F1 One Shots

#101 Charles - Suzuka

BRYNN POV.: This year, apart from race in Spa-Franchochamps in Belgium, which is hard for Charles and Pierre because of Anthoine's death in 2019, we're also coming back to Japan... Race in Suzuka is extriemly hard for Charlie and I completly understand. He lost Jules here...
In 2014 his life crumbled down for the first time, as he lost his best friend and Godfather... Jules was on his way to achive so much, but his life was cut too short... Even if it's been 8 years later, it still pains us, that he's gone... Gone and will never come back...

It's Wednesday, so track walk day. We got here early in the morning and now we made it to the track. Charles is holding my hand almost whole morning, craving the closure and feeling like at home.
-Hey Charlie... How are you feeling?- I asked him softly, in the hospitality.
-I'm alright. Don't worry about it- he forced a smile on his face, but a sad one.
-Ok- I agreed and fixed his watch, as it turned a little, making wearing it, a little uncomfortable.
-Will you join me on a track walk?- Charles broke the silence, which fell upon us.
-If you want me too- I nodded with small smile. I knew very well that he wants me to acompany him, because memory on Jules having life-treathening accident here and then dying in the hospital is killing him. No matter how many years had passed, it's still hard...
-Merci- Charles replied and let go of my hand, only to wrap it around my shoulders.
Without other word, I just wrapped my arm around his middle and placed a kiss on his cheek. Everything I wanted for this weekend, was Charlie not stressing and hurting about Jules...
Not long after that, we left the hospitality, to do a track walk around the circiut. During the walk, they talked about Qualifying and the race, adventages and disadventages of the corners, and their characteristic. It didn't tell me much, but I was there more for suport, than actual help, performance-wise...
And then... We came to THAT part of the track, where Jules had that accident... Sooner than I realised that, I firstly felt Charles tense against my side.
-That's here, where he...- he didn't have to continue, I knew what he meant, just like the team, who fell silent, giving us some space.
-I know...- I confirmed and turned a little, to hug him close. Charles returned the gesture and hid his face in my shoulder.
-I miss him... I miss him every day...- he whispered with shaky voice, and tight grip over my waist.
-I know Charlie, I know you do..- I replied and ran my hand through his black hair softly, with sad smile on my face. I know that he's hurting, and I want to ease it as much as I can... -He's looking down at you from heaven, with your dad and Anthoine... They're immersly proud of you, just like I am...- I tried to assure him -Jules is in happier place now... Healthy, happy, carefree... And impossibly proud of whom his Godson become...
-I know mon Ange..- he sighed, and his breathing was more even now -But his absence... It still hurts...
I didn't say much in responce, just shifted a little and kissed his temple, brushing my hand gently over his back. We gave him a moment, to compose himself and then we pulled back. I took his head in my hands and looked him in the eye. Those blue orbs were darker and a little teary, with sorrow in them. 
-Head high Percival. Show people that you can be a king of Suzuka- I smiled at him and kissed his forehead.
-Merci mon Croer- he replied and again, gave me a small smile in return, when he pulled me in, for another hug -I needed it...
-You're welcome Charlie- I replied and he kissed my cheek. Then we turned back to the team and resumed the track walk. During so, we passed some teams, like Seb and Lance with Aston and Pierre and Yuki with Alpha Tauri. Both Vettel and Gasly shot Charles knowing glances and reasuring smiles. They know pretty well what he's going through right now and wanted to help him somehow. We appriciete it and gave them a nod and small smiles in return.
When we were done with that, we came back to the hospitality for a short break and soon after that Carlos and the rest of the crew came back too. Sainz saw right away that something is wrong with Charles and pulled him to the side, to talk. I, on the other hand, came to Isabella, who was chilling on one of the couches.
-Ola- I smiled at her.
-Ola- she returned the gesture -How are you?
-I'm fine, Gracias. You?
-I'm alright, gracias- she replied and then pulled me into nice conversation. It made me forget about Charles's mood for a few moments, and talk to her carefree. Izzy is awsome friend and I'm glad that I know her... 
-How is Charles by the way? He seems distant and sad...
-It's just about this track... 8 years ago, his best friend and Godfather had life-trathening accident here...- I sighed deeply and added -Months later, he died...- unconciously, my gaze shifted from her to Charles and Carlos. They're talking about something quietly in the corner and Carlos tries to cheer him up a bit. I really hope that this weekend will go smoothly...
-That's awfull! You mean Jules...?- I just nodded with sad smile -Let's hope that this weekend will go smoothly for him...
-Yeah- I agreed and extended my hand for Charles to take, as they came back to us. Carlos stood behind Isabella and placed his hands on her shoulders, to lean in and place a loving kiss on her forehead, while Charlie stood beside me, and just lifted our joined hands to his lips, to kiss the top of mine in sweet gesture.
-Hi guys- Isabela said for both of us, with a smile.
-Hi- they replied unision, in rather good moods.
After some more free time, which we spent on talking and laughing, the boys needed to get back to their duties for today, so me and Isa were left alone, to ourselves. We've spent that time, talking and laughing, just having fun. But no matter what I was doing, my mind constantly was getting back to Charles... I just couldn't wait for this day to be over, and get back to hotel, to rest. I know that Charlie will need as much sleep as he's able to get, considering how mentaly tiring this weekend is for him, even though he doesn't let it show... Pain and memories of Jules's crash here still fresh as if it was yesterday... But he's a fighter, and he knows how to get through it all! We just need to suffer through this 4 days, and then safetly get back home, to Monaco... Easy peasy, lemon squezzy, right..?!
THE END

More sad and nostalgic one this time...
I hope you like it nevertheless...
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.