Thanks to Norris

part 28-Qualifying

The morning air was heavy with that Monaco stillness — warm, salty, and deceptively calm. The city felt like it was holding its breath.

So were you.

The dream clung to your skin like sweat, even after your shower. You hadn't told them right away — you'd tried to shake it off, act like it hadn't rattled you. But the second you slipped into the back seat of Charles' Ferrari, still wrapped in your hoodie and sunglasses despite the clear skies, it came out.

You (quietly):
"I had a nightmare last night."

Josi turned around in her seat, frowning gently.

Josi:
"What happened?"

You stared out the window at the narrow, glittering streets of Monte Carlo, your voice lower than usual.

You:
"Lando overtook me. And he won."

Charles let out a breath through his nose — not quite a laugh, but not dismissive either. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he glanced at you in the rearview mirror.

Charles:
"Sounds like more of a prophecy than a nightmare."

You shot him a look.

You:
"Not helping."

Josi:
"Was it like... a normal overtake? Or a dream overtake?"

You:
"Dream overtake. Like, unrealistically cinematic. I clipped the wall in the tunnel, and he flew past me in slow motion. He waved."

Josi winced.
Charles actually did laugh that time.

Charles:
"Okay, now that's rude. Even in dreams."

You shook your head, arms folded, the unease still knotting in your stomach.

You:
"It felt real. Like I woke up and genuinely thought I lost. I nearly threw up."

Josi reached back and gave your knee a comforting squeeze.

Josi:
"It's just nerves. Monaco gets in your head. It's the only place where being half a tenth off feels like the end of the world."

Charles nodded, more serious now.

Charles:
"You know the track. You know the car. It's just qualifying — your strongest day."

You leaned your head back against the seat, letting their words settle in.

You:
"Yeah. Just qualifying. Nothing like threading a two-ton rocket through a jewelry box at 300 kph."

Charles:
"Exactly."
(grinning)
"Welcome to Monaco."

Paddock – Saturday Afternoon, Pre-Quali

The air was thicker now, the sun higher. Energy buzzed in the paddock like a live wire. Everyone moved with tight shoulders and clipped voices — drivers, engineers, even the espresso guy at hospitality.

You stood in the back of the garage, suit zipped, hands wrapped, helmet under your arm. You watched the mechanics do final checks, eyes flicking occasionally to the monitor. On the other side of the screen, Lando stood next to his car, sipping from a bottle, face unreadable.

You turned to Lewis beside you, who was stretching like it was just another Saturday.

You:
"You ever dream about this place?"

Lewis looked over, thoughtful.

Lewis:
"Only when I lose."
(beat)
"But I wake up and remember I've also won here. It evens out."