence, barely recognizing the girl that stood in front of her. Yelena whipped the tears off her face and turned to leave the room. She opened the door, almost running into Maria as she stormed past. Natasha sat on the food of her bed, hands covering her face. She knew better than to now follow Yelena. The blonde needed to cool down. But the words thrown at her didn’t help the guilt already eating at Natasha.

“I heard yelling and I wanted to see if everything was okay,” Maria said, walking into their room. Natasha didn’t look up. “I can see that it isn’t,” she laughed bitterly, uncovering her face. “Do you need a hug, to talk, or a drink?”

“A drink. I need a drink.”

When Natasha stumbled into her hotel room after a few too many drinks with Maria, she was greeted with darkness. But she did see Yelena’s sleeping form in bed and the letter was picked up. The Black Widow slipped underneath the covers and sleep welcomed her.

It was a strange Deja Vu moment as Natasha walked up to the farmhouse with Yelena next to her. The last time she was here, her family was whole, broken but whole as they tried to come up with a plan to take down the Red Room. Every time you asked her to visit Melina, Natasha gave an excuse. Maybe she should have joined you. The door opened and Melina and Alexei walked out. Natasha heard Yelena let out a shaky breath and quickened her steps to reach the older Russian. Melina opened her arms to engulf the blonde. Natasha slowed down to give the two some space. Being here will be good, she thought. Yelena ended the hug and walked over to Alexei. The Russian super soldier was unsure of himself but Yelena hugged him and he hugged her back. It was a quick hug but Natasha saw Yelena nod at something Alexei said and walk into the house. Natasha continued walking and only stopped when Melina stood in front of her. “Natasha.”

“Hi mama,” she wasn’t expecting the older Black Widow to give her a quick hug.

“You look tired,” Melina said, taking a step back to look at her.

“I’m hungover.”

“Ah,” she smiled. “That would do it. Come, I’ve made food and I can get you something for that hangover.” They walked back to the house in silence. Natasha had three more letters; one for Melina, one for Alexei, and then her’s. She had no idea how you wrote all of these in a short amount of time. Alexei greeted her with a smile.

“Natalie,” he said. “I’m sorry about Y/n.” She wondered how long it was going to be until hearing your name stopped hurting.

“She would be glad it worked and you came back to annoy us with stories of your glory days.” Natasha teased. Alexei laughed and followed her into the house. “Where is Yelena?”

“She asked me where Y/n’s room was,” he said. “I wasn’t if it changed.”

“It didn’t,” Melina assured him but Natasha wasn’t listening. She walked over to the dining room table and it was covered with photos of you and Natasha assumed were other Widows. She recognized one and picked up the photo of you and Soyna with baby pigs, warm smiles on both of your faces. “Some of the Widows want to have a small service for her,” Melina said, standing next to her. “They asked me to get a few things out. I can put it away.”

“No,” Natasha said, putting the picture down. “You can keep it out.” She forgot that part of your life as it seemed like a lifetime ago. While she and Yelena were on the run from the government, you were cleaning up the mess the Red Room made. A mess that shouldn’t have happened if Natasha just went back for you. Maybe Yelena was right. “How is that going?” She asked, following Melina into the kitchen. Melina directed her to sit at a small table. She did and watched the odd Russian couple interact with one another. Alexei may have been gone for 5 years but they moved smoothly in the kitchen. He poured bowls of soup from a pot while Melina made a drink. He set one bowl down in front of Natasha and went to take the other to Yelena.

“We made progress during those 5 years a lot of the Widows were Blipped,” Melina put a glass on the table and sat down with a sigh. “Which is still an awful name.” Natasha smiled, taking a spoonful of the soup. It was good. It provided her with the warmth that she was missing. The drink on the other hand made her gag.

“Did you put vodka in this?” She asked.

“What do you Americans say, ‘hair of the dog?” Natasha rolled her eyes. “But with everyone being back, there is still work that needs to be done.”

“We or I can help,” it was the least she could do and she wasn’t sure what Yelena wanted.

“Soyna is handling it for now,” Melina put her hand over Natasha. “How are you doing?” Natasha wasn’t sure. She wanted to wake up and for this to be a horrible dream.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly.

“Well, you can stay here as long as you need to figure it out,” Melina said. “They may be some extra clothes that she left here but we can go into the city to get you stuff.” Nothing survived the compound being attacked.

“Thank you,” Alexei came back without the bowl in his hand.

“Yelena asked me to tell you she wants to see you. The room is down the hall and to the right,” Natasha went without another word. She found her sister, sitting on the floor with her back against the bed. Without saying a word, Natasha sat down next to her. In her hands was a photo strip that was ripped on one edge.

“I miss her,” Yelena whispered, putting her head on Natasha’s shoulder.

“Yeah, so do I.”

Melina told Natasha that Alexei liked to go fishing when she asked where the super soldier was. There was a creek that flowed on the edge of the property. So Natasha went to find him. It wasn’t hard but the Black Widow was surprised by how peaceful it was and how quiet Alexei was. “Come join me, Natalia,” he said, not taking his eyes off the water. Natasha sat on a rock next to him. “When your sister was here and not freeing Widows, I tried to get her to come fishing with me,” he chuckled. “She wasn’t happy with the early wake-up calls but I told her it was good for her. I probably told her a cool Red Guardian story.”

“Super cool,” Natasha teased. The man smiled.

“I think I was trying to make it up to her,” he said. “I wasn’t the father you girls deserved.” Natasha looked away from him and stared out at the water.

“I remember that day so clearly,” she finally said. “For a second, I thought you’d listen to her. You were going to take Yelena and me back to Ohio,” she looked back at him. “But you didn’t.”

“I didn’t,” he softly said. He brought the line back in and cast it out.

“Do you regret it?” He didn’t respond right away, focused on letting more lines out.

“I don’t know,” Natasha knew it was a complicated question. “I mean I wish you girls didn’t have to go through that but would you and Yelena have become Avengers if I disobeyed an order?” He asked. She wasn’t sure. One of the many possibilities on how her fate could have been different. Natasha took out his letter and handed it to him.

“She wrote you something,” she stood up, whipping the dirt off her pants. “Maybe I’ll join you out here tomorrow.” Alexei nodded, looking down at the letter in his hands. Natasha smiled, leaving the super soldier alone.

Dad-

I remember that day in Cuba so vividly. I had that gun pointed at you and I was ready to fight you and every guard there, even when I knew I didn’t stand a chance. So I pleaded with you to take Yelena and Natasha back home and take me instead. But you didn’t. It made me question if you ever truly cared about us. The first few days I was so angry with you. I hated you. For 3 years you were my dad and I was your daughter. Was it just a mission to you? Did you ever care?

I think it was both. You were following orders but there were moments when I think you cared about us. Remember when a girl in my class said no when I asked her to go to a dance? You asked me if you wanted to go threaten her. Or when some neighborhood kids were picking on Yelena you taught her to stand up for herself. She gave the kid a black eye and as Melina punished her you gave her a candy bar. Natasha wanted to play on the baseball team instead of softball and you stayed up with her to teach her how to catch a baseball and throw one. The mission didn’t require you to do those things. You wanted to be somebody to someone; someone important. You choose Dreykov when to us you were already the most important person. Mission or not, you are our father.

If you are writing this then our plan worked and I didn’t come home but that’s okay. I got to experience the father you could be for 2 years now it's Natasha and Yelena’s turn. Take them to your fishing spot, teach them how to help Melina with the pigs, tell them stories about the birds that visit the farm, and most importantly love them because I know you do.

Also, I fought with Captain America so suck on that!

Alexei laughed, shaking his head. Of course, you would end a goodbye letter in a way to make him laugh. He folded the letter and tapped it against his hand. Cuba will always haunt him. He could see the fear in your eyes and your tears as you pleaded with him to disobey Dreykov. Alexei sighed and looked toward the way Natasha walked. He was going to make it right and be the father they needed.

After dinner, Natasha found Melina in her workshop creating more of the Red Dust. “I have something for you,” Natasha said. Melina put the test tubes down and looked at her. The letter was already in Natasha’s hand.

“Alexei told me about his letter,” she handed Melina the letter. “Have you read yours?” The redhead shook her head.

“If I read it then it cements that she's not coming back,” she said. “That she’s gone.” Melina put the letter down on her workbench.

“Come sit,” Natasha sighed, sitting down next to Melina. “There is a Hebrew poem about death and in that poem, there is a line, ‘As long as we live, they will live, for they are now part of us, as we remember them.’ She may have died but she isn’t gone. She’s here,” she pointed to Natasha’s head. “And here.” She pointed to her heart.

“It’s the same,” Melina nodded, whipping away a few tears. Natasha didn’t realize she was crying.

“No, it’s not but it’s our new normal.”

Natasha stayed with Melina as she worked. Finally, the redhead retired to her room. Melina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She went through the Red Room 3 times before any of her children were born. They taught her how to control her emotions but she felt so out of control right now. When Natasha called her and told her of your passing and that she and Yelena were headed to St. Petersburg when they had a moment, all Melina could say was ‘okay’. But deep down her heart was aching. It felt unfair how little time you had. She picked up the letter, carefully opened the envelope, and unfolded the paper.

Mama-

So many years ago you told us to not let them take our hearts. That simple saying kept me alive, it gave me the strength to continue and made me a better person. It made me realize that you kept yours. I remember the look in your eyes when you said, ‘I’m sorry’ to us when Alexei told us we were leaving. You didn’t want to leave either. I wonder what our life would be like if we got to stay in Ohio. Would I go to college? Would Natasha play sports in high school? Would we interrogate Yelena’s prom date and tell them to have her home by 10? These questions kept me up at night and they would hurt.

I’m grateful for the few extra years we had together; late nights in your lab working in silence, cooking dinner for the few Widows that were living with us and helping you take care of the pigs. I wish we had more of those memories but I cherish that.

Do me a favor. Step out of your lab and live. Smile. Be happy. Live your life and breakthrough that conditioning they put you through. It will be hard and painful and scary but it will be worth it. Allow yourself to smile and laugh at Alexei. Cry over stupid rom-com movies. Live for me, mama. I’ll miss you.

Melina dropped the letter down to her desk. She felt the tears form in her eyes. Her throat burned. She couldn’t remember the last time she cried. She covered her mouth and cried.

It was now or never. Natasha paced back and forth in her room with the letter resting on her bed. She couldn’t bring herself to read it. Frustrated, she put the letter on the nightstand, slammed the drawer shut, and climbed into bed.

Screaming woke Yelena up. She jumped out of bed and ran to the door. The scream was from Natasha’s room. She opened the door, almost ripping it off the hinges, and saw Natasha thrashing under the covers. Yelena ran to her side. “Natasha,” she said. “Natasha, wake up. It’s just a nightmare. You're safe.” Her sister woke up with a gasp, eyes frantically darting around the room. “Hey,” Yelena sat on her bed, grabbing onto her face. “You’re okay. I’m here. It’s okay.” She heard Alexei and Melina enter the room but she ignored them. The last time she saw Natasha this broken was after the battle against Thanos at the compound when she learned of your death. Natasha choked on a sob and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m sorry,” she said. It was hard to hear over her tears. “It should have been me,” Yelena pulled away, still keeping her hands on Natasha’s arms.

“What are you talking about?” She took a few breaths to calm herself down.

“We came up with a plan,” Melina sat at the edge of the bed and Alexei took a seat in the corner. “It involved all of us separating into groups and going back in time to get the infinity stones from different parts of the pass,” Yelena understood every other word Natasha just said. Bruce tried to explain it to her when she asked how they did it. “Clint, Y/n, and I went to Vormir,” she stopped, shaking her head. “I should have seen it but I didn’t, not like she did. When we got there, the guardian greeted us. He said -” her voice cracked. “He said that the 2 of us were going to get the stone but one of us was going to lose everything; in every listing exchange. A soul for a soul,” Natasha looked down at her lap. “She hit Clint with her Widow Bites and ran for the cliff. I tackled her but she flipped me over. She jumped but I jumped after her,” Yelena’s hands squeezed Natasha’s arms. “I grabbed her hand and attached myself to the cliff with a grappling hook.” Natasha looked up at her sister. “I pleaded with her to not do it but she kicked the wall and slipped out of hand.” The room was stunned into a heavy silence. Yelena looked at Alexei and Melina, their faces were neutral but their eyes portrayed their true feelings. They didn’t know either. “It should have been me,” she said again.

“No,” Yelena said. “No, don’t say that. How could you say that?” She asked, pushing Natasha on the shoulder.

“It’s true! You said you wanted more time with her. We just got her back and now she’s gone because I-” her voice cracked. “I didn’t save her again.”

“Natasha,” Melina said. “Your sister was as stubborn as you.” Yelena hated the usage of ‘was’. “There was no stopping her.” The redhead pushed the palm of her hands against her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry,” Yelena wasn’t sure how to help her. She’s never seen her this distraught.

“Sometimes in our lives, we’ll have pain and sorrow,” Yelena whispered. “But if we are wise we know that there’s always tomorrow. So lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on,” she remembered the phrase you used to say to them when life became too hard, nightmares, fights, and when they were being transported to the Red Room. It felt wrong on her lips but Yelena knew her sister needed it. Her shoulders relaxed at the familiar phrase. “I miss her, I do, and I love her. But I need you. I don’t want to choose between losing you or her. I just-” Yelena was struggling to find her words. “I need you. You're my sister, my best friend.” Natasha nodded, pulling Yelena into a hug.

“I’m here,” she said. Yelena felt Natasha’s heart beating.

“We are all here,” Alexei said. “Family, right?”

“A pretty dysfunctional one,” Natasha mumbled. Yelena laughed, ending the hug and looking at Melina and Alexei. This was the reason you gave up your life for these moments. Yelena was still so angry but these moments made it feel worth it.

Yelena waited until Natasha fell asleep and she snuck back into her room. With a sigh, she sat down on her bed and pulled out the letter from underneath her pillow. She ran her thumb over her name and finally opened it. When she opened the envelope, she was surprised to find a sticky note instead of a piece of paper. On the sticky note, a micro SD card was taped onto it, and ‘Throw on the ground’ was written on it. Her hands shook as she took off the card and threw it on the ground. As it landed, a blue hologram version of you appeared. Yelena’s heart skipped and her stomach dropped. You were wearing your tactical suit.

“Is this recording?” You asked, looking up.

“Yes, Miss. Y/n,” the AI answered. You laughed. God, Yelena missed it.

“Sorry FRIDAY,” you smiled. “This is my first hologram.” You looked at Yelena and the air left her lungs. My malen'koye solnyshko (little sun),” she never thought she would hear you say that name. You didn’t say anything but stared ahead. “You are the first letter I’ve written because there is so much I want to say but I don’t know where to start,” you let out a shaky breath. “I am so proud of you. Over the past few years, I looked up all the different missions you and Nat did with SHIELD and the Avengers and you did amazing things. You saved so many people and I am speechless about the woman you’ve become. You aren’t that scared little girl that came running to me when it thundered,” Yelena was still scared of them. “You are brave, wise, smart, and beautiful. You-” Your voice cracked. “Wanda said to me that you wished we had more time together and so do I but it's,” you sighed. Yelena could see the tears running down your cheeks and she knew her face mirrored you. “I want to say it’s okay but we both know it’s not. The world can be a cruel place full of darkness and loss and death and you begin to wonder if what we do is worth it. Because as soon as we remove one man from power another will take its place and the cycle will continue.” You sighed, running your hands through your hair.

“We’ve seen that darkness. You, Natasha, and I were subjected to it and forced to be a part of it. So yes, the world is dark but it’s also beautiful. I got to see a small glimpse of the life you and Natasha created. I watched the sun rise and fall on the compound and count the stars. There are so many stars in the sky I must have been too busy to look up.

“And no your back and I’m gone. My malen'koye solnyshko (little sun). You bring so much light into this beautiful world. Please don’t let my death darken it,” you smiled, wiping away your tears. “Also, be nice to Natasha this wasn’t her fault and I know she’s blaming herself. You guys are going to be just fine. Do you know why?”

“Why?” Yelena found herself asking.

“Because my sisters are the strongest in the world,” you mimicked Alexei’s accent which caused Yelena to laugh. “You're my hero Yelena. Thank you for allowing me to be your sister. I love you.” The hologram disappeared. Her room was quiet besides the pounding of her heart.

“You are my hero, sestra,” Yelena whispered. “You are mine.

Natasha woke up and saw Yelena sleeping next to her. Her cheeks had tear stains. She slowly sat up but the movement caused Yelena to groan, her eyes fluttering open. “Go back to sleep,” she whispered. Yelena nodded, her eyes already closed. Natasha got out of bed and took the envelope out of the nightstand. On quiet feet, she ventured out of the house. She sat on the grass and opened the envelope. She pulled out a sticky note with a micro SD card and wrote on it, ‘Throw on the ground.’ Confused, Natasha threw the card on the grass and a blue hologram appeared. It was you. The day of the time heist. “You son of a bitch,” Natasha gasped.

“Natasha,” you smiled. “I’m sorry that this has happened. I think the universe likes to keep you and me and Yelena apart. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t together or a family.” You sighed, rubbing the back of your head. “I’m not sure what words to say to make this better. Maybe I’m not supposed to make it better, it’s going to be your new normal,” you threw your hands to the side. “I don’t know what to say to you, Nat. I want to give you some sisterly advice or thank you for those 5 years we had together or how much you mean to me as a sister but I think you know that, right?” Your voice was so soft and quiet. “I know you know. I’d do anything for you and Yelena even if a certain redhead reminded me that we weren't,” you teased. Natasha rolled her eyes. “I guess I’ll give you this. No more guilt, okay? And I know I saw that like it was the easiest thing in the world and I know it isn’t. But everything that has happened to me and every girl that was part of the Red Room was not your fault. One person can not save the world, that’s too much pressure.

“I won’t keep this long because I don’t want this to be a goodbye letter. So get out from behind your desk. Find love. Get married. Buy a house with a white picnic fence and a big yard for your dog and kids. Live. Because life,” your hologram looked over your shoulder. Natasha remembered you had a window in your room, you must have looked at it but your hologram turned to look at the Russian sunset. “Is beautiful.” Natasha felt tears run down her cheeks. “Don’t cry for me. I’ll be with you always.”

Natasha looked over her shoulder to see Yelena walking over to her with a blanket over her shoulders. She smiled at the hologram version of you as it disappeared. She sat down next to Natasha, putting the blanket over her shoulders. The sun was slowly rising into the sky, indicating a new day. For the first time in a long time, Natasha took a deep breath in and slowly let it out and her guilt wasn’t as crushing. It would take time for the hurt to ease but she felt free.

You watched your sister look towards the Russian sunrise. With a smile, you walked over to Natasha and sat down next to her. You loved the color of the sky in the morning. ‘Come on, kid,’ you turned around to see Tony. ‘We can’t stay.’ You looked back at your sisters.

‘I think I’ll stay,’ you said. ‘I’d like to see where life takes them.’

Fin.

This was fun! Sorry everyone

632 notes · View notes

fernandoswarcrimes · 2 years ago

Text

𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓜𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼

Summary: the secret meeting this is part two to 𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓶 Word count: 5.3k Warnings: sad bits, brief mentions of Jules, Anthoine, parents neglect, the media being the media and fluff Note: here we get to see the duo have lunch and get to know eacgother better, but will it last before it even gets started?

Also, can you spot the cars 2 quote? Leave a 🏎️ if you can pick it out.

Tag list: @weirdestmentalityphilosopher @totostables @yourmom-lmao @dessxoxsworld @aracee @buendiabebeta @stillbreathin @flyingmushroomss @moneymasnn@christianpulisic10 @pierre-gasssllyy @heavengirls111 @evans-dejong @hungryhungarian @charlie123456789 @glitterquadricorn @Mariar31 @mick2mercedes @squirreljoe

Tuesday.

Tuesdays would normally be a normal relaxing day for Gracelinde but this Tuesday was different, nerve racking.

Her parents had no idea she was going to be meeting Monaco’s golden boy for lunch.

She tried on her fourth sweater of the day looking at herself in the mirror.

the pink one was too light

the purple was too bright

the yellow made her look sickly

but this one was cream, it had been a gift from Alexei and Dimitri.

It was the first decent one she came across since she started getting ready two hours ago.

Gracie ran her hands over the sweater stopping at the light pair of jeans she had on. It wasn’t something she usually reached for. Sticking mostly to skirts and dresses but today she just wanted to blend in amongst the tourists and locals milling about outside the palace.

Seeing the black cardigan laying on the chaise, she picked it up and slipped it on over her sweater and gave herself a twirl in the mirror. A bright smile spread its way across her cheeks, finally happy with her outfit, but then the nerves settled back in.

It would be a lose lose either way for all three of them.

On the other side of the city Charles was on the phone with Pierre as he looked over his outfit for the 8th time that day. He wasn’t any better than the blonde girl who was also worried over her own outfit.

“I don’t know about this Pierre, what if I screw things up?” The brunette boy asked as he fiddled with his shirt, his phone sat propped up atop his dresser with the French boy on FaceTime since he was the only one with a solid fashion sense besides Lewis or Zhou, but he didn’t want to bother either of them knowing they would ask too many questions that Charles didn’t have the time nor answers to.

“Impossible.” Pierre said as he continued to hit the buttons on his controller, not really paying attention to his best friend's clothing crisis, too busy playing Call of Duty with Yuki. “Just apply the same level of dedication you’ve been using to play the dumb idiot and you’ll be fine. It’s not like she’s gonna notice anyways Charles, girls don’t pay attention to stuff like that when you look as attractive as we do.”

Charles sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror. “It’s just that she’s different, you know? She isn’t just some girl Pierre she's- wait. Did you say idiot?” He looked down at his phone, confused and a little hurt at the comment his best friend just made like it was normal. “Is that how you guys see me?” He questioned, afraid of the answer he was about to get from the Rouen boy after he so casually said that.

Pierre just rolled his eyes as he swore under his breath hitting a few more buttons before deadpanning, finally pausing the game to look at Charles. “That’s how everyone sees you Charles, isn’t that the idea? I mean come on, it’s genius. No one realizes they’re being fooled because they’re too busy laughing at the fool. They just don’t know that you’re genuinely that big of an idiot.” It was a part of Charles charm, that he was an airhead, everybody knew it. Even if he didn’t realize it himself.

Charles just frowned at his phone. He never realized everyone thought he was an idiot. Sure he still struggled with his English from time to time and it took him a few minutes to get jokes but he thought that was normal. It made him rethink every encounter he’s had in the past few weeks, he felt like he was going to puke.

“I’ve got to go mate.” He said before quickly hitting the end call button not even waiting for Pierre to respond. He started to regret calling him in the first place as he looked at himself in the mirror, looking over the outfit his best friend picked out.

It was absolutely not the right outfit to meet Gracie in.

Pierre had made him put on a black and white flower design button up shirt, ripped gray jeans that cuffed at the ankles, and a bandanna. It just felt wrong. It’s like he was trying to make him look like a disaster in front of the blonde princess who asked to meet her for lunch.

Charles shook his head and started taking the shirt off walking back to his closet. He wasn’t wearing this, there was no chance in hell. The bright eyed boy looked at all the clothes he had for a moment before pulling out a plain white t-shirt and his black hoodie. It was a safe choice, and one that went with everything. “This could work” he thought before looking at his options for pants. He picked up a black pair of jeans and looked between them and the hoodie, before checking the time on his watch he had twenty minutes till he had to be at La Pampa so this outfit had to be it whether he hated it or not.

Gracie picking La Pampa was intentional, the restaurant sat facing the palace square and it was the main reason Dimitri agreed to help her with this secret meeting. Seeing as he could stand off to the side blending in with the crowd enough to keep an eye on the younger girl while still giving her and Charles space to talk and have lunch like normal people.

Well as normal as a Royal and famous formula one driver could.

Alexei on the other hand did not think it was a good idea. The younger light haired man was always one to stick to the rules, and that meant that no meetings went without her parents' prior knowledge or approval, something his boyfriend Dimitri ignored from time to time, would happen. Mick and Lance were one thing because Gracie and her parents had known the boys for the last few years, unlike Charles who she had just met two days ago. It just didn’t seem safe to him for her to be going off with this boy. Famous or not. He didn’t agree with it one bit.

But Dimitri, the ever so charming man he was, said if Albert and Charlene had a problem with it that he’d take the fall for it all. He really just wanted to see the tiny blonde girl genuinely be happy for once, for her to get to experience something as normal as going out to lunch with a boy that didn’t have any underlying schemes or meanings to it. Unlike when her parents would set up outings between her and Nikolai.

It was the little things in life that she was missing out on.

The brunette man knocked on the door to let Grace know it was nearly time for them to make their way out without getting caught. “Coming Mitri!” He heard her call out before hearing a bit of stumbling which made him chuckle as the door swung open. “You alright there Bambi?” He questioned causing her to pout. “Come on kid, don’t wanna keep Prince Charming waiting do we? Al said he’s already there, punctual the kid is eh?” He teased as they made their way to the side gate that would let them sneak out easier.

Even though Alexei said he wanted no part in this scheme of a clandestine meeting because it would almost always end in misery, he had to run an errand for Charlene and just so happened to see the boy already at the restaurant waiting for Gracie. So there was no harm in telling Dimitri that he did in fact show up, earlier than the time they set.

Gracie could feel her nerves start to rise again as she messed with the ends of her sleeves before fixing the bow in her hair. “Don’t be nervous Gracie-Lou. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” She heard the Russian man reassure her, giving him a small nod and smile. “You look like you’re gonna be in a spy movie.” She commented with an amused grin.

The taller brunette man had on a baseball cap and dark sunglasses along with his jeans and hoodie, which was something he never wore. It was odd, but funny at least to the smaller blonde to see him in something that wasn’t a well pressed suit like he normally wore.

“Well I can’t just stand outside in my suit, Miss Sassypants. I think that would draw a bit too much attention don't you?” Dimitri said sarcastically but his face held a teasing grin when he saw the flat look she flashed at him for trying to be funny. He enjoyed riling the girl up, not having kids of his own; she was the closest thing he had to a daughter and having looked after her since she was about six he and Alexei grew to treat her like their own seeing as her own parents were seemingly always far too busy to care or genuinely love the girl.

“Now lighten up, you’re having lunch with Monaco’s most eligible bachelor. Some girls would kill to be in your shoes. Then again- I guess I could say the same for him, you both are in the same boat of people wishing they could be with the both of you.” The taller man rambled as he opened the door for her letting her go out first before following after her. “Mitri, please you’re not making my nerves any better.” She said quietly as they walked up the sidewalk to the square the crowd chatter getting louder and louder the closer they got.

The sun was high in the sky which was a good sign, she would’ve hated it if it was to rain today. But luckily they were getting into early summer which also meant more tourists.

Gracie took a deep breath as La Pampa came into view “I’ll walk you over just to get a scope of everything then I’ll go and stand by the wall over there by the statue to give you two some privacy, if you two want to take a walk just flash me our hand single and I’ll keep my distance.” The blonde girl nodded with a smile appreciative that he was willing to do this for her.

The older man spotted Charles sitting at a table off to the side away from a few others and guided Gracie towards the boy. The oncoming footsteps made the Ferrari driver look up from his phone before quickly standing up, nearly bumping into the table with a sheepish smile. “Hey..” he said softly causing Gracie to smile back replying softly “hi.”

“Alright..” Dimitri said, looking between the awkward pair. “I’m gonna make myself scarce, so enjoy your lunch Gracie-Lou you know the drill and the rules.” He commented, patting the blonde on the shoulder before looking over at Charles giving him a small nod walking off to stand where he told Gracie he’d be. “Here let me get your chair.” Charles spoke before moving to pull out the girls chair for her which made her shake her head softly with a grin as she sat down. “You know you didn’t have to do that right?” She asked once he took his own seat.

“I know, but my mom raised my brothers and I to be gentlemen.” Charles said with a small smile causing the bubbly blonde to nod and grin as she picked up the menu to look it over. “So.. Gracie Lou? It’s a cute nickname” he commented, causing a flush to appear across the blonde's cheeks as she looked back up at him with a small smile. “He’s been calling me that since I was younger, I always liked how the grinch stole Christmas. He said I reminded him of Cindy-Lou Who.” She rambled before pausing realizing what she was doing and quickly grew quiet remembering how her mother would scold her for talking too much as she looked down at the menu even though she already knew what she was going to get because she got the same thing every time she ate here.

Charles smiled listening to her explain the nickname, he found it adorable. “I can see the resemblance button nose and bright doe eyes.” He said before noticing she had grown quiet and closed in on herself after speaking about it, like she wasn’t supposed to talk so much. It made him frown a bit as he looked at her trying to figure out why someone would keep her from expressing herself so animatedly because to him it was the cutest thing.

“What are you thinking of getting?” She asked glancing up at him to see him suddenly bashful for getting caught staring at her when she wasn’t looking, he just couldn’t help but want to look at her still not believing that this was actually happening and he wasn’t being pranked. “I’m not quite sure. What do you usually get?” He questioned wanting to know if she had any recommendations or what she liked from here.

“I usually get the Lemon Sugar Crepès and a pineapple shake.” Gracie said, closing the menu as she smiled at him. “It reminds me of summertime.” “I think I’ll go with that too then, I have to see what they’re all about and maybe next time if you’d like, I can show you my favorite restaurant?” He offered with a hopeful look causing a bright smile to spread across her lips. “I’d like that a lot, it's a deal.”

As the waiter walked over greeting the two and taking their orders the two got to know eachother better, Charles got to know her favorite movie which happened to be Ratatouille claiming that she’s always loved the art that goes into cooking even though she’s not allowed to cook at home and how it’s set in paris a city that she’s dying to see in person. He learned that she loved to paint and read literature. How Mick's sister taught her how to ride horses last year, something she found fun even though it absolutely terrified her. Everything about her was fascinating. The more and more he found out about the girl the quicker he started to fall for her because she was such a genuine person despite the life she was born into.

Then it was her turn to get to know Charles. He told her how his favorite tracks were street circuits because they had a reputation for being extremely difficult and how he embraces the added difficulty, and that's the way he likes it. His favorite number is seven and wanted to use that as his driver number but Kimi had already gotten to it first. How he taught himself how to play piano in his off time. He liked skiing and being with his family when he could seeing as they were all super close. He told her how at first, he was nervous to be teammates with Sebastian but now they’re close friends even after the German driver moved to Aston Martin. Gracie could listen to the boy go on and on about anything and never get tired of listening to him talk about things he was passionate about.

After they had eaten, they both decided that her idea for Lemon sugar crepès was a great idea but next time Charles swore his favorite restaurant would top this.

“Would you want to maybe go for a walk?” Charles asked hesitantly as they both stood up. He didn’t know if she had any commitments the rest of the day but he knew he’d regret it if he didn’t at least ask. “I’d love to.” Gracie nodded as she pushed in her chair and took his outstretched hand with a smile. The two making their way to the sidestreets, Charles making sure he was the one to walk on the side of the sidewalk that mirrored the road, the blonde gave Dimitri the signal to follow before focusing back on Charles.

“So what got you into racing?” Grace questioned wanting to know more about his racing passion after getting to know him on a more personal level over lunch.

Charles glanced at her for a moment as they walked through the streets trying to figure out how to say what he wanted without bringing the mood down because that was the last thing he wanted to do around the sunshine girl. “Well, racings always been a part of my family. My father was a racer in formula 3 and my godfather Jules was a driver too, for formula one. I don’t just do it for me anymore, I want to make them proud and continue on for Jules since he didn’t get to show everyone how good he could’ve been, I know he would’ve been great if he just had more time with everyone.” He explained glancing at the shorter girl seeing her listening intently which he appreciated.

“I remember hearing about the crash, about Jules, they said there hadn’t been a crash like that since Senna. That’s when they put the halo in place right?” She questioned causing him to nod, listening to her now just as she did him. He wanted to hear what she thought of it, an outsider's perspective on something that had been weighing on his mind for the last six years.

“Life has a way of having unfortunate things happen that nobody expects coming. We’ve seen it all through history with disasters and tragedies but the outcomes, the after effects of picking things up and making sure they don’t happen the same way as before shows that if people had thought of it sooner it might’ve been prevented, but then everyone hangs onto the what ifs instead of the here and now. Like a butterfly effect. I’m sorry you lost him, and your friend Anthoine, in 2019? That was when you won in Spa. I remember that race. I can’t believe they made you guys continue on like nothing the next day after something like that happened. Racing at the speeds you guys do is such a beautiful sport but it comes at such a cost in the blink of an eye. Though it takes strength to continue to do what you do. I'm sure you’re making them really proud, I know you make Monaco proud.” Gracie said softly, she could never imagine what losing someone close to you, whether it be family, a friend, or a teammate and having to continue on in the same sport without them would feel like.

Charles was speechless, she had so easily put into words what he had been trying to do for years. He knew it was a freak accident that nobody expected to happen. Aquaplaning can happen in the blink of an eye, everyone knows that and despite it, there’s no stopping it like she pointed out. But it was the aftermath, the changes to keep it from happening again. The Halo, first trialed in 2016 before it became mandatory in the sport two years later, protected their heads from flying debris or the car flipping. Hopefully to keep what happened to Jules from happening again. And it had worked, it had saved countless drivers lives since then but like she said, if one thing had been different back then, everything would be different today.

Just like a butterfly effect.

“You look like him, you know.” The blue eyed girl softly spoke as she looked up at him; nobody had forgotten the French driver. How could they when Charles was nearly a spitting image of him. Despite the older driver being from Nice, his ashes rest in the Monte Carlo cemetery, in a tomb amongst the other prestigious and famous people the city had laid to rest. He had the same eyes and smile as Jules, she was sure if you put a picture of the two side by side it’d be a hard game of ‘spot the difference’.

But Charles was different from his godfather. She could see the sunflowers that circled his irises, something she found enchanting because that was something not many people had, how when he laughed his eyes crinkled and the dimples in his cheeks deepened his laugh was a sound she never wanted to forget. She noticed he was shy, yet outgoing once he got comfortable with someone. Scared yet cautious of letting people get close to him, for good reason. His accent leaned more towards Italian unlike Jules who’s accent was softer and more distinctly French. It was little things like that, that made the two nearly the same yet polar opposites. She was sure the boy next to her was a real life Disney Prince, she couldn’t find one bad thing about him. She would find out later he is fiercely competitive and a terribly messy packer. He was perfect in her eyes, even if he did think his restaurant could beat her lemon sugar crepes, that was debatable.

Charles could say the same for her. “You look like your grandmother, the famous Grace Kelly.” He didn’t watch old movies a lot but he knew of the city’s former princess from the fifties. Nearly everyone did and the girl next to him looked almost identical to the late American actress that had a lot to do with the city being how it was today. Her mark was left everywhere, street names, the hospital, she even had a famous Hermès bag named after her, which he noticed the shorter girl was carrying the day he met her and again today except today the bag was beige instead of emerald green. The actress would continue to live on through her granddaughter in more ways than one. She had the same soft facial features, baby blonde hair and bright enchanting eyes.

But yet the younger girl was different, far from the personality her grandmother had. Gracelinde was ladylike yet elemental she could easily bend her personality to whatever the room needed her to be, suggestive of icy mountain heights and untouched potential, he noticed it at first when they had sat down for lunch how she held herself back, she’d get excited over something and quickly mask it closing in on herself to not show how she truly felt as if she had been scolded for doing it in the past. He assumed it was due to living the life of a royal, she couldn’t just be herself she had an image to upkeep and he hated the fact she thought she couldn’t be herself around him just yet. But beneath it all, was a protected heart of genuine gold like that of the Amber Room, the missing eighth wonder of the world was standing right next to him in the heart of Monaco's own princess, ready to be revealed if the right person were to come along and prove to her they deserved to be shown it’s beauty that had been hidden away.

Both young adults had such similar qualities so much so that to some, looking at the pair was almost like seeing a reflection of those they resemebled from the past.

Almost.

“So, Princess, does the title come with a long name too?” He questioned with a small smirk hearing her let out a huff of a laugh. “Oh unfortunately it does.” “Well let’s hear it, I’m sure it can’t be as bad as mine.” He gently bumped his shoulder against hers as he waited for her to spill her full name, he was dying to know.

“My full name is Gracelinde Eliana Kelly Marie Grimaldi. Quite the mouthful. Grace and Kelly are in honor of my grandmother. Now what’s yours, pretty boy? Out with it.” Gracie said, eyes sparkling with mirth dying to know what his full name was now too since she had spilled hers.

Charles let out a sigh but a small smile pulled at his lips as he looked up at the sky. “Mine is Charles Marc Hervè Perceval Leclerc. Hervè for my dad.” He finished and saw her trying not to laugh, “go on laugh I know you want to.” He grinned, causing her to let the angelic laughter she had been holding back out which sounded like music to Charles ears, he wanted to make her laugh more just so he could hear it again and again. “Perceval!? Like a Lord?? Lord Perceval! This is the best thing I’ve ever heard, oh mon dieu.”

“Oh come on, not you too! My teammate said the same thing!” Charles pouted with a small grin at seeing how this time she wasn’t hiding how excited she was about the revelation that one of his names amused her. “Great minds think alike then. Carlos was it? You’ll have to tell him I agree with the Lord Perceval nickname, it's going to stick, I tell you.” Gracie smiled as they lightly swung their intertwined hands together.

Dimitri shook his head at the pair as he followed from afar, he had never seen the girl this happy in all the years he’d known her. Their stroll progressed on for another forty five minutes before Charles checked his phone after the incessant vibrations every few minutes finally got to him. Only to find a multitude of texts from the group chat he had with Lando, Alex and George.

The three boys wanted him to hop on a game with them.

Shit.

He forgot to tell them he was going to be busy today.

“If you’ve got to go I understand, todays been really nice. But I am getting quite tired myself.” Gracie said softly, causing him to look over at her as he slipped his phone back in his pocket, he’d answer the three later. “May I walk you home? Or well back to La Pampa?” He asked knowing he couldn’t walk her to the front doors just yet, causing her to nod with a grin as she laid her head against his arm as they turned at the corner that would take them down another street back in the direction of the restaurant and palace.

After he brought her back to La Pampa he realized Dimitri had been trailing them from afar not that he minded, he was glad that someone was looking out for the girl at all times. He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek promising he’d see her again in a few days if she was free before he’d need to head to Azerbaijan for the next race, be stood with his hands in the pocket of his hoodie watching as her and Dimitri disappeared into the side door of the gates to the palace.

Charles was wonderstruck, a blush on his cheeks as he turned on his heel walking back to his apartment wondering if she knew and felt it too, the connection they had.

Gracie had felt the same wonderstruck feeling as she danced around alone in her room after Charles dropped her off. She felt like she was on cloud nine.

They both were enchanted to meet each other.

Charles was praying that this was the very first page of their love story and not where the storyline ended he didn’t need his luck ruining it for him, races were one thing but not this, he wouldn’t let his bad luck ruin this before it could even start.

Grace's thoughts would echo his name until she saw him again, he was such an enigma to her she had never felt this way with anyone she’s met before, not even famous footballers or actors. Though she hoped he wasn’t in love with anybody else, that would hurt more than anything. Being rejected by someone she felt so normal with.

Charles hoped she didn’t have anybody waiting on her. He had seen the articles about her and the prince of Denmark but he knew those were just that. Articles. Someone as kindhearted and down to earth as her wouldn’t do something damming like that especially with a well known person like himself for everyone to see.

Dimitri practically skipped into the library after dropping Gracie off to her room, finding Alexei sitting on the couch reading yet another engineering book. “Did she enjoy herself?” The glasses wearing man couldn’t help but ask as he briefly looked up from his book trying to show he wasn’t dying to know how the outing went, despite him saying he wanted nothing to do with it earlier that morning. He had a change of heart.

“Oh you should’ve seen them Lex, precious as priceless gems I tell you. I’ve never seen her smile like that before.” Dimitri said with a dramatic sigh, falling into the chair next to the couch with a wide smile across his cheeks. “He looked at her like she hung all the stars in the sky, and he’s so respectful. Pulled out her chair, offered her his hand, walked on the outer side of the sidewalk, always making sure she was okay.” He rambled not noticing that Alexei had since closed his book and was giving him his full attention now as he spoke of the younger kids and how their lunch date and walk went.

“They just clicked, you know? It was almost like her with Mick and Lance which made me a bit skeptical because maybe it’s just a Gracie thing, she clicks with everybody so easily you know? On top of the fact he’s also a famous race car driver like the other two I doubted he's got the time to date. But for Gracie? For our Gracie? I think he’d up and give her the world if she asked.” He said honestly. Sometimes you just know when you meet someone you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. Rainier had done it with Grace Kelly and refused to remarry after her death, Albert when he met and married Charlene, himself with Alexei and now he was seeing the beginnings of it with Gracie and Charles. “He’s already wanting to see her again before he’s got to head out for the next race.”

Though the blossoming couple's little bubble wouldn’t last for long and might get snuffed out before it can even start.

Alexei’s phone pinged with an urgent email making him pick it up off the coffee table to check what it was, once he read it he looked up with a look Dimitri couldn’t read before flipping the phone around so he could see what was on the screen.

Hello!Magazine

Monaco’s own Princess Gracelinde, seen out having lunch and a stroll with Formula one driver Charles Leclerc. Could we see a new Prince of Monaco in the near Future?

By: James Marsden

May 31st, 2022

3:45 PM.

The two met outside La Pampa, which sits facing the palace square where they had lunch. Talking and laughing with each other, the pair seemed to hit it off as they then took a stroll through the streets of the city to continue the day looking rather cozy with each other.

What do Prince Albert and Princess Charlene think about the outing?

Click here to read more.

#I just want the world for these two #they’re so soft for eachother #also #Dimitri and Alexei cannon bfs #I adore them too #clandestine meetings #part 2 #princess protection program #mini series #imagine #formula 1 #charles leclerc #charles leclerc imagine #my fic

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