Head Over Heels
Charles Leclerc x Vasseur!Reader x Carlos Sainz
Summary: in which Charles and Carlos are head over heels for you and you’re still painfully oblivious despite their best efforts
Warnings: this is a poly fic, overwhelming amounts of fluff
“Hey, Y/N! You’ve got a delivery!”
You look up, confused, as one of the mechanics hands over a beautifully wrapped bouquet. The vibrant pink roses and lilies contrast strikingly against the red of the Ferrari motorhome.
“For me? Who’s it from?” You ask, genuinely puzzled.
The attached card is simple: For someone who lights up the track without even racing.
“Must be from a sponsor or someone thanking Dad,” you muse aloud, inhaling the fragrant bouquet.
Your father, Fred Vasseur, chuckles from a few steps away, “A sponsor, you think?”
You nod, genuinely convinced, “Who else?”
Charles, emerging from his cool-down session after practice, spots you with the flowers. His heart does a little jolt, hoping you’d recognize his gesture. “Those are beautiful,” he comments, trying to sound casual.
“They are, aren’t they?” You beam, holding them out to let him get a better look. “I think they’re from a sponsor or something. It’s a nice touch.”
A small, knowing smile tugs at Charles’ lips but he just nods. “Very thoughtful of them.”
Your father watches the exchange with an amused smirk, clearly catching on to Charles’ hidden intentions. He leans in to whisper to the Monegasque driver, “You sure you want to keep it anonymous, Leclerc?”
Charles shrugs but there’s a hint of red on his cheeks, “I thought it’d be more … romantic? But I didn’t think she would be this oblivious.”
Your father chuckles, patting Charles on the back, “Give it time, son.”
The day continues and you go about your tasks, occasionally stopping to admire the flowers, still clueless about their real origin. Everyone around seems to be sharing knowing glances and subtle nudges.
Carlos, having heard about Charles’ gesture, approaches you. “Heard you got a surprise today,” he comments playfully.
You nod, beaming, “Yeah, a pleasant one. It’s always nice to be appreciated, even if it’s indirectly.”
Charles, overhearing, sighs from a distance. “I need to up my game,” he murmurs to himself.
***
“Morning, Y/N! I brought you something.”
You glance up from your paperwork to find Carlos holding out a steaming cup of coffee and a beautifully wrapped pastry. You can’t help but smile, already salivating.
“Thanks, Carlos. This is such a treat! How do you always know where to find the best coffee and pastries?”
Carlos shrugs, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiles, “Oh, you know. Just lucky, I guess.”
Your father watches the exchange from a distance, laughing softly. “Carlos sure seems to have a knack for pleasing your taste buds,” he teases as he approaches.
Rolling your eyes playfully, you reply, “He’s just being friendly, Dad. Everyone loves a good pastry, right?”
Your father just raises an eyebrow, sipping his own coffee, “If you say so.”
Carlos, seeing an opportunity, chimes in, “Actually, I’ve been exploring the local bakeries in each city. You know, trying to find the best treats.” He pauses for a second, cheeks reddening ever-so-slightly, “Glad you like them.”
It’s a small confession but enough to get a teasing cheer from some of the mechanics nearby. You just laugh, assuming it’s part of the team's usual banter. “You’re too dedicated, Carlos! Thanks for always thinking of me.”
Carlos chuckles, his eyes betraying a hint of something deeper, “Anything for a … friend.”
Later, as you’re engrossed in your work, Charles passes by, subtly observing the pastry and coffee by your side. He exchanges a brief, understanding look with Carlos.
“You know,” Charles says casually, taking a seat opposite you, “Carlos wakes up an hour early just to find these for you.”
You blink, surprised, “Really?”
Charles nods, smirking, “Ask anyone here. They’ve seen him race off, rain or shine.”
Your heart swells with appreciation. “I had no idea,” you whisper, truly touched.
Carlos, overhearing, intervenes with a chuckle, “Leclerc, stop making it sound so dramatic! I just … like to start my day with a good treat, that’s all."
You smile warmly, taking a sip of your coffee, “You’re such a good friend, Carlos. I’m lucky to have you looking out for me like this.”
Carlos nods, swallowing down a hint of disappointment, “Always, Y/N. Just looking out for a friend, right?”
Your father passing by, catches the tail end of the conversation. He winks at Carlos, teasing, “Oh, absolutely. Just a friend.”
Carlos shoots him a mock glare but there’s a smirk on his lips. “Exactly. Just doing what any good friend would do.”
You laugh, completely missing the underlying tension, “Well, here’s to more coffee-filled mornings. Thanks, friend.”
Carlos raises his cup in a mock toast, “To friendship.” But there’s a certain longing in his eyes, a silent hope that someday friendship might evolve into something more.
***
“Y/N, have you ever thought of getting behind the wheel?”
You glance up from your notes, finding Charles leaning against your desk, a mischievous glint in his eye. You laugh, “Of a race car? Surely you’re joking.”
He shrugs, an inviting smirk on his face, “Who better to teach you than a Ferrari driver?”
Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Are you offering?”
Charles nods. “Why not? It’ll be fun and maybe you’ll get a new appreciation for what we do.”
You consider it. “Alright, when?”
“How about after tomorrow’s practice session? The track will be free.”
Carlos, overhearing the conversation, interjects, “Planning some secret training without me?” His tone is playful but there’s an underlying hint of jealousy.
Charles grins, “Just thought I’d offer our friend here a little taste of the track life.”
You chuckle, “Don’t worry, Carlos. If I crash, I promise I’ll come to you for my second lesson.”
Carlos smirks, “I’ll hold you to that.”
The following day, after the practice session, you find yourself clad in a racing suit, helmet in hand, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. Charles approaches, looking much more confident than you feel.
“Ready?” He asks, voice full of anticipation.
You nod, gulping down your anxiety. “As I’ll ever be.”
The next hour is a blur of acceleration, sharp turns, and the roar of the engine. Charles proves to be a patient and encouraging teacher, guiding you through the intricacies of handling a race car. The adrenaline, the rush, and the sheer power of the machine are intoxicating.
At one point, as you glide around a particularly challenging curve, Charles whoops in delight from the passenger seat, “That’s it, Y/N! You’re a natural!”
Your laughter rings out, pure and genuine, “Maybe I’ve found my new calling.”
As the session comes to an end and the two of you climb out of the car, Carlos approaches, clapping. “Not bad for a rookie,” he teases.
You playfully shove him, “Thanks to my excellent instructor here.”
Charles laughs, ruffling your hair, “You were great, seriously.”
Carlos nods in agreement, “I guess I’ll be out of a job soon.”
You roll your eyes, “One lesson and suddenly I’m a pro? You flatter me. But seriously, this was amazing. Truly. Thank you for sharing this with me.”
Charles grins, “Anytime. And remember, there’s always more to learn.”
Carlos smirks, “And more instructors available, just in case.”
You laugh, “I’ll keep that in mind. For now, let’s celebrate me not crashing the car!”
As you all head off, you link arms with Charles, “You know, for a moment there, I felt the thrill you must feel during races. Thanks for being such a good friend and showing me that world.”
Charles smiles softly, a pang of both happiness and a touch of disappointment at the word you used. “Of course. Anything for a friend.”
Carlos, observing from a distance, shares a knowing look with Charles. The message is clear: the race is far from over.
***
“Hey, Y/N. Can’t sleep?”
You’re startled to find Carlos waiting by the hotel lobby, a charming smile playing on his lips. The clock on the wall reads just past midnight.
You rub your eyes, yawning, “No, not really. Jet lag, I guess.”
Carlos gestures toward the entrance, “How about a midnight stroll? I know this beautiful spot nearby.”
You hesitate for a moment but then nod, intrigued. “Sure, why not? Lead the way.”
The two of you step out into the cool night to find the quiet city bathed in soft light. The silence is comfortable as you walk side by side.
As you amble along, you can’t help but wonder, “Why are you up so late?”
He glances at you, “Couldn’t sleep either. And I thought maybe you’d enjoy some company.”
You smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. “That’s really sweet of you.”
He points to a quiet park with a pond, its surface shimmering with the reflection of the moon. “Here we are. This place always helps me clear my head whenever we’re in town for a race.”
You settle on a bench and Carlos quickly sits beside you, shoulders brushing lightly.
The night unfolds with shared stories and laughter. Carlos opens up about his journey in racing, the challenges he’s faced, and the moments of triumph. You listen intently, feeling a newfound connection.
As the hours slip away, Carlos admits with a soft chuckle, “You know, I’ve never brought anyone here before.”
You raise an eyebrow, “Really? Why me?”
Carlos smiles, the moonlight illuminating his face. “Because you’re special. You’re different from anyone I’ve met on or off the circuit.”
A warm feeling washes over you. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
He turns toward you, his gaze intense, “Y/N, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say. Something I’ve been feeling for a while.”
But just as he’s about to speak, you yawn loudly, unable to hide your exhaustion any longer. “Sorry. I guess jet lag finally caught up with me.”
He chuckles, disappointment flickering in his eyes, “No worries. Let’s head back.”
When you reach the hotel entrance, Carlos bids you goodnight, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. “Get some rest. We’ll have a busy day tomorrow.”
You smile sleepily, giving him a friendly hug, “Thanks for the midnight adventure. It was nice.”
He holds you for a moment longer than usual before pulling away, “Anytime. Sweet dreams.”
***
“Another one? Seriously?”
You chuckle, pulling out a small folded note from your jacket pocket, the fifth one this week.
“The world’s fastest circuits are slow compared to how fast you make my heart beat.” You read aloud, your cheeks warming at the words.
Carlos, seated nearby, smirks, “Someone’s clearly smitten with you. Any idea who?”
You shrug, “I figured they’re just motivational notes from the team. You know, to keep spirits up.”
Charles joins in, trying to keep his face neutral, “They’re quite poetic for just team motivation, don’t you think?”
You ponder his words, tilting your head. “I guess? But who would be sending them?”
Carlos snorts, “Oh, come on! It’s so obvious.”
You shoot him a confused look, “It is?”
Carlos and Charles exchange a glance, silently communicating. Charles, deciding to have a bit of fun, teases, “Well, they’re definitely from someone who admires you. And since they’re always hidden in places only the team has access to, it’s likely from someone here.”
Carlos nods in agreement, “Sounds about right.”
You laugh, shaking your head, “You guys are just trying to rile me up. It’s probably just one of the pit crew playing a prank.”
Charles, a touch defensive, says, “You might be surprised. Maybe you have a secret admirer closer than you think.”
Your father, passing by, overhears the conversation and chuckles, “It’s about time she figures it out.”
You stare, completely baffled, “Figures what out?”
He just winks, patting Charles on the shoulder, “Keep trying.”
Your day is filled with speculation and curious glances, with everyone seeming to be in on a secret that you aren’t privy to. The notes, while touching, become a source of playful teasing.
That evening, as you prepare for bed, you find another note tucked inside your notebook: Your passion and dedication make even the toughest races feel like victories.
You can’t help but smile. “Who are you?” You whisper to yourself.
Little do you know, just a few rooms away, Charles is scribbling down another note, his heart set on winning yours, one word at a time.
***
The night is electric, the post-race party in full swing, music thumping and lights reflecting off the crystal-clear waters of the pool.
“Y/N! Join us for a dance?”
You turn, finding Carlos standing there, his hand outstretched and a playful smile on his face.
You laugh, “You’ve seen me dance. You sure you want to take that risk?”
He chuckles, pulling you closer to the dance floor, “For you? Always.”
As the music shifts to a slower, more intimate tune, you feel a bit self-conscious. But Carlos guides you gracefully, making you feel as if you’re the only two people in the world.
“See? You’re a natural,” Carlos murmurs, his dark eyes locked onto yours.
You chuckle, “Or you’re just an excellent lead.”
Carlos smirks, “Could be both.”
Throughout the night you share more dances, both with Carlos and a few with Charles, who also proves to be quite the dancer. Each time you’re spun, dipped, or drawn close, there’s an electric charge, a connection that’s impossible to ignore.
“Enjoying yourself?” Charles asks during one dance, his voice soft and sincere.
You nod, “Very much so. It’s not every day I get to dance with Ferrari’s finest.”
Charles smirks, “Glad to be of service. You’re quite the dancer yourself, you know.”
You roll your eyes, “You’re just saying that.”
He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, “I mean every word.”
Before you can process his statement, Carlos swoops in, teasing, “Mind if I cut in?”
Charles sighs, releasing you, “Go on but save the next one for me.”
Carlos, dancing you away, smirks, “He’s quite smitten with you.”
You laugh, “Oh, stop. We’re just friends.”
Carlos raises an eyebrow, “Are you sure about that?”
You nod, “Absolutely.”
Carlos, holding you a bit closer, murmurs just low enough so only he can hear, “And he’s not the only one who’s smitten.” The hint of longing in his eyes remains hidden to you as the dance continues.
***
“Welcome to the local side of my home!” Charles exclaims with an open gesture, Monaco sprawling before you in all its glory.
You gaze around, taking in the sights of the city. “It’s beautiful. The tourist traps and casinos really don’t do it justice.”
He grins, obviously proud. “I thought you’d appreciate a personal tour. Ready?”
You nod enthusiastically, “Absolutely.”
Charles leads you through winding streets, each corner revealing another story, another memory. “This is where I had my first gelato,” he shares, pointing at a quaint little shop. “And over there,” he gestures to a narrow cobblestone lane, “is where I learned to ride a bike.”
You chuckle, “Really? These streets seem a bit treacherous for a kid on a bike.”
He laughs, “Let’s just say there were a few scrapes and bruises.”
As you continue, Charles points out his favorite viewpoints, cafes, and even his childhood home. It’s an intimate glimpse into his world and you feel honored.
“You know,” you say, pausing to gaze out over the harbor, “it’s one thing to know someone as a colleague and it’s another to really know them. Thank you for sharing this with me.”
Charles looks at you, genuine warmth in his eyes. “I wanted you to see where I come from, the place that shaped me. Who better to share it with than you?”
You smile, touched. The two of you continue, with Charles occasionally slipping his hand into yours, guiding you along.
Towards the end of the tour, you stop at a cozy café overlooking the sea. As you sip your drinks, Charles leans in, his tone serious. “Y/N, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
You look up, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
Before he can speak, his phone rings. Glancing at the caller ID, Charles sighs. “It’s the team. I have to take this.”
You nod, understanding. “Go ahead.”
When Charles hangs up, he looks apologetic. “I’m so sorry. Duty calls.”
You smile, reassuringly, “It’s okay. Today was special. Thank you.”
Charles nods, hesitating for a moment, as if wanting to say more. Instead, he simply leans in, planting a soft kiss on your forehead. “Until next time.”
***
“Oh, this doesn’t look good,” you mutter, noticing the looming dark clouds as you hurry through the paddock.
Before you can take another step, raindrops start to fall, quickly morphing into a torrential downpour. You’re caught in the middle, water soaking your clothes and making your paperwork soggy.
From a distance, Carlos notices your plight. “Y/N!” He calls out, already running towards you with an umbrella in hand.
By the time he reaches you, you’re thoroughly drenched, strands of hair stuck to your face. “Took a sudden shower, did we?” He teases, even as he huddles you under the umbrella.
You chuckle, shivering slightly, “It seems so. Thanks for the rescue.”
Carlos slips off his jacket and wraps it around you. The warmth of it, combined with his scent — a mix of cologne, fresh rain, and something uniquely Carlos — is comforting.
“You’re getting soaked!” You protest, noticing his wet shirt clinging to his toned body.
Carlos just shrugs, “You needed it more than I did.”
As the two of you find shelter from the storm, the tension between you is palpable. The rain has created a sudden intimacy and you’re both acutely aware of each other.
“Better?” Carlos asks, his voice softer than usual, noticing you inhaling the scent of his jacket.
You nod, cheeks heating up. “Yeah. Smells like ... well, you.”
He smirks, “Is that a good thing?”
You glance up, meeting his gaze, “Definitely.”
There’s a pause, a shared moment where neither of you needs to speak. The rain pattering outside creates a rhythmic backdrop to the charged atmosphere.
Carlos breaks the silence, his voice barely above a whisper, “Y/N, I …”
You lean in, “Yes?”
Just then, a gust of wind blows the umbrella out of Carlos’ hand, startling the both of you. The sudden distraction breaks the intensity of the moment and you both laugh at the absurdity of it.
Carlos, trying to chase the runaway umbrella, calls out, “Rain check?”
You laugh, trying to calm your racing heartbeat, “Quite literally.”
***
“You won’t believe what Carlos did this time,” Antonio, one of the lead engineers, whispers to Paolo, a senior mechanic.
You’re nearby, checking the equipment for the upcoming practice session, but their hushed conversation catches your attention.
Paolo chuckles, “Can’t be crazier than what Charles tried last week.”
Antonio smirks, “Trust me, it’s right up there. Both of them, head over heels, and all for the same girl.”
Your curiosity piqued, you edge closer, feigning interest in a nearby tire. “Who is it?” You wonder internally, trying to think of any new female team members or journalists that might have caught their eye.
Paolo, clearly enjoying the gossip, leans in, “You think she has any idea?”
Antonio shakes his head, “Nope. She’s completely in the dark. It’s actually kind of adorable how clueless she is.”
You bite your lip, even more intrigued. “Who could it be?” You muse.
Deciding to join in the speculation, you casually approach, “Hey, what’s this I’m hearing about someone making our drivers lose their heads?”
Both men look up, surprised to see you so close. Antonio stammers, “Oh, hey Y/N. Just, um, some silly paddock rumors.”
Paolo, trying to divert the topic, adds, “You know how it is. People love making up stories.”
You nod, playing along, “Of course. But, come on, spill. Who’s the lucky girl? Anyone I know?”
Antonio and Paolo exchange glances, trying to gauge how much to reveal. Antonio finally speaks, “Let’s just say she’s someone who is always around but seems to be missing all the signs.”
You laugh, “Sounds like she’s got her head in the clouds. I can’t wait to find out who she is.”
Paolo grins, “Oh, it’ll come out eventually. These things always do.”
***
The meet-and-greet in Maranello is packed to the brim. Fans from all over the world have gathered to meet their favorite drivers and the team uniform you’re wearing means you’ve gathered a considerable crowd around you too.
As you sign autographs and chat with fans, you notice a group of them exchanging knowing glances and excited whispers.
“Y/N,” one brave fan begins, “we’ve got a question for you.”
You raise an eyebrow, “Sure, fire away.”
The fan clears their throat, “We’ve been following you and the drivers closely, and, well, we couldn’t help but notice something.”
You exchange a curious look with them, “Notice what?”
Another fan chimes in, “You see, Charles and Carlos, they ... they seem to be really close, you know, off the track.”
You nod, “Yeah, they’re good friends.”
A third fan interjects, ‘It’s more than that, though. We think they’re totally into someone.”
You chuckle, thinking they’re just indulging in the typical gossip. “Well, they are both very passionate about racing if that’s what you mean.”
The fans exchange disappointed glances. “She really doesn’t get it,” one of them whispers.
But they’re not giving up that easily. Another fan seems to have a plan. “Okay, Y/N, hypothetical scenario. What if these two drivers were in a race not for points but for something else?”
You’re intrigued, “What do you mean?”
The fan grins, “Imagine if they were trying to win someone’s heart and that someone is right here, oblivious to it all.”
You laugh, amused by their playful scenario. “That would be quite the competition.”
They exchange triumphant glances, “Exactly! So, who do you think this lucky person is?”
You shrug, genuinely not knowing who they’re referring to, “I have no idea. Probably some lucky girl out there.”
The fans let out an exaggerated groan, “She really has no clue.”
Another fan leans in, conspiratorial, “What if we told you that this lucky person is not some random girl but someone they work closely with?”
“What do you mean?”
The fans exchange sly grins, “We mean, what if the person they’re vying for is ... you?”
Your eyes widen in surprise and you laugh, thinking they’re just pulling your leg, “Me? That’s crazy. They’re just my friends.”
The fans share a look of exasperation and one of them sighs, “She’s hopeless.”
***
“Alright, everyone, gather around! Intervention time!” Your father announces, drawing you into the center of the group of staff that were gathered on the first floor of the Ferrari motorhome.
You look around, bewildered. “What’s going on?”
Paolo, chuckling, pats your shoulder, “You’ve got the observational skills of a goldfish.”
You pout, “Hey! I notice things.”
Antonio snorts, “Oh, really? Do you recall Monaco? During the team photo?”
You nod, confused, “Yeah, we were all there.”
Antonio grins, “Carlos was standing right next to you. Instead of giving a thumbs-up like everyone else, he made a heart sign with his hands right behind you. Literally, right behind your head.”
Eyes wide, you protest, “He did?”
Your father chimes in, “And remember in Silverstone? When you lost that bracelet your mother gave you?”
You nod, “Yes, I was devastated.”
He continues, “Charles spent the entire night searching for it. He found it at 3 am and then hand-delivered it to your room.”
Antonio adds, chuckling, “Wearing those ridiculous race car pajamas, I might add.”
You blink, processing the information, “I thought I just dropped it while getting dressed ...”
Paolo, shaking his head in amusement, recounts, “During the team BBQ, Carlos grilled those vegetarian sausages especially for you. Remember wondering why we had them?”
Your cheeks turn a shade redder, “I just thought he was being considerate for the vegetarians on the team.”
Your father laughs, “We don’t have any other vegetarians on the team, darling.”
Antonio recalls another incident, “In Spain, during that heatwave? Charles, out of nowhere, had a mini fan delivered to you. Said it was team equipment.”
You gasp, “That was him?”
Paolo, grinning, continues, “Ever wonder who leaves those freshly peeled oranges on your desk every race day? That’s Carlos’ handiwork.”
You shake your head in disbelief, “But … why?”
Your father steps forward, placing a comforting arm around you, “Sweetheart, it’s because they’re both completely smitten with you. And while it’s entertaining for us to watch, it’s also driving the entire team bonkers with every passing day that you don’t realize.”
You look around, taking in the nodding heads and amused expressions, “I ... I had no idea.”
Antonio chuckles, “Clearly.”
Paolo adds, “It’s like watching a rom-com unfold right before our eyes, only you seem to have missed the entire plot.”
You laugh sheepishly, rubbing the back of your neck, “Okay, maybe I’ve been a bit oblivious.”
Your father smirks, “A bit oblivious? That’s like saying Ferrari is known for being a bit red.”
Antonio gives you a friendly pat on the back, “Welcome to the real race, Y/N. Buckle up.”
***
Carlos clears his throat, his usual confidence replaced with a rare nervousness, “Y/N, can we talk? Like, really talk?”
You drop what you’re doing, “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
Charles, appearing from the shadows, adds, “Actually, I’d like to be part of this conversation as well.”
You’re taken aback. “Alright, you both have my attention.”
Carlos begins, running his fingers through his hair, “You know, racing isn’t just about speed. It’s about timing, making the right move at the right moment.”
Charles nods in agreement, “Sometimes, you wait too long and the opportunity passes you by.”
You squint, trying to decipher their cryptic words, “Are we talking about racing or ...?”
Carlos exhales deeply, “This isn’t about racing. This is about ... us. You, me, Charles.”
Charles interjects, his gaze intense, “It’s about feelings. Ones that have been growing and evolving.”
You swallow, your heart pounding, “I think I know where this is going.”
Carlos, his voice laced with vulnerability, confesses, “Every time I do something hoping it will make you smile, every time I go out of my way just to be near you ... it’s not just because of friendship.”
Charles adds, “And every gesture, every moment we’ve shared, it’s been my way of trying to show you how I feel.”
Your eyes well up with emotion, “I ... I gained an inkling just recently but I still wasn’t sure.”
Carlos takes a deep breath, “We’re not just talking about individual feelings here. What we’re trying to say is we both care for you and we’ve discussed it. We both want to be with you and for the three of us to explore this ... together.”
Charles nods, “We want to navigate this track as a trio. If you’re willing.”
Carlos steps closer, his eyes searching yours, “We just needed you to know. Whatever you decide, we’ll respect it.”
Charles nods, “Just ... take your time. We’re here, no matter what.”
You take a deep breath, “I need some time to think, to process all of this.”
Carlos offers a soft smile, “Of course, Y/N. We understand.”
Charles gently places a hand on your shoulder, “We’ll wait, however long it takes. Your feelings matter to us. You matter to us.”
***
“Safety car deployed, safety car deployed!” The voice over the radio jolts you into high alert.
“What happened?” You ask anxiously, watching the large screen that displays the race.
Your father’s voice shakes slightly, “Multi-car collision at Turn 4. I can’t see which cars are involved yet.”
Your heart races, thinking of Charles and Carlos. “Please, let them be okay.”
Paolo, eyes glued to the live feed, mutters, “This looks bad.”
The images on the screen show plumes of smoke and debris scattered across the track. The safety car slows the procession of vehicles and you can see marshals running toward the crash site.
Suddenly, Charles comes on the radio, sounding strained but intact, “I’m okay but Carlos ... I can’t see Carlos.”
A weight settles in your stomach. Panic floods your veins. “Please, no.”
His race engineer’s voice cracks with urgency, “Carlos, if you can hear me please respond.”
What feels like hours pass but in reality it’s only seconds before Carlos’ shaky voice breaks through, “I’m here ... I’m okay. Got a bit shaken but I’m fine.”
You slump in relief, tears pricking your eyes. The reality of how precious life is and how quickly things can change hits you like a tidal wave.
Once the chaos subsides and both Charles and Carlos are confirmed safe, you rush out to the pits, needing to see them with your own eyes.
Charles, spotting you first, rushes over, his race suit smeared with dirt and sweat. Without a word, he pulls you into a tight embrace, the tension and relief palpable between you two.
Carlos joins, wrapping his arms around both of you, his breathing still slightly labored from the shock.
You pull away, tears streaming down your face, “Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”
Carlos musters up a hint of a smirk, “Didn’t plan to, trust me.”
Charles adds softly, looking deep into your eyes, “It makes you realize what’s really important.”
You nod, your decision clear. The events of the day, combined with the confessions of the previous week, cement your feelings. “Life is short. Too short not to be with who you care about.”
Carlos raises an eyebrow, “Does that mean ...?”
You smile, nodding, “Yes. I want to be with both of you. We’ll figure it all out together.”
***
“France in winter is so enchanting,” Carlos muses as you all stroll through the snow-covered streets of your hometown, having flown there right after the end of the season.
You laugh, “You should see it in spring.”
Charles wraps one an arm around your waist and the other around Carlos, “With you as our guide, I’m sure every season is beautiful.”
The moment you all step into your family home, the familiar smell of your favorite dish wafts through the air. “Ah, maman’s coq au vin!” You exclaim.
Carlos looks intrigued, “What’s that?”
“It’s a traditional French chicken stew,” Charles explains, revealing his fondness for it too.
At the dinner table, your father raises a toast, “To family, old and new.” It’s a nod to Charles and Carlos, welcoming them into the fold.
Throughout the night, more wine is poured and stories are exchanged. Heading about your childhood misadventures makes Carlos chuckle and Charles smirk as your mother brings out the photo album no matter how much you beg her to save you the embarrassment.
Your grandmother pulls you aside and whispers, “It’s beautiful, cherie, how the heart can expand to make room for more love.”
***
Next stop: Monaco. Before you can even ring the doorbell to Charles’ family home, Lorenzo swings it open, his grin wide. “Ah! The infamous new trio. We’ve heard so much about you.”
You laugh, “All good things, I hope?”
Arthur, joining Lorenzo at the doorway, smirks, “Mostly just about how our dear Charles here can’t stop talking about you.”
Charles rolls his eyes, a hint of red tinting his cheeks. “Can we not start with the teasing five seconds in?”
Carlos chuckles, elbowing Charles lightly, “It’s what brothers are for, right?”
Lorenzo nods, winking at you, “Oh, absolutely. You should’ve seen Charles when he was younger. Always getting into mischief.”
Arthur, with a gleeful glint in his eyes, adds, “Remember that time with the go-kart?”
Charles groans, “Do we really have to bring that up now?”
“Oh, but now I’m curious.”
Lorenzo, not missing a beat, narrates, “Our dear Charles decided to modify his go-kart engine. Let’s just say it ended up in the neighbor’s pool.”
Carlos bursts into laughter, “I wish I’d seen that!”
At one point, when Charles steps out to take a call, Lorenzo leans in, “In all seriousness, we haven’t seen Charles this happy in a long time.”
Arthur nods in agreement, “Whatever you two are doing, keep it up. It’s good for him.”
***
The three of you touch down in Spain to ring in the New Year. The evening is filled with laughter, traditional music, and the tantalizing aroma of home-cooked meals. As midnight approached, Carlos’ mother brings out individual bowls filled with glistening grapes.
“You know about the Spanish tradition, right?” Carlos asks.
You shake your head.
Carlos explains, “At the stroke of midnight, for every chime of the clock, you eat a grape. Twelve chimes, twelve grapes. It’s said to bring good luck for the coming year.”
You chuckle, eyeing the bowl, “Sounds easy enough.”
It was not easy.
The first chime rings out and everyone pops a grape into their mouth. By the fourth chime, you’re struggling, laughter bubbling up around a mouthful of the fruit as you desperately try to keep up.
Charles, equally struggling, shoots you a wide-eyed look, grapes nearly falling out of his mouth.
Carlos, on the other hand, seems to have mastered the art, smoothly munching away, though his eyes reveal his suppressed laughter.
As the twelfth chime rings out, you finally manage to swallow the mouthful, gasping for breath air rounded by the hearty laughter of Carlos’ family.
Carlos’ father claps you and Charles on the back, “Well done! You two are practically Spanish now.”
You laugh, wiping away a tear, “I think I’ll need a few more years of practice.”
Carlos grins, wrapping an arm around you, “Don’t worry, we will have many more New Years for you to perfect it.”
***
The sun casts a golden hue on the beach, the waves gently lapping at the shore. Your feet are buried in the soft sand and you lean back, enjoying the feeling of warmth on your skin.
Taking a moment to appreciate the surroundings, you sigh, “The view is so breathtaking.”
Charles, reclining beside you with sunglasses perched atop his head, follows your gaze. His eyes, however, are not on the horizon but on Carlos, who’s emerging from the water, droplets glistening on his toned body. Without missing a beat, Charles replies flirtatiously, “Yes, he definitely is.”
Carlos laughs as he approaches, water dripping from him, “You two are impossible.”
You smirk, “Well, can you blame him? You do look quite ... impressive."
Carlos, towel now draped around his neck, grins, “Is that so? Maybe I should spend more time at the beach then.”
Charles mock pouts, “And less time with your car?”
Carlos pretends to think about it, “Tough choice. But I think I can find a balance.”
***
“Look who’s back and glowing!” Paolo greets as the three of you walk into the paddock together for pre-season testing.
Antonio joins in the teasing, “Carlos, you’ve got that sun-kissed tan going on and Charles ... did you forget the sunscreen again?”
Charles laughs sheepishly, touching his slightly reddened nose, “Apparently, I just burn.”
Carlos smirks, “We tried but some people are just destined to be crispy.”
You laugh, nudging Carlos, “Don’t be mean. But … we did have that one day when he turned a shade that matched the Ferrari.”
***
“Here’s to the dream team!” Antonio raises his champagne flute, his eyes shimmering under the bright lights of the party.
Charles, holding his second-place trophy, grins, nudging Carlos who’s proudly holding his first-place one. “Feels pretty good to have another double podium, doesn’t it?”
Carlos laughs, “Only because I’m one step higher!”
“Hey! It was the other way around last weekend,” Charles pretends to sulk.
You roll your eyes playfully, “Children, children. Share your toys nicely.”
Paolo chimes in, “It’s not just about the podium finishes. The energy this season ... it’s been different, more vibrant.”
Charles takes a moment, his gaze flitting between Carlos and you. “Well, happiness does tend to have that effect.”
Carlos wraps an arm around you both, pulling you close. “I couldn’t have said it better.”
***
“You would think that after all these years, I’d have gotten the hang of it,” your father laments, eyeing the bowl of freshly washed grapes in front of him.
Carlos’ mother laughs, patting his arm, “You’ll do just fine this time, Fred. We’ve all been practicing.”
Charles smirks, glancing at his brothers, “Oh, trust me, they’ve turned it into a competitive sport. Last year, Lorenzo managed to eat an extra grape by mistake!”
Lorenzo rolls his eyes, “One time! And I blame Arthur for distracting me.”
“Okay, it’s almost time,” Carlos says. “Remember, the key is not to rush.”
You chuckle, “Says the man who’s been acing this since he was a kid.”
Carlos winks, “Natural talent.”
The clock begins to chime, marking the impending arrival of the New Year. Everyone takes their positions, holding their grapes, waiting for the signal.
As each chime rings out, laughter fills the room. The past mishaps with the grapes only make the current attempt all the more entertaining.
When the twelfth chime fades, everyone erupts in cheers. Even your father, much to his delight, has successfully completed it in time.
Charles wraps an arm around you, “Another year, another challenge conquered.”
Carlos steps up to kiss both of you, tasting distinctly of grape, “With many more to come.”
You smile, looking around at the blending of families, the fusion of traditions, and the love that fills the room. “I can’t wait to spend every New Year together with you for the rest of our lives.”
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