leclerc legacy

Chapter 24 - Acsent

The sound of laughter echoed through the hallway of Charles's apartment as Camille approached the door. She could already hear her brother and Alexandra inside, their voices mingling with the low hum of music playing in the background. It was a familiar, comforting sound, and it brought a smile to her face as she knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Charles's voice called from inside, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching the door.

Camille pushed the door open and stepped inside, immediately greeted by the sight of Charles leaning down to kiss Alexandra, his arm wrapped around her waist. The scene was sweet, the kind of easy affection that spoke volumes about how comfortable they were with each other.

"Well, well, well," Camille said loudly, grinning as she dropped her bag by the door. "No hug for your sister? I see how it is."

Charles broke the kiss and turned to her with a smirk. "Oh, don't be jealous, Cami. I've got plenty of hugs for you."

He crossed the room and pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her slightly off the ground for good measure. Camille laughed, playfully smacking his shoulder. "Okay, okay, put me down, you giant."

Charles set her down with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, you could learn a thing or two from Alex about being nice to your brother."

"Oh, please," Camille said, rolling her eyes. "If I were any nicer, you'd get spoiled, and we can't have that."

Alexandra, who had been watching the exchange with an amused smile, chimed in. "She's got a point, Charles. We've got to keep you in check somehow."

Charles raised an eyebrow, feigning hurt. "Et tu, Alexandra? I thought you were on my side."

"Oh, I am," Alexandra replied, her tone sweet but teasing. "Just not when you're being a brat."

Camille laughed, high-fiving Alexandra as they both turned to Charles with identical grins. "Looks like you're outnumbered, Charlie," Camille teased.

Charles threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Great, just what I needed—a team-up. You two are going to be the death of me."

Camille made herself comfortable on the couch, kicking off her shoes and grabbing one of the throw pillows to hug. "So, what's for dinner? I'm starving."

"Pizza," Charles said, heading into the kitchen to grab some drinks. "Arthur should be here any minute too. Figured we could all catch up, maybe give him some pointers before he heads to F2."

"Pizza and unsolicited advice," Camille mused, exchanging a knowing look with Alexandra. "Sounds like the usual Leclerc family gathering."

Alexandra giggled, nodding in agreement. "I'm just here to witness the chaos."

Charles returned with a tray of drinks, handing one to Camille before sitting down beside Alexandra. "You say 'chaos,' I say 'family bonding.' It's all about perspective."

Just as he finished speaking, the doorbell rang. Camille perked up, already knowing who it was. "That'll be Artie," she said, bouncing up to answer the door.

Arthur walked in, looking as fresh-faced and enthusiastic as ever. He was greeted with a round of applause from Camille and a warm hug from Alexandra. "Look who it is—the future F2 champion!" Camille announced, her voice full of pride.

"Or future barrier enthusiast," Charles added with a smirk as he leaned against the wall, earning a playful glare from Arthur.

Arthur shot back quickly. "Careful, Charlie. With all the barriers you've kissed, people might start thinking you're in a relationship with them."

Camille burst out laughing, giving Arthur a high five as Charles groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Why do I invite you guys over again?" he muttered, though there was no hiding the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Because you love us," Camille said, patting his cheek affectionately. "And because without us, your life would be boring."

"True," Alexandra agreed, wrapping an arm around Charles's waist. "What would you do without all this excitement?"

Charles sighed dramatically, but the fondness in his eyes was clear. "I guess I'm stuck with you lot."

As they settled down with their pizza, the conversation turned to Arthur's upcoming season in Formula 2. Charles and Camille both offered advice, with Camille taking on the role of supportive sister while Charles couldn't resist throwing in a few jabs.

"Just remember," Charles said between bites of pizza, "it's not about how fast you go, it's about how you control that speed."

Arthur nodded, but he couldn't resist a comeback. "And when I out-qualify you, I'll make sure to remind you of that."

Camille chuckled, shaking her head. "See? This is what happens when you teach him too well, Charlie. He turns into a mini-you."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?" Charles asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"A little bit of both," Camille replied with a grin. "But seriously, Artie, just keep doing what you're doing. You've got the talent, and you've got us to annoy you into greatness."

Arthur smiled, appreciating the mix of support and teasing from his siblings. "Thanks, guys. I know I've got a lot to learn, but having you both in my corner means a lot."

Charles reached over and ruffled Arthur's hair. "Just remember, if you ever need advice—real advice, not the nonsense I usually give—Camille's probably your best bet. I'm just here to keep you on your toes."

"Don't listen to him," Camille interjected, playfully swatting Charles's hand away from Arthur's hair. "He actually knows what he's talking about most of the time. Just don't let it go to your head."

"Too late," Alexandra teased, giving Charles a sidelong glance. "His head's already big enough."

Camille couldn't help but laugh, nudging Alexandra's shoulder in agreement. "You've got that right. We've got to keep him humble."

Charles rolled his eyes, clearly enjoying the attention despite the teasing. "Keep it coming, ladies. I can handle it."

The playful roasting continued throughout the evening, with Arthur taking notes on the advice (and the banter) from his older siblings. By the time they had finished eating, the atmosphere in the apartment was filled with warmth and laughter—a testament to the strong bond that held the Leclerc siblings together, even as they each pursued their own paths in the world of motorsports.

As the night wore on, Camille stretched out on the couch, her head resting on a pillow as she looked around at her brothers and Alexandra. "You know," she said, her voice softening slightly, "we've come a long way, haven't we? From karting in Monaco to this."

Charles nodded, a rare moment of seriousness in his eyes. "Yeah, we have. And we're just getting started."

Arthur, his usual bravado tempered by the moment, smiled at his siblings. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Alexandra, always the supportive presence, squeezed Charles's hand and smiled at the three Leclercs. "You're all pretty incredible, you know that?"

Camille, ever the quick wit, couldn't resist one last jab. "Yeah, we know. But don't tell Charles too often, or he'll never stop reminding us."

Charles laughed, pulling Alexandra closer. "You know you'd miss it if I didn't."

"Maybe," Camille admitted with a grin.