Racing Rivals, Racing Hearts ☆ [Diego Brando x Reader]

Favorability Polls (14)

As you finish another local race, your heart pounding with the thrill of victory, you make your way off the track. Lost in your thoughts, a voice interrupts your reverie. "Considering the Cheltenham Gold Cup, are we?" The voice carries a familiar tone of arrogance, and without looking, you already know who it is. You turn to face the man, and indeed, it's Diego Brando.

You raise an eyebrow and let out a dry chuckle. "What's with the disguise, Brando? Afraid my father might recognize you?" Diego smirks and adjusts his hat. "Well, I can't have your old man ruining our little chat, can I? Besides, it's refreshing to be incognito for a change."

Engaging in a discussion, Diego tries to dissuade you from competing at the Gold Cup. He believes it would be embarrassing for you, after a four-year absence, to immediately participate in such a prestigious event. He leans against a nearby fence, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You think you can just waltz back in and take the prize, huh? I bet you're planning on making sure you secure first place."

You cross your arms and meet his gaze, unyielding. "Don't flatter yourself, Brando. I'm not one to back down from a challenge, especially when it comes to you. I know you've been avoiding these local races. Still bitter about losing to me, I presume?"

Diego's smile fades, replaced by a determined expression. "I'm not avoiding anything. I'm simply using other means of training for the upcoming Gold Cup. And as for our past race, I told you to not let that win boost your ego. Yet here you are, gloating about your luck."

You roll your eyes, refusing to let his words undermine your confidence. "Luck had nothing to do with it. I beat you fair and square, and I'll do it again."

Diego scoffs, "You know, the papers will be releasing the favorability polls for the Gold Cup and I'm quite positive I'll be favored to win."

"Yeah, sure." You roll your eyes, "Every release of the favorability polls for the Gold Cup favors my family to win, and with my return—"

Diego interrupts, "—Your return won't have any weight. You lost your shine. Your win against me at that small local race is nothing compared to my countless victories over you."

The tension between you and Diego intensifies, your rivalry reignited with every word exchanged. However, before the confrontation escalates further, you spot your father approaching with Lady Luck's reins in hand. Sensing his presence, you take a step back from Diego, maintaining a composed demeanor. "Well, Brando, as entertaining as this conversation has been, I must bid you farewell. I have more important matters to attend to."

Diego's expression twists into a mix of frustration and disappointment. "Fine, have it your way. But mark my words, Y/n, I won't make it easy for you at the Gold Cup. You'll regret underestimating me."

You flash a sly smile, giving him a playful wink. "We'll see about that, Brando. May the best jockey win." With that, you turn your back on him and swiftly make your way to catch up with your father.

As you join your father and Lady Luck, he looks at you with a proud smile. He didn't catch your interaction. But he has notice your ambition and determination, recognizing your potential as a jockey. "Impressive as always, Y/n. Your recent victories haven't gone unnoticed. Keep up the great work and stay focused on your goals."

You nod, appreciating your father's support. "Thank you, Father. I'm ready to take on the challenge. I'll be sure to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup."

"I expect nothing less. It would be fantastic for you to win a third Gold Cup."

Together with Lady Luck, you and your father walk back to the stables, discussing strategies and plans for the upcoming races. The rivalry with Diego fuels your determination, and with each passing day, you grow more eager to prove yourself at the prestigious event—the Cheltenham Gold Cup awaits.

———

A couple days following your interaction with Diego, the day dawns and you wake up and make your way downstairs to start your day. The atmosphere feels a bit fueled with disappoint as you notice the door to your father's Study slightly open.

Curiosity piqued, you approach and peek inside, finding him immersed in the morning newspaper. Sensing your presence, he looks up and calls you over with a somber expression on his face.

"Y/n, have you seen the newspaper?" Your father's voice holds a tinge of disappointment. You respond nonchalantly, "You know I don't read the paper, Father." He lets out a sigh and shakes his head, a hint of sass in his voice. "Perhaps you should start. They've released the favorability polls for the Gold Cup, and it seems Diego Brando is favored to win. You're predicted to place second."

Your eyebrows furrow as you process the information. The news hits you harder than you anticipated, despite your resolve to stay focused and confident. Taking a seat across from your father, you speak up, trying to mask your disappointment. "Well, you know how these things go, Father. Polls are just predictions. They don't determine the outcome of the race."

"This is the first time in our family's history that we haven't been favored to win the Gold Cup." He speaks with a stern tone, traced with disappointment.

Your heart sinks at the weight of his words. It's not just about the polls; it's about the legacy and expectations that come with your family's name. You speak up, a mix of concern and determination in your voice. "I understand, Father. It's a lot of pressure, especially considering our family's history. But I can't let that discourage me. I'll work twice as hard to prove that we're still a force to be reckoned with."

Your father's gaze softens as he looks at you, his disappointment turning into a flicker of hope. "I know you will, Y/n. And I believe in you. It's just hard to see our family's legacy challenged, even for a moment. But remember, it's not just about winning; it's about how you handle the race, the spirit you bring to it. You have the skill, the determination, and the heart. Don't let these polls define your worth."

You lean forward a bit in your seat, meeting your father's gaze. "You're right, Father. The polls may not be in our favor, but that doesn't mean we can't come out on top. I'll train harder, ride smarter, and give it my all. The Gold Cup will once again be won by our family."

A faint smile graces your father's lips as he nods in agreement. "That's my child. I've seen your growth. Use this as motivation to prove that our family's legacy isn't defined by a single race. It's about resilience, passion, and rising above challenges. You should go eat your breakfast." He glances back down at the newspaper.

Standing up from your seat, you nod and make your way to the kitchen. The weight of your family's history rests on your shoulders, but you refuse to let it crush you.

The favorability polls may have challenged your family's legacy, but they have also ignited a fire within you. You won't lose to Diego Brando. You reject the idea of him bringing down your family's legacy at this prestigious race.

☆☆☆