love at first sight?

Spa

*Ivy*

Spa-Francorchamps is a beautiful village. The drivers hotel is near the circuit so that they don't have a long way. Charles and I arrived yesterday. Today is the last free practice before qualifying in the afternoon.

"Are you nervous?", I ask Charles as we sit in the car that gets us to the circuit. With us are Carlos and Isa. They both almost screamed as we told them that we were back together. But this time really together. Charles asked me a week before we headed here. He waited some time after the chaotic night so that I could be sure it is what I want. Of course I also told Elena everything when I was back at work. She was ready to fight Adrian but I told her it's not necessary. At first she was sceptical but now supports my decision to get back with Charles. In the end it was both our fault that we weren't in contact. I hurt him and he hurt me. But now it's all good again. He took a lot of time off to be with me but I also know that he needs to focus on racing now.

"A little, but FP1 and FP2 were good so I hope we can show the same performance today", he said and Carlos nods in agreement. "I'm sure you'll do great", I squeeze his hand a little and smile. "You two are so adorable", Isa chuckles which makes me blush a little. It still feels surreal to spend time with Charles again. Sometimes I'm scared it's all going to fall apart again because then I'll get incredibly hurt. I know I shouldn't think about the past and live in the moment but it still fears me that we are so happy right now. Too happy maybe. We didn't have a single argument since we've spend time again. We didn't have sex too though. Of course we kissed passionately but every time he laid me down in the bed and was on top of me I got flashbacks and tensed up. The night Adrian forced me to sleep with him was still in my head and I couldn't get it out. Charles is incredibly understanding considering this point but I just feel so bad because he's being so gentle and I know that I can trust him. It's just me that's the problem. "Hey, you okay?", Charles asks and pulls me out of my thoughts once again. "Uhm yeah, I was just thinking", I say and nod. I notice that we're already at the circuit, Isa and Carlos must've already left the car. "About what?", Charles asks and helps me out of the car. "I'll tell you later, you need to focus now", I mean and see his facial expression change into worry. "Are you sure, mon cœur?", we stand in front of the entrance to the paddock. There a a lot of people here. I don't want to talk about this now, especially not here. Charles pulls me into a hug. He knows what I need when I think too much. "I'm sure, really", I assure him before he places a kiss on my forehead. "But after I'm done here you need to tell me, alright?", he asks. I nod and let out a breath. "I will, thank you. I really needed this hug", I chuckle. "Always", he winks at me and we scan our passes and go to the Ferrari garage.

As soon as we enter the paddock there are multiple photographers taking photos of us. My hand starts searching for Charles's because I still can't bare all the photos of me in the internet. Luckily there aren't that much because the last weeks we've been very careful and mostly spent time in Charles apartment, our apartment. I still have the one I lived in before though i'm case one of us needs a little time off. We didn't make it official yet but coming here with him kind of is a confirmation. There are people screaming at me and asking questions. I try to ignore them and look on the ground. Charles intertwines his fingers with mine, finally. He guides me through the crowd while answering some questions that consider racing or his well- being. "I'm sorry, they're so intrusive", Charles says into my ear as we finally reach the pit lane where photographers aren't allowed. "It's okay, Charlie. It's not your fault", I chuckle. I love that he always wants me to feel comfortable. "I just hope people are not so mean", I add and sigh. "I know and if they're too mean I'll make a statement. Maybe it's time to make it official anyways", he means and greets some people while we make our way to the Ferrari garage. "Don't you think it's already official?", I point at our intertwined hands and chuckle. Charles looks at them too. "Oh, right. Was ist okay for you? I didn't even ask", he is such a sweet guy. I have no idea how I deserve him. "Don't worry, it's okay. Besides I always grab your hand out of reflex when there are photographers because I'm scared they're going to surround me", I squeeze his hand a little. "I like that", he smirks and gives me a short peck on the lips. On our way we pass the Alpine garage and Pierre comes running towards us as he sees us. "Look at you, making it official huh?", he says pointing at our intertwined fingers. Charles and I both look at each other and chuckle. "Yeah, sort of", Charles says and grins at me. "You two are literally made for each other, it's unbelievable", Pierre laughs. I blush a little at his comment. "Where's Kika?", I ask him. "She's in Portugal for a shoot", he answers and I can see that he's a little sad she couldn't attend his race. "That's sad, we haven't seen each other too long", I say and chuckle a little. "Hey, you got me", Charles says and makes it sound a little offended but I know it's not real. "Yes, but sometimes I need some girl friends", I chuckle. He rolls his eyes but laughs. Pierre gets called by his engineer so we wish him good luck and head to the Ferrari garage. Charles greets some people while I go to Isa and Carlos who are already there. "Hey, girl", she smiles. We hug each other and chat a little.