Starting Again (A Charles Leclerc Fic)

047 : coming home (2)

The sun hung high over Circuit de Monaco, casting a golden glow on the iconic streets of the small municipality of Monaco. Charles Leclerc stood in the pit lane, the roar of engines and the buzz of anticipation filling the air. He could feel the weight of his home crowd pressing against him, a tide of hope and expectation that threatened to sweep him under. The scent of burnt rubber hung thick, but it was the scent of his and his family's dreams that lingered in his mind—dreams of victory on this very track where he had first learned to race.

    He ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the sweat bead on his brow. "I can't believe it's finally here," he murmured to himself, a mixture of excitement and dread churning in his stomach. He had waited for this moment, and yet it felt as if it were slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.

    "Hey, you alright?" Katrina slipped beside him, her presence a calming balm. The former idol, now retired, was a vision of beauty and strength, her long hair cascading over her shoulders as she adjusted her sunglasses that she borrowed from Charles earlier that morning. "You look like you're about to face a firing squad." she joked trying to lighten the mood. She knew what today meant for Charles.

    He chuckled nervously, shaking his head. "More like a hundred thousand fans expecting me to win. No pressure, right?"

    "None at all," she teased, leaning in closer. "Just the hopes of an entire nation resting on your shoulders." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but Charles could see the concern lurking beneath her playful demeanor.

    "Yeah, but it's not just that. I've had my share of heartbreak here. It's... it's personal." He glanced at the pit, where the mechanics were busy preparing his car, a sleek machine designed for speed and precision. "Every time I've raced here, it felt like Monaco was laughing at me. I feel like no matter how much I love this place, I could just never seem to win"

    "Then you just need to give it a reason to cheer. I haven't met a single monegasque that doesnt love you Charles. These people believed in you not just because you're one of their own but because they witnessed how good you are. The streets of Monaco witnessed how a young Charles Leclerc would do everything in his power to be the best" she said, her voice steady and confident. "You know you're capable of winning. Just think of all the laps you've done, all the karting days. Monaco loved you once; it can love you again."

    He smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You always know what to say to make me feel better, don't you?"

    "Just trying to keep my boyfriend grounded" she replied, grinning as she nudged him with her shoulder. "Besides, I've seen you drive. You're a magician behind the wheel."

    As the cars began to line up for the formation lap, Charles felt his heart race in unison with the engines. He took a deep breath, the scent of the track mingling with the salty breeze from the coast. "I just wish I could silence the doubts in my head. What if I mess up? What if I let everyone down?"

    "Charles," Katrina said firmly, her gaze locking onto his. "You're not just racing for others. You're racing for yourself. Remember why you started. Remember the joy it brought you. I know how much you wish your dad and Jules is here with you. Love, they are always with you in spirit. They might not be here but Jules' family is here to cheer for you in his place. Arthur, Lorenzo and Maman are also here for your dad. We can never replace those you lost but we would be here to try to fill up the spaces that they left"

    "Right." He nodded, the familiar thrill of racing washing over him, pushing out the fear. "I love this place. I love racing. And I want to give it my all. Papa would be proud that I have another chance to race here. I am also sure that Jules is looking after me especially today"