Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

30.00

"Are you completely sure you can't go?" asks Charles, giving me pleading eyes.

It's the end of January. The Australian Open is coming up and so is Charles' first race of the season.

Antonio isn't letting me attend the race, even though I haven't went to one since David's death. I can tell it's beginning to bother Charles.

"You know I have to focus on the upcoming tournament," I mutter, "I have an intense training pattern that I need to keep up. I have to put tennis first, just like you have to put racing first."

"I hope this isn't all Antonio's doing," sighs Charles, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

I can't help but glare at him. "Don't blame Ant. I need to do this to get back to the where I want to be."

"Whatever," he mumbles under his breath, breaking his eyes away from my stare. "It's just, you haven't come to one of my races in ages. The press are beginning to get suspicious."

"Since when did you care about what the press think?" I frown at him, folding my arms in mock attempt to intimidate him.

"You know what I mean," he says, rolling his eyes. "I just want my lucky charm back."

He smirks at me, causing my mouth to turn up slightly. The tension in the conversation breaks, as I let out a deep sigh.

"And your lucky charm will be back when she wins the Australian Open!" I grin, leaning over and pulling him in by his chin for a kiss.

A groan of anger leaves his mouth as I pull away. "I'm going to miss you," he mentions, clearly still annoyed.

"I'll be back before you know it. However hopefully not too soon!" I add, giving him a wink.

The idea of coming home early from the tournament is a thought that's turned my stomach. It would be another level of embarrassment, especially since this is my big comeback.

Charles makes his way around the furniture so that he's standing directly in front of me. He places his hands on my arms, giving me a gentle squeeze. "Aria, I want you to know that whatever happens, you should be so proud of yourself. I'll be right here waiting for you when you get home," he murmurs softly.

I can feel his breath hit my skin, bringing me instant comfort. I begin to wish that he's joining me, but I know that with both of our schedules, it's practically impossible.

I don't answer him. Instead, I hook my finger around the loop for the belt on his trousers, pulling him against me. His eyes light up. He's clearly startled, but in a good way.

"I see how it is," he grins playfully, instantly leaning down to kiss my neck. He pushes me up against the table, causing me to sit on it, as he takes my face in his hands, kissing me passionately. A wave of uncontrollable need washes over me.

I slip my hands up his shirt, running them up and down his flexed back. I can tell the sensation is driving him crazy as his breathing becomes more rushed. I feel myself arch into his body, desperate to feel more of him.

"Fuck Summers, you have no idea what you do to me," he groans, taking a moment to catch his breath.

I open my mouth to answer him but before I can, my phone buzzes against the wooden table, the ringtone reaching my ears. I reach over to get it, watching as Charles drops his head in disappointment.

My eyes land on the caller ID.
"Ugh, it's Antonio. I better take this," I sigh, Charles stepping away from me hesitantly. I hop off the table and hastily answer the call.

"Hey Antonio!" I say, trying to sound as energetic as possible.

"Hey Aria," he mutters. His tone is so stern and so strict compared to anyone that I know, I feel my body tense up at the sound of it. "I'm letting you know that I've decided to enter you into the mixed doubles for the Australian Open this year." he mentions, as if it is the most casual thing in the world.

My brows immediately furrow. "Mixed doubles? But I never do original doubles, let alone mixed," I state, feeling completely baffled at why he would do this.

"I just feel like this could be a great opportunity for you! You could learn new things from your teammate, and it also adds to the chance of you winning at the beginning of the season."

I can feel my stomach drop slightly. It's all making sense to me now. Charles is looking at me from a few steps away, his face clearly worried.

"You don't think I'm good enough do you?" I say, my words breathy and full of shock. "You couldn't possibly think that I could win because I haven't played in so long?"

"Aria, you know that's not what I-"

"-No, don't worry. You're making everything perfectly clear. Enter me into the fucking doubles then," I hiss.

I quickly hang up the phone, knowing how badly Antonio reacts when I give him any sort of attitude.

Charles moves closer to me, his hands in his pockets. "Are you ok?"

"It's time for me to prove some people wrong."

-

"Aria, we are so happy to have you back playing with us this season!"

"Thank you Madison, I'm beyond happy to be here!" I grin, trying to plaster the most believable smile across my lips.

I had forgotten everything that comes with a tournament. The press, the media, the interviews. This feels like my tenth interview of the day and they're all asking the same questions. At least this is for the local broadcast with familiar people, so hopefully it will be a bit different this time.

"So, we're all dying to know, do you still feel like the powerhouse that you are? Are you going to come back stronger than ever?" asks Madison, holding the microphone to my face with anticipation.

I try not to roll my eyes at the question, but I understand that it's just her job. "Of course, why wouldn't I? I'm hungry for a win, and I'm prepared to fight for it."

"That's what we like to hear! Now, we understand that you've taken on a new coach this year. Has it been difficult to work with somebody new? Or is it refreshing?" she questions cluelessly.

I attempt to not let my mouth fall open in shock at her question. My breath hitches in my throat. I can feel my stomach burn with anger. After what feels like minutes of silence, I string together a sentence.

"Nothing is refreshing about having your old coach, and best friend, die tragically," I reply, trying to sound as calm as possible.

She somehow seems taken aback by my answer. "I-I'm sorry Aria, I do apologise, I shouldn't have brought it up."

I don't have words to return to her. I nod uncomfortably and silence fills the air. I suddenly remember that this is live television, making me want the floor to swallow me whole.

"Well thank you to Aria Summers for that, um, brief chat. We'll now move to Colm who has conveniently bumped into Andy Murray and he's here for his final season. Over to you guys!" says Madison, turning to the camera.

As soon as we're off air, I leave my seat instantly and race to the nearest bathroom. Tears are brimming my eyes, and I quickly wipe away one that had escaped.

Maybe Antonio was right. Maybe I wasn't as ready for this as I thought.

-

A/N: Hey guys! Poor Aria. Is she ever going to catch a break?

On another note - I've been dying to know what everyone's opinions are regarding Sainz's move to Williams?

Personally I have no clue how to feel about it. Feeling very mixed emotions.

Hope you're all doing well <3

- Evangeline