im in the trees, im in the breeze (4/?)
Rosquez Future Reconciliation Fic (2028-TBD)
Part One. || Part Two. || Part Three.
Word Count: 2.1k words Warning(s): Minor descriptions of injuries, angst, non-linear timeline
Valentino was many things, but to him, being there for his Academy was the most important part of him. He loved his kids, for better or worse, even if it meant putting up with the echo of Marc every step of the way.
There were whispers around the paddock, rumours of Marc’s condition. Some said he was just badly bruised and that it was only worsening existing damage. Others spoke of dislocations or worse fractures, the consensus being that if it was the case, Marc needed to undergo surgery. But, at least from Marc’s camp, there was no confirmation of these rumours.
At the ranch, as the sun set, and the sounds of engines came to a halt, Valentino found himself relaxed, a lukewarm beer in one hand, as he leaned into the armchair.
Perhaps it was the beer, or the quiet nagging voice in his head since his last encounter with Marc, but turning toward Pecco, Valentino waved a hand saying, “Pecco, any news from Ducati about Marquez?”
And suddenly the whole room froze, each boy's eyes darting to meet anyone other than Valentino's gaze.
“Uh, no, from what it seems he’ll be there next week at Misano.” Pecco responded, clearly trying his best to keep his voice calm.
“Why do you care Vale?” Luca suddenly asked, sitting directly across from him.
“Oh, you know with the championship being so close and all, I was curious, especially with all the rumours.” Valentino sighed, meeting Luca’s scrutinising stare.
“Of course.” Luca pointedly said, giving Valentino one of his looks before going back to his phone, rapidly typing away.
-
The roars of engines filled the ranch. Colourful bikes flying past where Valentino stood.
The sun was warm and the air was humid, typical summer weather, but perhaps it was the lack of sleep, or maybe Valentino is getting older, but it felt unbearable.
He felt stuck in his own skin, no soothing breeze, only the stuffy moisture and the dust from the bikes serving to keep him company. It was suffocating.
Finally, the sun was too hot, and one by one they all piled into the house, dragging their dirty leathers and shoes all over its wooden floors, voices loud and boisterous as they teased each other.
“Well boys, get showered, and I’ll have lunch ordered and set.” Valentino ordered, giving both Mig and Franky a look as they tried to slink off towards Franky’s room. “And remember, be fast or no food.”
Giving him a sheepish smile, the boys let out a “yes Vale.” before scurrying off to the communal showers
Humming to himself, Valentino texted a nearby restaurant, ordering sandwiches and anything else he thought the boys would enjoy. It was another two weeks until the next race, so he felt it was only right to let the boys relax. They were all still much stricter with their health than he ever was at that age.
As the food arrived, the boys slowly began to filter out of the bathrooms, with Pecco showering fast enough to help Valentino set up the table. And as the last of them entered the room, the doorbell rang, before being followed by the rustling of keys.
Going to the entrance, Valentino felt a heavy weight tackle him, and for once, he was glad that there was a wall to brace himself against.
“Hello to you as well Marco.” Valentino windedly joked, ruffling the younger boy’s curly hair.
Feeling eyes on his back, Valentino turned around and saw the younger boy with his arm still in a sling. Teasing the younger rider, Valentino says, “Hi, Celin, the food food in the dining room, I’m sure you want to grab some before Luca eats it all.”
Finally letting go of Valentino, Marco and Celestino bounced towards the dining room, and soon it was once again filled with its usual brightness and chatter. As well as a few stray pieces of tomato thrown around the table, much to Valentino’s dismay.
As they cleaned up the table, Valentino scrolled through the weather app before announcing, “Boys, it’s still too hot right now, but we’ll hit the track in three hours.”
Murmurs came in response, the boys slowly leaving the dining room and into the lounge where the TV played free practice two for Formula One. Shuffling onto the large couch, all of them, except Bez and Celestino, were sitting, either commenting on the free practice or on their phones.
It was peaceful, a rare lull at the ranch which at this time of year was usually filled with the roars of bikes and the plumes of dust that came from a dirt track.
“-won't you listen to me Cele!”
And suddenly everything was quiet, Franky reaching for the volume button as Marco’s voice seemed to ring across the house.
It was muffled by an indignant cry, and Valentino moved first, praying that whatever the fight was, nothing a stern conversation couldn’t fix.
“- I’m getting off in three days anyway.” Is what Valentino hears from Celestino when walking in.
“Boys, what is this all about?” Valentino tried to ask calmly, noting Marco’s clear distress and Celestino's stubborn glare.
“Nothing, just Marco being overprotective.” Celestino tried to brush off.
“Nothing? Cele you were in the gravel clutching your shoulder because of your collarbone a few days ago this isn’t NOTHING! And for your information you aren’t getting the sling off in three days, you are getting examined for YOUR CONCUSSION which you’d know if you actually gave a fuck about your wellbeing.” Marco indignantly protested.
“I just can’t with you right now Celestino.” Marco confessed, pushing past Valentino and leaving a confused yet still clearly angry Celestino.
“Celin, what did you say to Marco?” Valentino snarled, his tone coming out harsher than he meant.
“Oh, this is my fault now?” Celestino snapped, glaring at Valentino.
“I just told him I was getting my riding gear because I want to ride! Is that a crime? I just want to ride around the ranch with my friends. Its no like I’m actually pushing either.” Celestino began to run.
“But Celin, don’t you think Marco has a point? This is your health-”
“You don't know anything! I will get on that bike.” Celestino stubbornly insisted, pushing past Valentino and towards his room.
“Fuck.” Valentino quietly cursed, rubbing his hands over his face.
Stubborn. Just like Marc
Finally leaving the room, Valentino comes face to face with an equally distressed looking Pecco, wrinkles far too deep for his age filling his forehead.
“Is Bez sulking?” Valentino asked softly, throwing himself next to Pecco on the couch.
“Sulking? No. He’s crying because he’s terrified Celestino is going to make his injuries worse. I get why Celestino is desperate to ride, you know it is his contract season this year, and he really needs to prove to KTM they chose the right rider, but yeah, Marco isn’t happy. Celestino is pushing the boundaries of confidence and stupidity.” Pecco summarized, throwing his head back in frustration.
“Celin has always been a stubborn kid, and I’m sure you heard that he’s not gonna listen to me.” Valentino chuckled darkly.
“Ah, if only I still had Cele’s mother’s phone number. I’m sure she could talk the boy into listening.” Pecco sighs.
And a horrible thought crossed Valentino’s mind.
“Hey Pecco, I’m going to make a quick call.”
