#i did p4 today and my hands were shaking so bad when i finished

[copepods]

feels good man

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 41:

I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with Paper Rings…

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…"

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) … 👀

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

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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 @janeholt3 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09

[svtmatokis]

Miracle P4

I literally just finished writing Miracle P6 and I CANNOT wait for you guys to read it! But until then, here is Miracle P4

Plot: What if it was love at first sight? Jihoons lost all passion for music after being wronged two years ago and right as he was about to quit, someone unexpectedly enters his life and changes it for the better

Pairing: Reader x Jihoon  

Words: 4294

Warnings: A lot of chapters have a bit of swearing

Jihoon walked into the house and was satisfied that it was already empty and knew that most of the guys who lived there were already at your house preparing for the party. 

With your hands still attached, he lead you to the dining room where a bouquet and gift box waited for you. He pulled out the chair for you to sit down in and handed you the flowers which weren’t roses but a mixture of your favorite ones which was wrapped in purple tissue.

The next thing he handed you was the box and urged you to open it.

You gently pulled the ribbon apart and opened the box to find a bunch of your favorite snacks with a little note from Jihoon written on each of them. You giggled as you came across a few funny inside jokes the two of you shared and at the bottom of the box was your favorite chocolates with a note that said:

‘I’ve learned your taste and I love your style. I feel like we’ve been dating forever, so will you be mine?’

“Oh my gosh this is so cheesy.” you whispered with a slight sniffle but a smile was stuck on your face as you looked up at Jihoon who had gone up to his room to change into something more party appropriate which resulted in a white long sleeved shirt and dark jeans. “Is this your way of asking me to be your girlfriend?” 

“Would you say yes if it was?” he asked back as he kneeled in front of you with your hands in his and he brought them to his lips to kiss each knuckle. 

“I would say yes to you for anything.” you admitted shyly, “Thank you for all this..” 

“Anything for my girl.” he said liking the sound of it as it rolled off his tongue and knew he could get used to this. “Then, would you say yes if I asked to kiss you then?” 

“I really don’t think you need to ask Ji.” you said with a cheeky grin as he leaned forward and covered your lips with his in a soft perfect first kiss.

After a few moments, Jihoon pulled away with a satisfied grin on his face. “We should get going, I promised the guys that you would be in time for the party. You are the guest of honor after all.” 

“Promise you won’t leave me tonight?” you asked, “I know that Tae, Kook and Jimin are going to try to get me as wasted as they can but I also have dance practice with Hobi tomorrow that I can’t miss.” 

“Promise. The last thing we need is for you and Hoseok to not make finals in the duo competition this time.” he said standing up before pulling you up and meeting your lips once. “And I can definitely get used to this too.” he whispered rubbing his nose against yours making you giggle.

“You know Ji, I think I can say the exact same thing.” you said picking up the flowers as Jihoon took the box and the two of you made your way out the door and to your birthday party.

Meanwhile, Soonyoung approached the group at the party who had gathered at Yoongi’s DJ post and put his hand on Hoseok and Jungkooks shoulder.

“Guys, I might have to throw fists tonight.” he said as everyone turned to look at him.

“Whats up?” Namjoon asked as Soonyoung theoretically blew smoke out of his nose.

“I’m not sure how but Jihoons stupid ex is here with Lina. If she tries to ruin anything between Y/N and Jihoon, I am going to throw fists.” Soonyoung said pointing in the direction to where Hana stood with Lina.

“Lina from our dance class?” Hoseok asked and Soonyoung nodded.

“Don’t throw fists Soon.” Jin reprimanded, “You can get kicked out of all clubs if you do.” 

“So?” Soonyoung asked obviously annoyed, “She broke my best friends heart and has the audacity to show up at his new girlfriends birthday party. I smell something fishy and its definitely not the salmon you made today Jin.” 

“I’ll fight her in your place baby.” Kimi said sliding up next to Soonyoung and wrapping her arm around his waist. “Only if she does something to make Y/N upset though.”

“Awe! You’re so sweet honey! Fighting for both mine and Y/N’s honor like that.” Soonyoung cooed as he placed a kiss on Kimis cheek.

“Geez, the relationship between two black belts..” Jin said with a shake of his head, “well if she provokes you then you have free reign but please leave the blood to a minimum. We literally just replaced the carpet from Kookies birthday.” 

“Let me go talk to her first and see what’s really up.” Seungcheol said leaving the group immediately and made his way towards the duo. 

“They’re cousins” Soonyoung said as everyone gave him a questioning look, “They don’t really get along but family’s family. Have Y/N and Jihoon arrived yet?” 

“She went to change out of her dance outfit.” Jihoon said coming out of nowhere causing a few to jump. “We snuck in through the back door when we saw all the people at the front.”

“So how did the plan go?” Jin asked curiously, “Are you going to be my brother in-law?” 

“Well….” Jihoon started explaining what had happened between the two of you in the last hour or so.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol had found Hana and Lina by one of the tables that Jin had put out for the event and tapped her on the shoulder.

Hana turned around and gasped when she saw Seungcheol give her one of his fake smiles and waves, “S-Seungcheol...what are you doing here?” 

“I’m good friends with the host and the birthday girl.” Seungcheol explained, “Can I talk to you in private?” 

“I’m actually here with Lina and I really shouldn’t leave her alone.” Hana said trying to excuse herself but Seungcheol recognized the girl from dance class and shot her a charming smile.

“Is it okay with you Lina? I saw Chan near the food table, I think he said he wanted to talk to you about one of the routines you worked on.” Seungcheol said using the crush she had on the junior captain to his advantage.

“Of course Cheol.” she said and smiled at Hana, “I’ll be right back. Come find me when you’re done.” 

“O-okay...see you later.” Hana said hesitantly and once Lina was out of sight Seungcheol pounced.

“What are you doing here Hana?” he asked immediately. The two never really got along as family and ever since the break up with Jihoon, Seungcheol kept his distance from her. Even though she was family, she still broke his best friends heart and up until now he was healing, “You don’t even go here.” 

“I came to tour the school for the week...I’m thinking about transferring to a different arts program that our school didn’t have.” Hana started and Seungcheol cut her off.

“Bull shit, you got kicked out of your program didn’t you.” Seungcheol stated, “Did you steal someones music again? Or are you really here to try and get Jihoon back?” 

“No!!” Hana quickly defended herself, “Why would you think I stole someones music?” 

“Because you did that to my best friend.” Seungcheol said, “Stole, sold and accused him of plagiarizing. You know, I never really got to talk to you about that.”

“Well you wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain. Jihoon wasn’t exactly innocent in this either.” Hana argued as her eye caught sight of said person talking to a group of boys. The smile on his face as he was explaining something to them was undeniable and she started to question why all the guys were patting him on the back. 

“Hana, you stole his music and sold it to other students to use for their projects. You then convinced the department that HE had stolen YOUR music for his projects. Think about how embarrassed he felt. He already had a reputation as a producer in the school and it got tarnished just because you were jealous of his work. You claimed that the music he worked so hard on was yours. I know the full story Hana. I know the music that Jihoon was working on. I was the one who introduced you two.” Seungcheol said silently thanking Yoongi who had turned the music up so no one could hear what he was saying. “I regret introducing him to you cause all you did was break his heart.”

“It wasn’t my fault!” Hana said frustrated, “I had to be at the top of the class. Then Jihoon started using his original music for projects and suddenly he takes the spot. You know how bad that made me look? I was number one for so long and then my boyfriend comes in and bam, his music takes over mine. I had a reputation Seungcheol. You would never understand.” 

“Oh I do.” Seungcheol said with a nod, “Cause my friend here has a reputation and guess what, his little sister took that spot away from him and I have never seen him prouder” He was obviously referring to you and Yoongi who continued to encourage each other through your works of music. Yoongi had even gone as far as to write a song about how proud he was of you and you in turn wrote a thank you to the mentor you almost never met. “You never encouraged Jihoon because of your jealousy and inturn, he neglected you right?” 

Seungcheol smirked at Hana’s sudden silence and patted her shoulder, “Just know that whatever you’re trying to do here won’t work. Jihoon isn't the same quiet guy everyone once knew. When he transferred here, he got his backbone and the most support he’s ever had, don’t try to take that away from him.”

“But...I realized all that after I got kicked out of the program...I was always jealous of him because he was more liked in the music department and I suddenly just became ‘Jihoon’s girlfriend’.”she said looking down, “That’s why I want to transfer here...to show Jihoon that I’ve changed…”

“Well...that’s not going to work in your favor anymore.” Seungcheol said with a sigh, “He’s moved on and it wouldn’t be a good idea for you to associate with that group-” 

Seungcheol was cut off by Soonyoung jumping on one of the tables and yelling into the mic that he had taken from Yoongi’s DJ stand.

(Earlier)

“See, I told you the cheesy note would work.” Taehyung said patting Jihoon on the back as the rest did after he told them how you agreed to be his girlfriend, “Welcome to the brotherhood man.”

“I also wanted to let you know that Hana’s here.” Soonyoung said watching Jihoon’s reaction carefully and funnily enough, he seemed unphased. “Cheols talking to her now.”

“You’re telling me this after the girl of my dreams agreed to be my girlfriend.” he stated, “Do you seriously think I could give a fuck? I saw Hana earlier when I was waiting for Y/N and I thought I was going to break but once Y/N grabbed my hand, the only person I saw was her. That’s when I kind of knew that I was completely over her.” 

Hearing this made Soonyoung happy, like really happy. As he saw you come out of your bedroom dressed in a white v-neck and black skinny jeans with your hair curled, he grabbed the mic from Yoongis DJ stand (under his protests) and hopped on one of the tables (with Jin reprimanding him in the background.)

“EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!” He yelled as the whole house cheered, “I just wanted to announce that this is probably the happiest day of my life. Why you ask? Because MY best friend” he pointed at Jihoon who was currently leaning on Yoongi’s DJ table with his hand over his eyes in embarrassment but laughing, “has finally gotten his shit together and asked our birthday girl and dance captain over here.” he then pointed at you who had been making your way towards said group but stopped to look at him with wide eyes when Soonyoung addressed you, “To be his girlfriend!” 

“FINALLY!” you could hear most of the dance team including Chan and Vernon yell through the crowd and you suddenly felt your face heat up in embarrassment and quickly ran towards the group of boys and into Jihoon’s arms where he wrapped his arms around you laughing as you hid your face in his shoulder from pure embarrassment.

“What the heck was that?!” you asked Soonyoung as soon as he hopped off the table and returned the mic. 

“A definite show opener thats what.” Yoongi said handing you a drink he had gone to get during Soonyoungs little announcement. “Happy Birthday baby girl.” 

“Happy birthday Y/N!” the group that surrounded you chorused as everyone put their drinks together.

Seungcheol smiled at the sight before him while Hana frowned. You were the girl that Jihoon had been with earlier when they ran into each other.

“They won’t last.” she said automatically, “He’s going to neglect her for his work eventually...no one understands it like I do and how could someone like him date someone as ugly and plain as her?” 

“I bet you my inheritance that you’re wrong.” Seungcheol said as he saw you pretty much cling to Jihoon as Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin gave you drinks left and right, “Oh he is definitely going to need help with her later.” 

Jihoon had this smile on his face that he hadn’t seen in so long and he could see that Jihoon was happy you were depending on him. Your body was pressed against his side as the two of you stood next to Yoongi’s DJ booth where Seungcheol knew would be the main spot for the group for the night. Yoongi rarely left his DJ booth during parties and you wanted to celebrate your birthday with all your close friends and brothers. He held back a laugh when he saw Jihoon take the drink out of Taehyungs hand to chug it himself making the other dancer pout. Jungkook then handed you big glass which you took and finished within a few seconds. That one had probably hit you hard since he noticed your head was now on Jihoons shoulder and Jihoon was laughing while rubbing your back gently, whispering into your ear.

“I bet you that she’ll get bored of him quickly.” Hana said, “And he’ll come back to me once he realizes that I’ve changed for the better.”

“And you’re delusional.” Seungcheol said with that fake grin as he noticed Lina, Chan, Vernon and Joshua come towards them. “ He’s finally found someone who depends on him as much as he does her. Don’t mess with Jihoon, Hana. There will be consequences and not only from me. ” he finished just as the boys and Lina joined the group.

“Who owes me money?” Seungcheol then asked the three boys who grumpily gave him twenty dollars each. 

“I seriously didn’t think he’d wait this long!” Chan whined, “They were always together in and out of class that so many thought they were already officially together.” 

“Jihoon likes to take his time. You know that.” Joshua said with a sigh as he saw Taehyung wave him over. He had a tray of shot glasses in his hand and knew that it was time for the birthday shot.

 “We should really join the birthday girl though. I see Tae has prepared the shots.” Vernon said starting to walk away, “See you later Lina!”

Slowly one by one the group dispersed and soon Lina and Hana were left to their own devices. 

“I can’t believe Jihoon and Y/N finally got together.” Lina said laughing as she saw the group around Yoongi take shots. “They’ve been dancing around each other since she got back from London.” 

“London?” Hana questioned.

“Y/N left during freshman year to go study in London for a program that the school offered. She just came back this year. I heard that she’s the younger sister of the student body president and also close with Min Yoongi who’s a known producer. I’m not sure of their connection though.” Lina said, “She’s also the captain of the dance team. She’s really nice, do you want to go meet her?” 

Hana winced as she saw you look at Jihoon and ever so discreetly, he leaned down to give you a quick peck on the lips which obviously everyone around them saw and started cheering once again.

“I’m actually kind of tired...can I have the key to your dorm? I think I’m going to head back first.” she said with a tight smile and feeling sick to her stomach.

“Sure, I’m going to hang around a while longer. It’s not everyday that the whole dance department gets invited to these parties.” Lina said handing Hana the key. “Feel better!” 

With one last look at the lovely couple, Hana made her way to the exit trying to get the image of how happy Jihoon looked with another girl in his arms out of her head. 

Later in the evening, the party was starting to wind down and only the dance team members as well as everyone from the SVT Frat house remained. You somehow had gotten roped into playing a game of beer pong with Taehyung, Joshua and Seungcheol while Jihoon had stayed by the DJ booth with Yoongi and watched to make sure you were okay. 

“So I’m not going to have to give you the talk am I?” Yoongi asked as the two observed the beer pong game at hand. Jin was currently the referee while Namjoon, Jungkook and the rest watched from the sidelines. 

“The talk?” Jihoon asked looking at his mentor, “You mean the, if I hurt her I’ll die talk?” 

Yoongi nodded his head, “I worked two years to get you two together and if you fuck it up…” 

“I won’t.” Jihoon said with finality in his voice, “She’s too special to me and she’s the reason why I’m doing better in class this year than I was last year.” 

“I can see that, you two are neck in neck right now in marks.” Yoongi said taking a gulp of his drink, “But your ex girlfriends here too, what about her?” 

“What about her?” Jihoon asked, “When I saw Y/N at the cafe that day and didn’t know it was her I was already intrigued. To find out that she’s the girl you’ve been wanting to set me up with after you started mentoring me is something else. She’s so much more then you described Yoongi. She’s my light.” 

“So theres nothing…” Yoongi started and Jihoon shook his head.

“Not since Y/N came into the picture. She makes me forget the pain I went through and I’m pretty sure I’d do anything for her at this point.” Jihoon said as he watched you chug another glass. He knew that he’d have to step in soon if you wanted to remotely make it to class tomorrow as well as your dance practice with Hoseok who had been limiting himself to only a few drinks and a lot of water.

“Ji!!” Seungcheols called out as the two producers saw you tap out and was currently being held up by Jin and Joshua who were laughing at your state. It was obvious none of them were worried as you were surrounded by people who cared about you and wouldn’t let anything happen to you. But that didn’t mean that they wanted to care for your drunk ass since you had  a boyfriend to do that. 

“And this is where I come in.” Jihoon said putting his drink down. 

“Take her to her room to make sure she’s okay. You can stay the night if you want, I trust you.” Yoongi said with a nod and Jihoon chuckled.

“It’s not like I haven’t spent the night before.” he said and Yoongi snorted.

“Yea, but you were both sober and working at the time. Now my sisters drunk beyond compared and you’re her boyfriend. It’s different. I’ll check on you guys later on.” 

“Sounds good. I’ll talk to you later.” Jihoon said as he made his way over to the group of gamers and wrapped his arm around your waist. 

“How’s my little birthday girl?” he asked as you looked up at him smiling drunkedly giggling. 

“There you are!” you said leaning into his shoulder and inhaling his scent, “You weren’t supposed to leave me tonight...now look at what they did to me” you whined with a pout and Jihoon chuckled as he slowly lead you away from everyone after saying good night.

“I’ve stocked your room with bottled water which you are going to drink for me before you pass out and I’ve also toweled your bathroom just incase we have a puking accident.” he said as he opened the door to your room and placed you on the couch sitting up.

“Look at you all boyfriendly already.” you said giggling leaning into his chest as he handed you a bottle of water. “I don’t think I’ll puke though… I didn’t drink that much...”

“We’ll see what happens after you drink the water okay?” he said knowing exactly how much you drank that night. He was already amazed that you had yet to puke but he was told by Yoongi that you and Jimin tend to drink on the regular so your tolerance was fairly high. 

You finished half a bottle before letting out a sigh, finding comfort in Jihoons presence and scent. “I’m really happy you know that?” you asked tiredly as you felt Jihoon place a kiss on the crown of your head. 

“Why is that?” 

“Because, I got the bestest birthday present I could ever ask for.” you muttered drunkedly as your head started dropping and Jihoon couldn’t help but chuckle as the smile he had on his face grew. “I got to spend it with my family and best friends for the first time in two years...and Jihoonie too.” 

“I’m glad you let me spend your birthday with you” he said as he noticed something was off, “And I told you that you were going to puke.” he stated right as you shot up to run to your bathroom and emptied your stomach.

Jihoon wasn’t that far behind you to hold your hair back and was glad that he put towels on the floor cause once you were done, you wouldn’t get up.

“Come on baby, we need to get you up and in bed.” he said gently as you refused to move.

“You called me baby.” you said tiredly and Jihoon had to hold in his laugh. You were so adorable when you were drunk and he was happy that he was one of the few people who got to witness this. 

“Well you are. You’re my Y/N baby as of today.” he said lifting you up and carrying you back to your room once he was sure you were done puking. 

“Does that mean our anniversary is on my birthday?” you muffled into his shoulders.

“That would be correct.” he said placing you on the couch and gave you an extra large t-shirt he knew that you wore to sleep. “Can you change yourself?” 

He turned around when you nodded your head and went through his phone to see various texts from the guys checking in on your situation.

“Does that mean that I’ll be sad on my birthday if we ever break up?” you asked sadly and Jihoon whipped his head around quickly thanking that you had changed already and was at your side in an instant.

“Well, thats never going to happen so you don’t have to worry about that.” he reassured as he wrapped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you to him. “You’re too special to me for me to let you go that easily.” 

“Even with Hana here?” you asked leaning on his chest to not meet his eyes and he felt his heart clench at the sound of insecurity.

“Never. You showed me a lot of things Hana never did. You’ve pushed me to come out of my shell for the first time in two years and to work harder as a producer. You’re a miracle that’s come into my life and I never want to let you go.” he answered stroking your hair gently which was in fact lulling you to sleep. 

“Promise?” you asked softly and Jihoon knew that you were starting to doze off.

“I promise” he whispered and continued to stroke your hair and pretty soon, he heard your quiet snores signifying that you were now asleep. 

Every so gently, he lifted you up bridal style and moved you to your bed to place you down softly and cover you with your blanket but before he could get up again, you clung to his wrist.

“Stay…” you pleaded quietly and Jihoon smiled looking at your cute pouty face. 

“Okay” he whispered and took off his shoes and laid down on top of the blankets with one hand intertwined with yours and that was how Yoongi and Jin found the two of you later once the party had died down.

Your two older brothers looked at each other with drunken smiles, content that you had found someone who could care for you as much as they did. That was all they wanted.

[charanteleclerc]

breathe (i’m here beside you)

They didn’t talk about it, after Australia. They came home, they trained, and they talked. But they didn’t talk about it.

They did the same, after Bahrain. After he’s raged, and cried, and gone hoarse from all the vitriolic words he’s spat and screamed out, Pierre just holds him. Pierre talks about the most random, inane things that he could possibly think of, one thought leading onto another with seemingly no connection. And they still don’t talk about it.

And now they’re sat on a plane home, trying to blink away the memories of a poor race for both of them - and they’re still not talking about it.

He’s not going to say anything - now definitely wouldn’t be the time, with other drivers sat in the small (too small) plane - but Charles isn’t sure if he should bring it up at all, or wait for Pierre to approach him. The endless, trivial chatter had helped him in Bahrain. Maybe it was Pierre’s way of coping. Enough white noise to dull out the screaming thoughts.

The problem was, Charles didn’t think Pierre was talking about it with anyone. And bottling up that much emotion, it didn’t bode well. Something would end up cracking that protective wall Pierre had built up, and then it’d only be a matter of waiting until he did something reckless.

Charles just couldn’t let him be reckless. He couldn’t.

He watched Pierre the entire plane ride home, not really caring if he was being unapproachable to the others. A couple of them looked concerned, even Pierre did, but he didn’t care. He brushed them off with the excuse of tiredness, which they took unsaid that he meant ‘pissed off about the race’. They’d all been there, at one point or the other.

“You sure you’re okay?” Pierre asked, a small frown on his face. Charles nodded, sinking down into his chair.

“Just tired.” He said again. Pierre didn’t look fully convinced, but he thankfully didn’t argue. There were some things better left for private.

Charles finally fell asleep, listening to quiet conversations, trying to stop the feeling that he was doing something wrong, he just didn’t know what.

                                                               ~*~

Charles woke up to a dull thud, thud, thud coming from the next room. He’d been home a couple of days, and in all honesty, he’d spent them hold up inside. He’d done his morning training, but the runs hadn’t helped to clear his head much. Too much rage, too many questions. And he still really needed to talk to Pierre. Aside from quick texts, Charles hadn’t heard from him. It wasn’t completely unusual, they didn’t actually live in each other’s pockets. Pierre was his closest friend, of course he was. They’d grown up together. Pierre had been there after his dad, he’d been there after Jules. They’d celebrated together, and cried together. But they were adults now, it probably wasn’t healthy to spend all their time together. They’d done that enough when they were younger, a little space could be good from time to time.

Thud, thud, thud.

Charles groaned. Whatever that noise was, it wasn’t stopping, and it was starting to piss him off. It was probably his neighbours doing… fuck know what’s they were doing, but he just wished they do it quieter.

He wandered into his living room, day seemingly off to a bad start, when he finds himself confronted by the sight of Pierre on his couch. Pierre, sitting on his couch, throwing and catching a tennis ball against the far wall.

“I have neighbours, you know?” He narrowed his eyes. “How did you get in?”

“Through the door, with a key. Like a normal person.” Pierre replied. “And maybe your neighbours will just assume you’re having really hot, athletic sex.” He leered slightly. Charles rolled his eyes, huffing.

“Maybe if you were prettier.” He replied. “Coffee?”

“I will take your free coffee, and pretend I didn’t hear the part about me not being pretty.” Pierre pulled himself off the sofa, following Charles to his kitchen. “I was beginning to think you’d never wake up.”

“Why are you here?” Charles asked, grabbing the mugs. It wasn’t that he wasn’t happy to see Pierre, far from it, but Pierre didn’t usually turn up at his apartment at 6.30 in the morning.

“Wanted to see if you’d come on a bike ride with me.” Pierre shrugged. “We haven’t seen much of each other these last few weeks, not just as us anyway. It’d be nice to just hang out.”

“That sounds good.” Charles nodded. “Up into the hills?”

“Sure.” Pierre grins, watching Charles pour the coffee. “I like mine…”

“Black, one sugar. I know.” Charles replied, handing Pierre his coffee. “I’ll go and get changed, do you have your bike with you?”

“In the hall.” Pierre replied, staring at his mug with an odd expression. Charles didn’t question it. He was going to have Pierre alone for a few hours at least, maybe they could finally have the conversation that they’d been avoiding.

                                                              ~*~

Pierre was waiting for him at the top of the trail, laughing whilst trying to catch his breath. “Finally beat you!”

Charles skidded to a stop, blood pounding in his ears. “I’ll get you next time.” He tried to threaten, but it was hard to sound threatening when his breath was coming out in gasps. He put his bike down, collapsing onto the grass. Pierre sat beside him, watching the sun climb higher into the sky.

“I -” Pierre started, not taking his eyes off the sight of Monaco beneath them. “I’m scared Charles.”

“Why?” Charles asked, fully knowing the answer. He’d heard the rumours, and if he’d heard them then Pierre certainly had.

“I can’t get more out of the car.” Pierre said. “It’s not there. I don’t know how Max is doing it, but I definitely can’t replicate it. Fuck, I was doing better lap times in the Toro Rosso.”

“Have you talked to them?” Charles asked gently. “Have you talked to Christian?”

Pierre mad a noise, a kind of broken laugh. “I’ve tried. They don’t care. I wasn’t supposed to be in that seat yet. I was never a part of their big grand plan. Dan was supposed to stay, and I was supposed to stay at Toro Rosso.” He put his head in his hands, and Charles knew he was trying to stop the tears from coming. “Everyone can see it coming, and they’re talking about it like I’m an idiot who doesn’t know. Like it isn’t the only thing I’m thinking of all the time.”

Charles put a hand on the back of Pierre’s neck, giving it a light squeeze. “You deserve that seat. You’ll put in the results to keep that seat. You’ll prove it to them.”

“I think they may have already decided.” Pierre’s voice was small. “There’s always someone quicker, better.”

“Pierre.” Charles pulled Pierre towards him, until he was leaning on head on his shoulder. “You deserve that seat. If Red Bull can’t see that, then they don’t deserve you.”

“I can’t do what Daniil’s done” Pierre whispered. Charles could feel Pierre’s body shaking. How long had he been holding this in? Pierre had been there for him, without question or complaint. He should’ve been there for him sooner.

“You won’t.” Charles tried to sound as confident as possible. “You’re going to find more in that car. You’re going to talk to the team. And you can always talk to me.”

Pierre was sobbing now, clutching at Charles’s shirt in desperation. Charles held onto him, rocking him gently. He didn’t stop until Pierre’s sobs sounded like they were being being wrenched from him, his breath becoming shallow.

“Pierre, I need you to breathe. Breathe. In, and out.” He took a deep breath in, holding for a few seconds before exhaling. “Just like that, do it with me.” He breathed with Pierre, until he was breathing more easily. “You can’t keep holding everything in like that.”

“I know.” Pierre’s voice sounded hoarse. “I know, but there was never the time…”

“I’ll make the time.” Charles reassured him. “God, Pierre. You’re my best friend, I’ll make the time for you.”

“You can’t blow off Ferrari.”

“That is not important now. You are.” Charles said firmly. “You’re always more important.”

“What would your dad say?” Pierre started. “What would -”

“Jules would do the same thing I’m doing now. He’d be the first to tell Ferrari to fuck off. Pierre.” Charles leant back enough so he could see into the other man’s face. “You are far more important than any team.”

Pierre nodded, scrubbing at his face with a hand. “Sorry if I got your shirt damp.”

“Nothing I haven’t already done to you.” Charles smiled. “Do you want to stay up here for a while?”

Pierre nodded, looking back towards Monaco. “It’s peaceful.”

“It is.” Charles agreed. He reached for Pierre’s hand, giving it a quick squeeze. They sat in silence for a while, watching the sun rising higher in the sky. They didn’t move until they could hear noises on the trail behind them. They’d made an early start, now the rest of the world was beginning to wake.

“Thank you.” Pierre said quietly, picking up his bike.

“No need to thank me.” Charles replied. “Race to the bottom?”

“You’re going to lose again!” Pierre grinned, his usual happy personality already falling back into place.

“I’ll be waiting at the bottom!”

                                                             ~*~

Charles jogged down the Paddock, trying to make for the Red Bull garage as quickly as possible. He’d finished on the podium today, but even better, Pierre had finished P4, outpacing Max all weekend. He had no idea where Pierre had found the extra pace, but his belief in him had been proven correct. And whilst it was still not a victory, he’d been faster than his team-mate, and he’d beaten a Mercedes too. There was no asking for a better weekend.

There was a lot of commotion around the Red Bull garage, and he encountered more than one hostile look. He waited safely on the pit wall. He couldn’t be told off for spying, all the way over here.

“Well, don’t you look suspicious.” He heard someone tease. Pierre was walking out from the garage, a large grin on his face. Charles laughed, patting the spare bit of wall next to him.

“If I were doing anything suspicious, I’d be a lot less obvious. And congratulations.”

“You’re the one who ended up on the podium.”

“True.” Charles shrugged. “But you definitely drove a better race than me today.”

“I was good today.” Pierre grinned. “Fuck, I beat Max! It felt so fucking good!”

“I bet his face was a picture.” Charles chuckled.

“He was furious.” Pierre laughed. “He’s been looking at both the cars for ages, trying to figure out if there’s a difference.”

Charles snorted. “I wish I could’ve seen that.”

“I’ll take a photo next time.” Pierre promised. He sounded so much happier than he had a couple of weekends ago. More at ease, more confident. More like the old Pierre. “A few others are going out tonight. You want to come?”

“Sure.” He hadn’t won today, but a podium was still a good reason to celebrate. And he missed catching up with the other drivers, he’d been kept so spectacularly busy by Ferrari in his first few races, with very little downtime allowed. “Just maybe not as wild as last time though?”

“It wasn’t my fault that Esteban got stuck up that tree!” Pierre protested.

“Sure, it had nothing to do with all those vodka shots you gave him.” Charles grinned. “Look, I’d better go before I’m missed too much. See you in a bit?”

“Pick me up from the hotel, I promise I won’t be late.” Pierre said, jumping down from the wall and walking back to his garage, to the intense relief of his mechanics. Charles shook his head, amused. What did they think he could do anyway? Amazingly, the drivers didn’t sit down and sit car specifications for fun.

He headed towards the motorhome, itching for a shower and a bit of peace and quiet, but it was unlikely to come. He was whisked straight into a debrief, which always took forever because Seb always had a list of things to discuss. It was great in the long run, and it was amazing how much he could figure out about a car just by staring at it. But it had been a long race, and with the promise of a night out on the horizon he suddenly felt caged, wanting to be able to shake all his tension off. He’d just have to deal with it, nod or shake his head in the right places. The one upside is that Seb would happily do the majority of the talking, without being asked.

                                                              ~*~

It felt like an age later, but he was finally waiting in the lobby of Pierre’s hotel. He hadn’t been able to find shirt that wasn’t bright red in his suitcase, which had resulted in the quickest run to a shop ever. Thankfully a lot of businesses were still open, staying open late because of the extra tourism the race brought in.

“Looking hot.” A low voice sounded behind him, making him jump. Pierre was right behind him, predatory grin on his face. Charles rolled his eyes, swatting at him gently.

“Did you not look in a mirror?” Charles asked, raising an eyebrow. Pierre was dressed in tight black clothing, hair artfully done. He’d really taken ‘dress to impress’ to the next level, it was almost scandalous.

Pierre shrugged, slinging an arm over Charles’s shoulder. “Come on, the night is still young! Let’s have some fun!” He cried, ignoring the stares they were getting. “The others are already at the club, come on.”

Charles allowed himself to be led out to a waiting taxi, almost being pushed into it. He heaved a sigh of relief as they sat down, stretching his arms upward until his shoulders cracked. “I know I said not as mad as last time, but I really do need some shots.”

“Now you’re talking!” Crowed Pierre. “I was beginning to think that you were becoming an old man right in front of me.”

“I’m younger than you!”

“In body yes, but in soul no. That’s what really counts.”

“I act young!” Charles tries protesting, even as Pierre is shaking his head. “I do!”

“Okay, show me that tonight.” Pierre said, easy smirk on his face. “I dare you.”

“What do I get if I win?”

“What do you want?” Charles could hear the challenge in there, unsaid.

“You pick up my entire tab.” Charles said, getting louder as Pierre groaned. “What’s wrong with that!”

“Fine, fine. Deal. You’re not off to a good start though.” Pierre warned, glancing out of the window. “Ooh, we’re here!”

The others were waiting inside, having commandeering an entire booth, empty drink glasses already scattered. “We were beginning to think that you weren’t going to show!” Carlos said as they sat down.

“My fault, sorry!” Pierre held up his hands. “Couldn’t find anything to wear.”

“Trying to impress someone, Gasly?” Esteban appeared, carrying a tray of various shot glasses. Charles felt Pierre still a little next to him.

“You should always prepare to impress someone.” Was the easy reply, as if he hadn’t just reacted to that question. “You never know who you could meet, or who you could go home with.”

Wolf whistles and cheers went up from the others, but Charles’s mind was stuck on the last part of that sentence. Was that why Pierre was all dressed up, so he could find an easy fuck for the night?

Esteban was passing round the shots, and Charles didn’t even look at what drink he had, deciding to just down it. He slammed the glass down on the table with a little bit more force than necessary, gasping at the burn in his throat.

“Wow Charles, you’re not messing around.” Alex said, stunned. He could feel the others staring, and he just looked at Pierre, smirking.

“I’ve got a bet to win.”

                                                            ~*~

He was so drunk. So, so drunk. He’d lost track of how much he’d drunk a while ago, but it was a lot. Especially vodka. So much vodka.

He needed more vodka.

He stumbled to his feet, making his way to the bar. “One vodka please.” He asked the bartender, grinning when the drink was put in front of him. “Merci mademoiselle. Merci beaucoup.” He threw his head back as he drunk, the burn barely noticeable now.

“Charles, Charles!” Pierre appeared out of nowhere, hugging him from behind. “Charles, you’re so warm.”

“You’re cuddly.” Charles said happily. “Pierre, it’s so crazy.”

“What is?”

“I don’t know.” He leant back against Pierre, laughing. “I don’t know, but it’s crazy.”

“Okay, it’s crazy.” Pierre nodded, patting at Charles’s stomach. Charles giggled, wriggling a little.

“That tickles.”

“What, this?” Pierre whispered in Charles’s ear, patting his stomach again. Charles snorted.

“Yes, that.”

Pierre hummed, swaying them gently. “I want to dance.” He said absently. Charles felt his heart beat a little quicker, and something in his stomach tightened. He must be falling sick. Or it was the alcohol. Must be the alcohol.

“There are lots of pretty girls to dance with.”

Pierre sighed, spinning Charles around. “Dance with me Charles.” He said, grabbing him by the hand and dragging him onto the dance floor. It was loud and crowded, so many bodies pressed up against him. “Being young tonight.” Pierre reminded him, pulling him close. “You need to learn how to dance.”

“I can dance.” Charles insisted, ignoring Pierre’s amused look. “I can totally dance, watch me.”

He moved in time with the beat, and something shifted in Pierre’s eyes. There was something hungry in them, and Charles could feel the tension in him. Charles slung his arms around Pierre’s neck, pulling him close. He heard him groan, he could feel hands on his waist.

“You’re going to be the death of me, Charles Leclerc.” Pierre whispered, his hands tightening on his waist. Charles looked up at him.

“Told you I could dance.”

Pierre groaned again, dropping his head to Charles’s shoulder. Charles grinned. Dancing with Pierre was amazing, why didn’t he dancing more? He should definitely dance more.

Pierre pulled back slightly, his eyes dark. Suddenly, Pierre was leaning in, and there were warm lips on his, and Charles’s brain was short-circuiting. Pierre was kissing, and it felt amazing.

Pierre pulled back, the shock loss made Charles try and follow. Pierre let go of him like he was burning, panic on his face. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He repeated, pushing his way through the crowd. Charles was left standing on the dance floor, blinking and breathless, and suddenly feeling cold.

                                                           ~*~

Charles didn’t see Pierre until the next day, sitting in his usual seat on the plane. Charles sat opposite him, giving him a soft smile, but Pierre just turned to look out of the window, putting his headphones on and turning his music up loud.

The flight was lonely, despite there being other people on board. He allowed himself to be pulled into conversations, and there were teasing remarks made about how much he drank last night. But he kept glancing back at Pierre, his heart sinking every time he saw that deliberately blank look on his face.

When they landed, Pierre was out of his seat and off before Charles could stop him. Barely a word to anyone and he was gone. Someone made a quick remark about his quick disappearance, that maybe he’d been rejected last night, but Charles didn’t know who said it, nor cared. His world had narrowed down to just one person, the rest of the world a daze to him.

He waited until he was home, pulling out his phone and sending a text, fingers flying over the keyboard.

Charles: Want to go for a bike ride? Or a run? 14:12

He lay down on his sofa, trying not to remember Pierre sitting in the exact same spot only a week ago, throwing that tennis ball at the wall. His mind was spinning. Pierre had always flirted with him, but that’s because he was Pierre. He flirted with everyone. But then there were the things he did himself. How he’d felt when he thought Pierre was trying to impress someone. How he knew what Pierre was thinking by just looking. He knew how he took his coffee.

Fuck.

He checked his phone, but no reply. He pulled himself up, heading to the bedroom and quickly changing his shirt. Then he changed it again, just in case. He might as well look good.

Pierre didn’t live far away, but the walk there seemed to take forever. He had enough self-awareness to make sure that he didn’t just wander out onto the road, but only just. As he reached Pierre’s building, someone was coming out, and he quickly ducked in through the door. Pierre would’ve been more likely to ignore him if he’d been standing on the street.

His heart was beating fast as he approached Pierre’s door, he could hear it pounding in his ears. He was not afraid of racing at insane speeds, of throwing himself round corners with such force it left him breathless. But this? This had him terrified to his core.

He knocked quickly on the door, hoping that Pierre didn’t think to check who it was first. The seconds crept by, and he couldn’t hear any movement inside. He knocked again, a little louder this time. Still nothing. He tried again, banging his fist against the door. “Pierre! Pierre, open up!” He said, voice raised. “I’m going to have this conversation with you, even if you’re not going to talk.” He waited for a few seconds, still hearing no noise. “Fine. Look, I understand you’re freaking out. I’m sorry if… I don’t know, if I gave you the wrong impression. That it was unwelcome, or anything. It wasn’t. Some things have only just clicked in my mind, and I’m sorry it’s taken this long. But if you don’t want anything to change, just say because that’s -”

“Are you okay?” A woman poked her head around her door, a confused look on her face.

“I’m sorry, madame. I’m trying to have a conversation, I’ll be quieter, I’m sorry.”

“That’s very sweet, but I don’t think he’s home yet.” The lady said. “But I can give you a key?”

                                                          ~*~

He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but he put it down to jet lag and crashing from the adrenaline high he’d be on. He’d been wandering around the apartment; then he’d been sitting, nervously bouncing his leg; then he was asleep. Damn, Pierre had one comfy sofa.

He awoke with a start as the door slammed. “Que...?”

Pierre was stood at the end of the sofa, arms crossed and that same blank look on his face. Charles blinking, groaning. “What time is it?”

“Five, I think.” Pierre shrugged. “I don’t care. What are you doing here?”

“Uhh..” Charles yawned. “I came to talk.”

“How did you get in?”

“Your next door neighbour.” Charles admitted, sitting up. “I was talking to your door for a while.”

Pierre didn’t respond, continuing to stare. Charles sighed, running a hand over his face. “If I talk, will you listen? Because it works better when you’re not ignoring me.”

Pierre rolled his eyes, dropping into a spare seat. “Fine.”

Charles took a deep breath. “Look. I know you’re upset, and you’re freaking out. I don’t know why, but you are. And I’m really sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.”

“Yeah, I get it. I’m sorry, I’ll keep my hands to myself.” Pierre muttered.

“What, no! I liked it!” Charles exclaimed. “I was worried that you’d changed your mind.”

Pierre was staring at him incredulously. “No! I thought that you weren’t interested, I’ve been flirting with you for ages. And you never noticed.”

“How long?”

“Years, Charles!” Pierre sounded broken. “Years.”

“I’m sorry I never noticed you.” Charles said quietly. “You’ve been the biggest part of my life, Pierre, you have been for years. We’ve literally live in each other’s pockets, I know how you take your coffee! And I want to know how you look waking up next to me. I want to know how you liked to be touched, I want to hear how you sound.”

Pierre grew steadily redder, shifting in his seat. “You want all of that? Because I don’t think I can take you saying it otherwise.”

“All of that.” Charles said seriously. “All of that and more.”

Pierre sat for a moment, and then suddenly he was in Charles’s lap, warm and there and so Pierre. Charles drank in the sight of him, both watching each other, and Charles wants. He leans forward, resting his head against Pierre’s. “I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this.” Charles murmured.

“You’ve been so blind.” Pierre replied, leaning in, and Pierre was kissing him. Charles moaned, sliding his hands underneath Pierre’s t-shirt, feeling the muscles along his back. Pierre felt so good under his hands, and his kissing…   it was electric. He was perfect, he was gentle and commanding and it was everything he didn’t know he needed. Charles groaned, pulling Pierre closer.

“You have to stay here forever.” Charles whispered, pulling back a little. Pierre smile, rubbing a small circle on Charles’s cheek with his thumb.

“Well, we could take this to the bed.” Pierre suggested, smirking.

“That, we can do that too.” Charles nodded, leaning in to kiss Pierre again, quick and messy. Pierre suddenly grinned, standing up, holding out his hand. Charles let himself be pulled up, and Pierre was up against him again, kissing him and pulling him towards the bedroom, one hand on his waist, the other still holding onto Charles’s hand tightly. They didn’t stop walking until the back of Charles’s legs hit Pierre’s bed. He pulled back from Pierre, sitting down on the bed and scrambling backwards. Pierre just stood there, watching. Charles grinned. “Not joining me?”

Pierre didn’t need telling twice, and he was hovering over Charles, running a hand through his hair. “What do you want?”

“I want you.” Charles replied hoarsely. “I need you now.” He leaned up, dragging Pierre down. He kissed him gently, and they stayed like that, sharing lazy kisses. They could stay like this forever, Charles thought. It was heaven.

Then Pierre sat up, pulling his t-shirt off and fuck, Charles wants. He wants to trail his hands, his mouth, across Pierre’s torso. More than wants, he needs. He needs to touch.

Pierre tugs at the hem of Charles’s shirt, pulling it over his head. Pierre was kissing down his neck, down his chest, his lips feather light and fingers ghosting down Charles’s sides. It wasn’t enough, but it was too much all at once. He felt Pierre give an involuntary groan against his stomach, and he couldn’t help it, he was trying to hold on, grasping at Pierre’s hair, and he was coming hard, gasping.

“Did you just come in your pants?”

“Uh, yeah.” Charles nodded. “Fuck, I just came in my pants like a teenager.”

“Can’t believe you were that horny for me.” Pierre grinned, sitting up. Charles smirked, working at the buttons on Pierre’s jeans. “What are -”

“Both of us don’t have to come in our pants.” Charles explained, pushing Pierre’s underwear out of the way. He put his hand around Pierre’s dick, giving it a couple of strokes. “You going to come for me?” Pierre nodded, biting and lip and groaning. Charles worked him through it, mesmerised by his face, his sounds.

He never wanted to forget this image.

Pierre slumped next to him, breathing hard. Charles rolled onto his side, watching him, watching his breathing return to normal. “Do I live up to fantasy Charles?”

“Better.” Pierre replied simply. They lay in silence for a few minutes, until Charles couldn’t take the stickiness any longer.

“Can I borrow some underwear?” He asked, heading towards the bathroom.

“Sure.”

Charles grabbed a pair from the drawer, going to clean himself off. He pulled off his jeans, changing his underwear before putting his jeans back on. Wearing Pierre’s clothes felt strange, but it was better than going without.

When he walked out, Pierre was still lying where Charles had left him, an indescribable look on his face. “You okay?” He asked, lying down next to him.

“Yeah.” Pierre said. “Just trying to remind myself this isn’t a dream.”

Charles reached up, turning Pierre’s face gently towards him. “I’m here. I’m real.”

“Are you going to stay here?” Pierre asked. Charles knew he didn’t mean now, or was he leaving this apartment. He wanted to know whether things would be going back to how they had been. It wasn’t something that Charles had actually thought about, since the kiss at the club. He’d only thought about having to see Pierre, he hadn’t thought about after. But the thought of walking out the front door, pretending that this never happened, trying to turn the clock back - that thought made him cold inside.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Charles promised. “Whatever you want, I’m yours.”

                                                            ~*~

Charles walked down the Paddock, unable to keep the smile of his face. The last couple of weeks had been fantastic. He’d only gone home a handful of times, mostly for clean clothes. Being with Pierre was better than anything he could have imagined. They already knew each other so well, and everything new Charles learnt just made him fall even faster.

He’d snuck out of Pierre’s RV early this morning, after waking up with an arm slung across his waist and lazy kisses. He hadn’t wanted to leave, he wished he could just stay and enjoy the company, but they’d agreed not to let anyone know yet. He didn’t have far to go to get back to his RV, the perks of not using hotels for the European races, but he had bumped into Seb as he walked back. Seb had said nothing, only giving him a strange look. It wasn’t unusual to be up this early, many went out for a run at this time, but Charles was still in yesterday’s clothes, rather than his running gear. Thankfully Seb was a private man, and he generally afforded everyone the same luxury. Small miracles.

“You look cheerful.” Seb remarked conversationally, falling into step beside him. “Did the early morning walk do you good?”

Charles tried not to flush. “Helped to clear my head.”

Seb laughed. “Is that what they’re calling it these days? That’s definitely more polite than what I would’ve said.”

Charles frowned. “I - what?” He asked. “How did you -?”

“Charles, why do you think I’m such a private person?”

“Because… I don’t know, just because?”

Seb chuckled. “Well, yes. But it’s more than that. I’m private because it protects my partner. And believe me, it’s caused a few arguments.”

“Why?”

“Because they wanted to share with the world and I didn’t.” Seb said simply. “But I’ve been where you are, I was there for years. Maybe it would’ve been easier if we’d said, but…” He shrugged.

“Wait, are you saying your partner is another driver?” Charles asked, mouth falling open.

“Was. But Charles, I’m going to caution you. If you come out and tell the world, you can’t take it back. But, hiding it can be just as hard.” Seb said, giving a wry smile. “Believe me on that.”

“Why did you never say anything?” Charles asked.

“I don’t really know.” Seb replied. “Media pressure? I was scared? Lots of reasons, I suppose. But I made my choice.” Seb said pleasantly, as if he were discussing the weather. “Enjoy the early morning walks.” He gave a wink, before disappearing off towards the motorhome. Charles watched him go, stunned.

“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Pierre wandered over, grinning. Charles stared at him, shaking his head.

“Just some surprising information.” Was all he said. Pierre gave him a pouty look, but Charles just shook his head, amused.

“No, you gossip. Later.”

“You promise?” Pierre asked, raising an eyebrow. Charles grinned, trying not to focus on how much he wanted to kiss Pierre right now.

“Promise.”

                                                             ~*~

“Seb.”

“Yes.”

“As in, Seb Vettel.”

“Yes.”

“The Sebastian Vettel.”

“Yes.” Charles laughed at the dumbstruck look on his face. “Your surprised face is even worse than mine.”

Pierre made a wounded noise. “You said surprising! That’s not surprising, that’s a bombshell! That’s a bombshell piece of information!” Pierre protested, flopping backwards onto his bed. “You broke my brain.”

“Ah, so no loss then?” Charles teased, yelping when Pierre swatted at him. “Hey!”

“You called me dumb! You deserved that.”

“Okay, okay!” Charles laughed. “Your face was still funny though.”

Pierre made a face, kicking him lightly. “So, did he say anything else? Except the fact that his partner is a former driver?”

“He said that whatever we say to the media can’t be taken back, but that not saying anything has it’s problems too.” Charles shrugged. “Which we could’ve figured out ourselves, no? But he has been doing this media game longer than us.”

“I don’t want to share you. Not just yet.” Pierre said, watching him intently. “If you’re okay with that?”

Charles smiled, leaning down to give Pierre a quick kiss. “They don’t get to have you.” He murmured. “They don’t get to mess with us.”

Pierre hummed, giving Charles a return kiss. “Good. But sadly, they’re waiting.”

Charles groaned. “I can’t wait until we’re back in Monaco.” He complained, standing up. “Back in a proper bed, no distractions.”

“We’ll stay in bed all day.” Pierre promised, giving Charles a filthy smile. Damn, didn’t Pierre know what that did to him?

“I’ll keep you to that.” Charles warned, walking outside. He blinked at the sunlight, sliding his sunglasses on.

“Make sure you keep it down tonight, boys!” Charles heard a teasing voice. Pierre and he both froze, stricken, as Dan and Jev walked past, smirking.

“Err… what?” Pierre asked, voice too high. Dan laughed, ignoring Jev’s playful shove.

“You’ll learn.” Was all he said, grabbing Jev’s hand and pulling him along. Jev shot them an apologetic smile, and then they were gone. Charles shook himself, looking at Pierre who was still gawking at the now empty space.

“I think we might be the worst kept secret here.”

                                                         ~*~

Blood was pounding through his ears, all he could feel was panic. The race had been red flagged, and all he knew was that Pierre had been involved, that he was in the hospital. It was taking all the self restraint he had to not take off, to try and listen to what his engineers were saying. The last thing he wanted to do was to get in the car right now, but what choice did he have? He wasn’t the one injured, his car wasn’t the one smashed to pieces.

Drivers and mechanics were giving him sympathetic looks. It was well known in the Paddock that they were close friends, regardless of their new relationship. And everyone around him was saying a hushed name, but no matter how quietly they said it, it sounded like they were screaming it at him. Jules, Jules, just like Jules…

“Come with me.” Seb said lowly, patting him on the shoulder. Charles gave a curt nod, clenching and unclenching his fists as he walked. Seb said nothing, and Charles was grateful. If he had to answer one more meaningless question, he might scream.

They walked into the motorhome, and Charles followed Seb to his room. Seb gestured, making no move to go in. “Go. Get your anger out. I’ll make sure no-one comes this way.”

Charles couldn’t open his mouth, but he hoped Seb could see the gratitude in his expression. He went into the room, shutting the door and sinking to his knees. “FUCK!” The scream ripped out from him. “FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!”

He punched a wall, then again, and again. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew it was bad for him, it hurt, how was he going to explain the grazing, but he just didn’t care. He was scared, and he was angry, and the last thing he wanted was to be treated like he was glass. He wasn’t going to break, but everyone treating him like one wrong word would make him shatter made him want to crawl out of his skin. He screamed until his throat was raw, and then he gave into the tears.

He didn’t notice Seb come in, until he was being told to breathe in, breathe out. It was the same advice he’d given Pierre on top of that hill, all those weeks ago. He wanted to go back to that moment, to hold on and never let go. “Better?” Seb asked quietly. Charles nodded, brushing away his tears.

“Thank you.”

“It’s okay.”

“What do I do Seb?” Charles asked, resting his head against the wall.

“You go out there and you race your hardest. There’s nothing you can do at the hospital, and if the positions were reversed, you’d want Pierre to race?” Seb asked. Charles bit his lip, giving a sharp nod. “Then you’ll do the same for him. Race for the both of you.”

There was a knock at the door, making them jump. “Race restart in fifteen.”

“Thank you.” Seb called, and they heard footsteps walk away. Seb stood up, helping Charles to his feet.

“Really, Seb, thank you.” Charles gave a weak smile. Seb clapped him on the shoulder, returning it.

“Anytime.”

                                                          ~*~

It was hours before he saw Pierre again. He was in the middle of an interview, trying to be as patient and polite as possible, when he saw him walking through the Paddock. There was a scratch on his nose, and he looked shaken, but he was fine. Safe.

He apologised to the reporter, running towards Pierre, skidding to a stop in front of him. His hands twitched, he desperately wanted to touch, to cement in his mind that Pierre was okay, that he was unharmed, that he was safe, but he couldn’t. There were photographers everywhere, and Pierre’s words were stuck in his mind. I don’t want to share you. Not just yet.

Pierre’s lips twitched, and he raised an eyebrow. He could obviously see how much restraint he was using right now. Then Pierre’s eyes dropped to his mouth, and Charles heard his brain thinking oh, we’re doing this, and then Pierre was kissing them.

There was shouting, and lights flashing, and even a few wolf-whistles. And Charles didn’t care, because Pierre was here, Pierre was okay with this and Pierre was kissing him.

Pierre pulled back, and Charles nearly whined, he might’ve if they weren’t standing in a crowd of people, in the middle of the Paddock. Pierre hugged him tightly, and Charles buried his head into Pierre’s shoulder, letting out a sigh of relief. Here, okay, safe.

“We’re in this together.” Pierre whispered. “They can’t control us anyway. You’re all mine.”

Charles laughed into his shoulder. “I’ll tell them you take all the covers.”

“I’ll tell them you talk in your sleep.” Pierre countered.

“I’ll tell them I make you scream.” Charles tried, but Pierre just laughed.

“I dare you.”

Charles pulled back, giving Pierre a quick, soft kiss, ignoring the questions and the clicks of the cameras still going off. “Never stop coming back to me.”

“I won’t.” Pierre promised. “I won’t.”

                                                            ~*~

[thran-duils]

Take Your Time

TITLE: Take Your Time (Rise For Your King P4) PAIRING: READER/AU KING!CASTIEL SUMMARY:  THE READER WAS BETROTHED TO THE PRINCE BUT WHEN A NEIGHBORING KING DECIDES TO DOLE OUT JUSTICE TO YOUR FUTURE FATHER IN LAW, HE DESTROYS THE ROYAL FAMILY, LEAVING YOU WITH THE TWO YOUNGEST PRINCESSES. THE MAGE KING TAKES AN IMMEDIATE LIKING TO YOU, LETTING YOU LIVE. WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY? WORDS: 2,281

PART 3 || Part 5 || MASTERPOST  || Fanfic masterpost

“I am ready to go,” you had told Reyvin only an hour and a half before Castiel had woken from his dream about her.

Reyvin had answered his door, looking surprised to see you at his door, covered in a cape, hiding your face. He ushered you in quickly. He was shirtless and quickly moved to get a shirt. You had averted your eyes out of politeness and had only turned your attention to him again when he had spoken.

“My lady, do you know what rumors it would spring for someone to see you coming to my room so late at night?”

You pushed the hood off your head and informed him, “I was quiet.”

He looked unconvinced. “Still. You know there are eyes. There always are. Even beforehand. But I believe even more so under Castiel.”

“I believe it. But, I made sure I left in between shift changes. They won’t enter my chambers. I know the next shift change and I will be careful upon returning.”

Reyvin nodded before moving to his desk and pulling out the chair, offering it to you. You declined with a shake of your head. He sat down himself and inquired, “What made you come to this decision, my lady?”

You decided to not beat around the bush. “The king asked me to marry him.”

This seemed to stall Reyvin and he was slack jawed for a moment before clearing his throat. Starting off, he tried, “Perhaps… perhaps it is best you do not leave.”

What?

Cocking your head, you asked, “Why?”

“That is a… an important request.”

“Do you think its best? I am not royalty. And he claims the people love me – and I know, they do” you started in noticing Reyvin had opened his mouth to defend what Castiel had said. He closed his mouth upon your comment. “But, I am not the rightful royalty. And what happens when Gwyinth and Oriana become of age? Or old enough to know what happened to their family? And begin to resent me?”

Reyvin said nothing to this.

You continued, “I couldn’t stand that.”

“You have no want to be with him? To be queen?”

Choosing your next words carefully, you stated, “I don’t wish to be queen, no. But…” You trailed off, not being able to finish your sentence.

Reyvin reassured you, “I do not blame you, my lady. He is not hard on the eyes.” Your face flushed with embarrassment and Reyvin added, “I imagine it is hard.”

Exhaling sharply, you stated, “My feelings for the girls are more important – although, just as strong – than my feelings and… want…” again your face flushed. “For the king.”

Shifting back in the seat and leaning against the desk, Reyvin studied you for a few moments. “So, your plan is to leave with them as well?” You nodded. “What if they begin to ask questions?”

“They can be told differently. They are young. They can still… forget.” It hurt for you to say that. You didn’t want to deceive the girls but it seemed the best option at this point to keep your relationship with them intact and protect them.

“And if they ever happen to find out who they really are? Do you not think the resentment would be as bad or even worse? Considering you tore them from a life of luxury?”

You had considered this as well. “I will deal with it if it ever arises. I would rather them hate me for taking them away than for taking their place and pushing them off to the sidelines while I took what was rightfully theirs.”

Reyvin again considered this. “If it’s what you believe is the right thing to do, then I will go with you.”

Balking a bit, you stammered, “You only need to show us the way, Sir.”

“No, I will go with. To make sure you remain safe.”

“If they ever find you, you will be hanged. For treason.”

“What do you think will happen of you?”

“I can handle me dying. I can’t have someone else’s blood on my hands because of my choices.”

Reyvin gave you a small smile. “I would not have offered the thing in the first place, my lady, if I didn’t expect to be a part of it. Some of this is for me as well. I do not wish to stay here under this new leadership. I have no allegiance to them and I wish not to. I was too close to King Orin.”

“I know, sir.”

“So, we will go together.”

It was better to have someone else besides you and the twins – and you assumed Aideen, she would not let you leave alone – to go into hiding. You nodded and gave him a small smile.

Reyvin looked pleased. “I am glad to hear it, my lady.” He paused before adding. “When would you like to leave?”

“As soon as possible. The king expects an answer from me.”

“The soonest I believe I could get us out would be tomorrow night,” Reyvin admitted.

You concluded, “That is more than acceptable, Sir. Where would we be going?”

“The country side. There is a place where King Orin had set aside in case anything happened. Trust me. They will be prepared for us and will be welcoming. No matter the time or circumstance.”

You would just have to trust him on this. You were putting a lot into his hands.

<> <> <>

You had to pat yourself on the back mentally. You were acting completely calm at lunch with Castiel. You had opted out of breakfast, going to the twins instead and hanging out with them. As they played, you had nonchalantly packed essentials for them. They had not noticed amongst their play and you were thankful. You could only imagine later tonight would be more difficult to get them to move. You surmised you would have to carry one and someone else carry another in their sleep and pray that they didn’t wake up until you were far from the castle.

Castiel had been making small talk all through lunch and you had been responding properly. You couldn’t help but notice the pleased expression on his face every time you answered him. You didn’t know if it was from the conversation itself or the fact he thought you were polished ‘perfectly’ or a combination of both.

When he requested a walk through the garden after lunch, you had accepted, despite your anxiousness to get back to your chambers and finish the final touches on the things you had packed. You knew Aideen wouldn’t have time today considering she was taking extra time to set up meals for the next few days to take burden off of the other servants since she would be absent. She still cared about them and that warmed your heart. You had not been surprised she had immediately agreed to go with you and Reyvin.

The warm day was a comfort and you held your hands across your waist, walking close enough but not too close to Castiel.

“Would you be opposed to a revamp to this part of the garden?”

“Is it up to me, my king?”

You felt his eyes on you with you trying out this new title for him. You did it on purpose, trying to gauge his reaction. You felt a surge of his power come off of him for a second, as if he had lost control momentarily before it was sucked back away from you. You weren’t naïve enough to not realize that it had most likely been the ‘my’ that had worked him up so much.

Castiel regained his ground quickly. “I would like your opinion on it.”

“I would not be opposed. As long as it didn’t lose its original beauty.”

“I would never allow such a thing to happen.”

And you believed him when he said that. He kept asking you questions about the garden and what you enjoyed most about it. You were calm, letting the answers come to you freely. There was no way you were going to give yourself away with uneasiness.

That is… until you found the two of you alone. Somehow the guards behind you had drifted off, leaving the two of you alone. You felt alarmed for a moment, not having been alone for a long while without guards attending you.

Castiel, on the other hand, seemed content. “Have you thought anymore on what I proposed, Y/N?”

He had planned this. Being alone.

Pushing your tense feelings away, you forced yourself to answer, “Yes.”

“And?”

“I haven’t come to a decision.”

There was a fleeting look of disappointment across his face before he took your hand in his. “It is a lot to ask of you as of late, my lady. I know. But, I know you are also concerned with the kingdom. And what I stated was true. Peace would be easier with a union between the two of us.” He paused before adding, “Plus, I admit I would rest easier with someone by my side.”

The way he said rest made you believe he didn’t just mean recreationally or emotionally.

“I understand,” you told him, letting his hand caress yours. You wouldn’t pull away from it. “I have just… I haven’t come to terms and gathered my feelings completely. Just a couple of weeks ago I was engaged to someone else.”

His free hand moved up to touch your cheek and you inhaled sharply as his skin brushed yours. His hands were so soft and smelled calming…

“It is hard,” he agreed. “But thus is the life of someone bound to royalty by one means or another.” His eyes ran over you and you watched the care and concern behind his own. “I think you would make a fine queen, Y/N. You have the makings of a great queen, starting with your diplomatic approach. And there’s too much to be said about the beauty you would bring to a royal painting added to the Grand Hall.”

You shivered, uneasy to be in such close proximity to him. Especially with him confiding this personal information to you. He, on the other hand still, did not seem uncomfortable in the slightest.

“Do you feel it?”

Being so close to him, hearing him praise you like he was… of course you did. How could you not? Even if for some reason it wasn’t true, he made you believe it was.

“Yes,” you breathed. “I feel it.”

His lips fell on yours and you did nothing to stop it. At least for a few seconds.

You pulled away abruptly and couldn’t miss the look of annoyance that flashed across his features before he masked it with concern.

“I… I need to leave.”

“Y/N.” His voice was firm and stopped you from doing so. “You do not have to be ashamed.”

Swallowing sharply, you responded, “I am not. I just think there are – is a way to do things. And this is not the right order.”

Castiel smirked at you and commented, “Do you believe everything happens in a linear order, my lady?”

He was teasing you.

“No, your majesty. But, I will try my hardest to stick to it.” He pondered on that for a moment and you added, “I would appreciate it if you would keep this… between us.”

Castiel’s expression softened and he cooed, “Of course, sweetheart.” The pet name sent flutters through you and you tried your hardest to hide your reaction. He reached out and you refused to flinch under his touch. He brushed a stray hair and tucked it behind your ear. “Your – our – secret is safe with me.”

Nodding, you stated quietly, “Thank you, your majesty. I just… I need another day. At most.”

Something flinched in Castiel’s features but it was gone in a second. He was all smiles. “You take your time, my lady.”

“Thank you,” you commented before adding, “And thank you for breakfast. It was delightful.”

Turning, you walked away from him and couldn’t push away the nagging feeling of wanting to stay. He was quite irresistible to you but… you still felt you needed to leave. For the girls’ sake.

<> <> <>

“She is not in the castle.”

Castiel had sent for Y/N the next morning at breakfast when she had not arrived. He wouldn’t be denied her presence at this meal two days in a row, no matter the excuse. Instead of getting her back to him for the meal, he had been presented with this rotten piece of information, which instantly made him furious and lose his appetite.

“You’ve searched the entire castle?”

“No, sir,” Samuel reported, shifting. “But, we noticed the twins are gone as well. And… Sir Reyvin.” Something crossed Castiel’s face and Sam added quickly, “We didn’t think it necessary to search the whole castle with that many missing. It seems… well… they’re gone.”

Anger immediately coursed through Castiel’s veins, his power threatening to explode outside of him in an outburst to relieve some energy and anger. How dare she. He shook slightly, trying to control himself. He had been generous… understanding. Given gifts. And to lead him on as if she had meant to stay with him…

(gif)

A small growl almost escaped Castiel’s throat but he held it back. Swallowing his anger, he adjusted his collar, the slightest twitch crossing his face.

His eyes landed on Samuel and he snapped, “Fetch me my horse. And get a small brigade together. With your brother. He is a good tracker.”

“Yes, sir.”

Castiel refused to believe the kiss – and the look in her eyes – meant nothing.

~~~

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