summary: you disappear for a week, come back with new hair, and accidentally start a cheating scandal that breaks the f1 internet.
pairing: charles leclerc x gf!reader
warnings: media/fan speculation, online harassment (mentioned), mild language, public rumor stress, miscommunication, fake cheating accusations, parasocial nonsense, use of y/n, established relationship (duh)
notes: sorry i've been so inactive gang 😔, i've got more midterms starting up and i've been so locked in with that + living my normal life that i've been neglecting writing LMAO BUT HERE YALL GO!! a cute lil smau fic to hold you over while i balance my shit 😝
f1 masterlist !
INSTAGRAM
yourusername
liked by charles_leclerc, carmenmmundt, carlossainz55 and others
yourusername, this weekend <3
view comments
charles_leclerc, ❤️ ♥︎ liked by creator
friend3, most beautiful girl 😏
— yourusername, you gon make me blush 😊
lilymhe, stop being cute it’s making the rest of us look bad 😭
— alex_albon, honestly.
— yourusername, LMAO
f1wagupdates, imagine being this soft omg
carmenmmudt, body tea or whatever the kids say these days
— yourusername, CARMEN AHAHAHA
yncharlesenthusiast, her laying down on him 🥹🥹🥹
user1, if you see someone laying on the road tonight, thats me! 🤗
arthur_leclerc, it was torture being with the two of you. disgusting people.
— yourusername, ur just jelly 🤣🤣
— arthur_leclerc, jealous of people who dont have to third wheel you? yes. 100%.
iamrebeccad, my beautiful girl 🤍 ♥︎ liked by creator
Posted 1 week ago.
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TWITTER
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INSTAGRAM
f1wagsightings
liked by charlesleclercupdates, wagsoff1 and others
f1wagsightings, Charles Leclerc seen with mystery girl in Monaco 👀 thoughts?
view comments
y/nfanpage, brooo that’s def not her 😭
charlesleclercupdates, he’s moving mad again 😭 someone slap the shit out of him
yncharlesenthusiast, you must be fucking joking.
wagsleuths, y/n hasn’t posted in a week either... oh my days
charlestheangel, MAN. i've got to change my username cuz what the hell.
y/nhatepage, finally. y/n didnt deserve him anyway
— 16lovergirl, man shut up.
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TEXTS
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TWITTER
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INSTAGRAM
yourusername
liked by lilymhe, pierregasly, iamrebeccad and others
yourusername, same girl, new hair 💋
view comments
charles_leclerc, never taking you to dinner again 😭
— yourusername, you love me
kikagomez, bro he almost died for no reason 💀 ♥︎ liked by creator
iamrebeccad, well, atleast you look beautiful as a brunette 😅 ♥︎ liked by creator
lilymhe, the chaos you caused omg 😭
— yourusername, whoops
wagsleuths, well, i guess were all truly stupid LMAO
friend3, Twitter owes you an apology fr 😭😭
carmenmmundt, next time you dye your hair, maybe upload the change immediately 😙 ♥︎ liked by creator
yncharlesenthusiast, mother’s power even with a color change 🫶
arthur_leclerc, i was gonna rip a new one into charles...
— yourusername, i was told🤣🤣
charynprotector, I WAS RIGHT!!! never doubt me 😎 ♥︎ liked by creator
— charynprotector, OMG SHE LIKED MY COMMENT
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charles_leclerc
liked by landonorris, pierregasly, alex_albon and others
charles_leclerc, the only thing I cheat on is UNO when she’s winning 😇
view comments
yourusername, I KNEW IT. THERE WAS NO WAY YOU WENT FROM 8 CARDS TO 2💀
— charles_leclerc, sorry chérie 😍
landonorris, we almost had a national crisis because of you two 😭 ♥︎ liked by creator and yourusername
y/nfanpage, welp. atleast we know he didnt cheat on her 😅
alex_albon, UNO cheating > relationship cheating
carlossainz55, deleting my paragraph... ♥︎ liked by yourusername
— charles_leclerc, what paragraph...😟
— iamrebeccad, dont worry about it charles!
pierregasly, never a dull moment with the Leclercs! ♥︎ liked by creator
maxverstappen1, this was a fun adventure, do it again. ♥︎ liked by yourusername
yourusername, dyed my hair for fun and almost started a global crisis #sorrycharles
— charles_leclerc, never again. stay brunette forever pls 😭
❝ Charles loves to spoil his younger girlfriend, because in fact, that’s the bare minimum!
𝓬ontains. fem!reader. face claim: none (but pics of Alex included). established relationship. age gap (23/28). a few hate comments. based on Базовый минимум.
liked by user1, user2 and others
deuxmoi NEW COUPLE ALERT 🚨 ? Charles Leclerc has reportedly been spotted multiple times over the past two weeks in Monaco with a mysterious girl. The pair allegedly kept things low-key but were seen together on several occasions around the city, sparking chatter that Ferrari’s golden boy might not be so single after all.
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user1 not surprised tbh, he’s always being spotted somewhere with someone😭
user2 if it’s real I’m happy for him, if it’s not I’m still invested anyway
user3 again? lmaoo
user4 she’s either a long-term gf or his cousin and there is no in between
user5 i think her insta is @/yourusername
liked by arthurleclerc, user6 and others
yourusername 🛥️☀️
view more comments
user7 is this the girl charles was spotted with?
user8 it’s her. you can literally see leo in the last pic. user9 + arthur liked the post
user10 she looks soo young
user11 wtf? she’s 23. she’s an ADULT
user12 soo pretty ❤️❤️
liked by scuderiaferrari, user13 and others
charlesleclerc rest days
view more comments
user14 😍😍
user15 oh so this is serious
user16 just soft-launching each other
liked by charlesleclerc, user17 and others
yourusername grateful 🤍
view more comments
user18 posting everything but her bf
user19 he is literally on the last slide. hope that helps!
user20 he got her a KELLY? oh he’s WHIPPED
user21 i’d be too if i was him no lie 😩
📍 International University Of Monaco ♫ YOUNG DUMB & BROKE • Khalid (official audio)
liked by yourbsf, charlesleclerc and others
yourusername young dumb & broke ✅ uni kids ❌
view more comments
yourbsf we did it babyy ❤️😩 it’s gonna be so boring without us ❤︎ liked by author
yourusername it was a wild ride
user22 so the gossip account did not lie
user23 congrats girl!
charlesleclerc congratulations chérie ❤️ ❤︎ liked by author
yourusername i love you ❤️❤️ user24 awww so cute
user25 wdym broke 😭😭
liked by yourusername, scuderiaferrari and others
charlesleclerc my girl just graduated, congrats baby 😘
view more comments
yourusername ❤️❤️❤️
user26 he is sooo in love
user27 HE posted HER btw
user28 bare minimum
user29 i just know she’s gonna get something big
liked by charlesleclerc, user30 and others
yourusername thank you @/charlesleclerc 💞💗💕
view more comments
charlesleclerc for you, bare minimum chérie 😘 ❤︎ liked by author
summary: two separate pictures of you and charles without your wedding rings and one song released at the wrong time has fans speculating that everyone's favorite married couple is heading for a divorce. the truth is a lot less scandalous.
pairing: charles leclerc x wife!reader
fc: jade thirlwall
warnings: tiny bit suggestive - minors dni • time skips • likely a mistake or two
vicious speaks: a short and sweet one for you today 💙
charles masterlist | read on ao3
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
liked by f1wags and others
deuxmoi F1 driver Charles Leclerc was spotted in a new video today without his wedding ring - a few months after we reported that things were tense between him and his wife, singer Yn Leclerc. Was this just a coincidence, or is there trouble in paradise? 🧐 Let us know your thoughts below!
view all comments
fan NOT MY PARENTS 😩
fan i refuse to believe this
fan NO
fan i’m sure this is all just one big misunderstanding…right? RIGHT?
fan for the sake of my sanity this is photoshopped
fan you can’t make me believe a couple so in love are suddenly getting a divorce
fan they’re intensely private, i can see them quietly divorcing. unfortunately 🥲
fan guys can we calm down? maybe he just forgot his ring.
fan i’m sorry i doubted you when you first reported that they were having problems 😕
fan LOVE IS DEAD
fan aw fuck
fan we know absolutely nothing!! let’s all calm down.
fan WAIT - WHO GETS LEO??? 😰
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
liked by alexandrasaintmleux and others
yn_leclerc THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!
new album out april 22nd.
FUFN (FUCK YOU FOR NOW). out now🖕🏽
view all comments
charles_leclerc album of the year 🏆
⤷ yn_leclerc thanks hun 😚
⤷ fan what the fuck
⤷ fan i’m so confused
kellypiquet obsessed obsessed obsessed
⤷ yn_leclerc me when u do anything ♥︎ by kellypiquet
fan where the FUCK are her rings??!
⤷ fan oh it’s so over
sabrinacarpenter fufn is so good bby!! ♥︎ by author
fan just listened to the song…i’m scared
f1gossip hmm…
fan they’re interacting normally but charles wasn’t wearing his ring & neither is yn and this song is not helping me feel better about the whole situation at all 😟
deuxmoi interesting.
fan man i don’t know what to think
fan new yn album ohhh we are so back
taylorswift she's baaack!!! ♥︎ by author
fan this song is gonna haunt me i fear
perrie so proud of you and so excited for the album!! i already have fufn on repeat 💙 ♥︎ by author
fan welp.
oliviarodrigo FUCK YEA NEW YN MUSIC 🍾 ♥︎ by author
fan are you soft launching a divorce album 😭
reneerapp proud of you babe!! ❤️ ♥︎ by author
fan fufn is gonna go triple platinum in my house
zayn big congrats! ♥︎ by author
fan AOTY. SOTY.
leighannepinnock proud proud proud 💚 ♥︎ by author
fan the middle finger emoji pls
alexandrasaintmleux so excited! 🤍 ♥︎ by author
⤷ fan still can't believe they're friends
⤷ fan same!! like wtf 😭
fan idk what’s true atp
raye ❤️🍾 ♥︎ by author
fan this is so messy
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
texts between you and charles
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
charles_leclerc has added to their story
caption: fufn is out now!!! such a great song!
congrats yn_leclerc !!!
likes and replies
yn_leclerc liked charles_leclerc’s story
yn_leclerc lmaooo
⤷ yn_leclerc thank you for being my muse 💋
⤷ charles_leclerc always ♥️ even if the result isn't always flattering
⤷ yn_leclerc you've more than redeemed yourself, baby.
⤷ charles_leclerc multiple times in one night, if i remember correctly.
⤷ yn good times 🤭 ♥︎
maxverstappen1 liked charles_leclerc’s story
fan is my life a joke to you?
kellypiquet liked charles_leclerc's story
fan oh you think this is funny huh
oscarpiastri liked charles_leclerc's story
fan blocked and reported
arthur_leclerc liked charles_leclerc's story
fan oh you and yn are laughing at us, aren't you?
oliviarodrigo liked charles_leclerc's story
oliviarodgrigo you have no idea how funny this is to me 😭💀
⤷ charles_leclerc yn thought it'd be funny 😂
⤷ oliviarodrigo lmao she was right ♥︎
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
texts between you and charles
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
the next day
liked by charles_leclerc and others
leclercupdates Yn put the rumors to rest in her Zane Lowe interview!
ZANE: You know we gotta address the elephant in the room, right?
YN, LAUGHING: I figured!
ZANE: Where did FUFN come from?
YN: I was pissed at my husband after a night out and said "I have no more words, just fuck you. for now." and then thought to myself "Hey, those are pretty good lyrics" so i put them down in my notes and then kinda forgot about them because i was quite drunk at the time *laughs* eventually i came across the lyrics again and wanted to build on them so i got in the studio and eventually, this song was born.
ZANE: I noticed you said "Husband." Does that mean you guys are doing good? No trouble in paradise like people are suggesting?
YN: No! We're great. Our rings were sent out for cleaning and people just started spiraling. We actually find the rumors quite funny!
ZANE: It's good that you two can find the humor in that kind of stuff.
YN: Well, we've been together so long that eventually those kind of rumors are easy to laugh off and make light of.
ZANE: Yeah, i can understand that. We'll, i'm glad you guys are doing good!
YN: Thanks!
view all comments
fan THANK GOD
fan well i feel silly 🥲
⤷ fan i think we all do 🙃
fan not us losing our minds over nothing
fan we were having a collective breakdown and they were laughing at us 😭
fan i'm blocking deuxmoi
fan charles liking this post is so funny
fan I KNEW THEY WERE FINE
fan omg i'm not a child of divorce 🥳
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫ .
charles_leclerc has added to their story
caption: mine.
likes and replies
yn_leclerc liked charles_leclerc's story
yn_leclerc and only yours ♥️
⤷ charles_leclerc damn right ♥️
kikagomes liked charles_leclerc's story
fan MOM & DAD ❤️
lilyzneimer liked charles_leclerc's story
fan LOVE IS ALIVE AND WELL 🙌🏼
arthur_leclerc liked charles_leclerc's story
fan cuties 💞
pierregasly liked charles_leclerc's story
fan sooo glad i don't have to take sides in a divorce (yn would win me ofc but i'd feel really bad about it)
alexandrasaintmleux liked charles_leclerc's story
alexandrasaintmleux she's yours until i steal her 😉
summary: when you flip off another jackass in a ferrari, you don’t realize that you’ve flipped off an f1 driver in his home country. and … he was in the wrong. desperate to make amends with a stranger, he recruits the best sleuths he knows to find you: his fans.
yourusername posted a story!
caption: if you were that guy in downtown monaco who almost crashed into me: fuck you I hope your pillow is warm on both sides.
view replies …
yourbff OMG WHAT?? ARE YOU OKAY?!
youruser oh I’m fine, only thing shattered is my inner peace
yourbff 😭 not your inner peace
youruser the amount of curses I let out would send a Victorian child into a coma lmao
yourbff fuck that guy
youruser yeah fr you’d think with so many race drivers living here people would know the rules of the road
INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES LECLERC, SATURDAY MAY 25, 2024.
INT: Hi Charles, good to see you.
CL: Hello, how are you?
INT: I’m well, thanks. Let’s talk about the upcoming race.
CL: Do we have to?
INT: Afraid so. Are you nervous at all? Back on home turf, hoping to win?
CL: I am so nervous [laughs]. I feel terrible to admit it but I almost crashed on my way here.
INT: Oh! Are you alright?
CL: I am, I wasn’t paying attention so it was my fault. I don’t think the person I almost crashed into was happy with me.
INT: So did you know?
CL: They flipped me off and cursed my bloodline.
INT: Road rage makes people do crazy things.
CL: I wanted to shout to apologize, but they drove away before I could.
INT: Use this time to apologize, if you’d like.
CL: Hello, if I crashed into you at 9:46 this morning, and you were driving a red Mini Cooper, I am so sorry. Please do not hold it against me, I am usually better than that.
INT: I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.
CL: I hope so. I hope their curse didn’t work.
INT: Well, good luck today.
CL: Thank you.
f1tea charles apologizes to the person he almost crashed into on the way to work 😬 good luck king you’re cooked
liked by user1, urser2, charles_leclerc, and 78.6k others
view 284 comments
user 💬 not charles in the likes king it’s okay shit happens
user2 💬 I think he feels genuine remorse 😭
user3 I would too if I pissed off a Mini Cooper driver, those people are scary
user2 his days are numbered
user4 💬 he looks devastated omg nooo
user5 💬 new f1 meme format just dropped
user6 💬 not him liking he so desperately wants to remedy his bad carma (get it)
f1tea GET OUT 🚪
charles_leclerc posted a story!
caption: Please stop clowning on me for my almost crash this morning, it could have been very serious. Also, if you know who it was, please tell me so I can properly apologize.
view replies …
maxverstappen1 mate, you need to let this go.
charles_leclerc I can’t, I’ve been thinking about it all day
maxverstappen1 you’ve caused road rage before, why is this so different?
charles_leclerc the driver was gorgeous 😭
maxverstappen1 so this is about shooting your shot?
charles_leclerc no comment at this time.
lando Bro this driver got you fucked up 🫵😂
charles_leclerc I need to fix my stance in the universe before the race. For luck.
lando Bro luck doesn’t exist
charles_leclerc and how do you know that??
lando fair point, continue on
user hi Charles you don’t know me but I think I found Mini Cooper driver!!
charles_leclerc you people work fast
youruser some asshole who can’t drive a ferrari isn’t gonna ruin MY weekend 😤
liked by yourbff, user, f1memecentral, and 3.739 others
view 190 comments
user 💬 wait a second—
user2 there’s no way it’s a coincidence right?
yourbff 💬 GORGEOUS! too bad men in Ferraris ain’t shit!
youruser TRUE LMAO! men ain’t shit tbh
yoursister 💬 omg ur so petty stop this 😭
youruser lemme think about it … no
yoursister well I tried 😬
user2 💬 did the ferrari almost crashed into into you at 10:46 this morning?
youruser damn you stalking me?? how’d you know 😂
user2 I’m gonna blow ur mind, can i dm you?
f1tea 💬 omg check their latest story … ITS MINI COOPER GIRL
user3 charles_leclerc king you gotta see this
user4 OMG TAG HIM!!
user5 charles_leclerc
user6 charles_leclerc
charles_leclerc 💬 so you’re a Mercedes fan?
youruser ???? banana leclerc???
user7 OMG PLS
INSTAGRAM DM REQUEST: charles_leclerc
Accept | Deny
charles_leclerc: Do you drive a Mini Cooper?
youruser: … Yes?
charles_leclerc: I drive a Ferrari
youruser: congratulations??
charles_leclerc: No, shit, sorry. I drove the Ferrari that almost crashed into you this morning.
youruser: 😐😑😐 you what
charles_leclerc: I wanted to apologize to you properly, I’m not normally that unaware. I am just nervous for the race. It’s not an excuse, but I wanted a chance to apologize before you write Ferrari drivers off forever.
youruser: all ferrari drivers or just you??
charles_leclerc: No comment
youruser: well in that case, it’s okay. you didn’t have to search for me tho lmao that’s a lot of work for a small interaction
charles_leclerc: I didn’t want people thinking I terrorize the streets of Monaco
youruser: mr leclerc are you flirting with me? 🤨
charles_leclerc: Is it weird if I say yes?
youruser: kinda but i like weird. maybe i should almost get hit by cars more often
charles_leclerc: Please don’t
youruser: no promises, now go race cars or whatever
charles_leclerc: I’ll talk to you later
youruser: LATER?? WDYM LATER??
youruser posted a story!
caption: he really meant later wtf???
view replies
yourbff HE?! WHO TF IS HE?! 🤬🤬
youruser apparently charles fucking leclerc is the guy who almost ran into me and he got me a paddock pass as an apology???
yourbff THE ONE TIME I SAY NO RACE
youruser he also gave me Ferrari merch bc apparently “it matches your car”
yourbff bestie—
youruser free swag 🙂↕️
charles_leclerc I hope you like the view from here better!
youruser 🙂↕️
yoursister I’m sorry WHAT
youruser idk either
youruser lesson: almost get hit by guys who drive ferraris
liked by charles_leclerc, yourbff, and 5.839 others
view 395 comments
charles_leclerc 💬 that is the lesson?
youruser basically
user so unserious omg I love you
yourbff 💬 how does it feel living MY dream?!
youruser pretty alright 👍
yourbff fuck you 🤬
lando 💬 i see why he was desperate to find you
youruser and what’s THAT supposed to mean?? 🤨
lando oh nothing, nothing 💅
maxverstappen1 💬 Oh!
user2 CRYING
youruser 🤨
INSTAGRAM DM: charles_leclerc
charles_leclerc: Thank you for accepting my apology paddock pass 🙏
youruser: don’t worry lmao, you didn’t have to tho, it’s like overkill
charles_leclerc: I might have had ulterior motives for inviting you…
youruser: sound ominous, now I’m curious
charles_leclerc: You are beautiful, and I wanted to see you again
youruser: when he’s direct 🤤
charles_leclerc: I don’t know any other way to be
charles_leclerc: Now that I’ve confessed something, it’s your turn
youruser: is that how this works?
youruser: okay. i accepted the apology bc i also wanted to see you again 🫣
charles_leclerc: Funny how that works
youruser: truly strange
charles_leclerc: Would you come to the race tomorrow? Paddock treatment again?
youruser: hmm let me think abt it
charles_leclerc: …
youruser: I’m free that day 🫢
charles_leclerc: Excellent, I’ll meet you at the VIP entrance and give you a tour. And maybe after, if you’d like, I want to take you out
youruser: … like kill me?
charles_leclerc: On a date
youruser: oH JFJRJWJWJDJC
youruser: crisis over. i’d love to, but you have to win the race to score a date sorry
charles_leclerc: Guess I have to win then
youruser: guess so 👀
youruser i guess i owe him a date
liked by charles_leclerc, yourbff, and 10.7k others
view 602 comments
charles_leclerc 💬 I’ll pick you up at 8, wear red ❤️
youruser 🥵 i mean okay
charles_leclerc Won the race, won a date. ❤️
liked by youruser, maxverstappen1, lando, and 492.8k others
comments have been limited
youruser 💬 no photo credit?
charles_leclerc Am I not allowed to be mysterious?
youruser no ❤️
youruser thank you for ramen tho, maybe ferrari drivers aren’t so bad 🫶🏼
summary: mclaren hires a new chef and a certain ferrari driver can't seem to stay away from their garage now
folkie radio: HI GUYS IM BACK !! life is finally giving me a break and i can finally get back on track with writing !! this is short but a way for me to get the creative juices flowing again. remember that my requests are open. hope you like this !
MASTERLIST | MY PATREON
liked by lando, oscarpiastri and 15,836 others <
yourinstagram Finally can share the news! Your girl is officially feeding the fastest team on the grid 🧡 Started my journey as @mclaren’s new team chef and still can't believe I'm cooking for these legends. From 4AM breakfast preps to late night recovery meals - every bite fuels these incredible humans.
Special thanks to @lando and @oscarpiastri for trusting my experimental papaya-inspired dishes 😂 (Yes, that orange smoothie bowl was a bit too much, sorry boys!)
Still getting used to cooking in different countries every other week, but loving every second of it!
view all comments
username1 OMG SO COOL !
username2 congratulations girlll
lando finally some proper food in the garage! but pls no more orange food experiments 💀
oscarpiastri that pre-quali pasta hit different mate. also can we get those tim tam brownies again? asking for a friend 👀
username3 LIVING FOR THIS ERA!!! Show us more behind the scenes pleaseee
username4 The way Lando's performance improved after getting a proper chef... we see you YN
username5 okay but drop that smoothie recipe tho???
username6 not me crying because the team finally has good catering 😭 take care of our boys!!
username7 Anyone else notice she used to be RB's pastry chef? 👀 McLaren really said yoink
└ lando oi leave her alone, we stole her fair and square 😤
liked by yourinstagram, maxverstappen1 and 876,925 others
lando we're baaaack in the papaya kitchen with chef @yourinstagram making sure we don't starve 🧡
ngl might've gained 2kg just looking at these banana protein pancakes but chef says they're "performance fuel" so who am I to argue 🤷♂️ also my mum wants your shepherd's pie recipe btw
view all comments
username1 AWEEE THEY LOVE HER
username2 best chef ever
charles_leclerc when can I visit the catering? asking for... research purposes 🧐
└ oscarpiastri mate there's a waiting list now 💀
yourinstagram those were FOR AFTER QUALI 😤 also your mum already dmed me for the recipe x
username3 CHARLES I SEE YOU IN THIS COMMENT SECTION
usermame4 yn keeping the champions fed
username5 chef yn looks so pretty and cool i love her already
username6 NOT A WAITLIST FOR THE MCLAREN CATERING
usermame7 is she single?? asking for science
liked by charles_leclerc, yourinstagram and 198,339 others
f1 Meet The Crew: Behind every fast lap, there's a full stomach 🍳
Meet YN, @mclaren's head chef who's revolutionizing the team's nutrition game. From 15-hour race days to dawn testing sessions, she keeps the entire garage fueled and ready.
Fun fact: She can prep 60 personalized meals in under 3 hours and travels with her own set of lucky knives that have been to more GP tracks than some drivers
"Every team member gets a tailored menu - drivers, mechanics, engineers. Different roles need different fuel!" - YN
Swipe for a day in her life ➡️
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username1 THIS IS COOOOOL
username2 i love when they show the crew behind the scenes
lando she threatened to feed me only kale if I binned the car
oscarpiastri fun fact: she stress bakes before races. ask me how I know 😂
(thanks for the 3am cookies in Singapore )
yourinstagram THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY, job of my dreams
username3 CHARLES WHY ARE YOU LIKINGGGG
username4 i bet all the other teams are dying to taste her food
username5 she's so prettyyyyyyy
username6 this is such a cool job. feeding the champions
username7 I WANT TO BE HER
username8 i bet charles is dying to try those pastries
liked by username1, username2 and 2,986 others
f1updates Charles Leclerc was asked about paddock life and casually dropped: "The food at McLaren is really good actually... really good. I heard they have fresh croissants every morning. I mean, Ferrari's food is good too of course" 👀
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username1 THE WAY HE SMILED WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE FOOD???? HELLO???
username2 CHARLES LECLERC YOU ARE A FERRARI DRIVER STOP SIMPING FOR THE MCLAREN CHEF 😭
username3 not charles finding excuses to visit mclaren garage
username4 okay but did you see how he lit up talking about the croissants??
username5 Charles baby what is you doing
username6 THE AWKWARD PAUSE WHEN HE REALIZED WHAT HE SAID 💀
username7 someone tell charles that being a food critic isn't part of his ferrari contract
username8 lewis in the background looking betrayed bc charles keeps sneaking to mclaren's breakfast 😂
username9 PROTECT YN AT ALL COSTS! Our girl got Charles Leclerc stuttering about pastries
username10 I SO SHIP THIS
liked by yourinstagram, lando and 895,922 others
charles_leclerc Mission accomplished: Successful invasion of McLaren garage These tacos from @yourinstagram might be worth the penalty points from @fia...
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username1 CHARLESSSSS OMG
username2 he finally did it
yourinstagram I literally gave them to you Charles 😭 you didn't have to pretend to "steal" them
lando oi those were for US mate 🤨 also you dropped your dignity on the way out
oscarpiastri man really showed up during strategy meeting just to "check something"
arthur_leclerc maman wants the recipe btw
username3 charles leclerc stealing tacos from mclaren like he's in a heist movie is my new personality
username4 SOMEONE COUNTED AND THIS IS HIS 8TH "VISIT" TO MCLAREN THIS MONTH 👀
username5 charles baby what is this behavior
username6 OK BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW YN JUST EXPOSED HIM IN THE COMMENTS 💀
username7 someone tell him there are easier ways to get the girl's attention than pretending to steal tacos😭
username8 tag yourself i'm fred vasseur being done with charles' antics
username9 LANDO'S COMMENT HELP-
liked by charles_leclerc, lando and 49,685 others
yourinstagram For this race week we have victory brownies! Still finding papaya sprinkles everywhere but worth it 🧡 And to a certain red-suited someone who keeps "accidentally" ending up in our garage during meal times - next time just ask, I'll save you a plate 😉
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username1 AHHH LOVE HER
username2 she really is the coolest ever
lando caught in 4k but those cookies helped me get fastest lap so...
charles_leclerc ...I don't know what you're talking about 👀
username3 the way everyone knows exactly who that "certain red-suited someone" is 😭
username4 THE WAY SHE CALLED HIM OUT I'M SCREAMING
username5 not charles liking this post within 0.001 seconds of it being uploaded
username6 petition to keep yn forever, our cars got faster and apparently we're collecting ferrari drivers now 😌
mclaren Our favorite yes chef !
zak_brown Whatever you're doing in that kitchen, keep doing it
(but maybe stop feeding the competition 😅)
username7 THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS FOR REAL
username8 such an icon she should date charles already
liked by notlando, notmax and 67 others
notcharles guys how do you ask someone out when:
1. they work for rival team
2. entire paddock is watching
3. you've been caught stealing their food multiple times
4. pierre won't stop texting "down bad" every time i mention her
5. carlos keeps sending me gordon ramsay memes
6. fred threatened to make me eat only protein shakes if i visit mclaren again
7. lando recorded me tripping over equipment trying to "casually" walk by
asking for scientific purposes obviously.
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the_superior_leclerc mum says to just invite her for dinner already 🙄
notpierre down BAD down BAD down BAD
notcarlos remember when you said you'd never date anyone from another team? good times 😌
notalbono you've got it bad 😂
notmax bro you literally drive f1 cars at 300km/h but can't ask someone on a date?
notlewis why are you using memes of yourself
notoscar you know she already knows right? whole paddock's taking bets
notgeorge glad I'm not the only one who sneaks into mclaren for food anymore
liked by username1, username2 and 5,484 others
f1gossip SPOTTED: Charles Leclerc and McLaren's chef YN having dinner in Monaco! 👀
Sources say HE was the one cooking for HER this time... brave man cooking for a professional chef
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username1 THE WAY THIS WHOLE TIME WE THOUGHT HE WAS JUST AFTER THE COOKIES 😭
username2 EVERYONE STAY CALM IT'S HAPPENING
username3 why does it look like they're inside of his house wtf
username4 i forget how little privacy drivers have in monaco
username5 charles trying to impress a professional chef with his cooking is actually the cutest thing help-
username6 man really pulled up with homemade pasta... he's SERIOUS serious
username7 THE WAY WE'VE BEEN WATCHING THIS SLOWBURN FOR MONTHS 😭
username8 All those "accidental" visits to McLaren finally making sense
username9 lando somewhere: my plan worked perfectly 😌
username10 GET IT GIRL!! (but pls keep feeding mclaren we're winning races)
username11 not charles booking the most visible terrace in monaco... he said y'all gonna SEE this
username12 this is better than my netflix shows help-
liked by charles_leclerc, lando and 67,098 others
yourinstagram Not often someone cooks for me... even rarer that it's actually good
Plus points for not burning down the kitchen (unlike some McLaren drivers I know 👀) ps: whoever taught him to make pasta, good job
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username1 OMFG
username2 SO HE DID COOK
charles_leclerc My nonna says you're welcome for the recipe 🤌 (she wants you over for sunday lunch btw)
lando exposed but in my defense that fire was ONE TIME
pierregasly look who's not "down bad" anymore 😌
leclerc_pascale ❤️❤️❤️
username3 GIRL THE WAY HIS MOM AND NONNA ARE ALREADY CLAIMING YOU 😭😭😭
username4 not charles' mom dropping the lunch invite in the comments i'm CRYING
username5 THE WAY HE LEARNED TO COOK JUST TO IMPRESS HER????? HELLO?????
username6 remember when we thought bros just wanted free cookies 💀
username7 we really watched this man go from stealing cookies to cooking pasta i'm emotional
username8 HELP WHY IS THIS THE CUTEST THING EVER????????
username9 ok but can we talk about how his mom commented with hearts IMMEDIATELY
username10 YALL THE WAY HE GOT HIS NONNAS RECIPE.... THIS IS SERIOUS
username11 the way the entire paddock was just waiting for this to happen i'm screaming
liked by notmax, notalex and 76 others
notcharles ok so:
nonna gave her secret recipes
maman invited her to 3 family dinners
she laughs at my bad jokes
fred stopped threatening me about mclaren visits
i learned to cook (kind of)
haven't crashed trying to impress her (yet)
...can i ask her to be my girlfriend now? 😅
(also where tf do i hide all these cooking practice videos before she finds them)
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the_superior_leclerc bro she already has our nonna's secret recipes... pretty sure that means you're married 💀
notpierre i started typing "down bad" but honestly... you got this
notlando my guy you literally learned to cook italian food from scratch... just do it
notmax half the grid lost money betting you'd ask by japan btw
notalex bro she let you cook for her and didn't run away... that's true love right there
notoscar better do it before DTS makes a whole season about this
liked by charles_leclerc, lando and 71,298 others
yourinstagram turns out stealing cookies was just his way of stealing my heart 🤍
(yes, this is exactly what you think it is)
ps: @scuderiaferrari your boy makes really good pasta now
pps: @mclaren don't worry, still feeding our guys too 🧡
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username1 OMFH
username2 OH I LOVE THIS
carlossainz55 Finally i can delete all those videos of him practicing "casual" walking past mclaren
lando about TIME also please keep feeding us we're finally winning races
leclerc_pascale Bellissima ❤️ Sunday lunch at 1pm as always
mclaren Happiness and good food, win-win 🧡❤️ (but seriously keep feeding our guys)
username3 NOT THE COOKIE STEALING WORKING OUT IN THE END 😭😭😭
username4 BRO WENT FROM STEALING SNACKS TO STEALING HEARTS IM SOBBING
username5 THE WAY THE WHOLE PADDOCK IS IN THE COMMENTS LIKE PROUD PARENTS
username6 nah bc his mom dropping the sunday lunch reminder in the comments is sending me 💀
username7 everyone acting like they weren't watching this slowburn for months 🤡
username8 THE WAY THIS WHOLE THING STARTED WITH HIM SNEAKING INTO MCLAREN FOR SNACKS I'M-
username9 okay but why is this the cutest hard launch in f1 history???
Hi! Can you write a request for Charles Leclerc where his fiancee has the habit to get lost in the paddock (because she’s not around there much because of her job). And the social media and the fans always think it’s cute. And Charles always losing his mind because of it. The Ferrari Team has already a search them for her.
Missing: Future Mrs Leclerc
Charles Leclerc × Fiancée!reader
Synopsis: Charles’ fiancée keeps getting adorably lost in the paddock, sending Ferrari into search‑mode every race while fans eat it up — and Charles slowly loses his mind trying to keep track of the woman he loves.
You arrive at the paddock with Charles, hand in hand, sunglasses on, smiling for the cameras. Everything is normal. Everything is fine.
And then someone says your name.
A journalist, a fan, a Ferrari staff member — it doesn’t matter who. You turn your head, answer politely, and Charles lets go of your hand for two seconds.
Two.
Seconds.
And when he turns back?
You’re gone.
“Not again,” he mutters, already rubbing his forehead.
Carlos walks past, clapping him on the shoulder. “Lost your fiancée?”
“She was right here.”
“She’s an adult, mate.”
“She has the directional awareness of a baguette.”
Carlos snorts. “Good luck.”
---
Meanwhile, you are absolutely not lost.
You’re just… exploring.
You don’t come to the paddock often — your job keeps you traveling, and you only manage a handful of races each season. So when you do come, everything feels new again. The garages, the hospitality units, the fans waving from behind the barriers — it’s all exciting.
You’re halfway through admiring a display of vintage Ferrari helmets when a group of fans spots you.
“Oh my god, it’s her!”
“She’s so cute, she’s lost again.”
“Someone tell Charles!”
You laugh, waving shyly. “I’m not lost, I promise.”
They don’t believe you. They never do.
One girl holds up her phone. “Can we take a picture? Charles is going to freak out when he sees this.”
You grin. “Sure.”
You pose, chat for a moment, and then continue your little adventure — blissfully unaware that your disappearance has already hit social media.
---
Back in the Ferrari garage, Charles is pacing.
“She cannot have gone far,” Fred Vasseur says, trying to be reassuring but failing miserably.
“She gets distracted,” Charles insists. “She sees one interesting thing and— pouf — gone.”
Fred sighs. “We know.”
Because this is not the first time.
Or the second.
Or the fifth.
In fact, Ferrari has an unofficial protocol for this now.
A mechanic approaches. “Boss, the hashtag is trending again.”
Charles groans. “Which one?”
“#FindCharlesFiancee.”
He drags a hand down his face. “Merde.”
Another mechanic adds, “There’s also #LostButMakeItFerrari.”
Fred pinches the bridge of his nose. “Okay. Activate the search.”
And just like that, the entire Ferrari team springs into action.
Mechanics check the hospitality area. Engineers sweep the walkways. Someone radios McLaren to ask if you’ve wandered into their motorhome again.
Carlos sends a selfie: Found a cat. Not your fiancée. Continuing search.
Charles is two seconds away from losing his mind.
---
You, meanwhile, are having a lovely time.
You’ve somehow ended up in the Red Bull garage — not on purpose, but because you followed a very cute dog and didn’t realize where it was going.
Max raises an eyebrow when he sees you. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
“I know,” you say sheepishly. “I got… sidetracked.”
He sighs, but he’s smiling. “Charles is going to combust.”
“I texted him!” you protest.
Max checks your phone.
You did not text him.
You texted Carlos.
Max shakes his head. “Come on. I’ll walk you back before he starts a full paddock evacuation.”
You follow him out, waving goodbye to the dog.
---
Charles spots you before you spot him.
He’s mid‑rant with a Ferrari engineer when he freezes, eyes widening like he’s seen a ghost.
You’re walking beside Max, chatting happily, completely unaware of the chaos you’ve caused.
Charles storms over.
“Amour.”
You blink. “Hi, baby.”
“Hi?” he repeats, incredulous. “Hi? Do you know how many people are looking for you?”
You look around.
A lot of people are looking for you.
Some wave when you make eye contact.
You wince. “Oops?”
“Oops,” he echoes, hands on his hips. “You disappeared.”
“I didn’t disappear,” you argue. “I was just—”
“Lost,” Max supplies.
“Exploring,” you correct.
Charles groans. “You cannot just wander off.”
“I didn’t wander off,” you insist. “I followed a dog.”
Max nods. “It was a very cute dog.”
Charles glares at him. “You are not helping.”
Max shrugs. “She’s safe. That’s what matters.”
Charles sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Amour, please. Stay with me.”
You step closer, wrapping your arms around his waist. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stress you out.”
He softens immediately — because he always does with you.
“I know,” he murmurs, kissing your forehead. “But every time you get lost, social media explodes, the team panics, and I age five years.”
You laugh, leaning into him. “I’ll try to be better.”
“You say that every time.”
“And I mean it every time.”
He kisses you again, longer this time. “Come on. Stay with me.”
You nod, taking his hand.
He holds it like you might float away if he loosens his grip.
---
Of course, ten minutes later, you get distracted again.
This time by a little girl holding a handmade sign that says CHARLES CAN I HAVE A HUG?
You stop, crouch down, and talk to her. She’s sweet, shy, and absolutely thrilled when you offer to take her to Charles yourself.
But when you turn around?
Charles is gone.
You blink. “Oh no.”
The little girl giggles. “Did you lose him?”
You sigh. “Unfortunately… yes.”
She pats your hand. “It’s okay. My mum loses my dad all the time.”
You laugh. “Thank you.”
You walk her toward the Ferrari garage, and the moment Charles sees you — with a child — his panic dissolves into something soft and warm.
He hugs the girl, signs her sign, takes a picture with her, and sends her off beaming.
Then he turns to you.
“You lost me this time.”
You grin. “See? It happens to everyone.”
He narrows his eyes. “Not helping.”
You kiss his cheek. “You love me.”
He sighs dramatically. “I do. Unfortunately for my blood pressure.”
---
Later, when the chaos has settled and Charles is finally in his race suit, he pulls you into the back of the garage.
“You know,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear, “one day, when we’re married, I’m going to put a tracker on you.”
You laugh. “Like a cat?”
“Exactly like a cat.”
“You wouldn’t.”
He kisses you, slow and warm. “I would.”
You smile against his lips. “You know the fans think it’s cute, right? Me getting lost?”
He groans. “They encourage you.”
“They do.”
“They make edits.”
“They do.”
“They think it’s adorable.”
“It is.”
He pulls you closer, forehead resting against yours. “I just want you safe.”
“I am safe,” you whisper. “Because I always find my way back to you.”
He melts — completely, utterly, hopelessly.
“Okay,” he murmurs. “But stay with me today. Please.”
summary: leo somehow escaped charles' apartment in monaco, and when a girl who lives nearby finds him, charles decides he needs to know you
w/c & a/n: smau | send in ideas for charles I beg 😩
yourusername
liked by friend1, bestfriend, friend2, user1, and 896 others
yourusername I found this cute puppy in my yard, I'm going to kidnap him 🎀
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friend1 HELP ME
bestfriend GIRL YOU CAN'T KIDNAP A DOG 😭
yourusername if it's cute then yes I can
friend2 girl that is definitely someone's dog... maybe you should go knock on doors 🙂
yourusername but hes happy here eating a pup cup 🤧
friend2 yourusername what if his owner sues you
yourusername friend2 I'd win in court for animal abandonment 💪
friend3 AWH HE LOOKS SO SOFTTTT ♥︎ by author
yourusername update: I'm going to return him, he ate my favorite pair of shoes 😔
friend4 NOOOO I NEED TO MEET HIM FIRST
yourusername friend3 BUT HES A MENACE
friend4 yourusername ... a cute one 🥹 ♥︎ by author
user1 I'm getting puppy fever omg
user2 am I tripping or is that leo leclerc
user3 I WAS THINKING THAT
yourusername who is leo 🥸
user3 yourusername GIRL??? charles leclercs puppy....
yourusername user3 you say that like I'm supposed to know who that is
bestfriend user3 excuse her... she lives under a rock
yourusername oh I looked him up and he's so fine holy 😍
bestfriend charles_leclerc
friend1 charles_leclerc
friend3 charles_leclerc
user2 charles_leclerc
user5 charles_leclerc
arthur_leclerc charles_leclerc
friend4 ARTHUR???
yourusername OH MY GOSH YALL SHUT UPPPPP
charles_leclerc yourusername I see leo's in good hands 😉
yourusername I'm going to kill myself.
yourusername charles_leclerc HOW DO I KNOW YOU'RE NOT LYING ABOUT HIM BEING YOURS
charles_leclerc yourusername why would I lie about this 🤨
charles_leclerc why am I arguing over my dog yourusername dm me so I can pick him up please 🙏
yourusername charles_leclerc fine...
user6 WHY ARE WE SO CASUAL ABOUT CHARLES LECLERC BEING IN YOUR COMMENTS???!!!??!
yourusername Idk man I live in monaco so I suppose this isn't that crazy
charles_leclerc
liked by yourusername, lando, carlossainz55, arthur_leclerc, and 1,952,170 others
charles_leclerc reunited 💪🐾
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bestfriend yourusername BROOO WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU MET UP ?!?!?!?!?!?!??!
yourusername IM SORRY ILL TELL YOU LATER
arthur_leclerc yourusername can I gossip with you guys too 🥰 charles keeps going on about you and it's getting annoying
charles_leclerc arthur_leclerc WHY ARE YOU TELLING THEM THAT ⁉️
carlossainz55 hermano do you have a crush? 😏
charles_leclerc MON DIEU NO ‼️
carlossainz55 charles_leclerc it's okay to admit it, talking about feelings is important 🙂↕️
charles_leclerc carlossainz55 PLEASE ENOUGH THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING
lando why are we making fun of charles
lando can I join
arthur_leclerc lando leo escaped his apartment and ended up at some girls place who lives near by and he found her through insta and then they met up to return leo and now charles is obsessed with her
charles_leclerc pass me the gun.
yourusername charles_leclerc so you think I'm pretty 😍 I like my men obsessed
charles_leclerc yourusername whattttt haha who said that 😅
lando charles_leclerc and yourusername sitting in a tree, k i s s i n g
charles_leclerc oh my gosh.
lando first comes love, then comes marriage
charles_leclerc lando die.
lando then comes the baby in a baby carriage
carlossainz55 UNBLOCK ME PLEASE ITS LANDO IM SORRY
yourusername justice for lando ✊
carlossainz55 yourusername thank you. I like you
charles_leclerc carlossainz55 just for that you are staying blocked 🥰
carlossainz55 charles_leclerc NOOOO IM SORRY
user7 dang this was chaotic af
user8 charles made himself look extra good for this post to impress a certain someone 😏
user9 he doesn't have to even try though
yourusername user9 exactly
arthur_leclerc yourusername now hes blushing
charles_leclerc arthur_leclerc LEAVE ME ALONE
yourusername I'm not doing anything tomorrow 😊 in case you want to do something
charles_leclerc YES PLEASE
charles_leclerc I mean, yeah sure
georgerussell63 🍿🍿
charles_leclerc
liked by yourusername, carlossainz55, arthur_leclerc, f1, and 2,873,611 others
charles_leclerc merci beaucoup leo ❤️
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yourusername 💗 ♥︎ by author
charles_leclerc ❤️
carlossainz55 congrats hermano 🥳 ♥︎ by author
lando YAY IM BACKKKKK
lando 🙂
user10 why are you being so dry
lando user10 im scared to say anything cause he will block me again
charles_leclerc lando im glad you're intimidated
arthur_leclerc YAYY A NEW BESTIE
yourusername you know it 😎
charles_leclerc shoo.
scuderiaferrari bella coppia ♥︎ by author
yourusername grazie mille 🫶
lewishamilton now we just need leo and roscoe to meet 🐶 ♥︎ by author
maxverstappen1 why is she with you
charles_leclerc because I'm just, well, better 😈
georgerussell63 carmen wants me to pass on the message that she's dying to meet your girlfriend
yourusername YESSSSS I'LL COME TO MERCEDES NEXT RACE
mercedesamg yourusername oh yeahhhh 😎
scuderiaferrari mercedesamg back tf off 😤 she's ours 😒
yourusername wow I've never felt so wanted 🥹 #teammclaren
mclaren yourusername HELL YEAHHHH PAPAYA FOR THE WIN
charles_leclerc yourusername MON AMOUR??? HOW DARE YOU 😨
yourusername charles_leclerc sorry love, I've been learning about f1 and so the only thing on my feed is videos of people making fun of ferrari's strategies
scuderiaferrari yourusername next year will be our year 🥲
bestfriend REMEMBER I HAD HER FIRST 😒
charles_leclerc well I have her now so 🫵🏼😂
yourusername ladies ladies there's enough of me to go around
charles_leclerc yourusername im not sharing though 🤺
pairing: charles leclerc x fem!reader
summary: in which every summer, at the villa your families rent together every year, gives you a version of charles OR you and charles are childhood best friends with a complicated history.
warnings: angst, language, childhood friends with complicated history, smut, angst, yearning, etc... idk what I'm missing, NOT PROOFREAD (prob typos or things that might not make sense), lots of back and forth, messy messy messy, also cute, jealousy jealousy, seriously lots of YEARNING, them being stupid also
word count: ~8k
author's note: this idea came to me a few days ago and i've spent as much time as possible working on it since (in between carlos version). y'know when the creativity just hits right and the words pour out of you?? that was me with this. i hope you guys like it!!!! xoxo
◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤
Age 7.
“I’m gonna marry you one day.”
The villa smells of sun lotion and salty air.
Your dad’s playing music through some tiny old speaker he brought. And the adults are laughing too loud over their drinks.
The sun is beginning to sink, but it’s still hot.
You’re sticky with juice, hair tangled, and bathing suit clinging awkwardly.
Charles is chasing you. A water balloon in his hands.
You shriek, running against the hot stones. Smiling so hard that it hurts.
“Y’already got me twice!” You shout in between giggles. “S’not fair!”
Charles appears closer. Face sunburnt. A smile tugged on his lips. “You cheated at Candy Land!”
“You cheated first!”
“Because you always win!”
And he raises the balloon over his head.
“If you throw that, I’m telling maman you said a bad word the other day.”
His smile drops. “I did not!”
You cross your arms over your chest. “Uh huh…you said ‘shit’ when you hit your funny bone.”
“It hurt!” He argues.
You stick your tongue out.
And then he hesitates. Looking at the balloon. Then at you.
Throws the balloon anyway.
It explodes against your stomach. Cold water soaking you.
And you gasp.
Then lunge for him. Chase him all the way into the back yard, shrieking. Laughing so hard that you both struggle to breathe properly.
And eventually you both collapse into the grass. Side by side. Near the lemon tree.
There’s a few moments of silence. Both of you panting from trying to catch your breath.
“I’m gonna marry you one day.”
You blink. “Why?”
“Because you’re funny. And you like ice pops. And you beat me at Mario Kart once.”
You look at him. And he’s staring at the leaves above your heads. Arms touching.
“I don’t think that’s how marriage works,” your voice soft.
“Don’t care.” He shrugs.
You roll your eyes. “Okay. But I don’t want to wear a dress.”
“Fine. But you have to split the cake with me.”
“Only if it’s chocolate.”
“Well duh.”
And you both fall asleep like that. In the grass. Smelling like chlorine. Sticky with sugar.
-
Age 12
“Why are you being weird?”
The summer heat is burning.
Heat clings to you like a second skin. And you’re still dripping from the pool. The stone tiles are too hot to stand on for too long, so everyone moves around them quickly. Your hair is wet. Trying to read a book, but can’t focus.
Because Charles won’t stop staring at you.
Well, he’s technically not staring. But he’s in the pool in your direct eyesight. Hands behind his head as he sits on a float. Sunglasses almost too big for his face. Smirking.
And every so often, he splashes water your way.
“Would you stop?” You snap. Wiping the water off your ankles.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says. Blinking. Innocent.
You groan, falling back on the lounger. Trying to ignore him.
He floats closer. “You haven’t turned the page in almost twenty minutes.”
“That’s because you’re distracting me.”
And he grins. A full sheepish grin. “You think I’m cute.”
You don’t answer. Keep your eyes on your book.
“Y’gonna tell your friends I have a six pack now?” He calls out.
You raise your eyebrows, “Six pack of what?”
“Muscles.” He says. Dead serious.
And your mouth twitches. “Your voice still cracks.”
Charles slips off the floatie. Swims to the edge and rests his arms on the ledge. Chin on his forearm as he looks at you.
“Yeah? And what does it do to you when I say your name?”
Your breath hitches.
“You’re blushing.”
“It’s the sun.”
He laughs. And you throw your book at him.
He ducks under the water. And when he resurfaces, grinning…you’re trying so hard to not smile. And he knows it.
“Why are you being so weird?” you ask.
He shrugs.
“You’re just starting to notice me now.”
And you don’t answer.
And later that night, when you’re brushing your teeth. Still burnt from the sun. You wonder what he meant.
You don’t ask.
But you do start to.
-
Age 15
“That didn’t count.”
“So kiss me again.”
The villa is quiet.
Your parents and his mom stay up talking. Your siblings long asleep. Arthur passed out on the couch.
A few candles flicker near the steps, but most of the light is coming from the moonlight.
You’re barefoot. The grass cool and soft beneath your toes as you walk to the lemon tree. The one where you and Charles always meet when its too late and you’re supposed to be asleep.
He’s already there. Leaning against it.
He looks different this year. Taller. A little bit sharper. More grown into his body.
He glances at you. “Took you long enough.”
“Had to sneak past my sister.”
He grins, holding up a bag of chips.
And you sit beside him. Your shoulder brushing his.
Talking about nothing for a while. Catching up on the weeks you aren’t together. How he kissed a girl in Monaco and it was fine but also kind of awkward. And you pretend you don’t hate hearing it.
You tell him about the boy from school who tried to hold your hand during a movie when you went with your group of friends.
Charles almost immediately demands his full name. And address.
And you laugh.
He tosses a lemon up and catches it. Again and again.
“I heard you tell Joris that I was in love with you.” You say.
And he glances at you. “I did not.”
You narrow your eyes. A smile on your lips.
And he shrugs. “I said you were obsessed with me. S’not the same.”
And you laugh. Then scoff. “You wish.”
You shove his arm. And he grabs your wrist before you can pull it back. Fingers wrapping around you. Warm. Familiar. But somehow different.
Neither of you speak for a few moments. Just take in the sound of the cicadas, the faint chatter of the adults on the terrace.
“Y’ever kissed anyone?”
And your stomach twists. Look away. “No.”
He nods. “Me either…at least, not really.”
Silence.
And then he says, “Wanna try?”
You look at him. But he’s already looking at you. And he looks nervous. Hopeful. Like he’s been thinking about this for a long time. Nothing like the boy who used to throw water balloons and stick paint in your hair.
You nod.
And it’s awkward. Your noses bump. One of you breathes too loudly. His hands tremble at your cheek.
But it’s sweet. Slow.
And his lips are soft.
And when you pull apart, you both stare at each other. Lips a little rosier than before.
“That didn’t count.” You whisper.
And he blinks. “Why not?”
“There was no tongue.”
And he grins. Slowly.
And then pulls you back into him.
And this time….it’s real.
-
Age 17
“This doesn’t have to mean anything.”
The villa’s light glow behind you. Laughter echoing from the kitchen where your parents and his maman are finishing a bottle of wine.
You and Charles are on the terrace. Barefoot. A shared bottle of win between you. Practically empty. And his leg brushes against yours every time he fidgets.
It’s the first summer where you’ve both been allowed to really drink. Not just a stolen sip of a half-empty bottle found on the kitchen counter. Or a watered down spritz. Real drinks. Poured and given to you like adults.
And you’re a little tipsy. Cheeks warm and rosy. Limbs loose.
“You’re quiet tonight,” you glance at him.
He nods. “Jus’ thinking.”
“You do that?”
And he laughs. “Shut up.”
You smile. Taking a small sip straight from the bottle before placing it back down. “What are you thinking about?”
He hesitates for a little. “Uh…that night last year.”
You don’t have to ask which night. You already know.
The night behind the lemon tree. His mouth on yours. And you think about it often.
“Me too,” You admit. Soft.
And he looks at you. Watch as his gaze dips to your mouth.
And then he’s leaning in.
The kiss is soft. Deeper. Not rushed. And his lips are warm. Tastes of wine and something sweet. Like the fruit you guys were picking at earlier.
When he pulls back, his voice cracks a little bit. “I want you.”
You don’t answer. Just smile soft. Pulling his hand into yours as you drag him into the villa. Into the bedroom.
Your clothes peel off slowly. Clumsy. And he’s careful. Like he’s afraid if he moves too fast, it’ll ruin the moment.
“Y’sure about this?” He whispers.
You nod. “Yeah…want it to be you.”
And he closes his eyes for a second. Like his heart is in his throat.
And then it happens.
It’s slow. Messy. You both laugh when your arms bump. And he curses softly when he cant get the condom wrapper open. But then he’s inside you, and your laughter becomes hushed gasps. Fingers digging into each other.
“Y’okay?” He mutters. His forehead pressed to yours.
And your nails dig into his back. “Yeah.”
And then he kisses you again. Harder. Holds you closer.
Later, when you’re both lying tangled in the dark…you feel his fingers tracing your skin. Both of you enjoying the silence.
Then a good few moments later.
“This doesn’t have to mean anything.”
You swallow hard.
“Yeah.”
-
Age 19
“Y’gonna dance with him again?”
“He asked.”
“You let him kiss your cheek.”
“You fingered me in the kitchen pantry last night.”
“That’s different.”
You’re barefoot in the sand. Music loud. And Luca…or maybe it was Leo? You weren’t sure. Had his hands lightly on your hips. Flirty.
You’re laughing at something dumb he said into your ear. And then you feel it.
The heat. The stare.
Glance over your shoulder and…
Charles. Leaning against the beach bar. Beer in hand.
Eyes on you with a glint in his eye like you’ve offended him.
You try not to react. But the next time Luca spins you, you pull away with a smile and a I’ll be right back.
You only make it a few steps before Charles intercepts your path.
“Having fun?” He says. Trying to be casual. But his voice is too tight. Too bitter.
“Yes.” You brush past him. And he falls right into step with you.
“You’ve got weird taste in music.”
“That’s not my music taste. It’s called dancing.”
And he scoffs.
You walk to the side of the bar. To a more private area. Grabbing his shoulder to face you.
“Are you okay?” Voice sweet. Gentle. Caring.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re glaring too much.”
And looks at you. “I just think it’s funny.”
“Oh, here we go.”
“I mean, you don’t even like that song.”
You cross your arms against your chest. And he steps closer.
“You let him put his hands on you.”
You raise a brow. “So?”
“So…you let him touch you. Kiss your cheek”
And you laugh. Soft. “You fingered me in the kitchen pantry last night, Charles.”
His jaw clenches. Hands twitch. “That’s different.”
“Is it?”
You take a step closer. Testing him, And he doesn’t budge.
“It’s not the same.”
You stare at him. His cheeks are sunburned. And his eyes are so green it makes your heart rate spike. So handsome.
“So I’m not allowed to dance with a guy I’ll never see again?”
He runs a hand over his face. Grazing the slight stubble on his jaw. “You’re not just dancing.”
“No,” You admit. “But you’re not just fucking me either.”
His eyes widen. Slightly stunned.
And you don’t back down. Step even closer until your chests are touching.. “You don’t wanna talk about what this is? That’s fine. But you don’t get to act jealous then.”
“I’m not jealous.”
And you grin. Snort. Just a tiny bit.
“Okay,” he says. Throwing his hands up. “Maybe I am.”
Your stomach twists.
“I just…I don’t like seeing you with other guys.” His voice is low.
“Well…it’s not like you don’t talk to other girls, Charles.”
And then you leave him standing there. Alone.
-
“Wanna go out for a bit?” He asks. “Just us?”
And you say yes without even thinking.
You’re on a light blue towel, sunglasses over your face, pretending to read a book. Charles is stretched out next to you. An arm tucked under his head. Throwing grapes in the air and trying to catch them in his mouth.
You glance over just as a grape hits his forehead and falls into the sand.
“Impressive.”
He laughs. “The wind interfered!”
He tosses another grape. Misses again.
And you burst into laughter.
“I’m warming up.”
He laughs with you. Giving up and rolling onto his side to face you.
He squints his eyes at you. “Do you have sunscreen on?”
“Yes.”
“Are you positive?”
Your brows furrow. “Why?”
“I think that….” His hand reaches for the bottle of sun lotion, flicking it open. “That you missed a spot.”
He squirts some into his hand, a smirk on his lips.
“Back off.”
And he reaches for you, smearing it all over your chest. You shriek, tossing your book into the sand beside you.
And somewhere between this sun lotion assault, you’re both breathless and laughing so hard.
He pins you down, dropping heaps of sun lotion onto your skin.
“Truce,” You laugh. Stomach burning from laughter.
He nods. Smiling. Rubbing the sunscreen into your skin.
“Don’t want you to burn.”
You throw a pile of sand at him. And he doesn’t even flinch.
-
His cock is already buried inside you. Deep. Thick. Fucking aching.
“God, you’re fuckin soaked.” He groans into your neck. Hand pressed into your stomach.
You claw at his back. Back arched. Legs spread. Shaking every time he hits that spot in your tummy just right.
He looks down at you like he’s overwhelmed. Like he doesn’t understand how you can feel this fucking good.
“Swear to God,” He grunts. Pulling back slow, then snapping his hips forward. “S’like your pussy jus gets tighter every time.”
Your mouth falls open. Gasping.
His hands slip under your thigh, pushing your knee into your chest. Fucking you deeper.
And then he moans.
“Jesus….fuck.” He chokes out. “Y’feel that?”
You sob out.
“I’ve been inside you like a hundred times this summer and it still feels like fuckin heaven.”
His forehead drops and presses into yours. Voice rough.
“M’not gonna last.” He huffs. “You’re too wet. Too fuckin tight.”
You grip his shoulders, nails digging into the skin. “Don’t stop…”
“You’re fuckin milking me.” He cuts you off. “Y’gonna come? Please come on me. C’mon baby…please, yeah? Please let me have it.”
And you fall apart. Gasping. Shaking. Coming so hard around his cock it makes his head fall back.
And he swears. Filthily. French tumbling out go his mouth.
And then he’s spilling inside of you. Chest pressed to yours. Hips jerking.
He buries his face in your beck. Collapsing on you.
And neither of you speak for a bit.
Just catch your breath. Comfortable silence. Holding each other.
Eventually, he reaches up. Tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.
Then whispers into the dark.
“I like it here.”
And he doesn’t elaborate.
You don’t ask him to.
-
Age 21
“He seems tense.”
“He’s fine.”
“He didn’t even blink when I mentioned that guy from Madrid.”
“I told you not to bring it up.”
Your best friend’s been here for five days and already the villa feels different.
She means well. But she talks fast, drinks fast, and has no filter.
She also loves to talk about your love life.
The one that you’re apparently “thriving in”.
“So wait,” she says over breakfast, digging her fork into her food. “You never texted that guy from Madrid back? Y’know the one with the sexy voice?”
Across the table, Charles is picking at his plate. Fork pausing. Just for a little bit. Enough for you to notice.
You look at her, “No.”
“Why not? He was so hot.”
“Didn’t feel like it.”
“But he was so into you…” She takes a sip of her drink. “What about the Italian one? The one you really liked.”
Charles cuts into his eggs. A little bit harder. Knife scraping the plate.
“He ghosted.”
“Ugh, yeah total loser.” She laughs. “Oh my god, remember…what was his name? From the bar crawl.”
“Liam.” You choke out.
“Yes! Liam!” She snaps her fingers. “Didn’t he pick you up at the bar? Like just threw you over his shoulder?”
You laugh, slightly embarrassed. Nodding.
Charles sets his mug down a little too hard.
And then he stands. Takes his plate to the sink.
And walks out.
“Was it something I said?” Your best friend asks.
-
You find him in the kitchen later. Your best friend is lounging out by the pool and you slipped inside to grab a water.
He’s rinsing the plates. Back to you. But his jaw is clenched tight.
You lean against the counter by him. “Hey.”
He doesn’t look at you. Just keeps scrubbing the dishes. A little harder than before.
“You okay?”
“Yeah,” He says. “Just didn’t realize breakfast started with a running list of every guy you’ve fucked.”
You wince.
And he breathes deeply. Dropping the dish in the sink. “Sorry…that was, uh harsh.”
You give a tiny nod.
“I just…” He turns off the water. Looks at you. “Didn’t know it was like that?”
“Like what?”
He shrugs.
“Is it a problem?”
He stares at you. Sucks his bottom lip in for a moment. Like he’s deep in thought. Before finally saying…
“No. It’s not my place.”
And there it is.
You step back. “Right.”
And then you’re turning around, reaching in the cabinet for a glass. “Still going to the bonfire later?”
He shrugs. “Yeah, if you still want to.”
“Cool,” Your voice is light.
-
Age 22
“You’ve been quiet lately.”
“I’m just tired.”
The long table on the terrace is full.
Extra chairs from inside scattered around it, one of your younger cousins crawling underneath it.
Your dad is asking your mom if there’s more grilled vegetables. Meanwhile your sister insists on telling the story about the jellyfish sting again.
“And she was crying so hard, she had actual snot bubbles on her face,” She says. Laughing.
You lift your hand, “I was six!”
Charles laughs. “You thought you were dying.”
“I thought it was venom!” You laugh. “And no one even helped me.”
“We were too busy laughing at the snot,” He says. Looking at you. That familiar grin pulled on his face, eyes crinkled. Like it was just you two.
And then Alex leans into him. Whispers into his ear. And whatever she says makes him smile wider. Makes him shift toward her without even thinking.
You chug your wine.
“I love that photo,” Alex says softly. And you glance at her to find her already looking at you. “The one of you and everyone in the inflatable pool. You’re the only one not smiling.”
You curl your lips. “We were sinking.”
“It’s so funny though,” She says. “You look so unimpressed by them.”
“She always looks like that,” Charles chimes in. “Probably came out of the womb judging people.”
You narrow your eyes, but the smile pulling on your lips gives you away.
Alex laughs. And your mom’s already popping open the next bottle of wine.
And it would be perfect.
If it weren’t for Charles sitting across from you, arms wrapped around another person. Like he’s not yours anymore.
You ask Alex about her job, and you mean it. She answers so soft and kind that it almost makes you hate her. Almost.
But you can’t. Because she’s nice.
“She’s good for him,” Your sister whispers under her breath, leaning toward you. “You’ve been quiet lately.”
You nod. “I’m just tired.”
Eventually, dinner ends. Alex excuses herself to help your mom bring out dessert. And Charles follows.
And when they come back, head thrown back laughing.
He sets a slice of cake in front of you without a word.
And you thank him like its normal.
-
Someone suggest drinks at the beach bar. Something to do. The one with the bulbs on string down the street.
You come barefoot, some sweet drink already in hand. Alex walks beside you, her wedges hooked in her fingers, hem of her dress brushing her knees.
She’s pretty in a way that doesn’t feel threatening. Not showy. Just perfect.
Inside the bar, you spot Charles leaned against the bar with a beer, grinning at something Arthur’s saying. And he’s wearing that linen button up that you used to tell him he looks like a recently divorced rich guy in.
You find yourself smiling.
Alex touches your arm. “Hey…you want a new drink?”
You shake your head. “I’m good for now.”
She nods. A small smile on her lips.
“I was really nervous to meet you.”
You blink. Eyes slightly wider. “Me?”
She nods. “Charles talks about you all the time.”
You freeze for a moment.
“Yeah,” she smiles. “Not like in a weird way. Just like you’re part of the picture. In his life. Almost every story he tells involves you.”
You don’t know how to respond.
“I’m just glad you’re not..uh, like intimidating.” She laughs.
And you laugh back. “I save the intimidation after a few weeks.”
She smiles. “So I’ve still got time?”
You nod. “Yeah.”
And for this moment, you like her. Even if it hurts.
Because she’s kind.
Because she doesn’t know that you and Charles shared a bed when thunderstorms were scary.
Because she wasn’t there the summer he kissed you against the sand and told you he’d never want anyone else.
You chug your drink.
Later, you’re all gathered near the back of the deck, huddled around a wooden table and wobbly stools. Someone ordered a side of fries. Someone else ordered a round of shots no one really wanted but drank anyways.
You’re pressed between Charles and your sister. You’re laughing. Tipsy. Warm.
Charles is teasing your sister about something but you’re not really listening.
And that’s when another guy slides in.
Not dramatically. Just casual. Confident.
He’s tall. Tanned. Cute.
He talks to the guy beside him, someone you’ve definitely seen before, and then turns to you.
“Did I hear something about you getting stung by a jellyfish?”
You smile. “Unfortunately.”
He nods. A grin. “Survival stories always get me.”
“Tragic,” you say.
He laughs. “I’m Nick.”
You take a sip of your drink, tilting your head. “Do you open with tragedy stories for flirting a lot? Or is it just me?”
“Only for girls who look like they bite back.”
You grin. Slow. “You say that like its a challenge.”
“Depends,” He shrugs, gaze dropping to your bare legs, then back to your face.
“On?”
“Depends how hard you bite.”
And you laugh. Like really laugh. Hard. Head falling back. And then you feel it. The way Charles stills beside you. The way his fingers grip his cup just a little bit tighter.
And Nick leans in closer. More private. “So…what other tragedies should I know about you?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“If you want facts or warnings.”
He raises a brow. “Any preference?”
You place your cup down on the table. “I like a little risk.”
And Charles says something to your sister now. A little louder. Like he’s trying to distract you.
You don’t bother to look at him.
Nick grins. “And just how dangerous are you exactly?”
You grin back. “Pretty dangerous.”
He laughs. “Good.”
You both just stare at each other for a little. Grinning.
“You dancing?” He asks, nodding his head in direction of the dance floor.
“Are you asking or telling?”
“I’m hoping.”
You slide off the stool.
“Let’s go tragedy boy.”
And as he takes your hand. Leads you into the crowd. You catch Charles’s eyes.
Watching.
Burning.
-
The music’s slowed a little. Just swaying to the music, instead of the rapid jumping you were doing earlier.
Nick’s hand rests at your hip. His other is holding your drink while you talk with your hands.
“You can’t seriously think pineapple belongs on pizza,” You yell over the music.
Nick grins. “It’s good.”
“You’re weird.”
“I’ve been told that before.”
And you laugh, bumping your shoulder into his. He leans in, speaking into your ear.
“You know your friend’s been staring at us for like ten minutes, right?”
You blink. “Huh?”
He tips his head. Over your shoulder. And you turn just a little bit. Just enough to see Charles still sitting at the table.
Drink in hand. Not talking. Not even blinking. Just looking.
You breathe out, turning back. “That Charles.”
Nick raises a brow, nodding. “Ahh.”
“Don’t read into it.”
He watches you.
“He has a girlfriend.”
Nick hums, a teasing grin. “He doesn’t look like he remembers that right now.”
“We’re just friends.”
“Cool.”
You shrug. “You don’t believe me?”
He smiles. “Doesn’t matter what I believe. Just means if I kiss you, he might kill me.”
You laugh. “You’re awful.”
“You’re still here.”
And you look at each other. Smiling.
You kiss him. Not because you’re falling for him. But because you’re single. Because Charles brought someone else. Because he gets to have her. Because you’re tired of thinking about him.
So you kiss him to feel good. To forget. To remind yourself that you’re free.
Hands in his shirt. Hands on your waist.
And you let yourself lean into it.
Enjoy the uncomplicated.
And for a few moments…it almost works.
-
Age 23
“You brought him here.”
“Yeah. Remember you said he wouldn’t last.”
You’re late this year.
Flight was delayed. Rental car place was too busy. And by the time your feet hit the familiar stone of the villa’s terrace, the sun is already low in the sky.
Theo’s beside you. Rolling your suitcase like a pure gentleman. He’s good. Kind. Gets along with your parents. Laughs at your sister’s jokes.
And still, your heart flutters when you hear his voice.
Charles.
Laughing louder than necessary. As if he wants you to hear it.
You follow the sound. Trying not to think about the last time you saw him. A few months ago in Monaco. A hotel room you both swore you wouldn’t end up in. Both seeing other people. Both pretending it didn’t count.
And it wasn’t even the first time.
Since last summer, it’s happened a few times too many. Whenever him and Alex called it off. On and off. On and off. You slipped between the cracks. A quiet fuck in your apartment. A drunken make out at a birthday party. You pressed against the shower tiles. Bent over his kitchen counter.
Always followed by soft smiles and easy goodbyes. A promise to act normal.
Best friends first.
And the moment you step further into the terrace, you see him.
Charles standing against the bar, shirt unbuttoned. Tanned. Holding a drink with the confidence of someone who knows exactly how hot he looks.
And worse…Alex is next to him.
Beautiful of course. Sundress swaying. Hand on his chest like it belongs there.
He notices you before you can even speak. Smile faltering for a fraction of a second. Just enough for you to really feel it. And then it’s back.
And he lifts his glass in a salute. “You’re late.”
Alex smiles. “We thought you weren’t coming til’ tomorrow!”
You smile back. She was always so nice. “Surprise!”
Theo steps forward. Hand extended with that charm that always made it hard to hate him. “Hey…Charles, right?”
And Charles doesn’t hesitate. Shakes his hand. But its the same one he uses with driver’s he never liked. “Yeah. We’ve met.”
And it hits you like a knife to the ribs.
You remember that night clear as day. Theo was still new. Only a few dates in. And you invited him to a party.
Charles showed up late. And barely looked at Theo. Offered him a lazy smile before finding you later into the night. Pulling you into his car thirty minutes later and fucking you in the back seat.
And Theo’s smiling. “Nice to see you again.”
Charles smiles. But his eyes stay on you. Never leave your face.
Alex swings her arm into his. “So glad you made it. Saved you the good room too.”
You smile at her. “That’s sweet of you.”
Charles lifts a brow. “Didn’t know you needed a good room to enjoy yourself here.”
And you hum. “Guess I’ve gotten a little pickier.”
He takes a sip of his drink. “Since when?”
And you shrug your shoulders. “Since I started dating someone who doesn’t forget my birthday.”
And it hits him like a bullet. You see the way his jaw shifts. Swallow.
Theo’s hand slips onto your lower back. Whispering softly into your ear. Nothing specific. Just something that makes you smile.
And Charles swear’s he might just vomit.
-
The ocean is calm. Waves hitting the rocks. A few birds chirping. Air cool before the sun is fully up.
You slip out of bed, letting Theo sleep. Making your way down the stony path that you walked hundreds of times. Towel slung over your shoulder. Hair twisted up in a clip.
And you’re halfway across the sand when you see him.
Already waist deep in the water. Back facing you.
You freeze. Debating if you should turn around.
But it’s too late. He see’s you. And his face shifts into something. Longing? Guilt? You’re not sure.
“You’re always here early,” He calls out.
You drop your towel, walking into the water without glancing at him. “Not always.”
He watches you. You can feel the burn of his eyes on your skin. “You do when you’re avoiding me.”
You glance up. The water cool against your skin. “Who said I’m avoiding you?”
He shrugs. “History.”
You reach him in the water. You both stand there, not touching. Not moving.
Eventually…he speaks.
“He’s staying the entire time?”
You raise a brow. “Are you asking as my best friend or something else?”
He doesn’t answer.
You move a little closer. “You said he wouldn’t last.”
“I was wrong.” His voice is low. “Clearly.”
He swallows. Looks away from you. “Does he know?”
And your stomach twists. “Know what?”
He doesn’t say anything. Lets the silence tell you.
You feel your throat tightening. “He know’s we’re close.”
“Close.” He repeats. Half snort, half laugh.
“Best friends.”
He turns to fully face you now. Jaw clenched.
“Right. Just best friends.”
You don’t respond. Because what else are you supposed to say? That you still feel his fingers dig into your skin. That no matter how many nights pass, you still wonder what this could’ve been if you both spoke up all those years ago.
He steps closer. Too close now.
“Y’still taste like that shitty rosé we used to drink.”
And you blink. Trying not to smile. “You’re not funny.”
“Not trying to be.”
His fingers brush against your shoulder.
“You have a girlfriend.”
And his eyes look sad. He breathes loudly. “And you have him.”
-
The villa is loud tonight. Music is blasting. Too many drinks are being poured. Bowls of snacks turning stale.
All of you are packed into the living room. Sunburn. Sprawled into chairs or the floor. Hoodies thrown on.
Your families are here. Everyone laughing and shouting. Bickering. Like its still 15 years ago.
Theo sits behind you on the rug, legs wrapped around you. Hand resting on your hip. And he’s been sweet all evening. He fits.
Yet every time you crack a joke. Or win a game. It’s Charles who looks at you first. Like he’s your person.
His leg bounces restlessly.
“Alright,” Arthur announces. “We’re playing that game again. The one with the acting.” He holds up a deck of cards.
“Y’mean charades?” Alex asks. Soft.
“No.” Charles says. “The one I always win.”
And it’s you rolling your eyes now. “Y’mean the one you always cheat during?”
He leans forward. “I win.”
Theo laughs behind you.
Your sister tries to act out like Snow White. Falling over and laughing when Arthur misreads a motion. Theo keeps guessing too many times. And Alex’s impressions are almost too good.
And later…when the game’s over. You find yourself in the kitchen, stacking freshly cleaned glass and bowls onto the drying towel.
Humming to yourself.
And Charles leans against the doorway, arms crossed. Watching you with a lazy grin.
“You two are cute,” He says.
You roll your eyes. “Don’t be weird.”
“M’not.” He shrugs. Pushing off the archway and stepping closer. “It’s just…uh.” He scratches the back of his neck. “You let him touch you a lot.”
You pause with a glass in your hand. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
And he smiles. Tight. Not genuine. “Nothing.”
“You’re being weird.”
He raises his hands. Says something mocking of Theo.
And it has you gasp lightly. “You’re such an asshole.” You try not to smile.
He steps even closer.
“Yeah.” He whispers. “But I’m still your favorite.”
And then he’s stepping beside you, taking the glass from your hand and dries it.
Finishes washing the dishes with you in silence.
-
“You’re staring again.”
“Yeah. Looks like you’re having fun.”
“Jealous?”
“Of him? Never.”
Silence.
“But of you? Maybe.”
The bar is tucked into the cliffs. A grand view of the sea. Well lit by bulbs on strings.
Everyone’s dressed for the night. Sun-kissed. Hair soft and flows. Laughter echoing.
You’re on your second drink. Lightly buzzed. Your dress clinging to you just right. And you feel good. Happy.
Theo’s spinning you around. His hands warm on your waist as you move slowly in the corner of the makeshift dance floor. He’s not much of a dancer. But he’s trying. And in the end…that’s all that really matters.
He leans in close. “Y’look so beautiful.”
You smile. “Yeah?”
“I mean…y’always do.” He grins. “But-“
You don’t let him finish. Kiss him. Easy. Soft.
And when you pull back, you catch him in the corner of your eye.
Charles. At the bar.
Sitting with Arthur and Alex. Drink in front of him. Head tilted.
And he’s watching you. Not listening to either of them.
And when you’re eyes meet, he lifts his drink.
A challenge.
And later when you slip away from the loud music. He’s there. Leaning casually against the table. Shirt undone just enough to make your throat dry.
“You’re having fun.” He says. A statement. Not a question.
“Isn’t that the point?”
He nods. “Theo’s a big fan of spinning you around like you’re some prize.”
You roll your eyes. “It’s called dancing.”
“More like claiming.” He huffs under his breath.
And you look at him.
Hard.
Trying to read him.
“What’s your problem?”
He doesn’t answer right away. Eyes dropping to the floor. Then to his half empty drink.
“You kissed him.” He still isn’t looking at you.
You squint your eyes a little. “Yeah. I did.”
He swallows. Harsh. “Cool.”
You laugh. Dry. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“I’m the ridiculous one?” He finally looks at you. “You’re out here making heart eyes at a guy you know won’t last more than another year.”
Your mouth falls open. “You don’t even know him.”
“I don’t need to know him. I know you.”
And he steps forward. Voice dropping.
“And I know that’s the same dress you wore the night I…”
“Charles.”
You both go quiet.
Alex’s frame flickers by. Laughter erupts. People keep dancing.
“Whatever. You’re right. Have fun with your fling.”
You narrow your eyes. “Jealous?”
He smiles. Sad. “Of him? Never.”
A moment of silence. And his gaze drops to your mouth. Stays there.
“But you? Maybe.”
-
The trip is winding down. Bags are beginning to be packed. Towels still damp. Nights slower. Everyone pretending that they’re not ready to be home.
The sky’s dark. Everyone’s inside finishing up packing. Winding down.
You slipped out.
Without thinking, ended up here. The lemon tree.
The same as always.
You hear footsteps. Uneven. Dragging.
And you turn. Charles.
He’s drunk. Swearing under his breath as he loses his footing. A bottle dangling from his hand. Shirtless. Barefoot.
His eyes meet yours and there’s something bitter in them. “Of course you’re here.”
You breathe. “You’re drunk.”
“A lil’ bit,” His words slur. “Celebrating your last night as someone else’s girl.”
You cross your arms. “We’re not doing this.”
But he’s already walking closer.
“Y’know….s’kinda funny.”
You don’t speak.
“How he holds your hand like its somethin’ delicate. Like you’re some untouchable thing.” He takes another step closer. Voice shaking.
“I’ve had you on your knees on the kitchen floor.” He says, bitter.
Your heart pounds. “Stop.”
“In the pool too,” He slurs. “Begged me to not pull out. Said you wanted to feel it. Feel me.”
He doesn’t even let you speak. Just rambles on. Slurring. Drunk. Angry.
“Had you in every room in that house,” He grunts. “Fingers shoved in you while our parents set the dinner table. Bent you over the bathroom sink. Panties still halfway up your thighs because you were too desperate to wait.”
“Charles…”
“The pantry…remember that one?” His voice drops lower. “You were so wet it dripped onto the floor. Had to stuff my fingers in your mouth so no one would hear you cryin while you came.”
“Don’t do this.”
“I fucking have to.” He snaps. “Because I can’t fucking sleep this entire trip knowing he gets to touch you.”
You swallow. “I’m not some prize.”
“No. You’re worse.” He spits. Stepping close enough that his chest is close enough and you have to crane your neck to look at him. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and you handed it to someone else like I never fucking existed.”
“Stop it.”
“He doesn’t know what its like to hear you lose control. How you cry when you come. Shaking and begging.”
And your breathing hard now.
He leans in. Bending down to be eye to eye.
“He gets to hold you in public.” His eyes are glaring. “And I got your thighs shaking around my face while you said my name like a fuckin’ prayer.”
You don’t speak. Can’t.
Silence for a few moments.
And then…
“Tell me.” He slurs, small grin tugged on the corner of his lips. “Tell me which of us you think about when you touch yourself.”
You slap him.
Hard.
And his face whips to the side. He breathes heavily. Like he’s trying not to cry. Or scream. Or grab your face and kiss you.
He swallows.
“He gets you in the daylight.”
You don’t speak.
“He gets the sunlight.”
And you whisper back. Soft. Heart breaking. “You only met me in the dark.”
You walk away barefoot. Tears forming in your eyes.
And Charles?
He stays at the lemon tree until sunrise. Alone.
-
You don’t talk for three months.
Which is considered a lifetime for you and Charles.
And then on a random weekday at nearly three in the morning, he sends a photo of the lemon tree in the winter.
No message beneath it.
You don’t answer.
Not for a day. Not even for three.
But then, on a random day the following week, you send a photo back.
A shot of your bedroom wall. A blurry photo of your hand holding a book in the corner.
Can’t sleep.
And the three dots appear before you can overthink it.
Me either.
And that’s how it begins.
You don’t FaceTime each other. At least, not at first.
You fall back into a rhythm neither of you thought would come back. Almost normal. The funny kind of banter you guys always had.
Charles broke up with Alex. You broke it off with Theo.
Neither of you really said why.
-
Age 25
“Don’t sit in my chair.”
“This isn’t your chair?”
“I licked it.”
“You haven’t changed.”
“You haven’t either.”
The sun is long gone. You’re curled up in one of the cushioned chairs on the front patio. A half finished glass of wine on the stone table beside you.
The front door swings open.
“Don’t sit in my chair”
He doesn’t even hesitate. Charles drops into the cushion next to you. Barefoot. Hoodie swallowing him.
“This isn’t your chair?”
“I licked it.”
He makes a funny face. “You haven’t changed.”
And you smile. “You haven’t either.”
And its easy. The way he stretches out, folding his arms behind his head. Like nothing ever happened.
You sip your wine.
His knee bumps into yours. Gaze on you.
“Thought it’d feel weird.”
“It did…for like,” You pause. Whisper. “For like a day.”
He holds your gaze. Doesnt look away. Smiles.
You break the tension first. “Maman said you still haven’t unpacked.”
He shrugs. “I’ll get there.”
“It’s been almost a whole week. That’s psychotic.”
“You’re just mad I haven’t asked to borrow your good smelling shampoo yet.”
“You are so not borrowing that.”
“I already did.”
You elbow him in the side. Laughing. Body shaking. He laughs with you. Head falling back.
He clears his throat. “I missed this.”
And you bump your knee back into his. “Rematch tomorrow?”
“Candy Land?”
“Don’t cheat.”
“I didn’t cheat.”
You narrow your eyes, smiling so hard. “You’re the worst.”
-
Monaco, Age 26
Your back hits the wall of his apartment.
Urgent. Focused.
Like he’s waited for forever to get you alone again. And doesn’t want to waste a single second of it.
His mouth is hot on yours. Hands at your hips. Your thighs. Slipped under your dress. And you’re clinging onto him like he’s a lifeline.
You can still taste the champagne on his skin. Skin warm from the race. But his mouth is desperate against you.
He groans against your lips. “Thought about this almost every night.”
You gasp when his fingers curl around your thigh. “Stop thinking.”
And he’s about to take you right there. Dress bunched at your waist. Pants halfway down. But then you press your hand to his chest.
He stills. Panting. Flushed.
“I need to say something first,” You breathe.
He waits. Hands still gripping you.
And you look up at him. The man who just won Monaco. The boy you’ve known who’s been chasing that dream since you can remember. The one you loved. Hated. Missed.
“Your dad would be so proud of you.” You whisper.
And you feel his chest rise. Jaw clench. Fingers curl harder into your skin.
“I’m serious.” Your voice is soft. “Not just because you won. But because of how you’ve carried him with you.”
And his eyes are glassy.
He swallows hard. “I heard him.” His voice soft. “Right after I saw that checkered flag.”
You bring your hand to his check, pressing your palm. And he leans into you.
And then he’s kissing you again. But its different.
Still hungry. But more grateful. More claiming.
He whispers I love you into your mouth. Again and again.
He whispers it when you tug his shirt over his head. When you lift your hips to pull your panties off.
Whispers it into your skin when he touches your bare skin. Like he’s seeing it all for the first time again.
And when he sinks in, he groans. Leaning over you, gripping you like you might just slip through his fingers.
“Y’feel like fuckin heaven.” He mutters against your lips. “You are heaven.”
And then he starts moving. Not fast.
Slow. Deep.
“Squeezing me like you missed it,” He huffs. “Did you, hm? Did you miss me?”
“Yes…” You pant. “Fuck…yes.”
He kisses your throat. Hot open mouthed kisses at the corner of your jaw. Hips rolling into you. Each thrust making you cry out.
“I love you.”
He thrusts.
“I love you.”
Another.
“Not just tonight. Not just now. Always.” He cries out.
And you clench around him. Yelling out as your orgasm builds too fast.
“C’mon that’s it..” He breathes. “Come for me. Let me feel it, yeah? Let me have it…please baby.”
“I love you,” You gasp. “I love you…I love you..”
And then you’re coming. Body shaking, mouth falling slack as he fucks you through it.
Following seconds later, spilling into you.
He collapses over you. “Fuck. You’re it for me.”
You hold him close.
-
“You still take it with milk?” He asks, voice soft.
You nod.
He hands you a mug. His fingers brushing against yours.
You sit on the couch together. Close.
“I keep thinking about the lemon tree,” You say. Cradling the mug in your hands.
He looks at you. “Yeah?”
You nod. “How many summers we sat there pretending everything was normal.”
He huffs a soft laugh. “We were idiots.”
You smile. “Still are.”
“I’ve loved you since we were kids.” He says quietly. “Since you made me sleep outside by the lemon tree because you said it wasn’t fair that only the birds got to live outside.”
You laugh, heart clenching.
“I’ve loved every version of you.” He continues. “The snot version. The barefoot version. The one who laughs too loud after a few drinks. The one who tried to date other people. The one who…the one who kissed other people in front of me because I waited too fucking long.”
You pause. Placing the mug down on the side table.
“I was scared that loving you would ruin everything.”
He pushes you hair behind your ear.
“I love you too.” You whisper. “You idiot.”
He laughs.
Leans in.
Kisses you.
-
Age 28
“This is where I almost lost you.”
“And now it’s where you’re asking to keep me?”
“No. Not asking.”
“Oh.”
Its late.
You’ve changed into one of Charles’s old shirts. Barefoot. As usual.
He finds you standing at the edge of the yard.
Where the broken stone path curves. Where the grass bends. Where the lemon tree leans.
You hear him before you see him. His footsteps always so loud.
Neither of you speak. He wraps his arms over your shoulders from behind. Your back to his chest as he nudges his head into the space between your shoulder and neck.
You hold his arms. Swaying to the light breeze. Staring at the lemon tree together.
“This is where I almost lost you.” He says.
And you glance at your side to him.
“And now it’s where you’re gonna ask to keep me?” You say, laughing. Teasing. Soft.
He smiles. Small. Shaky.
“No.” He says. Unwrapping his arms from you. “Not asking.”
And then you’re turning towards him.
And he drops to one knee.
Just like that.
Just him in the grass. Kneeling by the lemon tree. Choosing it to be the place where he does the most important thing he’ll ever do.
Your breath catches. And his hands tremble as he pulls a ring from his pocket.
“I wanted to do this right.” He says. “I want to choose you the way I should’ve all those years ago. Not just when it’s easy..or when we’re alone. But in front of every version of us we used to be.”
Your throat burns.
“I want every summer.” He whispers. Eyes glued to you. “Every winter. Every fight. Every make up. I want to kiss you goodnight when we’re tired. Want to raise mini versions of us.”
You laugh. You cry. And you’re nodding before he even finishes.
“I want you forever.”
And then finally, “Will you marry me?”
You fall to your knees right there in the grass. In front of the lemon tree. And kiss him hard enough that you both fall into it. Laughing. Like little kids again.
“Yes.” You whisper against his lips. “Always. In every lifetime…yes.”
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