fallin' all in you | c.l

Five.

As expected, Alix was far more excited about the Qatar Grand Prix than Mila. So excited, in fact, that she had rearranged her entire schedule this week to make sure she wouldn't miss it. Mila, on the other hand, was significantly less enthused.

Not only was she completely uninterested in motorsport, but this was her first time in Doha. Her first time in a new country, a new city, and she had to spend the majority of her time pretending to be excited about fast cars and playing wingwoman instead of deep diving into the culture and cuisine of one of the newest financial hubs of the world. Add that to her self-imposed job of scoping out potential matches for Charles, and this weekend was about to be the most miserable one of the year.

Still, Mila had made the most of their one free day upon arrival, dragging Alix to explore the art museums that the city had to offer and then treating her to dinner at a restaurant that was highly recommended by her friends. That evening had been hers.

But now it was Saturday, meaning Mila's time now belonged to Formula 1. Forcing herself to get out of bed for an exciting day of racing and other motorsport-related events was something she had to muster up enthusiasm for.

By mid-morning, the two of them had been summoned into Charles' driver room during his downtime. Alix could barely contain her excitement at the prospect.

"I can't believe you never told me that you're friends with Charles Leclerc," Alix repeated for the third time that day.

Mila shrugged, leading the way to where Charles had instructed them to meet him. "Friend is a generous term," she said with a sigh. "Plus, I didn't think it was that important of a detail."

The mass of people that were milling about everywhere she looked made her long for the quiet comforts of her hotel room. Such luxury would be something for her to look forward to once the day was finally over.

Thinking negatively was not the right mindset, so Mila forced herself to focus on Alix's enthusiasm, hoping it might rub off on her. It didn't.

When they reached Charles, a small crowd of admirers lingered around where he stood, asking him for pictures, which he did so graciously. Mila would have waited until he had interacted with everyone before interrupting him, but he spotted her instantly. He excused himself from the crowd and waved them over with a smile.

Charles led them inside the Ferrari hospitality building, his presence drawing curious glances from staff members as they passed. Mila linked her arm through Alix's to ensure that they weren't separated while they trailed behind him.

The all-access passes that he had given them was a type of treatment that was excessive in her opinion, and she had made the educated guess that it was specifically so she could reach him at all times. What it actually meant besides giving her access to him in any space, she was entirely unsure.

Once in his private room and away from prying eyes, Charles greeted Mila by pulling her into a quick hug.

"Thanks for coming," he said warmly.

"Thank her," Mila replied, nodding towards Alix. "We wouldn't be here had it not been for her... enthusiasm."

Alix laughed before sticking out a hand towards Charles. "I'm Alix, Mila's best friend and roommate."

Charles shook her hand, returning her smile as he did so. There was a hint of amusement in his gaze. Mila interpreted it as recognition. Clearly, he remembered their brief meeting on the balcony during the Vanity Fair after-party. Mila doubted Alix remembered it at all, purely based on how intoxicated she had been that evening.

"Nice to meet you, Alix.," Charles said, using his politeness to mask his amusement.

Minutes later, the three of them were lounging around on couches overlooking the circuit. Below, the hum of engines and bursts of activity added to the buzz leading into the race weekend.