Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

Always An Angel, Never a God | Arthur Leclerc

Author's Note: Arthur Leclerc has entered the chat! Been wanting to do a one shot for him, this one made sense lol

Done in Arthur's POV
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The day I had been dreading for months now had finally arrived. My best friend was getting married and although I should be so happy for her, my heart ached at the thought of her walking down the aisle to someone else, someone who wasn't me. I know it's selfish but she was everything to me. As her best friend, regardless of my feeling for her, I'd never intervene, I just wanted her to be happy and she was. 

It all started when we were twelve. We had grown up together, first meeting in grade school. She had an older brother who was Lorenzo's age so we would always make plans to hangout. Eventually this trickled over to our parents who ended up becoming close as well. For years after, we planned family vacations and get togethers. Halle even spent a few holidays with us in the Dolomites.

While on one particular vacation with our families, when we were fifteen, we made a pact that we'd marry each other if we were still single at thirty. While it may have been a childish game, part of it really made me hopeful that Halle would see me more than a friend in the future. I was prepared to play the waiting game.

Halle was the sun, the moon and the stars. She had a smile that could light up a room, a laugh that sounded like a melody, and her hugs were like wrapping yourself with a blanket of warmth. She always put others first, never thinking twice to help someone. My favorite thing about her is the way her eyebrows would furrow when she was concentrating hard on something. It was the cutest thing to watch. 

Growing up together gave me some of the best memories of my life. She was like my Roman Empire. Since meeting her, she pushed me to do better, be better, always be ambitious for more. We had the kind of friendship that didn't even require us to do anything, sometimes we would just sit in silence next to each other and that was enough. We liked all the same things, had all the same friends and did all the same things together. Most people would get sick of one another, constantly being around them. But for me and Halle, it just worked. 

When Halle first start dating her fiancé, I was conflicted in so many ways. I almost felt a betrayed, although it was neither of their faults, because they didn't know how I felt.  They were nervous to tell me because of how I'd react. The little voice inside my head kept telling me to be truthful about my feelings to her, even if she'd reject me. Everytime I wanted to say something, I'd chicken out, fearful that my confession would ruin our friendship. 

It didn't help either when they both asked me to me the best man at the wedding. I had a decision to make and that was to prioritize my best friend's love and happiness, so I stayed quiet. She was so happy. Her fiancé was everything that she had wanted and more. While painful for myself, it was beautiful watching her fall more in love with him everyday.

I hardly got out of bed this morning, dreading the day ahead. Again, I knew it was selfish and no one would ever know my true feelings, but I hated that I had to pretend. Today was the last day I'd allow myself to feel. I woke up and stepped onto the balcony of my hotel room. I looked out to the sea, watching the sunrise over the city of Monte Carlo. I felt a sense of peace staring out into the vast unknown. 

Maybe I'd find my person one day. For years I'd always thought it was Halle, but maybe I was wrong. I hoped I was. I hoped there was someone out there that would reciprocate my love and be my other half. 

I took a final deep breath, ready to take on the day, the rest of our lives. I had a few last minute tasks as the best man that I had to complete before the ceremony. Enzo and Charlotte were in the lobby hectically running around making sure all the vendors were prepared for the reception. I laughed at how Halle really put everyone she could to work. I saw my mom and Halle's mom speaking to the front desk, confirming transportation from the hotel to the church.

"Arthur! Mon amour, how are you doing?"my mom called out.

"Ja vais bien. Do you two need my assistance with anything?"

She pulled me to the side, looking at me with a sad smile. She placed her hand on my shoulder, almost apologetically, like she knew my inner turmoil. "Are you really okay? I'm sure you are feeling weird. Your best friend is getting married to-

----"Mama, I'm okay. I promise, you don't have to worry about me."

Her face softened, "amour, I'll always worry about you boys. But if you say you're okay, then you're okay. I'll see you later, I need to start getting ready." She placed a kiss on my forehead and I went on to finish my tasks.

A few hours later and freshly showered, I was putting my tux on. I stared at myself in the mirror, telling myself everything would be okay. I'd survive this, I'd survive it all. My heart was breaking itself, forcing itself to retreat back to its hole of loneliness. It would be easier to break my own heart now, than proceed on like this for years. It wasn't fair to myself. Today was the chapter of a new beginning, the new Arthur. 

All of a sudden, I got a text from Halle asking if I could come to the bridal suite. I was worried and hoped everything was okay since she had said she didn't want anyone to see her until her entrance. She wouldn't even tell anyone the song she was going to walk in to, although I had a hunch it was her favorite Lana Del Rey song. I snuck into the bridal suite, past the bridesmaids who were distracted taking photos in the hallway. 

As I opened the door, Halle stood there, in all her glory. I wasn't expecting to see her in her dress, but I was quite literally blown away. Tears were threatening to spill from my eyes due to the ethereal beauty she was in her wedding dress. I felt like I had a vision of what could of been, right in front of my eyes. The way her face was delicately painted with blush and contour made her look like a doll. 

"Arturooo, thank god you're here. I'm so nervous. How do I look? Do you think Charles will like it? Have you seen him? Mon dieu what if I trip when I walk in?" she rambled anxiously. 

She had to wave her hands in front of me to get my attention because I was lost in a trance. I snapped out of it but could hardly speak. There were so many words I wanted to say, but I buried them deep inside me. A small flash of jealousy consumed me as I envisioned her standing at the alter with her fiancé. 

"You...you... you look...wow. I know he'll love it. Because...he loves you" I said to the girl that had my heart since we were teens. It was almost like I was telling her myself, that I loved her. I swallowed my tears back and gave myself one final moment to look at Halle with the feeling I'd harbored for years. From this day forward I'd shut it off, cut off all the feelings....be the best brother in law and best friend I could be to her. From this moment on, the love I'd have for her would be platonic. 

She'd be a Leclerc by the end of today, just not in the way I'd always imagined. 

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Next up is a spicy reader requested story about Sir Lewis. Stay tuned and have some holy water on standby. Also working on a pretty crazy draft for another driver right now hehe 😉 ❤️