invisible string | c. leclerc

seven

VII. Real Talk

BARCELONA: June 2023

Race Day: Charles got out of his car and took of his helmet, not getting podium was not what he strived for or planned but still, he was happy for his teammate. Carlos deserved winning in his home race.

But having his teammate win means that he had to celebrate with the rest of his friends. He didn't really feel like it, what with the tabloids expecting him to go home to his hotel with a girl in his arms. He just wanted to lay low.

He was greeted by Antoine, the older man handed him his phone, "Great job Charles." He said. The driver chuckled and nodded in thanks, "Am I allowed to use this now?" he asked.

The former nodded and Charles indulged in his phone again. Opening his contact list, he pressed the first contact there.

Placing his phone on his ear as he waved at the mechanics. After a few rings she answered. He heard rustling and voices around.

"Oh, is it a bad time cherry?" Charles asked. "No no, it's okay, let me just get inside the spare room." Thalie said. He waited until she was settled, he hummed a random song that Carlos was listening to before the race.

"Okay, I can hear you loud and clear." Thalie said. Charles let out a sigh of relief, "How's the shoot?" he asked. The model chuckled, "Normal. I watched the race earlier. You did amazing." She said.

The driver let out a breath, "Not podium great." He muttered. Despite being happy for the team and his teammate, he still was not proud for his result. He knew he could have done better.

And despite not being there to see his reaction, Thalie just knew. From the silence and the breathing, "Charlie." She said. "Yes Thalie?" he asked trying to sound clueless.

Thalie huffed, "You did amazing. I know its not what you expected but you did great, and I am so damn proud of you. You will always take my breath away at how you do every race. I know you wanted to have done better but there is always a next one, and in that one you will continue to do better."

Charles let out a relieved breath, a smile appearing on his face. Just what he needed, "I don't know how you always know how to make me feel okay ma Cherie." He said.

Thalie who was still in Monaco smiled happily. "Because I know you Charlie."

TWITTER:

➥@chili: damn thalie you keep killing Charles

     ➥@thals: ????

     ➥@eightwolff: you can keep denying but I know something

     ➥@lewisvuitton: you going to tell me love?

     ➥@eightwolff: nope

MONACO: June 2023

Octavia sent a knowingly look towards Thalie who was bouncing Eli on her knee. The model sighed, "I know what you are thinking. You don't have to say it-"

"If I don't say it then how will it get through your head?" Octavia fought back. Nathalie sighed and looked at Eli who staring back at her. It seems like even the baby knew.

Nathalie was starting to notice some changes in her. Changes that scared her. Changes that she knew can affect not only her but her best friend as well.

She had lived with the fact that Nathalie and Charles were merely best friends. Nothing more, nothing less. She had lived with his ways and so was he with hers. She did not want to ruin the norm.

Octavia tapped the table which caught the model's attention. "Sorry." She mumbled and placed Eli back in his carrier.

"Okay fine. Let's not talk about Charles and your obvious-" "Please don't say it."

Tavi raised an eyebrow but decided not to say anything more. She just wanted to have her friends see each other the world see how they look at each other.

"Anyway, about our project. The last dress..." she said as she opened her portfolio of sketches. Thalie's eyes brightened as she saw her favorite dress in her friend's collection.

"What color do you want?" Octavia asked. This was of course project she made especially for Thalie. She had always dreamed of making a collection for her friends, and the model was just the start.

The designer watched her good friend, Thalie's lips turned up into a smile, as if she can see the dress already made. "Green."

Tavi hummed and stuck some samples on the paper, "Which shade?" she asked.

Thalie let out a hum and pointed at a specific color, "Chartreuse." The designer nodded and furrowed her eyebrows, "Why that?"

The model grinned at her, "Because it reminds me of the forest once spring starts, light and fresh. The raw gem titanite. His eyes..." she rambled.

Suddenly a smirk appeared on Tavi's lips, she crossed her arms, "Are you sure you still don't want to hear it from me?" she asked pertaining to the changing feelings she was experiencing.

Nathalie sighed, "Not now..."

"Whenever your ready babes. Charles isn't going anywhere."