#cl16 edit
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maplesyrupsainz · 13 days ago
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˖⁺。˚⋆˙dont call me kid | CL16˖⁺。˚⋆˙
pairing: ex!charles leclerc x singer!reader y/n (she/her) (also some subtle lando norris x reader bc i cant help myself)
genre: social media au
warnings: angst!! sorry charles is the bad guy lol
summary: in which a very illicit affair finally gets out and you face the backlash
a/n: obsessed with this request ahhhh i need to write more angst!!!! also yea okay IM BACK IM BACK
request!!!: singer!reader and charles date but he kept it private so no one knew which is why they break up and like the fall out when ppl find out abt it online <3 maybe her healing and him regretting it? or like her moving on with someone else
my masterlist
fc: holly humberstone
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twitter ->
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messages ->
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instagram ->
f1gossip
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liked by user3, user17, user44, and others
f1gossip charles leclerc seen out shopping today with girlfriend alexandra saint mleux
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user6 what hahaha
user7 so y/n must've been a while ago right??
user8 crickets from y/n
user9 they're so cute together y/n is deffo trying to split them up or something
user10 this whole situation is weird imo
user11 right like im confused and dont think y/n is the villain??
user12 be fr charles fumbled y/n.
user13 okay 😂
user14 sureeeee
user15 yuppp y/n defenders rise fr!!
charles_leclerc
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liked by pierregasly, carlossainz55, and others
charles_leclerc the good life ☀️
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user16 omgg charles & alex are so cute together
user17 omgg such gorgeous pics
user18 dont know who im more jealous of
carlossainz55 looking good 🏝️
charles_leclerc who, me or the beach?
carlossainz55 no comment
user19 charlos you will always be famous
user20 alex is the best wag <3
user21 ahh a leo leclerc cameo we love to see it
alexandrasaintmleux i love summers with you 🫶
charles_leclerc it is an honour to be in your company
user22 STOPPPP
user23 me whennn omg
user24 downgrade from y/n lol.
*comment deleted by charles_leclerc*
user25 justice for y/n much 🙄
*comment deleted by charles_leclerc*
user26 wait is he deleting comments about **
yourusername 📍 london
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liked by yourbff, landonorris, and others
yourusername back home ❤️
tagged: yourbff
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yourbff love you
yourusername love you
user27 is this charles’ attention seeking fling 💀
user28 geez & she thought she could compete with alex
user29 ikr she's the wrong vibe fr
user30 emo vibes
user31 here u go here's ur clout 💀
user32 music sucks too
user33 lando in the likes? her nxt target bro
user34 bffr even he doesnt want her
user35 wtf is this comment section
user36 why so much hate???
*comments on this post have now been limited*
twitter ->
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messages ->
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instagram ->
ynupdates
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liked by user11, landonorris, yourbff, and others
ynupdates y/n spotted in a parking lot talking on a phone call this afternoon!! the first sighting of her in over three months ❤️
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user43 OH MY GOD FINALLY
user44 ew stay hidden
user45 girl get off a y/n fan page then 💀
user46 omg she looks happy or is it just me???
user47 i hope she's healing🥹🥹
user48 our girl is back omg
user49 A CAR PARK?! HAHAHA
user50 she real for dat
user51 y/n we miss you 😭
user52 COME BACK Y/N
user53 okay wait why is no one talking about lando norris in the likes
user54 this is so atrociously random.
user55 maybe he's a fan🥹
yourusername posted a story
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liked by yourbff, sabrinacarpenter, and others
user56 OH MY GOD
user57 FINALLY
user58 new music please im praying
user59 Y/N WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH
ynupdates omg finally. war is over
gracieabrams so effing glad ur back.
yourusername dont you know it
phoebebridgers thank god, my queen is back
yourusername for good!!
billieeilish im locked tf in
liked by yourusername
charles_leclerc glad you're back y/n!
landonorris cant wait for the world to hear your voice
yourusername thank u lando 🥹🥹
landonorris of course. always thinking of you!
yourusername means so much xx
user60 im healed.
yourusername
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liked by landonorris, alexandrasaintmleux, and others
yourusername you'll be flushed when you return ❤️ hi guys :) sorry that it's been a while... here's a lil peak into what i've been up to. my new song ‘illicit affairs’ is yours now.
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user61 oh my god
user62 WHAT STARTED IN BEAUTIFUL ROOMS ENDS IN MEETINGS IN PARKING LOTS???
user63 the way literally all the leaked pics of y/n with charles were in cars too...
user64 omg the song is so so heartbreaking... fym it dies & it dies & it dies ?!?!?
user65 OKAY BUT WHAT ABOUT THEY LIE AND THEY LIE AND THEY LIE
user66 A MIIIIILION LITTLE TIMES
user67 omg what did that man do to my girl
user68 such a beautifully heartbreaking song
user69 u showed me colours u know i cant see with anyone else:(
user70 u taught me a secret language i can't speak with anyone else:(
user71 okay but the lyrics look at this idiotic fool that u made me & for u i would ruin myself a million little times are so so heartbreaking like she fr got bullied off the internet over this secret relationship bro
user72 alex in the likes? lando in the last pic? is my girl winning in every category rn
user73 karma
landonorris such a beautiful song
yourusername tysm i rly appreciate u listening 🥹
landonorris 🧡
user74 now kiss
oscarpiastri amazing song y/n!
yourusername thanks osc <3
carlossainz55 as always such a lovely song. you're a rare talent y/n!
yourusername 🥹🫶
messages ->
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twitter ->
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instagram ->
f1wagupdates
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liked by landonorris, user17, and others
f1wagupdates charles leclerc's wag alexandra saint mleux was seen last night leaving a restaurant alongside singer songwriter y/n y/l/n, who was recently connected to leclerc as having had a secret romantic fling together. what do you think is going on here?
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user75 oh my god
user76 WHAT???
user77 shit's about to get crazy 💀
user78 WHAT DID HE DO
user79 lando in the likes???
user80 y/n's biggest fan lol
user81 he's so real
user82 wtf are they talking about bro
user83 y/n stealing charles' new gf she's real
user84 im on board with this new friendship
user85 someone spill the tea RIGHT NOW im desperate oh my god
ynupdates
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liked by lilyzneimer, landonorris, alexandrasaintmleux, and others
ynupdates y/n seen out last night in PARIS with lando norris. don't know what to think. head = empty.
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user86 what
user87 what
user88 WHAT?
user89 why is half the grid and their wags in the likes
user90 hello?
user91 what's happening
user92 IM SO CONFUSED Y/N PLEASE SPEAK PLEASE
user93 they're just friends, right?
user94 😂 yeah.
user95 charles found dead
user96 girl i need answers im foaming at the mouth
ynupdates you and me both
user97 FREE USSSSS
user98 so much has happened the past few months but im just even more confused than ever
liked by yourusername
user99 WHY DID SHE LIKE THIS
user100 @.yourusername you lurker
messages ->
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instagram ->
yourusername
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liked by landonorris, lilyzneimer, and others
yourusername look at this godforsaken mess that you made me 😊😊😊
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lilyzneimer 🧡
liked by yourusername
user101 HELLOOO??!?!!
mclaren good sweater choice!
landonorris i second this
oscarpiastri i third it
yourusername 😭😭
user102 what's going onnn
user103 new mclaren wag jus droppeddd
liked by landonorris
user104 i feel like this is confirmation that charles and alex are over.....
liked by yourusername, alexandrasaintmleux
user105 THEM LIKINGGG
user106 not the comment section lurking i cant cope
alexandrasaintmleux most beautiful mess in the world
yourusername oh, you 🥹
user107 she's real for this....
user108 charles is crying i think
user109 SHE WONNNNN
user110 need answers but im happy she's happy
user111 we've learned patience 🙏
user112 fanbase growth 🧡
yourusername love u
user113 Y/N!!!?!:!:!:!:!/!:!/:£:&;£;
landonorris 🧡
yourusername 🧡🧡
landonorris 🧡🧡🧡
user114 SHUT UP LMAOOOOO
THE END ❤️🧡
1K notes · View notes
amaranthineghost · 9 months ago
Note
can u do a charles leclerc x reader but the reader is like alexandra’s older sister pls pls pls i love my girl alex so much
HIS HEART THAT LIES WITH THE OTHER GIRL ( charles leclerc. )
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charles leclerc x mleux!reader
charles and alexandra are good friends and feelings are starting to develop, but her older sister happened to be the one to catch his eye instead.
warnings: google translate french (please feel free to correct anything that's wrong)
authors note: the request was a little vague so I took some creative liberty, which honestly I enjoyed very much so THANK YOU FOR THE REQUEST <333 I love alexandra so much too, she's so gorgeous!!! also taking a break after this because of my thumb (I do have a verstappen imagine already written so that's going to be out soon enough)
BEING AN OLDER SISTER MEANS MAKING SACRIFICES for your younger siblings. she had felt throughout her life that maybe she had been a little too selfish. it felt at times like she was the baby of the two because she didn't act as her role model. moments growing up that she should've taken the fall for alex because that's what it means to be an older sister, but she didn't. she hadn't thought of her younger sister as much as she should've. not a day went by that she hadn't felt guilty for developing feelings for the guy alexandra liked, the guy her sister fell for first.
alexandra had known him for longer than she had, yet she would realize his attention was elsewhere. his frequent trips to the house they both thought were originally because he really liked alex and wanted their parents to like him.
but alexandra was oblivious to where his heart really lied.
stolen glances from across the room, eyes lingering longer than they ever should've to begin with because maybe that's why it started in the first place. his damn, green eyes half-lidded and fluttering lashes every time he blinked, and leaning his head on his hand just staring at her from the other side of the room. a glance over her shoulder told her all she needed to know as she saw the monegasque driver eyeing her up and down. all she could do was turn away and hope alexandra wouldn't notice.
and she wouldn't, for the moment. waving her hand in front of the brunette’s face, he blamed it as being lost in thoughts about strategies for the next race. they laughed, simply joking it off and talking about how he should take a rest from thinking about his career.
but his attention kept slipping back to her. though he tried not to get lost in her appearance, he would fail greatly every time he was even near her. he didn't even have to be in the same room for him to be dazing off, thinking about how she would look better by his side. but he also felt the guilt she had, maybe not the same because he wasn't alexandra's older sibling developing feelings for the guy she liked.
but he had felt guilty. he would be lying if he said that he didn't like the girl at first. she was pretty, for starters, her magnetic smile and radiant personality was what had originally drawn him in. he felt bad to say that wasn't the reason he decided to stay.
it was no doubt alex was a nice girl, in fact the nicest he had ever met in his life and the most welcoming family was right behind her. and that's when he first saw her. after hanging out various times around monaco, occasionally sneaking back to his place, they decided it was time they met her side of the family. only then did alex not realize the mistake she was about to make.
when the door opened, his eyes nearly bugged out of his head, alexandra had no clue at the time, but her sister did. she nervously laughed it off as she stepped aside so alex could pull charles inside with her. the day they met was the closest they ever were in proximity as he walked past her holding the door. the addicting perfume he wore wafted by as he was pulled along into the living room where their parents were.
throughout the whole evening, he struggled to keep his gaze away from her. alexandra wouldn't notice for a long time, and by a long time, she meant it was months.
months of stolen glances, slipping into the kitchen alone with her just to help with dishes because he was ‘such a gentleman,’ but really all he was doing was just an attempt and excuse to get close to her. grazing arms as they stood next to each other despite her assuring him it was fine. every time it occured, which was more often than it should've been, he would somehow get closer.
she didn't mind because over the course of those few months, she had grown quite fond of his gaze on her, or exchanging slight touches whenever they would pass dishes between one another. when he would've acted oblivious to how to clean them when he had first offered to help, sharing laughs that only grew louder every interaction. it had evolved from awkward explanations and silence, to small talk and then casual conversations in their native languages.
but one day, everything changed. a normal conversation turned into something different when he grabbed her wrist with his cold hands covered in water and suds from the dish soap.
his face was serious and she almost didn't hear him when he uttered the words, “je t’aime bien.” (I like you).
“charles.” she only managed his name as she froze with his words, her heart dropping in her chest. this couldn't, shouldn't, be happening. he should like alexandra, not her.
“je sais,” he started as he watched her mouth part, but no words fell from her lips, “mais je t’aime beaucoup.” (I know, but I like you a lot).
“mais ma sœur,” her other hand covered his that held her to him, pursing her lips before continuing, “Elle t’aime bien.” (but my sister, she likes you.)
he nods, muttering in french under his breath stuff that she couldn't hear. she shook her head, slipping her hands from his grasp, going back to the dishes in silence, as did he.
from the door frame, unknown to them, alexandra watched with her arms crossed. when she first saw them together, she was happy they were getting along because she didn't want animosity between the pair, and her older sister never liked the guys she dated before. but she realized far too late the way charles looked at her. the way he looked at her sister was different from the way he looked at her. a spark in his eyes and more creases when he smiled. it was genuine interest as he multitasked the dishes and listened to her talk like he could do it forever. she understood, her sister was like a magnet of different energy, one that alexandra possessed, but not on her sister’s level.
the sight, and hearing his words, in front of her confirmed what she had been suspicious of for weeks. she had finally followed his gaze to her, whether she was sat across the couch from the two, or if she had sauntered off to another room. whenever she would fold laundry with them in the room, how charles would always offer to help. she didn't notice a lot the first time, how her sister gazed between her and charles like she was going to notice his behavior. how bad his folding was, so much so that she had to take the clothes from his hands and show him how to properly do it, and how gentle he handled every item.
it wasn't like he wasn't sweet with alex, but she began to notice how much care he put into his actions that involved her. while it hurt at first because she was so deeply involved with him, she realized that maybe, just maybe, that her sister deserved him more than she did.
because from her view, her older sister gave up everything for her baby sister. even if she didn't recognize it herself, alexandra knew that over the years, she had done more for her and she didn't know how to return the favor at the time. she didn't know what could match the level she set herself.
but seeing the way they genuinely clicked, she knew that this one time, she would be the one to have to make a sacrifice. it didn't mean that her older sister was no longer mature, it just meant that she had a way to pay her back for all she had done. if that meant giving up the guy she had begun to love, she would do it. she would do it to see her sister happy for once because this was the first time in a while that she was. she wanted it to stay that way.
so when early morning came the next day, when charles had long walked out the door the previous night and sent a small smile they thought alex didn't notice, she sat down at the island. arms crossed on the cold granite counters as she sat on the cushioned barstool, watching her sister dance about the kitchen making breakfast.
she knew if she didn't speak up now, she would never, and their love story would've never had the potential to bloom.
“je sais.” (I know).
“que veux-tu dire?” (what do you mean?) her sister chuckled as she poured a glass of orange juice, looking at her with her brow raised as she turned back to the fridge.
“je sais que charles t’aime bien.” (I know charles likes you). she froze, the cold air leaking from the fridge as she stood with the orange juice jug in her hands before regaining composure and continuing on with her actions.
“je lui ai dit non, je sais que tu l'aimes bien,” (I told him no, I know you like him). she stood in front of alexandra, fearing that her sister had grown angry with her, but she knew she couldn't control charles’ feelings, and neither could her sister.
“tu aurais dû dire que tu l'aimais en retour,” (you should have said you liked him back). alexandra leaned closer, her hand raising in a gesture to her that she made a mistake by shying away, “j'irai bien.” (i will be fine).
she shook her head, the glass of orange juice on the counter clutched in her hand, “ce n'est pas juste pour toi.” (it's not fair to you).
“mais il te rend heureux,” (he makes you happy though). she sighed with a small smile, leaning back in the barstool, “dit lui.” (tell him).
“okay,” she threw her hands up in exasperation, reaching for her phone across the counter to text charles and tell him to come over, “il est en route.” (he's on his way).
“bien.” she smiled, standing up and leaving her in the kitchen.
her heart was racing. was she really going to do this? she had turned him down less than a day ago and now she was going to simply accept his abrupt confession. she rubbed her fingers to her temple and sighed, leaning down against the counter as she ate.
she didn't have to wait long to hear a familiar knock pattern he did to alert anyone that it was him.
she walked to the door slowly, like she could lose her balance if she went any quicker. cracking her knuckles with anxiety, she hesitantly opened the door to see his smiling face as if she didn't reject him.
say it. say it.
it repeated in her head as she took a deep breath while he stood confused. her face began to flush and he was wondering when he was going to be let in.
one last deep breath did the trick.
“je vous aime aussi,” (I like you too). she blurted out so quickly, he looked at her with a confused smile and a tilted head.
“qu'est-ce que c'était, chérie?” (what was that, darling?) his voice was teasing and she knew he knew what she said because now he was just messing with her.
“je vous aime aussi.”
“bien,” his hand wrapped around the back of her head, fingers tangled in her hand while their lips collided. her eyes widening in shock as her hands met the sides of his face, teetering on the edge of his hair.
when they finally parted, deep breaths being the only thing heard as they simply smiled giddily at each other like teenagers. he twirled her hair on his finger as he looked at her with such deep admiration, more than she would've ever thought. the sacrifice her younger sister made paid her back ten times over, and the only things she could do was either just hug her in appreciation, or set her up with one of charles’ friends.
taglist (found here): @slut4lrh @taylorslovesswifties13 @sbella13 @kaa212 @nhlfs @thearchieves
proofread by @foreveralbon <3
965 notes · View notes
leclercvsx · 1 year ago
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FANBOY | SMAU
CHARLES LECLERC
pairings: Charles x singer!reader
summary: charles (and some other drivers) fanboy over y/n and her music.
faceclaim: Huh Yunjin (my wife xo)
warnings: none
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yourusername
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liked by charles_leclerc, danielricciardo and 1,824,264 others
yourusername: i can change everything about me to fit in
y/nfan: IS THIS A SONG LYRIC?!?!
y/nlover: i might cry like actually
fancyy/n: MOTHER IS MAKING A NEW ALBUM IM CALLING IT RIGHT NOW
luvy/n: UGH i need new music rn pls
y/nlover: no because actually
lilymhe: this album will make me sob won’t it
yourusername: maybe🤭
lilymhe: AH HELLO
riabish: so excited !!! 😭
liked by yourusername
loveyy/n: this album gonna be so relatable, i can just tell🫣
l0vey/n: release it already🫣
chae_yung: i heard it first😊
yourusername: don’t tease them😠
eun.7: y’all are about to lose your shit😹
liked by yourusername
y/n.jpg
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liked by charles_leclerc, lilymhe and 2,836 others
y/n.jpg: opened the jpg account for a few minutes so welcome new people and old people 🙄
TAGGED: chae_yung and eun.7
lilymhe: i’m honored
chae_yung: i will smack that look off your face
y/n.jpg: girl be for real, i can take you in a fight😤
chae_yung: stfu
danielricciardo: made it just in time😰
y/n.jpg: please go back to redbull, i need it in my life😭
charles_leclerc: i barely made it🙄
y/n.jpg: leave ferrari !!! jk…unless🫣
y/nfan: MOTHER WHEN IS THE ALBUM BEING RELEASED
y/n.jpg: SOON VERY VERY SOON, MY CHILD
eun.7: ew
y/n.jpg: you’re my biggest hater
y/nlover: release the album now🤭
y/n.jpg: how about, no🤭
alex_albon: my girlfriend loves you more than me😔
y/n.jpg: your girlfriend is now my wife 🫶
lilymhe: YES I LOVE YOU
alex_albon: i love you too❤️
lilymhe: not you🙄
yourusername
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liked by charles_leclerc, lilymhe and 2,538,284 others
yourusername: my new album ‘folklore’ is finally out and available for streaming on ALL platforms!! I hope you guys enjoy this album as much i did making it.
This album means a lot to me and has a few of my favorite songs i’ve ever written on it. Such as ‘This Is Me Trying’, ‘mirrorball’, ‘seven’ and ‘the lakes’.
stream now !! 🫶
y/nfan: NO COS SHE ATE WITH THIS ALBUM
y/nlover: don’t mind me just sobbing over seven
fancyy/n: i BALLED listening to this whole album😭😭
lilymhe: my new favourite album, i love it so much☹️
yourusername: i love YOU so much🫶
charles_leclerc: honestly, one of your best albums.
yourusername: why thank you mr leclerc🤭
alex_albon: lily’s been crying nonstop over this🙄
yourusername: my poor wife :( i didn’t mean to make you cry 😔🫶
lilymhe: you’re forgiven babe❤️
alex_albon: leave MY GIRLFRIEND ALONE
eun.7: meh, it was alright
yourusername: 🙄
chae_yung: so proud of you🫶
yourusername: ily😭
l0vey/n: no cause seven’s chorus made me want to kms☹️
yourusername: please don’t !! 🫶
yourusername
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liked by charles_leclerc, carlossainz55 and 1,274,628 others
yourusername: in the words of sebastian vettel (my lover) “Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they’re not, they’re a Ferrari fan” ❤️🏎️
TAGGED: charles_leclerc, carlossainz55, ferrari and eun.7
ferrari: ❤️
liked by yourusername
charles_leclerc: it was great meeting you ❤️
yourusername: you too!! 🫶
carlossainz55: ❤️
liked by yourusername
lilymhe: meeting you has made my life complete btw😘
yourusername: AH MY WIFE I LOVE YOU
alex_albon: first you take my girlfriend and now you’re not even a williams fan🙄
yourusername: no one’s a williams fan 🫶
y/nfan: not eunchae wearing a CHECO hat
yourusername: don’t. we’ve had our discussion about THAT.
eun.7: it was so fun tho, even with you there x
yourusername: girl the only reason you were there was because of ME
y/n.jpg
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liked by charles_leclerc, lilymhe and 1,728 others
y/n.jpg: currently falling in love with charles leclerc, don’t mind me x (the toto pic is off pinterest…dilf<3)
TAGGED: charles_leclerc
charles_leclerc: im honoured love😉
y/n.jpg: on my knees rn
eun.7: obsessed much
y/n.jpg: i will literally fight you right now
chae_yung: i ship it 😚
y/n.jpg: 😙😙
lilymhe: i know something people don’t👀👀
y/n.jpg: shh now😉
y/nfan: new relationship = new music 🤪
y/nlover: f1 y/n is my fave y/n😫
eun.7: just realised, don’t you hate ferrari? 🤨
y/n.jpg: when they’re screwing my man over, yes.
y/n.jpg
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liked by charles_leclerc, eun.7 and 2,372 others
y/n.jpg: can i go, where you go❤️
feat freddie the horse cos i missed him sm and duke my not so little puppy 😙
TAGGED: charles_leclerc
charles_leclerc: i love you ❤️
y/n.jpg: AH i love you too, so much😭😭
y/nfan: NEW SONG??? NEW BOYFRIEND?? IM GOING INSANE
y/nlover: omg an album about being in love💔💔💔
eun.7: why didn’t you take me with you to see freddie😔
y/n.jpg: you didn’t deserve to come x
charles_leclerc: i went with her instead🤭
eun.7: wow, i’ll remember this
lilymhe: HAHA I KNEW THIS FIRST🫶🫶
y/n.jpg: of course bby😘
chae_yung: happy for you!! ❤️
y/n.jpg: i love you so much😭🫶
charles_leclerc
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liked by carlossainz55, yourusername and 875k others
charles_leclerc: stream y/n’s new album, lover ❤️
TAGGED: yourusername
yourusername: hehe, thank you baby😘
charles_leclerc: you’re very welcome sweetheart❤️
charlesfan: they’re adorable🙄
y/ncharles: he’s promoting her new album :((((
carlossainz55: i like the song cornelia street
yourusername: and the song cornelia street likes you, carlos <3
eun.7: makes no sense
yourusername: fuck off
y/nfan: thank you Mr leclerc for being an inspiration for mother to produce a new album🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️
y/nlover: i need maathp shooting through my veins
ferrari: ❤️
sebastianvettel: congrats mate, the album is amazing too y/n!
charles_leclerc: thanks mate, but you made her cry of happiness😭
yourusername: i love you😭😭
danielricciardo: i was her fan first btw
yourusername: of course danny😘
ferrarifan: she’s already getting along with his friends😭i😭love😭them😭
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i hope you all enjoyed this one shot! i loved making it! although he didn’t really fanboy over her but that’s fine lmao. Small reminder, requests are still open!! 🫶
masterlist | request
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dirchristophernolan · 1 year ago
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Anne Sexton, from The Complete Poems; “Snow”
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jessicaloons · 6 months ago
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Chapter 45:
Just breathe, just relax, it’ll be OK
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I woke up to soft barks and whines, Arlo gently letting us know that it was time for his morning walk.
"Charles… Charles…" I mumbled, pulling the sheets over my head "Arlo…"
"He’s your baby…" he groaned turning away and I hit him with a pillow "Our baby… fine…"
"He needs to go on a walk…"
"It’s too early…" Charles whined and I huffed, getting up slowly.
"It’s your week…" I pulled the blanket away and he covered his eyes with his arm "But because you won yesterday I’ll go. This one time." I scrambled out of bed, pulling on some shorts and a hoodie.
"You could just go on the terrace with him… for once…"
"That was just for his training! We’re not taking steps backwards!" I shook my head and slipped on some socks, then opened Arlo’s crate "Good morning little one. You’re a good boy, waiting here patiently for your irresponsible, hungover dad without throwing a massive tantrum…"
"Oh wow… not throwing shade at all." Charles mumbled and sat up slowly, wiping his eyes "I’m awake now… you can go back to bed."
"No, it’s fine, I’ll go." I grabbed Arlo’s harness and leash and walked around the bed "You look… horrible. Sleep." I kissed Charles’ cheek and left our bedroom together with Arlo. I put on the harness and the leash, slipped into my sneakers and grabbed Charles’ RayBan from the kitchen island "Let’s go, little one."
It was a warm, sunny day. A buzzing atmosphere in the air. People we passed talking about how amazing the race was, how Charles won his home GP for the second time, how proud they were on their hometown hero.
"Lizzie?" someone said behind me and I turned around, spotting a very sweaty Max "You’re awake quite early?"
"Me? Look at you! You look like you ran a half marathon…" I looked him once over.
"Almost, yeah." he chuckled and then kneeled down to give Arlo some head scratches "I mean, I didn’t have much to celebrate last night, so yeah…" he winked and I laughed.
"Oh no, poor Maxie…" I joked.
"Need to get used to it again, you know." Max shrugged his shoulders a little, a smile on his lips, as he continued scratching Arlo‘s head.
"I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities this season." I laughed and he got up, lightly punching my upper arm.
"Look who‘s getting all cocky." he said and this time I shrugged my shoulders "Honestly, I’m happy that Charles finally has the car and the team around him to fight me. You can’t be the best if you’re not fighting the best."
"Such wise words from you."
"I’m not getting younger, you know." he glanced behind me and I heard the hectic voices of some fans, turning around.
"Looks like you’ve been spotted. Go on, I gotta go anyways, we’re having some busy days ahead."
"Tell Charles congrats again, and I’ll see you guys in Montreal I guess?" Max waved and walked towards the fans.
"Yep, see you then." I walked in the opposite direction, back home. Arlo happily running in front of me, all the way back to our building. I unlocked the front door and got hit with a delicious smell.
"It smells amazing, you made breakfast?" I slipped off my shoes and unbuckled Arlo’s leash.
"Just some eggs on bread, I’m not a complete lost cause, okay?" Charles laughed, bending down, feeding Arlo a piece of cheese "Good morning little one." he patted his head and then got up, grabbing me by the waist, pulling me close "Good morning my gorgeous girl." he kissed me gently, deepening the kiss as soon as I put my hands around his neck, pulling him closer "I must say… my hoodie, my glasses… it all looks way better on you than on me."
"That’s because some of the stuff you own looks horrible… sorry…" I whispered against his pouty lips "I like the simple Charles, Jeans and T-Shirt… not these weird oversized, crazy pattern clothes you sometimes put on."
"I’m experimenting…" he sighed and I kissed the tip of his nose.
"I know. But most of the time… it should stay inside your closet…" I chuckled and his grip on my waist tightened a little, as he kissed my jaw, down the column of my throat.
"Like the box with my clothes you’re hiding in your closet?" he whispered against the sensitive spot beneath my ear and I swallowed audibly "What? You think I didn’t notice that some of my… more risky clothes were missing?" his hot breath fanned over my ear, then he kissed my cheek and I could feel the smirk on his lips.
"I’m sorry, but some of that clothes are atrocious… that blue tie dye jeans? The baby blue jacket you combined with it? Basically every single one of these pants you would fit in three times?" I bit my lip, looking down "I should’ve told you something… and not just hide your clothes… I’m really sorry."
"It’s okay… I guess Doni won’t be too happy to hear that you find most of his clothes atrocious but okay…" Charles chuckled a little, kissing my forehead "Come on, sit down. Breakfast is ready…" he pulled away and went back to the stove, plating our food.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked, sitting down and Charles raised an eyebrow "That I hid your clothes?"
"No? I mean, I know that style wise you’re more into the classics, a little sporty, simple with a touch of timeless elegance… whereas me? I don’t even know if I have a style? I guess I’m still finding mine and I know that I could need all the help that I’m getting." he laughed.
"Well for starters, wear clothes in your size and if oversized then maybe one or two sizes more… and maybe not the wild patterns you’re going for sometimes? They hurt the eyes." I shrugged a little, biting into my toast "And maybe Doni is better as just a friend… and hoodie and t-shirt provider… but not pants. Definitely not pants."
"Got it… will you help me picking out an outfit for Andrea and Simon’s engagement party then?" Charles sat down next to me and I smiled "You already did… alright." he laughed and I looked at him sheepishly.
"Sorry but I was looking for what I was wearing and so I was going through my stuff and then I saw your suits and thought about something that would match my dress…" I mumbled and he laughed.
"I’m sure whatever you picked, it will look amazing, your outfit as well as mine."
Charles POV:
I looked over the bay, watched the waves gently crashing down the shore when we were called back in and I followed Daniel who apologised himself shortly after and left. As everyone finally sat down I looked over my shoulder, waiting for Lizzie to return. I ordered a bourbon for me and a cocktail for Lizzie, then talked with the two guys on my left, some cousins of Andrea, as I felt a soft hand gently stroking my neck.
"Sorry, love. It took a little longer than expected." she said and sat down on my right.
I turned to her and she gave me a little peck on the cheek.
"It’s alright, cara mia, I had a nice little conversation with Andrea’s cousins. I don’t think they understood a lot of what I was saying, well vice versa, but I was entertained." I said and she chuckled a little right as the waitress brought us our drinks "Thank you." and with a smile she was gone.
"What are we having?" Lizzie asked and looked at the red cocktail in front of her.
"Well I picked something we might later want to try out." I whispered and scooted closer, my thigh pressing against hers.
"What are you talking about?" she said and I could hear her voice getting raspy at the contact of our thighs, I leaned in even closer. My mouth at the shell of her ear now.
"I ordered you a Sex on the Beach." and as soon as the words left my lips her eyes widened and she swallowed audibly. I smirked and gently stroked her thigh with my hand under the table, pushing up her dress. Instantly she began to blush and looked around frantically.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, breathless. My hand slipped even higher, playing with the hem of her slip and she gasped loud enough for some heads to turn. Lizzie cleared her throat and looked apologetic around, her cheeks redder than my SF-24, I chuckled and pulled her dress back in place. Then I sat up and took a swig of my Bourbon.
"You look a little flustered there?" I nonchalantly asked her and she glared at me.
"That cocktail? That’s the closest you will ever get to sex on the beach!" she whispered and with that she grabbed it and got up, walking straight to Andrea and her mother. Cheeks still bright red. Totally worth it.
"What‘s up with Lizzie?" Daniel asked as he sat down opposite of me.
"Don’t know, she has some important things to talk about with Andrea I guess." I chuckled a little and took another swig from my glass.
"Maid of honour stuff probably…" he replied and I nodded "I can’t believe it… first Julia two years ago, now Andrea… you and Lizzie next. We’re getting old."
"Seems like it…" I said, a little distracted by the way Lizzie pulled her dress back into place still.
"Oh wow, you didn’t even deny it!" Daniel looked at me with a big grin and I was confused for a moment "I said you and Lizzie will be the next to marry and you just agreed! Don’t tell me you already have a ring?"
"What? No! God! It’s just… I mean, I will marry her, there’s no doubt. She’s it for me. Always was! But there are no plans or anything! At least not for now… or the near future? Honestly I don’t know, when do you know that it’s the right time?" I said quickly and he nodded.
"I don’t know… maybe you should set up a goal, for when it’s time to propose? Something you want to achieve before you ask her to marry you?"
"Like what?"
"Winning your first title?" Daniel wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed a little.
"Yeah? With Red Bull and Max being this strong? I’d like to marry Lizzie when we’re still young…"
"Oh, we’re talking about the next wedding already?" Shima sat down next to me and I swallowed hard "Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. When will you pop the question? And I need to see the ring first, make sure it’s perfect for Lizzie!"
"There is no concrete plan, no ring, no nothing! Just us talking about it…" I rolled my eyes a little "But rest assured, when it’s time, you’ll be the third person I’ll call…"
"Third? Third!" Shima sounded offended and I laughed "Who comes before me?"
"Well first of all, Juergen, because I will ask him for Lizzie’s hand. Then Joris obviously, maybe even before Pops because he has to give me a pep talk to talk to Pops… and then you." I explained and Shima and Daniel laughed.
"You’re so traditional, Charles. But why would you need a pep talk? Juergen loves you like a son, you have his blessings already!" Daniel chuckled and I shrugged my shoulders a little.
"I think it’s romantic…" Shima sighed a little and I smiled at her.
"I heard that a special guy we both know invited you to Montreal?" I wiggled my eyebrows and she blushed a little "You and Joris seem to get along quite well?"
"Quite well? God, she’s always talking about him…" Daniel rolled his eyes and Shima threw a napkin at him and I laughed, listening to them arguing a little. I was looking up from our table, searching the crowd for Lizzie, when I realised that she was gone.
"Excuse me for a moment." I got up, looking around "Hey Simon, have you seen Lizzie?" I asked the groom to be, but he shook his head.
"Sorry, Charles. But the last time I saw her was with Andrea and our mothers…" he nodded towards the three women, Lizzie missing.
"I’ll have a look." I walked inside of the big estate, searching for her, when I heard the faint sound of a piano, played somewhere. A soft melody that I knew all too well. I followed the music and spotted Lizzie, sitting at the piano, playing a song, singing quietly. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her play, her hands dancing across the keys, her soft voice sounded almost angelic. When she was done, she smiled a little and then turned, looking at me.
"How long were you standing there?" she asked quietly and I pushed off of the doorframe, walking towards her.
"Not long enough…" I sat down next to her, kissing her cheek "That was beautiful."
"It was okay… I’m not that good at playing… need to learn a little more." she shrugged her shoulders a little and I shook my head.
"It was amazing… and your voice?" I pulled her closer and she blushed "I wish I could listen to you sing all day long."
"Oh come on. Stop it." she rolled her eyes a little but I gently grabbed her chin with my thumb and index finger, turning her face to look at me. Her big eyes softened as soon as they met mine.
"I’m serious, cara mia. I wish you would let me record a song, so I can listen to your beautiful voice whenever I want to." I looked at her intently, watched how her cheeks turned a shade darker, a glimmer in her eyes "Maybe one day…"
"Mhhh… maybe one day…" she whispered and I pulled her closer, kissing her soft lips, hoping that maybe one day would come rather sooner than later.
I watched Lizzie climbing out of her car, she looked tense and it seemed like she was limping.
"What’s with Lizzie?" I asked Andrea who followed my look "Did she have a crash or anything?"
"Not that I know of…" he replied and I handed him my helmet, following Lizzie.
She talked with Pete, her face sweaty and she smiled when she saw me approaching.
"Hey you. Good Friday sessions." she said and I nodded slowly "What’s going on?" she asked, when she saw the slight frown on my face.
"That’s what I wanted to ask you? Are you okay? You were limping?" I asked and she looked confused for a second then she began to laugh.
"When I climbed out of the car I hit my knee against the halo. I have honestly no idea how that happened and I also hope that no one saw that, or worse filmed that because I got out of the car rather gracefully after." she scratched the back of her head and I looked at her intently, mustering her face.
"Okay?" I asked and she nodded, pointing to her right knee.
"I might have a nice bruise on my knee tomorrow." she chuckled and I took a deep breath "I’m fine. Seriously! Well not fine, because it does hurt, but it’s nothing bad, it won’t kill me." she reassured me, squeezing my arm "But now I gotta go. There is a lot to talk about for tomorrow. See you later?" she kissed my cheek when I nodded and then walked into the garage, still limping a little. I walked back to my garage, where Brian waited for me.
"Good job out there, Charles." he clapped my back and I smiled.
"Yeah you too." I said as we walked inside, ready to look through the data we collected over the day.
Inside I saw Carlos discussing with is father and cousin in Spanish. He sounded agitated and I stopped when I heard Sainz senior say Lizzie’s name. I looked at them and they stopped talking.
"Still after Lizzie’s seat, I see." I winked at them and then walked away, Andrea waiting for me "I need to learn Spanish…"
"You could just record their conversations and play them to Lizzie." he chuckled and I laughed.
"True… but seriously, I’m worried that they are so adamant about taking over Lizzie’s seat! Now that the Red Bull seat is gone? Mercedes is this close to sign Antonelli? His only options are now what? Williams? Haas? Esteban’s seat in Alpine? Audi would be the best option, that’s for sure…"
"As long as Felix is team principal and Lizzie delivers good results? And after what Sainz senior said about her? After Audi stopped their Rallye team out of nowhere and he had to look for a new team? I don’t think Audi will replace Lizzie with Carlos." Andrea reassured me and I nodded slowly.
"I hope you’re right…"
I took a deep breath and climbed out of the car. The track was bumpy and the way my car bounced over the tarmac made my back burn with raging pain. I hugged Charles. Congratulated him for his pole and then made my way back to our garage after the weighing, where JK already waited for me.
"Here." he handed me my water bottle in exchange for my helmet and I almost emptied it in one go.
"Thanks." I mumbled and followed him inside where I dropped my balaclava and when I bent down to pick it up I hissed in pain, making him turn around.
"Okay Liz, that’s it. Doctor. Now." JK looked at me pointedly and I sighed "This is going on for weeks now, no months actually. I see how you struggle sometimes. You’re in pain. Bad pain."
"It’s no-… okay, okay!" I rolled my eyes a little.
"How bad?"
"I don’t know…"
"Liz… how bad is the pain. Be honest."
"6? Maybe?" I looked down.
"I know you, when you say 6 others would say 10…" he groaned, scrolling through his phone, dialling a number "Hi, can I talk to Dr. Odell? John Knight, he knows me. Thank you…" I cocked an eyebrow and he shrugged "I know him from back home, he a-… Jack! How are you mate?"
I sat down and leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes. JK was right. The pain in my back got worse. I thought it was because I maybe wasn’t training hard enough. But no matter how much I worked out, how many exercises I did, there was still this dull pain in my lower back, sometimes worse, sometimes less. But it was there. At all times.
"Go change, I’ll talk to Pete and Felix…" JK’s voice brought me back out of my head and I blinked confused "I’ll take you to the hospital. A friend of mine will check you through and then we’ll see."
"JK tomorrow’s the race? We need to go over the strategy? Are you out of your mind?" I looked at him with big eyes.
"No. But you can’t drive like this tomorrow, so let’s check what it is and then we can come back and the team can present you the strategies and you’ll pick the one you like. Done." he walked away and then turned around "Go get changed. Chop, chop."
I groaned but ultimately did what he said, maybe he wasn’t wrong after all.
"Were there any complications after they removed the rod and screws?" Dr. Odell asked and I shook my head.
"No, the healing process was pretty quickly…"
"She had some typical swellings and bruises afterwards, but nothing out of the ordinary. We started with strengthening her spine and lower back muscles and increased the intensity slowly but steady." JK said and Dr. Odell nodded, applying pressure on my spine, making me hiss.
"Is the pain concentrated on the area where I apply pressure? Or is it a pain all around that just increases when I push in…" the doctor asked.
"Umm…" I began when JK looked at me pointedly.
"Be honest."
"It’s like a dull pain in my lower back, certain movements hurt more than others and please don’t apply any more pressure because that hurts like hell…" I sighed and he nodded.
"We make a X-ray and I also want a CT scan, then we’ll see what we’re dealing with." he got up and grabbed the phone.
"But you have an idea what it could be, right?" I looked at him.
"I have a theory. But I need to see the pictures before I can say anything…" he smiled and then left the room.
"It’s going to be okay, don’t worry!" JK tried to calm me down but I shook my head.
"What if I need a surgery? I would miss a good amount of races…" I frowned.
"Let’s just wait for what Jack will say, okay?" he patted my back and I sighed right when the door opened.
"Lizzie? Can you please put that on and then I’ll pick you up and get you to your X-ray and CT scan." a nurse walked inside, handing me a hospital gown.
"Sure." I got up and JK left the room.
I changed into the hospital gown and looked at myself in the mirror, goosebumps erupting all over my body. Too many bad memories were flooding my head when I saw how the gown clung to my body and I turned around, stepping out of the room, where the nurse stood and smiled at me.
"Ready? Alright, then let’s go…" she said and I followed her down the hall "We start with the X-Ray and then we’ll go downstairs for the CT scan. I would explain to you what’s happening but unfortunately I know that you’ve been through this all before."
"Yeah… good old memories…" I chuckled a little and she looked at me sympathetically then opened a door to her right where two other nurses and Dr. Odell were already waiting for me.
"Ready?" he asked and I nodded "Then let’s go."
"I can’t go every other week to the hospital to let them check my back!" I groaned while JK navigated the car through the traffic "I don’t have the time! Also, how am I keeping this from Charles? My family? The team?"
"You’re not keeping it from anyone? Are you serious?" he looked at me.
"How good of a doctor is your friend anyway? I want a second opinion! Taking a break? In the middle of the season?" I looked outside and JK sighed.
"Liz, he said he would suggest it, because your spine and dorsal vertebra’s that were injured from your accident are looking-…"
"I don’t care how they look. Or if they are sore, tense, whatever. As long as nothing is broken I’m good to go. Period." I crossed my arms in front of my chest and JK groaned.
"You’re so freaking stubborn! He said we should keep an eye on your back, so that’s what we’re going to do. Every two weeks you’ll get a CT scan, I want your back to be monitored. I think of new exercises to strengthen your lower back and spine." JK said and I looked at him "It’s that or I’m telling Charles and your family…"
"You wouldn’t dare!"
"Try me… I’m serious. You’ll tell Felix and Pete. They need to know it. And then we’ll monitor your back and then we’ll see how it progresses. Do I think you should tell Charles and your family? Absolutely. Is it my decision? No. Will I tell them if you’re not doing what I say? 100 %. So? Do we have a deal?" I never heard JK sound this serious and after a while I nodded.
"We have a deal…"
"Good. And now stop pouting."
I rolled my eyes again and looked outside right when I got a text from Charles.
"Great. Just great." I groaned and JK looked at me "Charles asked me if I’m okay. He heard that I’m at the hospital."
"Well… you might as well just be honest with him." he shrugged.
"Yeah sure and then from now on he’s constantly at my ass, asking me how I feel or if I’m in pain." I rolled my eyes.
"Liz, don’t take this the wrong way, but haven’t you learned anything from the whole mess with Diaz?" JK asked carefully and I swallowed hard "I’m sorry, but you were hiding everything from everyone and suffered through it all alone… and in the end it was even worse…"
"I know… it’s just-… god JK I have a feeling that Charles could really do it this season! He could win the title… he’s in such a good headspace, he’s so determined and motivated! I know that this year is his year… I don’t want him to constantly worry about me." I looked at my hands in my lap.
"I understand you, I really do. But if something happens and he finds out? Don’t you think he’ll be hurt? Mad?"
"Of course… but that’s something future me has to deal with then." I sighed.
"Very mature…" he laughed.
"Thank you." I replied, staring at my phone "Also, your friend said that it’s possible that something happens, not that it’s certain…"
"Yeah, that’s why he suggests a break and every 2 weeks a check up in the hospital."
"Yeah, yeah…" I rolled my eyes again.
"What will you tell him now?" he asked after a while.
"My knee hurt a lot and you wanted to check it through?" I suggested.
"Oh great now you’re pulling me into your lies?" JK rolled his eyes.
"Please?" I pleaded and he groaned.
"I’m not lying for you. You say what you say and I just nod."
"What if he asks you when you guys are alone? Because he will come to you and ask!"
"Then I’ll tell him that you’re fine and he doesn’t have to be worried…"
"Okay… thanks JK…"
"Yeah, yeah…"
"What happened? Ale asked me what’s going on with you and I had no idea and he told me that people spotted you at the hospital?" Charles stood in front of me, the second I walked through the door "Are you okay?" he cupped my cheek, looking me once over.
"I’m fine! It’s just my knee. JK didn’t like that it still hurts like hell and when I told him that pushing the throttle all the time was really painful he wanted a doc to have a look at it." I lied and felt bad instantly.
"And? What is it? Are you okay?" he guided me to the sofa, gently pushing me down.
"Yeah. It’s just heavily bruised. But nothing bad. The doc said I should ice it and keep it steady. Not move much and it’ll be gone soon." I smiled at him when he handed me something to drink.
"Can you drive tomorrow?" he asked and I nodded "Are you sure?" he sat down next to me, carefully lifting my leg into his lap, putting an ice pack on my knee.
"It’s literally just a bruised knee! I’m fine. But thanks for the ice pack." I kissed his cheek and he nodded slowly "Did you eat? No? Can we order something? I’m hungry."
"Sure… after you told me what’s really going on." he looked me dead in the eye and I swallowed audibly "That’s the wrong knee…" he looked down at my left leg in his lap and it dawned on me.
"Charles…" I began but he shook his head.
"Why are you doing this? Lizzie we said we’re honest after all the shit that went down with Diaz last year? And still you’re lying to me…" he sounded more frustrated than angry, more hurt than mad.
"It’s just-…" I stopped.
"It’s just what? What is going on? Is it your back? I’ve seen you struggling with it for months now?"
I closed my eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath and told him everything Dr. Odell had said earlier.
"So he suggests you take a break from racing?" Charles asked and I nodded.
"Yeah… he said I shouldn’t race until the second half of the season… and then also only if the soreness and pain is gone." I said quietly and he took my hand in his, stopping my fiddling.
"What would happen if you continue? Without taking a break?"
"He’s not sure, but one of the things that could happen is that the high force will damage my spine permanently…" I almost whispered and he stroked the back of my hand.
"What would that mean?"
"I don’t know…"
"Lizzie…" Charles looked at me pointedly.
"I might lose the ability to walk…" I sighed and his grip on my hands strengthened.
"But that’s just one possibility? Doesn’t mean it has to happen, no?" a tinge of hope in his voice.
"Yeah. It’s all hypothetical. I also want a second opinion. I’m going to ask Dr. Friese to have a look." I smiled a little and he nodded.
"First things first when we’re back home you’re calling him." Charles said and I squeezed his hand.
"First things first. Promise."
"Can you please stop looking at me?" I sighed and Charles looked away in an instant "I’m fine."
"Are you really? You struggled a little today?" he countered and I rolled my eyes.
"Yes. I’m fine."
"Cara mia, please, talk to me… what Dr. Friese said is exactly the same-…" he began and I huffed "Lizzie…"
"They said that these things might happen! Not that they definitely happen! I know my body. I’m fine. My work out routine is just a little more intense now, so yes. I struggled a little today."
"Okay. But maybe consider taking a break?"
"No! Charles, in one month we’re racing at Hockenheim! It’s my home race! I will not miss that out! Who knows when the next German GP will be?" I said, pulling my knees close to my chest.
"I understand that, I really do, but Lizzie this is about your health…" Charles sat down next to me, cupping my cheeks "I just don’t want you to be in pain constantly, okay?"
"I’m not! I can do it. I would really appreciate it if everyone would just let me do my thing." I groaned and he took a deep breath.
"You promise me that the moment you feel it’s getting worse, you’ll tell me and we go to see the doc?" he said slowly and I nodded "Okay… then I won’t talk about it anymore."
"Just like that?" I asked.
"I trust you." he stated simply and I smiled a little.
"Thank you. Really."
"As long as you’re honest with me…"
"I will be. I promise!" I kissed his cheek, feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
I didn’t try to show it, not to Charles, JK, anyone, but I was scared. To think that continuing with racing could have major consequences was more than scary. Sure, it was just a possibility, but still, the pain I’ve felt for weeks, the throbbing in my lower back after a longer session in the car, how stiff my legs were after getting out of it. Things I didn’t talk about out of fear what they could mean.
"Are you okay?" Charles asked, studying my face "You spaced out a little…"
"Hmm? Oh yeah-… yeah, sure. I was just… umm thank you for trusting me, it means a lot, really." I said quietly, taking a big breath and smiled at him.
"You know that I always trust you, cara mia… it wasn’t always easy, but we’re getting there." he cupped my cheek, gently stroking it.
"I know, I know, but I like you said, I promise you that I’ll be honest about everything. For now, it’ll be okay, I’ll see what I’m able to do, I’ll focus on strengthening my back and then we’ll take it from there." I took his hand in mine and kissed the back of it, when Charles pulled me into him, breathing into my neck.
"The last two weeks made me age for at least 5 years." he sighed against my skin and I felt his warm breath tickling my neck.
"Oh come on!" I chuckled, combing through his hair.
"I’m serious! First that messed up Canada weekend, now you. God I need a good result tomorrow…"
"You’ll win. I have a good feeling."
"Winning in Barcelona would be nice." he said slowly and I grinned.
"In front of Sainz’ home crowd…" I winked and he nodded.
"You’re evil." he laughed, pulling me close "But I love you for that."
"Just for that?"
"No, you’re cute too…"
"Oh thanks… how very nice of you."
He got up and shrugged his shoulders a little, when his phone rang.
"That’s Silvia…" he rolled his eyes and put the phone done "She can leave a message."
"She’ll be mad." I chuckled.
"So what. She’s forcing me to all this stupid videos with Carlos. And I can’t keep on faking a smile when inside I just want to punch him."
"Ignore him. That’s what I’m doing. He won’t get my seat, the interest from Audi died down, Felix talked to the board, they are setting up a new contract for me, Valtteri will leave at the end of the season and Nico will come, Audi is happy because they have 2 German drivers. So yeah, I don’t care about him anymore."
"I know, but after everything that happened… this season can’t be over soon enough and he’s finally gone." Charles said and took of his shirt "But let’s stop talking about him or Silvia or whatever… care to join me under the shower?"
"As if I would say no to that."
"Bill McKnight, CBS. Charles, after winning in Japan, Monaco, Barcelona and last weekend in Spielberg, your closer then ever to Max, with a good result this weekend, you could take the lead in the driver standings. How do you feel, knowing that?" the reporter in the first row asked.
"Umm- yeah I mean honestly, the season started not so great for me, but we worked hard and delivered weekend after weekend, sure, some weren’t that great as well, but over all our season is really progressing in the right direction and we will work hard to get the next win this weekend." Charles answered and I smiled at him.
"Becca Reynolds, ESPN USA. Lizzie, some really observant fans noticed that you started to follow some accounts of wedding dress designers and liked some dresses. Is there anything you and Charles want to tell us?" she asked and I immediately blushed.
"Wh- what? I don’t- we don’t… no. No. There is nothing that needs to be told." I stuttered, taken aback. I wasn’t expecting a question like this and began to laugh nervously "One of my best friends is getting married and of course I help her, picking out the perfect dress." I added and I saw out of the corner of my eyes how Max was trying his best not to laugh out loud.
"If you’ll get married, I hope the whole grid will be invited?" he joked and Charles laughed.
"I see you all of you way too much already! You’re so not coming to our wedding!" he replied.
"Hey! Not fair!" Max said and I chuckled a little.
"There is no wedding or anything planned! So stop whining." I said with finality and he held up his hands.
"Okay, okay!"
"Alright, some more questions? No. Then thank you all and good luck this weekend!" Tom Clarkson ended the press conference and we left.
"So? Are there are really no wedding plans being made?" Max wiggled his eyebrows and I punched his arm "Ouch… I’m not asking again."
"Good."
"But honestly? You should do a Daniel and just get it over with in Vegas." he laughed, and I glared at him.
"What about you and Kelly? You're together even longer than Lizzie and I.." Charles threw in and Max paled visibly.
"Okay, no more wedding talks ever again." he said hastily.
"Yeah, that's what I thougt." Charles laughed and Max just shook his head, waving us off when he stepped into the Red Bull hospitality "You looked damn shocked when that reporter asked you that question.. almost terrified."
"Oh come on. I didn't look terrified! I just wasn't expecting a question like that." I defended myself but he laughed
"I'm just kidding!" he replied and pulled me to his side.
"But honestly? I would be terrified... marrying you? Like hell no." I joked and he pinched my side.
"Careful, cara mia, or there might be a ring on your finger sooner than you think."
"We'll see about that. And now I gotta go." I kissed his cheek and walked towards Julie, who waited for me.
"I think I never saw you blushing this hard." she chuckled, and I groaned
"What was that for a question!" I replied.
"I don't know, but you handled it well."
"Yeah... like a pro." I laughed and we walked inside, Arlo jumping right at me "Hey my little furball. Did you behave?"
"He behaved well as always." Julie smiled, scratching his ears.
"You're a good boy." I picked him up and plopped down on one of the sofas, right when the rest of the media team arrived and sat down as well
"So, we have some things to talk about. First things first. Your upcoming contract renewal. I know, I know, you didn't sign anything yet, but we will announce it at Hockenheim. It's your home race. It's our home race. We're having a special livery and race suit, we're also thinking to put your last name on the back and then instead of your driver number the year until when you're having a contract with us then. 2026 or 2027, I don't know all the details yet. Netflix will be with us the whole weekend, the original DTS crew as well as Elijah, his crew has priority, it's the last race they'll film. In Hockenheim you'll also have some junior drivers with you the whole Friday, to see how a race weekend in F1 works, they are all girls, it's a cooperation with the Fl Academy, Susie will be here as well. That was ist for Hockenheim. We have one team event in Spa where you have to attend, it's a sponsor dinner. But that's all. Elijah and his crew will edit the final episode and it's all shown to you then. You have the final word. He also wants to shoot one final interview with you and record some commentary and then it's done." she looked up from her tablet "Questions?"
"Don't think so." I shook my head.
"Alright, then that's it. Let the race weekend begin."
Charles POV:
"You did a good job, Charles, you-..." Bryan radioed.
"I did a shit job. That mistake cost me the win." I was frustrated.
"But you recovered well. From P13 to P2 in less than 10 laps."
"Doesn't matter. The team did a good job. The pit stop was amazing. I'm sorry for the whole team that I messed up."
"You didn't mess up. You did good out there, even if you don't think so."
"Thanks, Bryan." I sighed, parking the car next to Max, climbing out.
"Unfortunate mate, but what a comeback, well done man!" Max clapped my back.
"Thanks Max and congrats..." I said, opening my visor.
I was gutted and wasn't in the mood to celebrate with my team, but seeing them all chanting and clapping I swallowed my misery and went to them.
"Daghe Charles!"
"Good job!"
"You did good!"
"Thanks guys." was all I could say and when I walked back to get weighed
"Hey." Lizzie bumped into me, a soft smile on her lips "You made a mistake, but you recovered damn well. Please keep that in mind, okay?"
"I don't know..." I began but she looked at me pointedly
"Okay! But the mistake was stupid and shouldn't happen to me, we can all agree on that?"
"You were taking a risk, nothing wrong with that, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't."
"Yeah…" I sighed.
"Go to your interview and don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m watching your podium."
"You have to go to the media pen, cara mia." I reminded her.
"Yeah I can do that later." she kissed my cheek and pushed me towards David Coulthard.
I took a deep breath and thanked the girl who handed me the microphone and turned towards the former driver.
"Charles, congrats on P2. You’re not happy with the result, I can tell."
"Yeah, I’m never happy with a P2. Especially not when I had the pace to win."
"It was a tight battle between you and Max there, some good racing."
"It was really tight. We had a lot of pace and where at the straights quicker then the Red Bulls. Until my mistake I was in a good position to win." I said honestly.
"You recovered well from P13 back to P2."
"It was the least I could do. The team did such a good job, our strategy was on point, the pit stop was amazing. I had to fight to at least make it back on the podium for the team."
"And that you did. Well done Charles. Congrats again." Coulthard smiled at me and I nodded, giving back the microphone.
I followed George into the cool down room and sat down next to Max, wiping my face.
"Tough luck, mate." George said when the replay of my failed overtake was shown.
"I hit the kerb a little too hard… I’m just glad there was no gravel, one turn later and the race would’ve been over." I sighed.
"True. But what a comeback." he nudged my shoulder and sat down next to Max.
"The least I could do."
I watched on the screen how I overtook Lizzie and had to smile, she didn’t make it easy for me. She fought hard. But eventually I made it past her. The screen switched to the crowd under the podium and I spotted Lizzie next to Joris, right when we were called out on the podium. I heard Lizzie cheer all the way up to the platform and had to chuckle. I was so enamoured by her that I missed the champagne spraying and got soaked by Max and George.
"Hey lover boy!" Max laughed.
"Grab your champagne mate!" George continued spraying us and I grabbed my bottle and sprayed them as well.
"Look at him, he can’t see through his heart eyes…"
"The only thing he see’s is Lizzie."
"Very funny guys." I rolled my eyes playfully when we all toasted our bottles together, taking a swig from our bottles.
After the picture I looked down, Lizzie gone and Joris nodded to the left where I saw her walking off with Julie, I grabbed my trophy and walked downstairs with Max and George.
"See you later guys." I waved them off and then walked back to the garage.
I thanked my team when Bryan walked up to me clapping my back, I handed him the trophy and he looked it once over before he sat it down on the table next to him.
"Don’t be too hard on yourself, Charles. I told you to keep pushing, you pushed… it’s 50 % on me and 50 % on you." he joked and I cracked a little smile.
"You said keep pushing and not push over the limit."
"Semantics." he shrugged and I laughed "The recovery was brilliant, let’s focus on that."
"Yeah. We have to focus on Germany now. It’s been a while since we all raced there the last time." I said and he nodded.
"Just ask Lizzie for advice. I’d say she’s one of the most experienced on the grid when it comes to Hockenheim." Bryan said and I took a big swig of water.
"Yeah. She’ll be one of our main threats that’s for sure. And since Audi will bring some updates as well?"
"Be extra nice to your girlfriend then, not that she’ll kick your ass out there."
"Did you see how she fought me off today? Yeah? That’s the Lizzie I know and love, she won’t back down no matter what. Especially at home."
"Maybe she’ll win her home race just like you won yours." Bryan shrugged and I nodded.
"She will win. I know it."
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Chapter 45 - it’s basically just a filler chapter, a shorter one, but I had to make a cut because next chapter we��re racing in HOCKENHEIM - Lizzie‘s home race and let me tell you, A LOT IS GOING GO HAPPEN… 👀
Also, sorry for uploading so late, I don’t even know how it happened, but I simply forgot to do it on Sunday… I woke up last night at 3 am or so and realised that I forgot to upload 🙈 sorry!!!
Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!
If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!
Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!
Taglist:
@silkenthusiasts @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @itsjustkhaos @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @shimmermotorsport @janeh22 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09 @fangirlforever2000
All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).
75 notes · View notes
racingcore · 8 months ago
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tried something on a new app ✨✨
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motof1bfs · 4 months ago
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Charles Leclerc, Monza 2024
this race was so fun! (CRYING AS A MAX FAN PLEASE GOD RED BUKLL JESUS CHRTIST) but anyway! for my boyfriend and all the leclerc / ferrari sufferers out there you deserve a win LOL
-🏁
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your-mommy-ems · 6 months ago
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charles leclerc and carlos sainz
lets all collectively ignore the timing that tumblr threw out :))
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dance-on-the-moonlight · 1 year ago
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please, do not remove signature if reposting!
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64sue · 1 year ago
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aaaaaaa im obsessed 🤤🫠🫠
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maplesyrupsainz · 10 months ago
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˖⁺。˚⋆˙loyal!! | CL16˖⁺。˚⋆˙
pairing: charles leclerc x sports commentator!reader y/n (she/her)
genre: social media au
warnings: none just fluff
summary: in which a certain someone tries his hardest to convert you to his team !!!
a/n: i barely know what a commentator does Tbh srry if thts problematic anyways enjoy 😃
request!!!: charles leclerc x sports commentator reader
fc: jules leblanc
my masterlist
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instagram ->
yourusername📍 bahrain
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liked by yoursister, yourbff, and 118,273 others
yourusername gp weekend!!! my first time covering f1 & had sm fun can't wait for the rest of the season :)))!!
view all 3,183 comments
user1 who is she
user2 a sports commentator
user3 ur so cool y/n what's ur favourite team in f1!!
yourusername 🫶🫶 im a mercedes girl :))
user4 SO REAL
user5 love to see more girlies on the paddock
yourbff go offffffff!! so proud
liked by yourusername
mercedesamgf1 🫶
yourusername 🙈🙈🙈
yourusername posted a story
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liked by charles_leclerc, mercedesamgf1, and 77,018 others
user6 ahhhhh cant wait to see u this weekend
user7 new favvv
charles_leclerc sorry i missed you last week y/n, hope to meet you this weekend
yourusername oh for sure this time!!
user8 SO EXCITED
yourusername 📍 jeddah
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liked by charles_leclerc, georgerussell63, and 204,321 others
yourusername my life is so fun!!
tagged: mercedesamgf1, charles_leclerc
view all 8,274 comments
user9 omg hi charles???
user10 merc girlieeee
charles_leclerc so nice to finally meet you y/n!
yourusername you too!!! had a great weekend!
user11 omg cuteee
user12 love seeing her become friends with drivers lol
user13 she's so beautiful omg
mercedesamgf1 thanks for visiting us!
yourusername omg thank you so much for the invite and the merch too im starstruck fr
user14 she's just like us
user15 charles is so yum
liked by yourusername
user16 not y/n liking this comment 💀💀💀
charles_leclerc posted a story
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liked by yourbff, maxverstappen1, and 398,614 others
mercedesamgf1 back off leclerc she's ours
charles_leclerc we'll see about that
mercedesamgf1 😡😡
user17 OMG HELLO??
user18 looks suspiciously like a date
user19 yoohoooo
user20 what's going on here
messages ->
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instagram ->
yourusername posted a story
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liked by mercedesamgf1, lewishamilton, and 131,839 others
mercedesamgf1 🫶🫶
liked by yourusername
user21 obsessed
user22 CUTE GIRLLL
charles_leclerc boooooo 🍅🍅🍅🍅
yourusername im not sorry mr ferrari
charles_leclerc does our friendship mean nothing to you 💔
yourusername sooo dramatic!
charles_leclerc 📍 suzuka
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liked by yourusername, carlossainz55, and 883,417 others
charles_leclerc some non race related adventures in japan 🇯🇵
tagged: pierregasly, yourusername
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user23 omg y/n hellooo???
user24 posting each other on the grid how sus
user25 are they dating LOL
user26 surely not just hard launching immediately they met like a month ago ...
user27 she's everywhere
pierregasly glad to make it on the grid post 🫡
charles_leclerc because i look good in the picture
pierregasly oh.
user28 LOLLL
yourusername so fun!!! 😝
liked by charles_leclerc
user29 she calls everything fun
user30 she's rizzless 😔
yourusername 📍 shanghai
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liked by charles_leclerc, yourbff, and 294,617 others
yourusername your fav merc girlies
tagged: yourbff
view all 12,193 comments
user31 she's so hot
user32 i'd do anything for her
user33 she's literally iconic
yourbff HOT HOT HOT 🥵
yourusername ur influence tbh i need to take u everywhere with me from now on
yourbff real. i am free everyday from now on
mercedesamgf1 we are here once again 🙏
yourusername WE LOVE UUU
yourbff fr we do
mercedesamgf1 blushing right now... 🥰
charles_leclerc take that hat off
yourusername never
charles_leclerc i sent you something much better
yourusername im not going to wear ferrari merch charles we've been over this!!
twitter ->
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instagram ->
f1wagupdates 📍 miami
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liked by yourbff, user34, user3, and 89,174 others
f1wagupdates starting off the grand prix weekend in miami with a sighting of charles leclerc with a mystery brunette 👀 thoughts?
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user40 IT HAS TO BE Y/N
user41 y/bff/n liked omg
user42 who is that
user41 y/n's best friend!!
user43 omg charles and y/n this is NOT A DRILL
user44 NO WAY
user45 that is y/n. i've never been so sure of anything in my life
user46 our ferrari convert 😛
f1gossip 📍 emilia-romagna
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liked by user40, user12, yourbff, and 104,418 others
f1gossip charles leclerc once again spotted looking cosy with a brunette girl, this time in italy. could this be y/n y/l/n?
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user47 AGAIN
user48 why has it been crickets since miami 😭😭😭😭😭
user49 i need confirmation
user50 obsessed with y/bff/n liking all the posts about them
user51 they're doing all this in public but wont even post on instagram
user52 waiting for y/n to post selfies in ferrari merch
user53 no way that girl is mercedes thru & thru!!
user54 real
yourusername posted a story
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liked by mercedesamgf1, georgerussell63, and 301,283 others
user55 that's our merc girl
mercedesamgf1 we knew you would always find your way back to us
yourusername i never left 😘
user56 loyal queen
charles_leclerc & here i was, thinking i made a ferrari fan out of you
yourusername maybe you should move to mercedes
charles_leclerc why would you joke about such things?!
lewishamilton our girl
liked by yourusername
georgerussell63 i bet charles is so jealous right now
yourusername he's mad because i told him to switch teams
georgerussell63 🫣🫣🫣
charles_leclerc posted a story
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liked by yourusername, landonorris, and 683,912 others
user57 this is a confirmation in my eyes
user58 this is not a "just friends" type of post
user59 in monaco with her🥹🥹🥹
user60 she doesn't even know she's mrs ferrari now
yourbff wtf she's beautiful
charles_leclerc you're telling me
yourusername 📍 monaco
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liked by charles_leclerc, georgerussell63, and 532,718 others
yourusername 🌹
tagged: yourbff, charles_leclerc
view all 12,328 comments
user61 THEY'RE SO DATING
user62 THE ROSE
user63 omg she even drives a mercedes
user64 a regular ass commentator friends w drivers or not would NOT be posting this type of thing unless she was DATING CHARLES LECLERC!!!
yourbff beautiful
yourusername ❤️
charles_leclerc ferrari red 🏎️❤️
yourusername 🤔 i'll let you have this one
charles_leclerc i won!!!
yourbff mercedes 1238 - 1 ferrari
mercedesamgf1 😛😛😛
user65 i think it's obvious guys
yourbff posted a story
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liked by charles_leclerc, carlossainz55, and 55,203 others
charles_leclerc that's my girl 😂
yourbff expose her
charles_leclerc 👀
yourusername ARE YOU TRYING TO EXPOSE ME
yourbff you expose yourself!!!
mercedesamgf1 oh???
yourbff dont worry about it!
user66 is that our merc girlie y/n ?!?!!
charles_leclerc
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liked by yourbff, scuderiaferrari, and 891,374 others
charles_leclerc my favourite ferrari fan ❤️
tagged: yourusername
view all 18,294 comments
user67 LOL no way
user68 she's just a girl ok she couldn't resist forever !!!
mercedesamgf1 no way...
yourusername i still love you guys i swear
georgerussell63 i gasped out loud
yourusername NO PLEASE LOOK AWAY
lewishamilton wow
yourusername IM SORRY
user69 poor y/n fighting for her life in the comments
scuderiaferrari she looks good in red 🌹
liked by charles_leclerc, yourusername
yourusername you're finished!!!!!
charles_leclerc yea yea sure, see you at home
user70 HOME!? 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
THE END ❤️
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amaranthineghost · 1 year ago
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| RED IS FOR FERRARIS AND CHRISTMAS ( charles leclerc. ) |
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ꕥ pairing: charles x reader
ꕥ summary: she decorates for the holidays with white and blue, but for him, it doesn't cut it.
ꕥ authors note: thank highschool french for some speaking knowledge (with some Google translate sprinkled in) also pretty short because i lack Christmas ideas and I wanted to get this out before i work ungodly hours this weekend but it's still cute so <3
"MON AMOUR, what is this white and blue bullshit?" the monégasque spoke from behind her. she turned to see a look of disbelief creased on his face. she scoffed as she strung the ribbons about the room.
shaking her head as she tied it off and stepped down from the ladder, she took a step back to admire her work, "figured you had enough red trauma in your life," she'd poke fun at charles, a smile gracing her face as he, undoubtedly, stared at her in admiration. but he'd prefer red.
"not funny, chérie." he deadpanned, though she could see the smirk that pulled at his lips, "red is better than whatever this shit is." he shook his head, hand on his side as he looked up at the decor.
she pouted, "but the white and blue looks good, besides it's too much work to redo it all."
"I'll help you."
she rolled her eyes, burning holes into his as she heavily sighed. she rolled her neck to look at the strung ribbon and ornaments she'd worked hard to decorate.
he admired the effort and dedication to her christmas spirit, and honestly, he was just poking fun. as long as she was happy, it didn't matter to him if they were blue or white, or even the most hideous of neons if that's what her heart desired. he just wanted to poke fun at his love for not using the color that dominated his life, in a good or bad way.
at the end of the day, he'd know that no matter how she decorated, it'd end up more beautiful than the previous year as he'd increase the budget at which how much she could spend because let's be honest, he knew she'd come home with more bags than what could fit in the apartment if he didn't limit her spending. she was like a little elf compared to the mountain of items she bought, excluding gifts.
he didn't care how much of his money she spent, he'd gladly push as much of it towards her as he could because he had more than he could ever spend, and if he knew one person that could, it was her.
his hands would find their way around her waist, sliding his face into the crevice of her neck and inhaling the addicting smell of her shampoo lingering in her hair, the faint perfume residing on her skin as well.
his lips would leave faint kisses along her neck, muttering against her skin, "c'est jolie, chérie, tu peux le laisser." (it's pretty, darling, you can leave it.)
her voice would go up an octave as his warm skin pressed hers, smiling widely at her work, "merci beaucoup, mais je pense que le rouge serait plus joli." (thank you very much, but I think red would be prettier)
"moi aussi." (me too.) he agreed with her, feeling the smirk of his lips against her skin, she rolled her eyes, but regardless, she'd pull out the red decor from the years prior. though she didn't mind him forcing his ferrari trauma on her, she did like the change up, but she knew that he'd secretly prefer red.
but she didn't know that he just liked whatever she did. anything she did was perfect to him and he loved every idea that her mind thought of. she was sacred and he would protect that.
he'd watch her vigorously tear down the blue, but left the white, which he didn't mind as it contrasted nicely against the dark red she'd chosen and the gold accents that complimented it.
she'd stand tired, half-lidded eyes as she turned around the room to admire her work when she'd hear the footsteps of her love from behind her. she heard glass clink on the end table of their living room as he caught her hand in his.
he twirled her around the room, the soft piano sounds of christmas music played throughout the apartment as they swayed to the sound.
"très belle," he'd coo, "juste comme toi." (very beautiful, just like you)
she'd blush, feeling the heat rush to her face, "et tu es très beau." (and you are very handsome) she replied shyly, a chuckle escaping his lips at her demeanor, even though she'd heard the words numerous times.
"merci, mon amour."
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disasteraleks · 2 months ago
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They are a set, do not separate
I really wanted to draw Max and Charles in the same style, because they are both great and brilliant drivers with heavy expectations/names on their shoulders and have been rivals since their kart days, but maintaining them different ( Max blends with the black background vs Charles standing out). Anyway sorry for the rant
Prints avaliable:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DisasterAleks
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dirchristophernolan · 1 year ago
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Jihyun Yun, from Some Are Always Hungry; “Reversal”
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jessicaloons · 8 months ago
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Chapter 41:
I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with Paper Rings…
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Masterlist - Previous - Next
TW: spicy, adult content, 18+
Info: to fit my story line I swapped Austin with Mexico, the triple header will then be Mexico, Austin, Brazil
I stirred in the bed, the sunbeams sneaking through a gap between the curtains woke me up and I yawned.
"What time is it?" Charles whispered next to me and I turned a little, checking the time on my phone.
"Too early to be awake…" I mumbled, turning back, snuggling into him.
"Yeah? Then let’s sleep for a little longer." he kissed my forehead as I laid my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
"Sounds like a plan." I whispered, closing my eyes.
"Why is your heart racing like that?" Charles asked after a while and I opened my eyes "Are you okay?" he turned his head, looking at me.
"I think so…"
"You think so?"
"It’s nothing, let’s just sleep…" I closed my eyes again, but he put two fingers under my chin, tilting my head up.
"What’s wrong?" he asked gently and I sighed.
"Last year here in Mexico…" I said quietly.
"That’s on your mind?"
"A little? I mean when we did the track walk and we walked past the spot where it happened… I don’t know, it’s just felt weird and I thought back to when I was in the garage and- and I thought you were dead…" my voice broke and Charles pulled me closer into him.
"But I was okay. I am okay. It’s just a bad memory, nothing else! Don’t think about it anymore, it’s not good for you, especially not when you have to focus on the race ahead!" he kissed the crown of my head and I slowly nodded.
"Can you just promise me that you take care out there today?" I whispered after a while and heard him sigh a little.
"I can promise you that I will try. You know that’s all I can do…"
"I know. But please try to."
"I promise that I will."
Unfortunately keeping his promise was harder than it sounded like, when I watched the RedBull and Ferrari sandwich in front of me, sending Checo off track and Charles losing the lead to Max. I took a deep breath and focused on my own race which I ended in the same position as I started in.
"That’s P4. Good job." Pete radioed and I sighed a little.
"Yeah, it was the best I could do I guess. Good job on the team’s side, our pit stops are getting better with every race!"
"Team effort."
"Team effort."
Austin next started out strong. A good quali and sprint race were making me feel optimistic for Sunday, the race didn’t bring the same result tho, with a P7 but it was the best we could do. I finished my interviews when I saw Charles looking frustrated, shaking his head.
"What’s going on?" I asked and he sighed.
"The FIA checked the planks on some of the cars… Lewis and mine apparently didn’t comply the technical regulations, so there’s a hearing."
"Are they for real? That was probably because we had two races at one weekend! Of course there’s some high wear on the skin pads! This track is fucking bumpy and with the stupid sprint race there’s not enough time to check it properly?" I said loudly and some people looked.
"Lizzie…" Julie warned and I sighed.
"Let’s go…" I grabbed his hand and lead him away, back to his hospitality "I would wait with you, but I’m not allowed in there…"
"Let’s go to Audi, I don’t want to wait alone…" Charles shrugged and I nodded.
"Okay." we walked back and waited, but I had a bad feeling and when Mia said that the final decision was made, I already knew by the look on her face what it meant.
"I was disqualified, right?" Charles voice was trembling.
"Yeah… you and Lewis…"
"Lewis as well? That means…"
"Carlos will move up into P3…" Mia said and Charles laughed.
"Of course… but hey, Lizzie, congrats to your P5 now." he patted my arm.
"Charles…" I began but he got up.
"No, it’s fine. It’s like this. Whatever. We can’t change it now anyways. I go to my race debrief, what’s there to debrief anyways but yeah… you go to yours. I see you later." he kissed me briefly and walked off.
"Can you please make sure that he’s okay?" I asked Mia and she nodded.
"Of course…" she walked off and Julie sighed.
"What a day…"
"What a day indeed."
"I don’t know if that’s a good idea…" Charles mumbled and I rolled my eyes a little.
"Oh come on! After that race? You deserve a little fun!" I said.
"Yeah but… I have to make some points in Brazil! I can’t mess this up!" he sighed.
"You won’t mess it up! It’s all going to be fine! We’ll be in Brazil right in time for the media day. It will be fun, you’ll see!" I smiled and after a while he sighed.
"Danny Ric and his ideas."
"It will be fun. Come on now, costumes!" I smiled excitedly but I didn’t like the look on his face "Why are you looking at me like that?" he just chuckled and I punched his arm "I swear, if you picked a slutty nurse or house maid costume… I’ll cut off your ba…" I began but got interrupted by his hysterical laugh.
"Oh cara mia, although I would love to see you as a slutty nurse or house maid, I wouldn’t want 500 other people to see that, too, there are parts of your body only I get to see… no, I picked something better!" he said and his little possessiveness made me blush.
"Alright. Then I’d say let’s exchange the costumes and get going?" I said, trying to contain my grin.
"Oh, what have you done?" Charles asked, voice laced with a tint of worry.
"You’ll see…" I chuckled and grabbed the garment bag "I’ll go to the bedroom."
As I zipped the bag open I sighed and took the costume out, now I preferred a slutty nurse or house maid costume. I googled for make-up and hair ideas when I heard steps coming my way and the door flying open.
"Absolutely not! No! I’m not wearing that!" Charles cursed and I looked him up, from head to toe.
"Holy shit, you look hot… umm… I’m… umm…" I was at a loss for words, he looked amazing. Hot. Sexy. Dangerous. Wearing all black.
"I’m not wearing a Mercedes race suit as a costume! Ferrari will kill me!" he groaned.
"Then I’m not wearing this…" I said and pointed at the costume on the bed.
"Fine. If I lose my job, it’s your fault!" he sighed and I chuckled.
"Oh come on, if anything it will only make them draft your new contract faster!" I said, still ogling him up and down. My insides began to stir and I was feeling hot, flushed "Go now, please. I have to get ready." my voice was raspy.
"Maybe I should talk to the design team and ask for an all black suit next season?" Charles chuckled and I shook my head.
"Go. Now. Thank you." I pushed him through the door and sighed "Slutty cheerleader here I go…"
Charles POV:
I watched how Lizzie danced with Kika, having fun, laughed.
"It’s been a while since I saw her this carefree?" Pierre nodded towards our girls and I smiled.
"Yeah… this whole thing with Diaz, then with Sainz, Singapore and the m…" I stopped abruptly and Pierre cocked an eyebrow.
"What happened in Singapore?"
"I mean, she could’ve won that race, silence the media who were slandering her again and again…" I lied and he nodded.
"Yeah, that’s true, it was a shame, honestly."
"It was. But look at her, she’s happy. That’s what’s most important."
The two girls pulled us on the dance floor and Lizzie threw her arms around my neck.
"Are you having fun, Charlie?" she asked swaying and I smiled.
"A whole lot… my beautiful cheerleader is here dancing with me after all." I replied and kissed her.
"Mhh me too. It was a good idea that we came here… alright your costume…" she mumbled against my lips and I tilted my head a little.
"What’s with my costume?"
"I don’t like how all the girls are staring at you because you look so devilishly handsome in this black race suit." she pouted and I had to laugh "That’s not funny!"
"Cara mia, you chose the costume!" I said matter of factly.
"I know… but still…" she groaned a little and I pulled her closer, kissing the corner of her mouth, down her jaw, feeling her squirming in my hold.
"Don’t worry, pretty girl. They might see me in the suit… but you’re the only girl seeing me out of it…" I whispered in her ear and I felt her shuddering.
"Let’s get a taxi…" she rasped out and I grinned at her like a devil "Now."
She clung to me, her arms around my neck, hands carding through my hair, leaving hot open mouthed kisses along the column of my neck, my jaw, my throat. My hands gripping her waist, pulling her close into me, fiddling with the fabric of her skirt, hiking it up her thighs. As soon as the elevator door opened I pushed her out, walking us fast toward our door, prying my hands from her waist, lifting my head up to see the security panel of the door. Lizzie looked up at the loss of my arms around her and the sudden movement of my head.
"Pretty girl, I have to open the door… stop pouting…" I groaned as she began suckling at the sensitive skin just below my ear.
"Hurry up…" she whined, pulling my head down, clashing her hot, wet lips onto mine, making me taste the sweetness of the cocktails she drank earlier. The door opened with a simmer and I tapped her thighs, making her jump a little, wrapping her legs around my waist on instinct. I walked inside, kicking the door shut with my foot. Holding her up at her thighs, massaging them, distracted by her kisses and licks around my neck I stumbled into the bedroom, where I dropped her on the bed. She tilted her head up, eying me from head to toe, hungry look in her eyes.
"You look so devilishly hot in that suit… mhhh why don’t you screw Ferrari and go for Lewis seat instead?" she said breathless and I slapped her thigh "Was that supposed to be a punishment? Try again…"
I chuckled and leaned down, holding myself steady above her, ghosting my lips over hers before I kissed the corner of her mouth, then kissed a line to her ear, breathing out, hot and heavy against it, making her moan a little.
"I think you would much rather enjoy a reward…" I whispered, gently biting down at her earlobe.
"How do I earn it?" she whispered back, her voice trembling with anticipation.
"I’m a Mercedes driver… I want to be cheered on by my personal cheerleader…" I grinned at her and she put one hand in my neck, pulling my head close.
"I can do that…" she breathed against my lips and nibbled at my lower lip before she pushed me off of her and got up, she then turned around and I sat up. She unclipped the Pom Pom’s from her waist and began to do a cheer routine.
"I love seeing you wearing my logo… it’s like I marked you… for everyone to see…" I muttered and she smiled seductively "But right now I wouldn’t mind seeing you out of it…" Lizzie understood the hint immediately. Throwing the Pom Pom’s my way. Sliding her hands up and down her sites, before she hooked her thumbs under the hem of the top, pulling it slowly over her head, revealing a dark red lace bra, making me choke up. I loved seeing her in red. And she knew it. She gently cupped her breasts before turning around, bending down, shaking her behind a little to reveal the sight of the matching slip underneath her short skirt. I felt how the suit got tight around my crotch, too tight, and threw my head back, closing my eyes. My breathing hitched when soft fabric hit my face and I opened my eyes, looking down at Lizzie’s bra in my lap. The second I looked up I lost all restraint and jumped up. Backing her up against the wall, making her whimper as the rough fabric of my race suit dragged along her bare skin, when I pressed my knee between her thighs, pushing up her skirt. I kissed her, rough and deep, almost frantic as the sweetness of her lips and tongue engulfed my senses. Sensations of heat, lust and love rushing through my body. I felt my growing bulge against her thigh, making her moan and me taking a deep breath. Lizzie’s hands began to fiddle with the zipper of the suit and she whined desperately as it wouldn’t budge.
"Don’t be so impatient, pretty girl!" I grinned and helped her, pulling the zipper down, letting her strip me off of it, the suit pooling around my waist, before pulling my shirt over my head. She pressed her firm breasts into my chest and I could feel her pebbled nipples against my skin as we moaned in unison. I pushed her skirt further up her thighs, exposing the dark red, lazy slip, cupping her heat with my hand, rubbing once. She bit her lips, suppressing a moan and I felt her knees buckling so I grabbed her thighs, hiking them around my waist, pushing her further into the wall. She let out a surprised huff and locked her eyes with mine, before she captured my lips in a searing kiss, it was sloppy, messy but above all desperate. It was suffocating and hot in the best way possible, but my growing bulge pressed against her hot core made me pull away, trying to catch my breath. Lizzie made a little sound of protest, before gripping my neck again, trying to pull my lips back to hers.
"Charles…" she whined and I pushed us off the wall, carrying her to our bed, falling back down on it, Lizzie above me. She blinked and sat up, straddling my hips, and I felt my heart palpitating, lungs clenching, as I saw her naked frame, looking like a true goddess. I put my hands on her waist, rubbing circles on it and with one swift move I turned us over, hovering now over her. Her hands shot up, tangling in my hair and pulling me closer. I only gave her a soft kiss on her lips before I started my way down, kissing her throat, collarbone, leaving tiny marks. My hands pushing her skirt down her legs as I kissed down the valley between her breasts, locking eyes with her, hungry and full of lust. I kissed my way further down, nibbled at her stomach making her clench it in the process. As I arrived at her core I kissed it above the fabric, making Lizzie bucking her hips, I gently laid one hand on her stomach and pushed her back into the mattress, waiting a moment for her to calm down, then I hooked my thumbs under the band of her slip and pulled it down with one smooth move, throwing it together with her skirt behind my back. A soft thud telling me both clothings landed on the floor.
"Ready for your reward?" I whispered and looked up at Lizzie, who nodded slightly, and I grinned, devouring her. Caressing her soft skin, making her moan, gripping my hair, pulling me closer to where she needed me the most.
"Don’t stop…" she whimpered as I stole the air from her very lungs, making her puff out a long breath "Close… so close…" she mumbled underneath her breath. After a short while, she arched her back, grinding her core into my face, whining and moaning in ecstasy, as she reached her climax. I let go of her, looking up at her gorgeous face, eyes closed, blissful smile on her lips, chest heaving with every breath she took, beads of sweat glistening all over her beautiful body. Her hands let go of my hair, searching around until they found mine, still holding her waist down. She intertwined our fingers, gently pulling me up and I obeyed, leaning down over her face, looking at the pretty girl underneath me, my pretty girl. She slowly opened her eyes, still out of breath.
"Hi…" she whispered, all of a sudden shy again, cheeks slightly blushing, as she looked at my face, bottom half glistening with her essence and she closed her eyes again, groaning quietly.
"Hi pretty girl…" I answered, gently nudging her nose with mine. She bit her lip and looked up at me with hooded eyes, then she leaned up, pressing her lips on mine, tasting herself on them. I had to grin into the kiss and she slowly pulled back, licking her lips. She pulled our intertwined hands to her lips, kissing my knuckles gently. Smiling her most gorgeous smile, falling back even more into her shy demeanour, she still wore at times. As I adjusted my position above her, my straining crotch, still covered in the race suit, brushed against her heat, and her breathing hitched. She looked down and gulped audibly.
"Take it off…" she said in a hushed tone, her fiery gaze burning a hole in my middle, before she put her hands on my hips, pushing the suit down herself. I helped her, sliding it off, letting it fall onto the floor. Her eyes found mine and she cupped my cheek with her hand, gently caressing it "I love you…" she purred softly and I laid a feathery kiss on her lips, getting more heated with every moment that passed and in that I could feel her soft core beneath my skin. She grabbed my hips, pulling me flush against her, an impatient whine on her lips as she greedily captured my bottom lip between her teeth. I felt my heart racing, my body buzzing all over with anticipation and locked eyes with her, gently freeing my lips from hers. Littering her face and jaw with tiny kisses, as I sucked on her collarbone she arched her back into me and with one last look in her eyes I let my arousal take over, making her moan loudly as our body’s melted into one.
"I love you too…" I muttered out, moaning as her heat clenched around me.
"We could’ve chartered a whole plane for all of us…" Pierre chuckled as I watched almost half the grid settling into their seats, occupying the entire first class.
"True that!" Daniel laughed, plopping down in his seat.
"Just so you guys know I want silence the next 10 hours. Utter and complete silence." Lando groaned and put a sleeping mask and his headphones on.
"And it’s all too much for little Lando Norris." Daniel imitated Crofty and we all laughed.
"I said silence." Lando murred and I cuddled back into my seat.
"Comfy?" Charles asked after a while and I shook my head, taking his hand and cuddling it to my chest.
"Better." I closed my eyes and heard him chuckle.
"Silly girl. Sleep now, we have a hectic day ahead of us." he said, kissing the crown of my head.
"Hectic weekend. And did you see the weather forecast? Damn…" I whispered.
"Yeah I saw it…" Charles said and I felt him tensing up a little.
"Hey, it will be alright, don’t worry, we’ll have a good weekend, you’ll see." I kissed the back of his hand and he smiled a little.
"I hope you’re right." he said and I sat up.
"Forget about Austin. It’s in the past. You’ll do amazing! So come on. Have a little nap with me." I smiled and Charles sighed. I could literally see the wheels turning in his head with how hard he was thinking about the weekend ahead.
"It’s just… I need to proof that I’m better. John Elkann will be in Brazil… he wasn’t supposed to be there, he planned to come to Vegas. But now he’s already in Brazil? What if it is to tell me that they’re not happy with my performance? That they won’t extend my contract?" he whispered and I sat up.
"Stop it now, okay! Why would they do that? They’re not stupid! Austin wasn’t your fault! Stop this nonsense now! He’s coming to Brazil because he wants to, there’s no reason behind it. Period." I looked at him determined and after a while he smiled a little.
Maybe you’re right." he leaned back, taking my hand in his again "What would I do without you?"
"I answered that question before, so you know the answer." I leaned into him, my head on his shoulder.
"I might sink and drown and die."
"Exactly."
"Was that Fred that I saw earlier?" I asked Charles when we walked to the car, late at Saturday night.
"Yeah… he’s here…" he opened my door and I looked at him "He said he wanted to talk to me after the weekend…"
"About what?" I waited for him to get in the car as well.
"He didn’t say about what. Just that we need to talk." Charles looked worried. I saw how he clenched his jaw, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight, his knuckles turned white.
"It’s going to be okay, you’ll see." I pried his hands away from the steering wheel and made him look at me "Fred loves you. Whatever is going to happen, it’s okay!"
"I hope so." he mumbled and started the car.
We drove in silence but I felt Charles’ anxiety radiating off of him, the tension in his shoulders visible. And although I tried my best to soothe his worries, to calm him down, he was as nervous as ever when he got into the car on Sunday. I watched horrified how he flew off in the formation lap and my stomach was in tight knots the whole race. As soon as I was out of the car, I was looking for him, but he was nowhere to be found.
"You text me as soon as you see him, okay?" I said to Andrea and he nodded, walking back into the Ferrari garage.
"Lizzie, we really have to go now… come on." Julie urged and I followed her to the media pen, where I gave my interviews in the fastest way possible and Julie chuckled when I looked at her after the hopefully last one "Okay, okay, we’re done! You can go and look now for Charles!"
"Thank you!" I almost sprinted away, looking for Joris and Andrea.
"He’s here." the latter said when I stopped in front of the Ferrari hospitality.
"Is he okay? He didn’t answer my texts…" I was slightly out of breath from running.
"He’s umm-… he’s in a meeting with Fred… and I think I saw John Elkann with them as well…" Andrea said slowly and my heart began to race.
"Okay- I mean… I guess I wait then?"
"That’s all we can do now." Andrea smiled at me when I saw Silvia coming our way.
"But you know what? I can wait at Audi as well…" I walked off before the evil witch of the easy reached us, making my way to wait for Charles.
The debrief felt like a whole eternity and when I finally left I saw a text from Charles, saying that I should wait at the car for him. I had a bad feeling and said good night to everyone, walking to the parking lot. My heart was hammering in my chest when two arms engulfed me from behind, but just a second later I relaxed, feeling it was Charles.
"Hey cara mia." he kissed the side of my head, spinning me around.
"You’re smiling?" I asked cautiously and he nodded.
"I’m smiling." he smiled, kissing me.
"What does that mean? Is everything okay?" I asked and he pushed me against the car, kissing me again "Charles!"
"More than okay. Brilliant actually… but I can’t tell you for now. It has to be secret until it’s officially announced…" he smiled brightly, opening the door for me, pushing me inside.
"And what? You think I will spill the beans?" I pouted, right when he closed the door and walked around the car to get in "Am I not trustworthy en-…" he silenced me with another kiss.
"Fred will become team principal next season. My new contract is already drafted…" he began and I squealed.
"Mattia is gone?" I asked and Charles nodded.
"Mattia is gone… well next season…" he said and I did a little happy dance.
"Does that mean that Sainz will be gone as well?" I asked big Charles shook his head.
"They didn’t mention him. And I honestly don’t care. Since Fred joined it was planned for him to take over. That’s why he was so highly involved in the making of next seasons car. It’s his car. And he said it’s the car to win the championship with… or at least he hopes so." his most beautiful, dimple showing smile was back.
"Charles Leclerc, world champion 2024. I called it first." I said happily and he shrugged his shoulders.
"We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves now, cara mia." he chuckled, starting the engine.
"Maybe you don’t… but I will! Mark my words, world champion of 2024, Charles Leclerc, my gorgeous boyfriend." I smiled "Now I’m even more happy for our trip to LA."
"Yeah, me too, it will be great."
Charles POV:
"What are you doing?" I plopped down next to Lizzie on the sun island and she showed me her iPad.
"These are the three options for the kitchen… I love them all, but the third one is my favourite. I always wanted to have an all white kitchen with black hardware but the kitchen island in all black? Waterfall edges of this beautiful white granite with black veins? The same we use for the countertops? Damn Carla really had an amazing idea here."
"That was Carla’s idea?" I asked and she nodded "I have to so, they all look stunning, but yeah, the black island really stands out? What tiles? The other options had tiles."
"I was honestly thinking to use the same granite as backsplash? Like a big fat slab of stone… here…" she tapped on the display and the model changed.
"Yes. 100 % yes. It looks amazing! Wow. Send it to Léon That’s our kitchen." I saw how happy and giddy she was about this decision and kissed her cheek "What else? Tell me you have more!"
"So, we already decided for the guest bathrooms and both powder rooms… but do you want to see my vision for our bathroom?" she asked and I nodded "Okay, here. I saw this bathtub and fell in love. Look at the size of it! Here’s the layout." she showed me the bathroom, the shower, big enough for a handful of people, the two vanities, a dressing table in between and the huge bathtub. It looked perfect.
"Perfect… like honestly! Lizzie you outdone yourself." I pulled her into me, smiling at her blushed cheeks "I can’t wait to move into our home together. It’s going to be so perfect. You are so perfect."
"Oh stop. I had a lot of help from Carla and our mum’s…" she almost whispered and I tilted her head up.
"Yeah but it’s your vision they help you with. You make this place our home." I kissed her, feeling her melting under my touch.
"Oh for fucks sake! Take a room! Ugggghhhh… I’m leaving!" Andrea groaned and I laughed.
"Wait for me, I’m not staying behind with these two lovebirds! Let’s go to Six Flags alone!" Joris said, following Andrea.
"Noooo! Wait for me!" Lizzie scrambled off of me and I huffed.
"Excuse me?" I looked at her.
"Wait for us?" she said meekly and grinned.
"Exactly. Wait for us!" we got up and followed the guys outside.
"I heard you’re excited for all the roller coasters." Lizzie teased Andrea and he laughed nervously "It’s okay. I’ll hold your hand when it get’s scary."
"I can also just wait for you guys…" he began but Lizzie shook her head.
"Nope. You’re coming with us on the rides! It will be fun! Believe me!"
It was fun. For Lizzie. For me. Not for Andre. Also not for Joris. Lizzie made her puppy eyes and made us ride everything there was and the colour from Andrea and Joris’ faces drained with every new ride more and more.
"Cara mia, I think you’ve exhausted them…" I whispered when we drove back to our Airbnb in the evening, the two guys half asleep in the backseat of the car. Lizzie turned and looked at them, one paler than the other.
"I’m sorry boys…" she chuckled, smiling apologetic.
"No you’re not!" Joris groaned.
"I can’t wait for when it’s time to go racing again!" Andrea sighed, leaning his head back "Thank god we’re leaving in two days, before you kill us."
"I’m definitely not getting paid enough for being tortured like that by your girlfriend…" Joris murmured and I had to laugh.
"Oh come on! It wasn’t that bad!" I said and they both looked at me pointedly.
"Your girl is a crazy spitfire and you know it!" Andrea said and I turned to Lizzie, grabbing her hand.
"That she is." I kissed the back of her hand and watched her blush "My girl."
"Coming to you Lizzie, what do you think of the race weekend here in Las Vegas?" Tom Clarkson asked and I looked over at Max, who looked just as disinterested as I felt.
"Honestly? Max said everything there is to say, I don’t have much to add. It’s all a big show for nothing. It’s turning into a circus, gets bigger and bigger when we all come here for one reason only: we want to race. We don’t need all of this stuff around. Events left and right. The sport itself is interesting enough. We don’t need all this bullshit around we get to see here." I said and Max nodded laughing.
"Alright, thank you, Lizzie. We open the floor now for some questions."
I didn’t listen to most of the questions and the ones for me were basically all the same, how I liked it here, what I expected from the race. When I walked out with Max and Charles, Max and I couldn’t even stop shit talking the whole event, leading to Charles rolling his eyes, saying that we were too dramatic.
"No Charlie boy, we’re not dramatic. We want to race. And not get paraded around like a freaking attraction…" I sighed.
"Listen to your girlfriend mate!" Max chuckled as our ways parted and he walked towards the RedBull hospitality.
"You should stop being so negative! Maybe the weekend will be great! I know, the opening ceremony was maybe a little bit too much, I agree but overall? The atmosphere is amazing, don’t you think?" Charles nudged my shoulder.
"Yeah maybe… let’s see how the racing is, you know? Racing? The reason why we’re here?" I looked at him and he pinched my side.
"You’re so funny… not… you’ll see! The racing will be great! How often do we get an entire new track just like that?"
"Umm- just last year in Miami?"
"Oh for fucks sake, Lizzie! Come on! It will be fun! You’ll see!" Charles rolled his eyes.
But what I saw was a messed up Friday on a track that had to be checked entirely for its drain covers and made us wait for for what felt like a whole eternity to come back for free practice 2.
At least the Saturday started better and when Charles made it on pole, a big smile on his face, I decided to swallow down my grudge against the track, because it looked like he was really enjoying racing here in Vegas.
"So? What do you say? Will you be the first winner of the Las Vegas GP?" I asked Charles when we were walking back from the national anthem and he laughed.
"I sure hope so, but you never know, Max is right behind me, then you, Checo… it won’t be easy!"
"And don’t forget Danny Ric! He made it just in time to be ready to race here in Vegas! And he’s starting on P6!" I said right as said driver pushed his way through us.
"Watch it lovebirds…" he chuckled and I slapped his arm.
"Oh you better stop, I saw you yapping all over my sister just an hour ago…" I said and he shrugged his shoulders.
"Don’t know what you’re talking about."
"Yeah yeah, whatever!" Charles laughed and kissed my cheek "Good luck, cara mia, Daniel. Let’s have some fun out there."
Fun? No. Crazy? Yes. The start already saw 4 cars retiring with Checo, Lewis, Norris and Sainz all out of the race. The red flag was waved and George, Oscar and Alonso all had to get some new front wings and tyres. As the race re-started it took only three more laps for the next yellow flag and safety car, Alonso being the fifth car to retire.
"It’s crazy! How many cars are out already? 5?" I radioed.
"Yes 5. Don’t make it 6, focus on your race, please." Pete replied and I chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah…"
I continued, watching Charles and Max battle hard for the race lead.
"Lizzie, red flag, Magnussen out. Careful, there’s a lot of debris." Pete radioed right as I drove over said debris.
"Fuck, I think I’ve damaged my floor. Is Kevin okay?"
"He’s okay. Return to the pits, we need to check your car."
As soon as I was back in the pits and saw Matt’s face when he got up from the floor I knew it was over. I had to retire.
"I’m sorry, Lizzie. It happened so fast, I couldn’t warn you any earlier." Pete apologised as soon as I was out of the car, taking my helmet off.
"It’s alright, it’s not your fault. It sucks but it’s like this." I patted his back.
"Oh wow, Charles 2.0…" he chuckled and I laughed, right when Liam appeared out of nowhere.
"I’m sorry Lizzie." he hugged my waist and I ruffled his hair a little.
"It’s okay, now let’s watch Charlie and Daniel, shall we?" I picked him up and he nodded.
"You have to go the interviews first…" Julie reminded me and I sighed.
"Alright, I’ll be back soon Liam." I kissed his cheek before I put him down on the stool in front of dad, while mum hugged me.
"I’m sorry…" she whispered.
"No, I’m sorry! The first race in a while that you attend and I bottle it."
"You didn’t bottle it. You were unfortunate!" Dad side hugged me and I sighed.
"Yeah, maybe… now let’s hope that Charles wins it and Danny keeps his podium." I shrugged and followed Julie to the media pen.
The interviews were quickly done and on my way back I watched Shima and Joris all cozy in the almost empty Ferrari hospitality. When they saw me they pulled away from each other and I had to laugh. It seemed like she wasn’t here just to see me after all. I walked back into our garage, just in time to see the final lap, Max winning the race, followed by Charles and Daniel.
"He almost won." Liam sighed and I nodded.
"He did. But he had an amazing weekend, just like Danny, we can be proud of them!" I said and he nodded, playing with something in his pocket.
"Can we go to the fence? I want to congratulate them!" Liam said and I smiled.
"Of course, Bubba, let’s go."
I sat Liam on the fence and we looked up at the podium, where Max, Charles and Daniel were spraying the champagne and having a party of their own.
"It’s been a while since I saw him that happy!" Sissy said and I looked at her.
"Oh come on! That’s just a teeny tiny bit more than when he’s with you and Liam!" I said and bumped her shoulder.
"Believe me, that was a mask for a long time… losing his seat was the worst thing that could’ve happen…" she almost whispered it as she looked up again, tears in her eyes. As if Daniel felt that she was looking he turned around, forming a little heart with his fingers and sending it to my sister "Look at this dork!"
I smiled as I saw how my sister blushed. The truth was I’ve never seen her more happy than with Daniel. And with Liam loving him wholeheartedly as well, I knew that she finally found the one. The one that was now approaching us, with the biggest grin on his face, scooping up Liam and whispering something into his ear, the little lad nodding excitedly and handing him something. Daniel handed him over to Charles, who made big eyes as Liam whispered something into his ear. I watched how Daniel swooped up Sissy, twirling her around, saying something to her.
"WHAT?!" she exclaimed loudly and Daniel only nodded and kissed her, then sat her down looking in her eyes "You‘re kidding, right?"
"Hell no! Let’s do it tonight!" he said and took her hand and I almost choked as I saw him slipping a ring onto her finger "Everyone is here! I don’t want to wait a single day! What are you saying?"
"I-I umm…" she looked frantically around, Charles sat Liam down on the ground and he ran up to her.
"Say yes Mummy! YES!" he was overly excited and Charles hugged me from behind, watching what was happening.
"Yes. YES!" Sissy said and Daniel kissed her, before he scooped up Liam and hugged them both.
"What did just happen?" I whispered and Charles kissed my temple.
"Danny Ric just happened." he chuckled and I smiled.
"I don’t even have a dress? This is crazy! Why are we doing this? I mean… come on! We could wait! How are we supposed to plan a wedding in what? 12 hours? It’s the middle of the night? What are we doing?" Sissy was pacing back and forth while Mum, Shima and I just sat there, listening to her rambling.
"It’s Vegas! I think finding a dress won’t be too difficult? Shima’s here, she can fix anything you find into something great! Maybe not your dream wedding dress, but a beautiful one nonetheless? And again, it’s Vegas! This city never sleeps! Planning a wedding shouldn’t be too hard? I mean we are in one of the fanciest hotels already? Let me check if they have a nice location where we can celebrate? Finding a chapel won't be too hard either…" I chuckled and Mum nodded.
"Yeah and it’s not like we’re a whole lot of people? It's doable, maybe it's not the wedding of your dreams… bute he’s the man of your dreams, or not?” she looked at Sissy who smiled.
"You're right! Let’s plan!" she said and sat down.
“Alright, first things first. Guests, I need to know how many people we are to find a location… you and Danny and Liam, his family, that’s 5, us, that’s another 5. Wait I text him if he wants to invite any of the other drivers… alright, let’s talk dresses, Shima that’s your part…" I made a note on my phone, then looked up, Sissy and Mum looking at me with big eyes "What?"
"Nothing… you’re doing great, can I go to bed and you do the rest?"Sissy chuckled and I laughed.
"Nope. You figure out what colours you want, what flowers and stuff like that, while I… oh Danny texted… okay, small wedding, only Max, Christian, his wife and Pierre with Kika… that makes… 18?” I checked my phone and wrote down the names.
"Joris?" Mum said and we all grinned at Shima.
"Yes!" Sissy looked at me and I wrote them down.
"I don’t know why you’re looking at me like that…" Shima mumbled and I laughed.
"Oh shut it… you think you’re subtle, but let me tell you, you’re not… whatever is going on with you and him… we know… so 19."
"Whatever… dresses… I know some designers from here, I text them, let’s see what we can organise? I mean, it’s 2am they won’t answer until the morning, but yeah…" Shima began typing away on her phone.
"Alright, I need a time, when do we start?"
I looked at Sissy and Mum.
"Umm-… maybe 6pm? So everyone can have a little sleep, maybe? I mean, it won’t be a big and long ceremony? It’s Vegas, after all it’s going to be fast and funny?" Sissy said and I nodded.
"Okay… so we are… 19 people? Yeah? That’s doable I guess. I go downstairs to check the front desk… ask them if they have like a little ball room? I don’t know? Something fitting for a wedding? You think about dresses and I don’t know, colours? Food? The other stuff…" I got up.
"What other stuff?" Mum asked and I shrugged.
"I don’t know, you’re married, you planned your wedding, so you know what to do…" I left the room, right when Charles called.
"Hows the wedding planning going?" he asked and I laughed.
"I’m on my way to the front desk, asking for a room and someone who can marry them…"
"Elvis might be a good option." Charles laughed.
"Very original- ha ha… no seriously. Maybe they offer like an all inclusive last minute deal? I don’t know… we’re roughly 20 people, it should be organisable, no?" I sighed a little, leaning against the elevator wall "When are you coming back?"
"Soon, we’re just trying on some suits, Danny found a tailor that’s still open, Vegas, I swear… is the dress shopping also this easy?"
"Shima knows some designers from here, she contacted them, but yeah, probably the real process starts in the morning, but it’s fine, we get there." I yawned a little, entering the lobby "Text me when you’re in your way back, I’m at the front desk now."
"Alright, cara mia, see you later!" he hung up and I walked up to the front desk.
"Good morning, Miss Doetterer, how can I help you?" the lady said and smiled at me.
"Umm- this might sound crazy… but I need a room, location, whatever to held a wedding. Ceremony, reception, party all in one place would be amazing. For around 20 people, today at 6pm?" I said cautiously, expecting the blondes smile to drop.
"Oh believe me, this isn’t even close to the craziest things I’ve been asked for in the past… this is Las Vegas after all, planning a wedding in less than… 15 hours? We can do that." she said, her smile got even brighter "Is it for you and Mr. Leclerc then?"
"What? Oh no- no! It’s for my sister and Danny Ric… umm Daniel Ricciardo." I said hastily and she nodded.
"Very well, let’s plan your sister’s one of a kind Las Vegas wedding then."
"Man, I love Vegas. Let’s plan!"
As I watched my sister and Daniel share their first dance as husband and wife I had to smile. We did it. We planned an amazing wedding. The room looked elegant and classy. The cake looked delicious. The flowers were beautiful. But above all Sissy looked stunning. The dress Shima organised and altered here and there was simple, classy and timeless. Liam in his mini suit running around, looking adorable as ever was just the tip of the iceberg.
"Did I mention before how beautiful you look? That dress is just… wow… what a nice little black dress." Charles whispered in my ear, spinning me around, standing behind me.
"You look not to bad yourself, handsome." I chuckled and he hugged me from behind.
"I’m proud of you. You did all that in less than what? 12 hours?" Charles said, putting his chin on my shoulder, swaying us a little.
"The hotel did most of the job, I told them what we wanted, Sissy said the colours and flowers, Shima took care of the dress and Mum took care of the menu. Given all the input to the hotel, they did the biggest chunk of work." I shook my head a little.
"But you were managing it. And you did amazing. It’s a beautiful wedding. Makes me wonder-…" he stopped abruptly and I turned my head a little.
"Makes you wonder what?" I looked at him.
"Makes me wonder how our wedding will be one day… when you have time to plan it for weeks… considering what you did in a couple of hours."
"To find that out, you need to ask me to marry you first." I chuckled.
"Oh, don’t worry cara mia… I’m planning to." he kissed my cheek and then winked at me, before he left, picking Liam up who tried to have a go at the cake "Little munchkin, you have to wait!"
"But I want now some cake! It looks so fluffy and yummy!" Liam pouted.
"You’ll get your slice, don’t worry! You just have to wait a little!" Charles laughed and Liam sighed.
"Okay… but cakes are the best thing at parties, we should eat them first." he grumbled and walked off, climbing in dad’s lap, probably lamenting his suffering.
Liam was right, the cake was just what he said. Fluffy and yummy. After his second slice and some more dancing mum and dad, bid their farwell, taking Liam with them, right when some waiters brought in a couple of new bottles of champagne.
Daniel grabbed a bottle and began shaking it, before he banged it on the table
"I’d say, let’s party!" Danny popped the bottle and the night began with champagne showers.
Pain. A mind-numbing, throbbing pain. Like someone was scratching at my eyeballs from the insides, a jackhammer doing its worst inside my brain. My stomach began to churn and I groaned, trying to untangle my legs from the sheets and Charles legs, his arms holding me tight around the waist.
"Charles… let go of me…" I whispered, a loud snore my answer "Charles I’m serious… I have to…"
"What is it?" he groaned.
"Have to… throw up…" was the only thing I could manage to breathe out when he let go of me immediately and I stumbled out of bed, tripping over something on the floor "Fuck." I crawled to the bathroom, making it just in time to empty my stomach into the toilet.
"Lizzie? Are you okay?" Charles hoarse voice wafting through the fog in my brain.
"Peachy. Just peachy." I mumbled, slowly getting up from the floor rinsing my mouth "I need…"
"What do you need?"
"I don’t know…" I splashed cold water in my face, feeling some short lived relief from the drumming inside my head "I need pain killers…" I grabbed two hand towels and soaked them in cold water, wrung them out and stumbled back to bed, tripping again over something on the floor.
"What the fuck…" I groaned.
"What the fuck…" the something hissed.
"Pierre?" I sat up, blinking
"Yeah?" he mumbled and Charles switched on the night stand lamp.
"What the fuck are you doing on the floor? In our room?" Charles asked, his voice groggy.
"Don’t know. Don’t care. Switch the light off." he turned away, pulling his blanket over his head.
"There’s a couch. Sleep there!" I whispered but saw how he shook his head.
"Floor is cold. Good for my head." he mumbled and I sighed.
"Alright…" I slowly scrambled back to the bed and climbed in, letting the cold towel
flop on Charles face, he flinched but chuckled a little.
"Thanks, cara mia." he moved over and kissed my cheek.
Half sitting, half laying I rummaged through my bag on the nightstand, looking for some painkillers and popped out a pill as soon as I found them, swallowing it down with some water.
"What happened last night?" I whined, lying back, covering my forehead with the cold towel.
"Your sister and Danny Ric got married." Charles yawned.
"Fuck yes they did!" Pierre laughed on the floor.
"And why are we half dead?" I asked.
"Because none of us knows their limit apparently…" Charles groaned.
"Nope." Pierre half laughed half snored "Can we now maybe be quiet for a bit? My head hurts…"
"Here…" I grabbed the painkillers, popped another pill out and threw the blister then at him, followed by a bottle of water rolled over the floor.
"Ouch!" Pierre whined, when the bottle was stopped by his head "Thank you…"
"Here, for you…" I handed Charles a pill.
"You’re an angel." he kissed my cheek and turned around, grabbing his water.
"What are you even doing in our room, Pierre?" I asked, watching him all sprawled out on the floor, cheeks smushed into the cold marble floor.
"I don’t know… we were at the wedding. We were gambling… we were drinking… we were at a club… we were drinking… we were gambling… I remember In’and’Out Burger and then this cute little white house where we took some pictures. And I swear Elvis was there as well…"
"I wouldn’t say no to a burger…" I whispered and Charles chuckled.
"You get one as soon as we get up…" he kissed my shoulder "Which will be soon… our flight is in a couple of hours."
"How much time do we have left?" I yawned.
"Wait… our flight is at 4… and now it’s… it’s almost 12!" Charles sat up and I flinched "Fuck… sorry, cara mia. But we have to pack, get ready and…"
"For fucks sake! We have time! Shut up now…" Pierre groaned.
"Not agreeing how he said it, but agreeing with what he said…" I shrugged, pulling the blanket over my head "30 minutes… come on…"
"30 minutes! Not one minute longer!"
I sighed contently and closed my eyes. Feeling the throbbing in my head subsiding slowly as the cold towel did its job. The loud snores from Pierre were the only disturbance and as I turned to grab one of the pillows beside the bed to throw at him, I touched my phone the screen illuminating half the room and my look fell on the time.
"FUCK! FUCK!" I shouted, Charles and Pierre both flinching and sitting up "We overslept! It’s almost 2!"
"FUCK!" both boys exclaimed.
Pierre scrambled up, trying to stand looking around like a lost puppy.
"Where is my keycard? Why am I even here." he groaned, searching through his pockets "Fuck."
"Call Kika!" I suggested and Pierre took out his phone, calling his girlfriend.
"Okay, let’s pack…" Charles mumbled, opening up our suitcases, throwing in everything he could find "Here…" he threw one of his hoodies at me, while I grabbed some fresh clothes "Get ready in the bathroom, I handle this mess…"
"Hey! I’m no mess!" Pierre looked at him and I chuckled, disappearing into the bathroom.
My vision was still blurry and I sat down on the bathtub edge, brushing my teeth. I stripped off my clothes, put on some socks and leggings before I washed my face. As soon as the second wave of cold water hit my face and I wiped my eyes I looked in the mirror, my eyes immediately falling on the ring on my left ring finger.
"What the fuck…" I gulped, starring at the silver ring.
"Yeah… what the fuck…" Charles walked slowly inside, holding up his left hand, the same ring adorning his finger.
"What the fuck happened last night…"
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Chapter 41 - I hope you guys are feeling as hot after reading, as me when I was writing it 🤭 the infamous Las Vegas race giving us really everything there was to get, including one (two?!) wedding(s) … 👀
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racingcore · 7 months ago
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is it giving drama?
saw Charles look so serious in this pic and had a vision for a movie poster 😊
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