Invisible String (Charles x FemReader)
Summary: Their love story was tied together with separation and sadness, until those brittled strings became bright and secured.
Word Count: 3.2K
Warnings: Angst and fluff….
a/n: These are two requests that I combined, I know it’s been a long time and I apologize.
Unrequited love, painful as it was, somehow they made it look beautiful. They were tied, even before they met in that garden they were connected. Little moments and circumstances led them to cross paths and now she might’ve been regretting it.
On her way to work she used to pass a cute Japanese garden and she never stopped, not because she didn’t want to but because she was always running late. One particular morning she decided to go take a look. She used her free day to explore the unfamiliar streets of all Monaco.
She worked at a new museum, it wasn’t really new, there were certain new exhibitions that required more personnel but she greeted and organized guides for the visitors.
It would be a beautiful day to meet the love of her life, she joked, yet she always believed that the garden had that power. It was just beautiful to look at, but it was another string tying him to her.
The garden was empty, right at nine she entered and there only seemed to be one other person sitting on a bench in the tea house. He decided to use his charm to get a few hours of peace with no other wandering eyes.
She was wearing a red dress, his new favorite color. She was by far the most captivating presence in the whole garden. It wasn’t because she blended right into the red bridge, but because he could see her smile.
Even more beautiful when the smile was directed at him, a little greeting to not bother his meditation. The sun was nice and toasty and the sky was blue with only a few clouds, and she liked to believe that everything from that day was beautiful.
He overcame the fear of getting recognized and he went to talk to her. She was inviting him with practically her smile, she curiously looked at him when he sat next to her, there was familiarity with every look.
“Hello” he could assume that she spoke English, that language had never failed him.
“Hi-” he was right.
“-Do I know you?”
“Depends, I’m practically all over the place” because she had seen him, on a piece of paper that flew directly to her a few days ago, promoting some kind of ice cream that apparently would only be available in Italy. She believed that the people in Monaco had the means necessary to travel just for some ice cream.
“Do you happen to sell ice cream?”
“Yes?” He was a bit confused, his head turned to the side trying to figure out where she saw him.
“A piece of paper landed on my feet, it had your face eating ice cream. I’m curious now, is it even good?” he laughed softly, only a few advertisements were given in Monaco, he didn’t see the point because it wouldn’t be sold there, but he couldn’t argue with his team.
“I’m well known here, you could say that” that made sense, she was a new resident, who barely knew her way around.
“I’m not from here, I just came from London. I work in art exhibitions, so travel comes with the job”
“What’s the new exhibition about?”
“Modern Japanese art, very traditional but still modern”
“You came here to get some inspiration?”
“Yes and no, it just looked beautiful. What about you?”
“It’s peaceful and if I come early enough no tourists will be here, you want to walk with me?” A few other people had entered and he wanted to escape but not before taking her with him.
“Yes, that will be lovely. It seems like you’ve been here plenty of times to show me around”
“I have, the zen garden is beautiful for meditation…”
She was completely in awe of everything that Charles did and said. He was funny and a bit clumsy, but he was well aware of his intelligence and privilege. Not a lot of people complimented his intelligence, and when she applauded all of his random facts, she kept trusting him, never questioning or even trying to fact check.
“So are you like the people’s prince?” He laughed at her blatant honesty.
“We have an actual prince here, but I figure I shouldn’t correct them…” and she giggled, she didn’t pretend to know him but she listened attentively to his profession, she looked interested and engaged, asking very simple but important questions, which was the bare minimum but to him genuinity was rare.
That day, after the garden she went home with his number, a tub of his ice cream and a smile on her face. She didn’t find the love of her life, she found something better, a best friend.
She actually saw the extent of his influence in Monaco, there were a lot of brands that promoted his face and in comparison to her, he was very important, but that didn’t stop their friendship from blooming.
Four years later and they were still friends, his lifestyle was extravagant and although she preferred little outings to parks and quaint restaurants, he was recognized everywhere, so it was no use, instead she embraced his love for his home and his supporters.
If people asked for pictures she jumped in to take them, she didn’t care that they were interrupted. She only went to his home race and never went to more than two trips with him. Why? Because they weren’t together.
Everyone thought they were, but in reality she was just his best friend. He had dated and she had dated, going as far as double dates and then that’s when people started to love her and follow her because she wasn’t a threat, not that she would ever be.
She had followers and for the first time she could promote her art, because being a guide in museums was not better than actually selling art pieces that she had crafted. She knew that it was thanks to Charles's influence and there was no use denying it, but she had to give herself a break because she was the one creating art.
Another thing to note about their friendship was that he would drop everything to reach her. She was so important that he valued her safety above anything else. Going beyond forgetting about his girlfriend on their one year anniversary to rescue her.
He met Karina in one of her quaint art show; she had finished an art piece inspired by the first day they met. Karina was also an artist, but her art was photography and there she introduced the pair who instantly clicked.
The butterflies in her tummy were from either jealousy or happiness for them, it could’ve been an in between but now recalling that day, it was just happiness. It was another string of memories and hardships that connected them even more.
His time was now even more divided, but he was glowing with Karina. Their little walks were still present, and a few coffee dates to catch up, but she was also getting busy. The painting and drawing finally got to her, and her fainting on their anniversary wasn’t the plan.
He had left Karina alone in the restaurant, she cried for their relationship because she couldn’t get in between them.
“You’re also important” he was walking back and forth in pure frustration.
“I know I am Charles, but go ahead and talk to her. Apologize”
“It was an emergency-”
“I heard your conversation, you weren’t really trying to be subtle. She makes you happy, but it is true what she said. This isn’t the first time you leave her to come and rescue me” he suddenly stopped, walking to her side.
“She’s jealous, but we’re only friends. She knows this, I would never betray her” she closed her eyes in pain, jealousy was horrible and now that he knew it made her guilt worse.
“Charles- jealousy is an important part of relationships. The part where if you don’t solve and reassure her then the beginning of your end is near. I don’t want to see you or her heartbroken. So go and kiss her silly, love her for the rest of the night and tomorrow you sent me a text asking how I am. I’ll be honest and tell you that I’m happy and safe because you’re with the love of your life” but would he really be with the love of his life? If he stayed in the hospital room, then he would be with his true love.
“What if she isn’t the love of my life?” He looked lost, the grimace of his eyes, told her that he was confused.
“We can’t be sure if you don’t fight for her”
“What if it’s you?” She grabbed his hands bringing them close to her lips for a sweet kiss.
“Charles. You’re my best friend and I love you as such, and yes, I can’t help it when I think we could’ve been more. But we made it clear- Best friends nothing More and nothing less. So please don’t say anything that you will regret” an almost kiss about two years ago, started an awkward conversation of not wanting to ruin a beautiful friendship.
“You’re right, I’ll go and solve my mistake and please text me tomorrow” he gave her a sweet kiss on her forehead and he left to go chase who they believed was the love of his life.
She had to find a way to make it all ok, she had to leave. She was always holding him back, she didn’t want to make Karina uncomfortable, she would rather die than ever come between a beautiful relationship like theirs.
So she got better, she knew that Charles wouldn’t come back the very next day, so she looked for a new beginning. She made sure to text him, letting him know that she was ok. In return he sent a picture of him and Karina, she had clearly made the right call, they looked beautiful.
Italy was calling her name, Milan would be the perfect mix between hectic and peaceful. So she asked for a transfer to Milan, and surprisingly they had an opening. It took her one week to get everything sorted, she took the essentials and she drove. For ten hours she thought about leaving Charles without a goodbye, what would be the repercussions of her sudden and tragic departure.
She was collecting dust in Monaco, there was nothing there for her and he had to understand that. A simple letter that she left in the apartment was her goodbye, an apartment that belonged to him, so he could easily find it.
He didn’t know why she was avoiding him, he knew she was busy, but he also had a race to go to. So he clearly couldn’t run to her, he promised he wouldn’t and that was her escape.
In her own loneliness she thought about him, she didn’t give herself the satisfaction of searching for him, he had to be left alone. She wasn’t selfish, selflessness comes with self control and she had to stand her ground and let him go.
But everywhere she went, he followed. In her mind, but he was still there. A love that could’ve been if she wouldn’t have insisted on his presence the night he met Karina. It was a good thing that she was never her friend or she would’ve felt even more guilty. She was just a coworker and nothing else, but she knew that she was a great person, one that deserved Charles.
The same Charles that was plastered on another advertisement, he was always with her, tormenting her. He gave her everything and she returned his love with her absence because even after two years she believed that it was the right call.
They were both too stubborn, social media was right there, but they waited for that strong string that always pulled them together. Two years without him were two years that he searched like crazy trying to find her.
He recalled what she deemed the perfect destination, a place filled with art for her. Italy, she loved Italy but where in Italy was hard for him to find. He visited almost every museum, going to special exhibitions and seeing who the tour guide would be and that’s where he saw her name in The Pinacoteca di Brera, a museum filled with Italian masterpieces.
He picked the earliest booking for a tour, blending in with tourists that would hopefully not pay attention to him. Would she even recognize him? It was too early for any interest. There she was, cheeks a bit more fuller and a wonderful smile, bringing more light to her already beautiful face.
She didn’t look like she missed him, was his presence never desired? Did she also fake the love she voiced to him? But paying more attention to her, she looked less confident, like she was looking for something more, something that would fulfill her curiosity and desires.
She lazily counted their heads, and she lazily faked enthusiasm. One that he was able to pick very quickly. The older people were quick to ask questions and the more they asked, her enthusiasm became genuine.
She flooded when talking about Madonna’s, saints, and even portraits of people that he had never heard of, but to her every brush stroke was alluring, just the simple art was majestic.
But there she saw him, she was sure that she was making him up, that her creative mind had made him a perfect statue.
She stumbled, grabbing onto the closest bars that were there to stop visitors from getting too close to the paintings. She regained control of her mind and she continued, she put on a show like usual and it wasn’t until the end of her first tour that he approached her.
“Charles?” She swallowed the emotion of saying his name in person, not in her dreams or in their pictures.
“Hello” his voice was different, strained and angry yet he didn’t look any different, he was still composed.
“What brings you here?”
“Very stupid question, don't you think?” She shut her eyes, trying to get rid of his dismissive attitude, but that’s what she deserved and she knew it.
“You came to see the exhibitions?” She cringed at her own nonchalant tone, it wasn’t natural, she was dying of nerves.
“Please don’t, don’t act like you didn’t do any harm by leaving me”
“Charles me leaving- the note was for your own good, for your relationship and for my reality…”
“I was in Monaco…” the bewilderment was written all over her face “…You said that there was nothing there, no future for you, but I was there. That letter you left me made me angry, I felt Like you took advantage of me. Karina, we separated right after. She always knew I was in love with you and she respected that you left, she ended up hating me and applauding what you did, because regardless I wouldn’t find you, you made that very hard to do”
“I loved what we had, what you gave me. It was appreciated but I believed that Karina was it for you, Charles you were so happy…”
“You didn’t see what happened to me when you left, how quickly that happiness disappeared, I needed to find you so you could realize how much pain you caused me, yet I don’t want to hurt you and I feel so stupid for that. That no matter what I still miss you, still love you…By talking to me you would’ve understood me, talking fixes…”
“I didn’t want to understand you because I already knew you, I didn’t want to hear you out…”
“Well you clearly didn’t know me…”
“Charles, I have to get back to work…”
“It was beautiful thinking that there were invisible signs that led me to you, you haunted my favorite places and I will never forget how you made me feel before and after…I came here to return the letter, I don’t want a reminder that you were selfish enough to not let me know.”
“Selfish? I didn’t want to get in the way of you and Karina, my absence was my love for you”
“Well now I will return my love with a goodbye…” his fingers brushed against her arms as the letter was gently placed on her shaky hands. Just like that he had walked away, slowly and painfully.
She thought of everything, her life with and without him, and she realized that she wasn’t happy even with him. She held on to her feelings of not ruining the friendship, she feared that she would slip and that made her miserable, she was never free to love and be loved.
Slowly, he walked so that she would get the hint that he wanted her to catch him. To run after him because he didn’t want to be like her, he didn’t want to just leave a letter and break her heart.
But she listened to his heavy steps, to his heavy and shattered heart. His flailing arm was suddenly surrounded by her delicate hands, he almost collapsed, a lingering touch was nothing compared to the intensity in her soft and full graze.
“I wanted to be considered selfless, never selfish. I wanted you to keep her, because I thought that’s what you wanted. That you wanted her because she truly was perfect.”
“I loved her, but I realized-even she did, that we weren’t in love. She loved my sense of humor and my friends, but she didn’t stand my presence alone. She always wanted to be in exposed gatherings so that we wouldn’t interact. However you thrived in my bubble, outside and inside…” she didn’t want to believe that Karina was bad for him, because she truly was a sweetheart.
“She was good for you…”
“I never said she wasn’t, she wanted nothing from me, not my love or my lifestyle; she just wanted temporary support, because we were both heartbroken. She got her dream job…”
“In the Louvre?” Her eyes sparkled, happy for Karina.
“Yes, and she decided for a more calm lifestyle away from me, but like I said she respected you from leaving, but she never intended for you to break my heart, she broke up with me, and it had nothing to do with you”
“We will never work out”
“How do you know?”
“Everyone will make up horrible stories about me…”
“It’s been two years since my break up, everyone is happy that I’m single, but they all loved you…if everyone did, imagine how I felt? I was proud and happy to be surrounded by all of you…give me a chance to be loved by you…” his eyes were shut closed, waiting for her dismissal, yet all he felt was a tiny breeze of her lips, so small and insignificant, but it meant everything to him.
When he opened his eyes, she was so close to him and there he got to see her foreign eyes, hidden marks, the real color of her lips and the same smile from that beautiful and perfect day in the Garden. He got to finally close that short distance, tasting her for the very first time.
A kiss filled with years of tension between two confused friends, all the sadness and anger were displayed in a beautiful and bittersweet scene. The tears blended in with their relieved murmurs.
“I really want to love you with all that I possess, I love you Charles…”
“Thank you…” she knew that he wasn’t directly speaking to her, maybe to another outside force that finally made the path clear for them.
“…I love you” The garden, the color of her dress, the gelato advertisement- were signs of the universe. The way she finally picked that morning to see the garden, the way she wore that captivating dress, which happened to be his favorite color, and just the way she already knew who he was from his face being plastered all over Monaco…those were their invisible strings that finally tied them together.
The End…
a/n: I know the requests took me a bit of time, but I did lose some inspiration from Charles, the F1 world just seems very detached, so out of touch in a way. However I had to post these requests because I made them wait for so long…so I’m sorry. Lots of love- Nat ❤️
Requests: