#releasing this before the miami gp bc i am not enjoying this weekend

[melancholiepeufiable]

renaissance

A slight teaser on the fic I'm currently editing. This is a very early draft with little editing, from chapter 1. Initially, I wanted to share a bit of the upcoming fic that will be released on 16/5, but since it’s dd:dne, it might not have been the best idea.

General premise of scene:

Charles has entered a petrol station for coffee during a shoot for Ferrari. Kimi is his teammate and he is about to meet Sebastian for the first time.

Tags: sebchal; early draft; alternate universe (seb is not a driver), angst, meet-cute (or else just their first meeting); ~550 words.

snippet below the cut :)

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“That machine’s broken.”

Charles started, surprised by the sudden intrusion. He didn’t realise he was standing in front of the counter, staring blankly at the ‘out of order’ sign. 

“Let me help you.”

He faced the amused voice, greeted by a smiling blond. “I don’t need help. Thank you.” 

“It’d be my pleasure.” His eyes, deep and blue, studied him. Like a predator would a prey, knowing they held the upper-hand. 

Charles let him take his fill. He knew he made a pretty boy that enticed the men and attracted the women, he just didn’t care about it very much. Besides, it let him scrutinise the blond. 

His hair was curly, albeit unruly in a way that was almost unbearable. He wore a work shirt, the name of some company written in German, partially hidden behind his unzipped jacket. A short stubble, slightly darker than his hair, adorned his face. He was a handsome man with a mischievous smile that never left his lips, all of which enamoured Charles. Alas, Charles’ heart had been far too detached and bruised to care. 

“Okay.” Charles agreed. 

The man, only a bit shorter than himself, stood with renewed energy. He grabbed two medium cups and raised a brow, expectantly. 

Charles swallowed his pride. “I’d like a cappuccino, please.”

“You’ve got taste. I’ve been told black with two sugar is as boring as watching a pot boil. What do you think?”

“I need a decaf for Kimi, too. Please.” 

“Decaf for Kimi? Pfft.” He pressed a few buttons. “Absolutely not. An espresso it is.”

“Do you– how do you know Kimi?” A bold question, one he had no right to ask, yet he gave in to his curiosity anyway. 

Just this once. 

“We’re friends. Or at least, he’s my friend.” He grinned cheekily. 

“Did he invite you to our shoot?”

“Nope.” He swapped out one cup for the next, slipping on a sleeve. “They asked for some volunteers at my company. Who’s going to miss an opportunity to work with Ferrari?”

“You work for Ferrari?”

“No, a company. I just said.” He glanced at him, crossing his arms. “I’m an engineer.” 

Charles expected it to happen then. The questions about the car, his own job, his wealth. If he was free tonight or any day this week. Maybe he’d accept, maybe he wouldn’t – this man didn’t seem too pushy and Charles had been alone for so long. Besides, it was a good way to fill the time.

Instead, the man presented an easy smile and handed Charles a cup. The sweet smell of french vanilla wafted, settling cosily around them. Charles accepted, careful to avoid touching his fingers. 

“I like your hat.”

A red Ferrari beanie warmed his head, brown strands peeking out where he refused to tuck them under. “Thank you.” 

“Let me bring Kimi’s.”

He’ll ask. They always do.

“Okay.” He led them out, careful not to spill his drink, maintaining a good distance from the stranger. The man’s presence remained like a shadow, his boots stepping heavier, louder on the snowy asphalt than his own light footfall. By the time they reached their destination, Kimi hadn’t moved one inch.