The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Thirty-One •

Trigger warning:
Mentions of abuse
————

Saturday

Me and Charles have been inside this cinema for what feels like an eternity. We've replayed the movie and talked through every moment.

With his arms around me, the soft tips of his hair on my face and his breath on my neck, we watch him drive across the Australian finish line on the big screen.

If I had to describe the word joy, I'd talk about that day.

The past Charles jumps out of his red Ferrari celebrating, the Australian fans roaring for his victory.

Richard is filming from behind me.

You can see how big my grin is.

Charles celebrates with the mechanics. They chant his name, they hug him, and he looks like the happiest man on earth.

That's until our eyes lock.

That glint in his eye appears. That glint of love.

I edge closer to Charles in the cinema, watching our love story with a wild heartbeat.

The past Charles hugs me. He smiles wildly. I hug him back, my face indescribable. That's joy. That's love.

He'd also won a bet that day.
I'm just waiting for the line..

"I'm proud of you Charles."

My past voice beams through the speakers. There it is.

"Fuck, I've truly never felt like how I felt when you said those 7 letters for the first time" Charles whispers into my ear, his beard stubbles rubbing against my skin.

"I was so stupid back then." I whisper back, leaning against him. "I thought I was somehow protecting myself by refusing to say your name"

Now, everything I used to think about Charles feels stupid. I'd been so wrong about him. For all these years, the true prize has been hiding in plain sight.

"Don't lie. You literally still call the other drivers by their last name" Charles points out with a playful chuckle, stroking a hand through my hair.

I jokingly roll my eyes over his stupid, incredibly true, observation. "That's just to stay professional." I tell him, my gaze returning to the screen.

I can see Charles' grin, without looking at him. "Sure it is.." He whispers, both of us laughing lightly.

Our attention returns to the wide screen, as the past us, still celebrate on the screen, obviously debating whether we could kiss in front of the crowd.

"Meet me in room 160" Charles had said, after realizing it was too risky to kiss in front of everyone.

My cheeks blush. Room 160...

"Good thing Richard didn't follow us to record there..." Charles cockily whispers into my ear, his raspy voice sending shivers down my spine.