fast // formula one

Does He Know? // P4 [CL/MV]

Charles Leclerc X OC X Max Verstappen

Tags: F|M, Driver(s)|OC, Love Triangle, Childhood Friends, Enemies to Lovers

MATURE TAG
Warning(s): language, smut

Parts/Word Count: P1 - 8100 words, P2 - 7200 words, P3 - 8280 words, P4 - 7600 words, P5 - 2625 words, P6 - 5930, P7 - coming soon

Time: August 2021 - May 2022

Song: Moth To A Flame by Swedish House Mafia, The Weeknd

*****

I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE END OF THE 2021 FORMULA ONE SEASON, but here I am, sitting in the Ferrari garage and watching the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. My heart pounds as Lewis pulls closer and closer to the finish line. Part of me hopes Carlos will sneak his way past Max and at least get second, but I know there's not many opportunities for overtaking left. To no one's surprise, Max uses one of these opportunities, making his way around Lewis and securing his position in first. When the checkered flag waves, I can't help but let out a happy squeal.

Max Verstappen is the new World Champion.

I quickly stop my celebrating as I get a few nasty looks from the rest of the garage. I nod and say "Carlos did so well." Before looking back at the screen. My heart sinks as Charles crosses the finish line in 10th. I didn't even think to keep better track of him during the race and I instantly feel copious amounts of guilt. I feel even guiltier as I realize Charles will be moping around his apartment for the next month.

I patiently find a spot to wait for Charles, spending a lot of time watching interviews and scrolling through Instagram as F1 accounts start to upload photos and results.

"Maddie," Charles's voice breaks my concentration on my feed. "I'd like to leave."

"Let's go," I say, hugging him quickly. "Hey, you know I'm proud of you, no matter what. You fight so hard, Charlie."

He doesn't reply to this. He just pats my back once before breaking away from my hug. It hurts to watch him walk away. I know he's upset from the race. I know it's not me. But it still feels personal when everyone gets a cold shoulder from him, including me.

*****

"CHARLES?" I TAP HIS ARM, sitting on the bed next to him. "Hey, Lando texted. Carlos is visiting for the weekend and he asked us to come out with him."

It's been a week since the events in Abu Dhabi. I don't think Charles has left the bed in at least two days. I find him in the kitchen once in a while, eating a bowl of cereal, but usually he's stuck in the bedroom with the duvet pulled up over his head.

"I could tell him we'll be a little bit. You could get a good shower in," I suggest. "How does that sound?"

"You go," he replies groggily. "I'm feeling ill."

"That's okay," I protest, adjusting myself to sit more comfortably on the bed. "I'll stay with you. We can put on a movie and stay in."

"No, Maddie," he replies, rolling onto his back. "Go. Have fun."

"Charles, I'm worried about you," I admit, running my hand over his arm. "Maybe it'll help you feel better if you come out and see Carlos and Lando."